[OSMB-News] News Release -Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permits for Boaters

[Massey, Ashley]

For Immediate Release                                                 Date: Monday, May 16, 2011

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permits for Boaters

When launching your boat this season, you'll likely see signage aimed at educating boaters about how to prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading or gaining a foothold in Oregon's beloved waterways.
In 2009, the Oregon Legislature passed legislation that created a self-supporting aquatic invasive species prevention program, geared toward boaters who have watercraft 10 feet long or longer.  The program is designed to educate boaters about the threat of aquatic invasive species and what boaters can do to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that are already in Oregon, like the New Zealand mud snail.  Revenue generated by the permit fee is used for inspection/detection, decontamination, and education efforts.
Registered motorboats pay a surcharge in addition to their boat registration fee.  A current registration decal affixed to the bow of the boat acts as proof of payment into the program.  Manually powered boats 10 feet long and longer (paddlecraft) are required to purchase a permit and carry it with them when operating their watercraft.
In January, the Oregon State Marine Board approved more purchasing options for manually-powered boats, based on feedback from this boating community and marine law enforcement.
The Marine Board approved both a one-year and two-year Tyvek tag. These tags are available for purchase through the Marine Board's office in Salem and can also be ordered by downloading a permit application online at http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/Clean/docs/Boating_public_order_form_2011.pdf.
Boaters can purchase as many permits as they like from one application form.  Once the form is downloaded and filled out, mail the application to the Marine Board at P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309.  Permits expire on December 31 of the current year for the one year permit or December 31 of 2012, depending on which permit is purchased.
"What's nice about purchasing your AIS permit through the Marine Board is boaters aren't charged a processing fee," says Glenn Dolphin, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program Coordinator for the Marine Board.  "It's $5 for a one year permit and $10 for two years.  Funds are used for the aquatic invasive species prevention program designed to protect our waterways from being taken over by non-native species."
One-year, paper permits can also be purchased from ODFW license agents or online at www.dfw.state.or.us<http://www.dfw.state.or.us> for $7.
Boat inspection stations are also gearing up at boat launches and rest areas across Oregon in May and June.  Travelers entering the state are asked to look for "Boat Inspection Ahead" signs and be prepared to pull off the highway for inspection.  An inspection takes about 10 minutes if boats are free of aquatic species.  If a boat is found to be contaminated with aquatic invaders, it will be cleaned by a mobile decontamination team.
 For more information about the aquatic invasive species prevention permit program or for directions to the Marine Board office, visit www.boatoregon.com<http://www.boatoregon.com>.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623 (office)
503-302-1049 (mobile)
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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