[OSMB-News] News Release -Navigation Hazard Downstream of Green’s Bridge Cleared

[Ashley Massey]

For Immediate Release	Date: Monday, June 15, 2009

Navigation Hazard Downstream of Green’s Bridge Cleared

	On June 11, 2009 a serious navigation hazard was cleared on the
North Santiam River approximately three miles downstream from Green’s
Bridge near Jefferson.  
Through a cooperative effort between Marion and Benton County Marine
Patrol Deputies, Corvallis Fire Department and civilian volunteers, a
large snag and log from several fallen trees was cut away to allow for
clear passage by float and motorized boating traffic.  
	Memorial Day Weekend proved to be busy for Jefferson Fire and
Rescue, who helped save almost a dozen boaters.  Everything from inner
tubes to canoes succumbed to the powerful, swift river and collided with
the debris, leaving people either stranded or clinging to the fallen
trees.  Last week the water level dropped enough to allow officials safe
access to cut the snag and the numerous logs that had built up across
the navigable channel.  Jefferson Fire and Rescue reported that two
places on the river considered the most dangerous are at the confluence
of the North and South Santiam rivers, and those upstream where the
North Santiam bends.  Most of the people who were rescued were between
16 and 26 years old and were not wearing life jackets.
	Law enforcement and rescue personnel stress the importance of
scouting ahead and always look before entering a river bend.  “It’s
difficult to maneuver in an inflatable raft, so beach yourself on a
gravel bar if you can, before going around a bend, says Dale Flowers,
Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board.  “The rivers are
constantly changing.  One week the water may be high and the next week
it’s shallow.  This is where experience is so important when running a
river,” Flowers adds.  
Law enforcement returned to the location over the weekend and reported
a new hazard that exists downstream of the previous hazard, on the main
stem of the North Santiam.  A new, very large tree has fallen and almost
completely covers the navigable channel.  Volunteers from the Northwest
Steelheaders are assessing the obstruction and will determine if it can
be mitigated.
	The Marine Board would like to remind people who recreate on any
of Oregon’s rivers to wear a properly fitting life jacket and leave
the alcohol on shore.  Most rivers are fed by snow melt and remain cold
well into summer.  It is expected that water levels will not fluctuate
much throughout the summer.  Because the water is swift and there are
many hazards below the surface, it’s critical to have sharp reaction
times, clear vision, and not have your judgment impaired by alcohol. 
So remember to boat safe, boat sober and always wear your life jacket.
	For more information about navigation hazards, visit
www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/navigation_hazards.shtml.
###

Media Note:  Excellent photos available.  Contact Ashley Massey for
high resolution pictures of the navigation hazard and mitigation
efforts.
Ashley.massey at state.or.us 


Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

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