| FAQ's -New Boating Related Laws for 2010 |
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| HB 2220 -Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program (AISPP) |
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SUMMARY: HB 2220 creats a new environmental protection program called the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, using boater fees. These fees will fund mobile boat inspection/decontamination teams across Oregon, train personnel to identify aquatic invaders and for education and outreach to all boaters (motorized and non-motorized). The law goes into effect January 1, 2010.
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Why are boaters being asked to fund the invasive species prevention program?
- Aquatic invasive species seriously impact waterbodies. Species like the quagga mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil "hitchhike" from one body of water to the next, primarily on boats. The new fee on recreational boats including manually powered boats 10' and longer will fund a new statewide prevention program to help protect our waters.
What does this mean to the motor boater?
- Registered boaters (including sailboats 12 feet and longer that are registered) will pay an additional $5 surcharge when they renew their boat registration. Current boat decals are proof that you've paid the fee. Renewal notifications will itemize the cost of registration and the $5 surcharge so boaters understand how their fees are used.
How will this work for manually powered boats?
- Non-motorized boats (rafts, drift, kayaks, canoes, etc.) 10 feet and longer will need to purchase an annual $5 permit, which the boater can use with any manually powered boat.
- Non-motorized liveries (rental businesses) will receive a quantity discount. Clubs and organizations can have permits issued in their name.
- The goal is to make the permit system widely available and as easy as possible.
Does this mean I'll now be registering my non-motorized boat?
- No. Non-motorized boats are NOT titled or registered under the program. This is simply a fee to implement an invasive species prevention program. The program also funds additional state and county law enforcment, specifically trained in invasive species enforcement detection and to educate boaters.
- Fees are deposited directly into a new fund dedicated to this program. It does not benefit the state's general fund. Over half the funding will be transferred to ODFW to implement their portion of the program.
Why do motorized boats pay $5 every two years and non-motorized $5 each year?
- Boat decals are non-transferrable -they are a sticker that adheres to the bow of the boat. Non-motorized permits are transferrable.
- Because this is a new program involving a different segment of boater, a new delivery system will need to be created which carries additional overhead costs.
- The surcharge on a motorboat will be automatic, with little overhead. Motorboaters are already paying a certain amount of their registration fees to maintain the registration data infrastructure.
Is this just another way for government to tax boaters?
- The funds generated by the permit will go directly into a special account for aquatic nuisance species prevention and pay for mobile inspection teams, training/personnel, the permit infrastructure (permit printing, purchasing, and agent partnerships) and education and outreach materials. Yes, it's a tax of sorts, but the funds are dedicated to this specific program.
What can I do to help prevent spreading invasive species?
"Clean, Drain and Dry." Always clean your boat and gear before putting them back in the water. If you’ve boated in Arizona, California or other infested states, seek assistance in decontamination.
- Clean your boat of all visible aquatic plants and animals.
- Drain all interior compartments such as livewells, anchor storage and the bilge.
- Dry the boat in the sun with all compartment lids left open. In warm conditions, five days of drying will kill nearly all aquatic invasive species.
Are there any exemptions?
- Yes, but they're very limited and specific.
- State, county and municipality-owned watercraft used for official business.
- A ship's lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes
- Seaplanes
- The Lightship Columbia
- Eleemosynary groups
(Eleemosynary organizations are those which are operated primarily as a part of organized activities for the purpose of teaching youths scoutcraft, camping, seamanship, self-reliance, patriotism, courage and kindred virtues). Defined in ORS 830.790.
What if I don't purchase a permit?
- Law Enforcement Officers will issue warnings for the first few months of the program. After that, they will begin actively enforcing the new law which is a Class D Violation which carries a $97 fine.
Where do I get a permit?
- Permits can be purchased at ODFW license agents and online at www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp beginning December 1, 2009.
- Manually issued permits will be sold through REI and other re-sell locations. A list will become available shortly.
WHY THIS LAW IS IMPORTANT TO OREGON'S WATERWAYS
Oregon’s new Aquatic Invasive Species Program became a priority for the 2009 Oregon Legislature as demand grew for an enhanced effort to prevent a devastating introduction of zebra or quagga mussels into Oregon’s waters. Several aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Eurasian watermilfoil, New Zealand mud snails and others, are already present in Oregon, damaging waterways and costing waterway and fishery managers – and ultimately taxpayers, boaters and anglers – millions. This new program is not as complete a response as some would have liked, but it greatly increases current prevention programs.
All boaters need to take personal responsibility by taking a few extra steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.
How to Check and Decontaminate Your Boat
"Don't Move a Mussel!" -100th Meridian Initiative Video Part II.
This detailed video shows boaters how to inspect and decontaminate their boats after being in an infested waterway.
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| The Nuts and Bolts...the Marine Board's Role |
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How the new laws came about during the 2009 Legislative session. Background information.
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| Idaho's Aquatic Invasive Species Effort |
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In 2009, the Idaho legislature enacted a similar law and has implemented considerable education and outreach efforts. Oregon is working closely with Idaho to keep our messages consistent with the western, regional effort, to educate boaters and hopefully prevent invasive species' spread.
See what Idaho is doing, and what Oregon hopes to mirror in this YouTube video:
More information about Idaho's Invasive Species Fund can be found at: http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/indexInvSpCouncil.php
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| HB 2583 -The "Clean Launch" Law |
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 HB 2583
This law prohibits launching a boat if there are any visible aquatic species on the hull, motor, trailer or related equipment, or any invasive species inside the boat. The goal of the law is to prevent aquatic invasive plants, shellfish or other organisms from being released into un-infested waters. This law focuses on the launch, not the transport of retrieval of a boat.
All of us need to take responsiblity in keeping our waterways clean from aquatic invasive species that can clog waterways and damage fisheries.
Boaters will need to incorporate a few "housekeeping" protocols into their outdoor planning. This way the boat operator can find a suitable location after a day of boating to clean his or her boat. Learn to "Clean, Drain and Dry."
Suitable locations are:
- self-serve carwashes or permeable surfaces (lawn, gravel driveway, etc.) away from storm drains, ditches or creeks.
- A good garden hose, soapy water and a brush or sponge is all you need.
Also, be sure to:
- drain interior compartments (live well or bilge area), leave all hatches open and let the boat dry in the sun -if possible.
- Don't forget to clean mud off anchor ropes, waders, crab rings, fishing gear and other equipment.
Enforcement
This is a Class B infraction with a maximum fine of $242. The objective is not to site boaters, but to educate and ensure compliance with the new law.
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| HB 2079 -Mandatory Life Jacket Wear in Class III or Higher Rapids |
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HB 2079 -The Board will be asked to initiate rulemaking to clarify PFD wear requirements. Click here to see the October 13 Board meeting agenda.
All occupants of a water craft will need to wear a properly fitting life jacket when navigating Class III or higher whitewater rapids. On the International Scale of River Difficulty, Class III is rated as requiring advanced scouting, with high waves, rocks and eddies that require experience and expertise in maneuvering.
What type of life jacket do I need to wear?
- Make sure the life jacket is Coast Guard approved (according to the label), and is in good, servicable condition for each person on board.
- Type III (vest style) life jackets are an option as well as specifically designed Type V life jackets often used by kayakers, canoers, and drift boaters.
- Each life jacket should provide a maximum level of bouyancy.
- Life jacket labels indicate what uses they are and are NOT approved for. Do not wear a life jacket that states it is not approved for use on personal watercraft, for white water paddling, or towed devices such as an inflatable style life jacket.
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| HB 3497 -Allowing Retailers to Sell "Clear" Premium Gasoline |
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Oregon gas stations can now offer high-octane gasoline (premium) without ethanol (a.k.a. "clear") under House Bill 3497, unanimously approved by the House environment and water committee on April 28.
This is very good news to boaters, antique car enthusiasts, pilots and ATV recreationists. Ethanol blended gasoline proved to reduced mileage, cause engine and fuel system damage from boats, airplanes and older model cars.
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| In the News |
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Op-Ed, "Boating Fee for Boating Invasive Species Prevention a Worthy Program" -Randy Henry, Operations Policy Analyst for the Marine Board.
"Editorial -This Boat Law Needs Fixing" -Corvallis Gazette Times, Albany Democrat Herald, and Associated Press, Hasso Herring. (See final comment by RHenry -for clarifying facts.)
"A surprise for Oregon boaters and Marine Board -A $5 permit" -The Oregonian, by Bill Monroe
"Oregon Legislature passes invasive species bills" -Statesman Journal, by Nick Budnick of the Bend Bulletin
"Boaters will face higher fees in 2010" -Statesman Journal, by Henry Miller
"Pressure Washers Aid in Rapid Response for Boats Contaminated by Aquatic Invasive Species" -OSMB News, September 2008
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