• Fishing Season, Spring Sun, Beckons Boaters
• New, Updated Publications Aid Boat Anglers
• Diamond Lake Speed Rule Changed
• Boating Regulation Changes Proposed on Marion, Lane, Lincoln and Baker County Waterways

Fishing Season, Spring Sun, Beckons Boaters

Safety, Legal Operation Urged

Moderate river flows, warm weather and potentially good fishing could be the order of the day for the traditional opening day of trout season on April 22. Whether it's trout, salmon, sturgeon or shad, the Oregon Marine Board reminds boat anglers to be prepared, be safe and be legal as they take to the water this spring.

"We’ve had a relatively good year so far, but some recent serious accidents underscore the need to be careful," said Paul Donheffner, director of the Marine Board. "It’s critical that people be prepared for that first day on the water." Donheffner offered the following suggestions.

• Be safe. Make sure you and your boat are up to the conditions at hand. Don't overload it, tune your engine up and test it out before you get on the water, and make sure you have all your safety gear on board.
• Be legal. Make sure your boat registration is up to date. Your decal should read "00" or "01" if it is current. Make sure your registration is on board your vessel and is signed. If registration isn’t up to date, visit a registration agent or the Marine Board before you go out.
• Check your life vests. You must carry one appropriately sized life vest for each person on the boat. In boats larger than 16 feet, you must have an approved throwable flotation device on board. "Remember, kids 12 and younger must wear their vest when in a boat underway. Adults must have one on deck. It can’t be stored in plastic bags or under the hatch."
• Other gear: All boats under 39 feet 4 inches must have a sound-signaling device on board - a whistle will meet this requirement. Boats with enclosed gas tanks must carry a fire extinguisher. Other equipment needs apply, too. See the Oregon Boater's Handbook, available at boat registration agents, the Marine Board or the web at www.boatoregon.com.

The most important thing a person can do to prevent a tragedy is to wear a life jacket. "Oregon’s waters are cold, especially in the spring," warns Donheffner. "Accidents come without warning and once you’re in the water, it’s very difficult to put a life jacket on. It’s best to wear it from the start." In 1999, 14 of the 16 boating fatality victims were not wearing life jackets.

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New, Updated Publications Aid Boat Anglers

You've probably got a copy of the Oregon Fishing Regulations in your boat. How about a copy of the Oregon Boating Regulations? It's just one of many publications published by the Oregon State Marine Board to make boating safer and more enjoyable.

"We have numerous publications free for the asking," said Randy Henry, of the Marine Board. "We have just updated the Oregon Boating Regulations for 2000. We have a new brochure designed to help boaters protect the environment from the spread of aquatic nuisance species. We have information leaflets on Mandatory Boater Education, clean boating, hypothermia and many other aspects of water and boating safety."

Some of the most popular publications are the guides. "The Facilities Guide has maps and information on 900 of Oregon's boating access sites. The Boating Guide to the Lower Columbia and Willamette River is another popular booklet. It and the Willamette River Recreation Guide include information on boating access and local attractions, as well as fishing information and safety hazards," said Henry. For coastal boaters, the Boating In Oregon Coastal Waters booklet is a lifesaver, with study charts and information about the bays and estuaries from Astoria to Brookings.

Publications are available from boat registration agents, some sporting goods stores or from the Marine Board. You can request publications by calling (503) 378-8587. "We have some of these publication available for download at our web site, www.boatoregon.com," said Henry. "The web is a great way to get information day or night. You'll also find the latest information on Mandatory Boater Education and safe boating courses here."

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Diamond Lake Speed Rule Changed

Anglers heading to Diamond Lake this year are reminded that they may have company. New regulations allow powerboats to operate up to 45 mph between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., opening the lake to skiers and tubers.

Historically, the speed limit on Diamond Lake was 10 mph, limiting lake-use to anglers and sightseers. But with the introduction and proliferation of tui chub, a small, non-game fish, angler use dropped dramatically. In an effort to bring waterskiers to the lake's campgrounds and resort, the 1999 Oregon Legislature directed the Marine Board to liberalize the speed limit until the fishery is fully restored. The Marine Board adopted the new rules in February.

The new rules are as follows: Boat speed may not exceed 45 miles per hour between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; may not exceed 10 miles per hour between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.; shall be restricted to 10 miles per hour at all times in any area within 200 yards of any boat ramp, boat dock, swimming area, inlet or outlet of the lake, designated campground or summer home. In addition, personal watercraft such as Jet Skis or Waverunners may not be operated on the lake.

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Boating Regulation Changes Proposed on Marion, Lane, Lincoln and Baker County Waterways

Public comment is being sought this spring on four proposed boating rule changes across Oregon. The waterways are Detroit Lake in Marion and Linn counties, Balm Creek and Higgins reservoirs in Baker County, Devils Lake in Lincoln County and Fern Ridge Reservoir in Lane County.

The Oregon State Marine Board invites public opinion on these proposed boating regulations and will accept written comments between April 1 and May 31. Comments may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed, or given orally or in writing at the appropriate public meeting. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 31. Public meetings for their respective waterbodies are scheduled April 27 in Lyons, May 4 in Veneta, May 11 in Lincoln City and May 18 in Baker City.

• Detroit Lake, Marion/Linn County

The Oregon State Marine Board has received a petition requesting a 5 mph Slow-No-Wake speed limit for motorboats in the Breitenbush Arm of Detroit Lake, from the Detroit bridge to the south end of Kane’s Marina log boom.

Public Hearing: Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m. at Lyons City Library, 449 5th St., Lyons.

Balm Creek and Higgins reservoirs, Baker County

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has requested the Marine Board adopt the following boating regulations:

• Balm Creek Reservoir - Electric motors only.
• Higgins Reservoir - No motor boats allowed.

Public Hearing: Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m. in the Commissioners meeting room in the Baker County Courthouse, 1995 3^rd St., Baker City.

Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lane County

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has requested the Marine Board to adopt the following boating regulations for Fern Ridge Reservoir:

• Motorized boating south of State Highway 126 limited to boats with electric motors only with maximum 30 pounds of thrust.

• Air boats and "non-displacement hull" type hovercraft prohibited within designated zones containing emergent vegetation.

Public Hearing: Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m. in the Veneta Community Center, 24192 E. Broadway in the Veneta.

Devils Lake, Lincoln County

The Marine Board has received a petition requesting a 5 mph Slow-No-Wake speed limit for personal watercraft "between the west shore promontory south of the Blue Heron Marina and the west shore promontory north of Holmes Road Park" on Devils Lake.

Public Hearing: Thursday, May 11, 7 p.m. in the Lincoln City Council Chambers, 801 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City.

Written comments must contain the name of the individual or group submitting the comment. To comment on these proposed rules, attend the appropriate public hearing or send written comments to:

• Oregon State Marine Board
• 435 Commercial Street NE #400
• PO Box 14145
• Salem, OR 97309-5065.

Comments may also be sent by fax to (503) 378-4597, or by e-mail to marine.board@state.or.us.

Telephone comments will not be accepted. For additional information, contact Wayne Shuyler, Marine Board Assistant Director at the above address, via phone at (503) 373-1405 x240, or via e-mail at wayne.shuyler@state.or.us.

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