Marine Board Orders Pistol River Fence Removal
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The Oregon State Marine Board has ordered a Curry County landowner to remove barbed wire fencing that is blocking navigation on the Pistol River north of Brookings. The fencing poses a serious safety risk to boaters and violates the right of the public to boat on waters of the state.
The three-strand barbed wire fencing crosses the Pistol River at two locations near river mile 3. Members of the public and law enforcement officers reported the hazard to the Board and asked that it be removed. As river levels rise with current rainfall, concentrations of fish will begin moving up river drawing more anglers to the river. If a driftboat, raft or kayak hits the fencing, the force of the current could easily trap or overturn the boat, putting the occupants at serious risk.
"These fences are illegal," said Marine Board Director Paul Donheffner, "and must come down. The public has a right to float this river. Until they come down, boaters should avoid this section of river." According to the Marine Board, there is very limited public access on this section of river, but angling from a boat is legal and has been a traditional use for generations.
The Marine Board gave the landowner 14 days from Dec. 12 to remove the fencing before other legal remedies will be sought.
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