Oregon State Marine Board News Oregon's Recreational Boating Agency P. O. Box 14145 Salem, Oregon 97309-5065 Phone: (503) 378-8587 Fax: (503) 378-4597 Media Contact: Randy Henry, ext. 247     Home Page:  www.osmb.state.or.us

• Marine Board Adopts Floating Structures Policy
• Boaters Should Buckle Up - Their Life Jackets
• Marine Board Listserve Now On Line

Marine Board Adopts Floating Structures Policy

• Policy Outlines Comment Process on Floating Structure Permit Applications
• Emigrant Lake Speed Reduction Decision Postponed
• Boating Closure Near Bonneville Dam Approved
• 30 Day Comment Period Opened on Rules for Guides, Facilities Maintenance Cost Share

To view the policy, click here.

The decision came during the board meeting in Salem at the Marine Board office. The policy addresses floating homes, docks, marinas and other floating structures that could, once built, affect recreational river navigation in state waters. It does not address existing facilities unless significant changes to the facilities are planned.

The proposed policy was first debated in September 1998 and was followed by several public meetings and extensive public comment. Marine Board staff worked with the Waterfront Owners and Operators organization to develop a revised policy that meets the needs of the board. The Marine Board is routinely asked to comment on permits to build floating or fixed structures which extend into public waterways. The board can only offer comment on proposed developments - final authority rests with other state or local jurisdictions.

In other action, the board voted to postpone a decision on a request to reduce boat speed in the Hill and Emigrant creek arms of Emigrant Lake in Jackson County. Jackson County Parks requested the rule, which also had support from the Jackson County Commissioners and Sheriff's Department. The request sought increased safety by limiting boaters to a "slow-no wake" speed in two narrow arms of the lake popular with anglers, manually powered craft and swimmers. The extension will allow board members to personally visit the site and further consider the issues. The board will revisit the request at the June 29-30 meeting scheduled in Newport.

Other board actions included the following:

• The board approved an Army Corps of Engineers request to extend the existing "boating restricted zone" to include a new fish bypass structure below Bonneville Dam. The area is hazardous because the new structures extend from shore approximately 300-400 feet into the river. At high water, the structures may be partially obscured and are a serious hazard to boaters. The rule change brings state rules in line with federal rules previously adopted by the corps.
• Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP) Policies comment period: Proposed policies regarding distribution of funds for the maintenance of boat access facilities was opened for public comment. The new policies are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the MAP program rules, better accountability and establishment of a reasonable level of program performance. Copies of the proposed policy are available by contacting the Oregon State Marine Board or by checking the board's web site at www.osmb.state.or.us. The comment period closes June 21.
• Comment Period for Nonresident Hunting Tag Allocation Certification Program for Outfitter/Guides: OAR 50-016-003 sets the requirements hunting guides must meet to be eligible for non-resident hunting tag allocations. The Marine Board is proposing slight changes to existing rules to make it easier for outfitters and guides to comply. The proposed rule changes are now open for a 30 day public comment period ending June 30. Contact the Oregon State Marine Board or check the board's web site at www.osmb.state.or.us for more information.

Boaters Should Buckle Up - Their Life Jackets

Warm weather is melting snow packs causing dam operators to open flood gates. This results in high, swift and cold water running in the low 50s. "The old rule is 50 degrees, 50 minutes, 50/50 chance of survival," said Law. "However, if you've ever fallen in 50 degree water, you should know that the shock can make it difficult to react. If you're alone, you might not make it back to your boat. Having a life vest on increases your chance for rescue and your odds for survival."

Oregon's boating fatalities for 1999 stand at six, five of whom were not wearing a life jacket. Law credits the cold, wet spring for a lack of accidents in recent months, but he's concerned that will change with the onslaught of warm weather.

Oregon requires boaters to carry a wearable, correctly sized life jacket for each person on board. Children age 12 and under must wear their life jackets when the boat is underway.

Marine Board Listserve Now On Line

"If you have Internet e-mail, this is an easy way to get the latest information, meeting announcements, regulatory changes and so forth for recreational boating," said Randy Henry, Marine Board public information representative. "It's easy to subscribe and, of course, it's free."

To subscribe, send an e-mail to majordomo@sparkie.osl.state.or.us. In the body of the message, write the word "subscribe." Make sure your return address is properly listed in your e-mail software. If everything is in order, subscribers will receive confirmation within several minutes that they were added to the list. For additional information or instructions, check the Oregon State Marine Board web site at www.osmb.state.or.us.

Updated 5/21/99