[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Board Decides Rules for Lower Willamette River, Other Items

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008

Marine Board Decides Rules for Lower Willamette River, Other Items
	
The Oregon State Marine Board approved an amended staff recommendation for the Lower Willamette River at their quarterly meeting held on October 14 in Bend.
	
Based on significant public testimony, written comments, as well as direction from the Governor's office and the Department of State Lands, Marine Board staff recommended the following:

On the Willamette River from the Hwy 219 Bridge at RM 48.5 to the upper end of Willow Island at RM 31.5, the following rules apply:
(a) No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of a "Slow-No-Wake" maximum 5 mph speed within 100 feet of private docks, boathouses or moorages legally permitted by the Oregon Department of State Lands.

(b) No person shall use wake-enhancing devices, including ballast tanks, wedges or hydrofoils or other mechanical devices, or un-even loading of persons or gear, to artificially operate bow-high. 

After allowing brief comments from meeting attendees, the Board discussed the proposed rules and the staff recommendation.  Board Member Trey Carskadon proposed an amendment to the staff recommendation timeline for item (b), to take effect January 1, 2010.  The Board voted with three members in support of the revised staff recommendation and one member opposed.
  
Therefore, beginning January 1, 2009, a slow-no-wake maximum 5 mph speed limit will take affect within 100 feet of private docks, boathouses or moorages.  Beginning January 1, 2010, the use of wake-enhancing devices will be prohibited on the aforementioned section of the Willamette River.

The extended timeline allows for re-negotiating law enforcement agreements with Clackamas and Yamhill counties and developing law enforcement training protocols specific to this stretch of the Willamette. 
 
Attendees and the Board were in agreement that only time will tell if these steps help reduce potential wake impacts to the river bank and docks, without penalizing boaters who recreate on the river. 
 
Marine Board staff and local law enforcement, in partnership with industry, will focus on education over the next few years, in an effort to promote positive, courteous behavior so everyone can enjoy the river.

The Marine Board also approved a rule to correct contradictory language for communication equipment requirements for charter vessels.  A satellite 406 MHz EPIRB is required for all charter vessels operating at any distance offshore.

In addition, the Marine Board approved a request to amend the grant to increase funding for the Jon Storm Debris Boom on the Willamette River.  The Board approved an additional $62,400 in state boater funds and $21,125 in federal Boating Infrastructure Grant funds.  The total project cost is $209,900 and will protect the Jon Storm transient tie up by deflecting heavy storm debris that could potentially damage the structure.  The City of Oregon City is contributing an additional $23,500.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

Boating enlivens your senses!