For Immediate Release

Date: April 2, 2003

Marine Board Denies Motor Prohibition on Coquille

The Oregon Marine Board voted on Monday, March 31, to deny a petition seeking to prohibit motorboats on the South Fork Coquille River. Limited public access to the river was a primary reason why the Board chose to deny the petition.

During the meeting, the Board also approved funding for Oregon Youth Conservation Corps projects and two boating facility improvements in Tillamook County, and extended a temporary rule for the Rogue River at Gold Beach where bridge construction is underway. The board also amended language regarding the mandatory boater education program.

The petition to ban motors on the Coquille was submitted by the Coquille River Salmon and Trout Enhancement Project in March 2002. The petitioner cited conflict between anglers using manually powered boats and anglers using powerboats as a major reason for the request. Public meetings held last summer found mixed reviews for the proposal. However, the Board indicated that the motor ban, combined with limited public access to the South Fork Coquille River, would effectively limit public access on the river and would also put the Board in the position of setting boating limitations based on conflicting fishing styles - an issue better handled by fishery managers.

The Board also addressed the following agenda items:

• Rogue River / Hwy 101 Construction: The Board approved a request to reinstate the temporary rule limiting boat operation at bridge construction site where Highway 101 crosses the Rogue River at Gold Beach. The original rule was adopted in June 2002. The restriction addresses safety concerns regarding boats operating at the construction site. The rule will be in effect this year from July 1 to Oct. 31.
• Tillamook County Facility Improvements: The Board approved $38,000 in funds to replace vault toilets at Lake Lytle and the Little Nestucca River.
• Youth Conservation Corps Funds: The Board approved $54,061 to the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps for seven projects employing 83 youth to maintain and improve numerous boating facilities across the state. Projects will benefit Deschutes, Lane, Wallowa, Josephine, Clackamas and Columbia counties, and will assist in clean-ups along the mid-Willamette River. (Editors: See attached story.)
• Mandatory Boater Education: Minor changes to the Mandatory Boater Education Program administrative rules were also adopted. The changes address enforcement concerns regarding out-of-state boaters. The rule change specifically states that non-resident youth 12-15 are exempt from carrying a boater education card. In addition, persons participating in competitive marine events, which are approved by the Marine Board, are not required to carry a boater education card.

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