For Immediate Release

Date: December 20, 2005

Marine Board Seeks Input on Electric Motor Proposal

The Oregon State Marine Board adopted rules implementing a law passed by the 2005 Oregon Legislature requiring guides and passengers to wear life jackets in class III and higher whitewater. The rule, which takes effect January 1, 2006, was adopted at a board meeting held in Salem on Wednesday, December 14.

The Marine Board also initiated a rulemaking process to gauge public support to change twelve “motors prohibited” waterways to electric motors only. Fifty-five Oregon lakes and reservoirs currently prohibit all motors by administrative rule. Of these 55 waterbodies, a staff review found that 43 are unsuitable for electric motor use because they are either extremely small and/or shallow, are remote with no reasonable motor vehicle access, are used for a municipal water supply, or are within federally designated wilderness areas. The remaining 12 waterbodies may be suitable for electric motors, making them more accessible to elderly or persons with disabilities. The Marine Board will seek comment from local management agencies and the general public this winter before considering an actual rule change. The proposed waterbodies are:

County	Waterbody Name
Douglas	Hemlock Lake
Grant	Bull Prairie Reservoir
Harney	Fish Lake
Hood River	Badger Lake
Jefferson	Hand Lake
Jefferson	Island Lake
Jefferson	Round Lake
Linn	Carmen Reservoir
Marion	Walter Wirth Lake
Multnomah	Benson Lake
Union	Mud Lake
Wasco	Rock Creek Reservoir

In other business, the Oregon State Marine Board announced it has partnered with O’Loughlin Trade Shows and Mustang Survival to give away 500 youth-size life jackets per day at the Portland Boat Show. This unprecedented event is designed to help teach children and parents basic water safety.

On a final note, the Board was reminded of the Friday, January 13 deadline for facilities grants.

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