| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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10/2/08
Boaters Urged to AvoidMcKenzie River Hazard
This season the McKenzie River has seen its share of obstacles -of the wooden kind, from logs to root wads and strainers. The Marine Board recently received a report of another blockage, potentially hazardous to boaters just above McKenzie Bridge.
“This downed cottonwood tree has an approximate diameter of 60 inches and blocks a large portion of the river,” reports Randy Henry, Operations Policy Analyst for the Marine Board. Because of the location, the size of the tree and the fact that it’s somewhat rotten makes it difficult to remove safely or easily.” Lane County Marine Patrol placed signs at the launch points upstream to discourage boaters from launching. Experienced boaters can pass on the extreme right side of the river, but the current makes it very difficult. “It’s not recommended,” Henry adds.
The Marine Board predicts the tree will likely break apart after the first winter storm and be deposited downstream. Until that time, boaters are urged to avoid or use extreme caution in this section of the river.
For the most up-to-date information about navigation hazards, visit http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/navigation_hazards.shtml
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