[OSMB-News] OSMB News: Holgate Channel Boating Proposal Hearing May 27

[Randy Henry]

For Immediate Release	Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 

Holgate Channel Boating Proposal Hearing May 27 

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing in Portland on Wednesday, May 27, to hear public comment on a proposal to restrict motorboat operation in the Ross Island Lagoon and Holgate Channel, the area of the Willamette River that flows on the east side of Ross Island..

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. at The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue. The Board is seeking comments specific to the petition filed by the Willamette Riverkeeper in association with the Audubon Society of Portland and Urban Greenspaces. The petition proposes a slow-no-wake zone for motorboats operating in Holgate Channel and would prohibit use of motors on the Ross Island lagoon. Questions the Marine Board would like individuals to address is whether they support the proposed rule or not, or if an alternate proposal would be more acceptable.

People may also submit their comments in writing through the end of May. All public comment will be summarized and presented to the Board for further consideration this summer. Written comments may be submitted as follows: by mail to June LeTarte, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem OR 97309; by e-mail to osmb.rulemaking at state.or.us; or by fax to (503) 378-4597. Written comments may also be handed in at the public meeting. All comments must be received or postmarked by May 31. Telephone comments will not be accepted.

###