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| Monday, December 18, 2006 |
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Marine Board Denies Proposed Rule on Illinois and Siuslaw Rivers, Approves Other Items
For Immediate Release
The Oregon State Marine Board voted by a narrow margin (3-2) against a proposed rule to restrict motorboat operation on the lower Illinois River during low summer flows. The Board came to this decision during its regular meeting in Salem on December 14.
Regarding the Illinois River decision, the Board agreed that a strong effort should be put into education and enforcement before a powerboat restriction is adopted. They directed staff to convene a working group focused on outreach, education, and enforcement on the river. The Board will come back to this issue in the future if accidents occur or additional complaints are substantiated.
The Board also denied a proposed speed restriction on the North Fork Siuslaw River and supported the staff recommendation to increase law enforcement’s presence between October 1 and November 15 when the fall salmon fishery is active; facilitate Lane County installation of safety signage at Bender Landing; provide “Don’t Wake Me” signs to concerned landowners; and encourage local reporting of unsafe behavior through outreach.
The Board also approved two facility grant requests: First, the City of Salem requested $15,000 to help cover additional costs to a new floating restroom on Detroit Lake. Clean Vessel Act funds were authorized. Second, the Port of Umatilla requested assistance purchasing upgrade equipment for their marine fuel dock. Because there are few locations on the upper Columbia to fuel recreational boats, the Board approved $25,420 in state boater funds to assist the Port in making EPA required upgrades.
The Board also approved changes to the rules in OAR Chapter 250, Division 18 for the Mandatory Boater Education Program, including a fee increase from $5 to $8 for a boater education replacement card.
The Board also considered two rulemaking requests. The first was a petition seeking a full-time, 10 mph speed limit on Plat I Reservoir in Douglas County. This is a shallow, 157 acre irrigation reservoir, located near Sutherlin. The petitioner feels that the reservoir is unsuitable for high-speed operation, especially when the water is being drawn for irrigation. The second request was from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, seeking to relocate the current boating deadline on the Willamette River near Willamette Falls. A new fish bypass structure has been constructed and will discharge a significant amount of water near the current boating deadline, creating a potential safety hazard to boaters operating in this area. The Board agreed to initiate the rule making process with public comment and public hearings and will return for final action at the next scheduled meeting.
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