| Navigation Hazards on Waterways |
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| Navigation Hazards: |
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Boaters: Maintain a sharp lookout and be properly equipped with life jackets, throw ropes, and other equipment in case of an emergency.
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| Downstream of McKenzie/Willamette River Confluence |
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Reported 8/16/10
A concerned boater contacted the Marine Board who then contacted the Lane County Marine Patrol to determine if a log/strainer, located downstream of the McKenzie/Willamette River confluence near Green's Island, posed a risk to float traffic. After further investigation, the Lane County Marine Patrol determined this area to be safe due to ample river passage on either side of the strainer.
Floaters in inner-tubes are cautioned to stay to the far river right or river left to say clear of the strong current into the strainer.
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| McKenzie River, Lane County |
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Reported 7/16/10 Located near McNutt Island
UPDATE: Hazard cleared 7/23/10!
Lane County Marine Patrol reported one large fir and one large maple tree across the McKenzie River, about 1.5 miles above Hendricks Wayside and across from McNutt Island. This hazard covers 3/4 of the main channel and the Marine Patrol feel this is a significant hazard to boaters.
A contractor has been contacted for an estimate. The Marine Board will be working closely with Lane County to mitigate this hazard as soon as possible.
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| North Santiam River -Linn and Marion Counties |
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NEW! -Wiseman Island and Greens Bridge Downstream
From the North Santiam River Rafters -Bill Sanderson and photos courtesy of Will  High
The area between Shelburn (8 miles below stayton) and Green's Bridge has frequent log jams. The river is braided and some channels are misleading because they appear navigable and then are blocked after a distance. Use caution.
Please call Bill Sanderson (503) 897-3301 if you are interested in "Learn the River" trips.
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| Health Advisories |
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Blue-Green Algae Advisories
When are advisories issued?
The Department of Human Services Public Health office of Environmental Toxicology evaluates bluegreen algae test data to determine whether algal blooms present hazards to animals or human beings. DHS does not have resources to collect or test algae samples, but DHS often receives reports of testing done by private contractors, researchers or other government agencies.
Why are advisories issued?
Algal blooms are common in surface waters throughout Oregon, and generally blooms contain many species of algae. Most algaes are harmless, but there are several species of bluegreen algae (also known as cyanobacteria) that may produce toxins that are potentially harmful. In Oregon the primary algaes of concern are Microcystis and Anabaena. Others may be identified in the future.
Advisories are issued by DHS when cell counts exceed certain limits or when potentially harmful toxin levels are found. Toxins in water may be absorbed by humans when swallowed, and when inhaled as droplets or spray in the air. Pets and domestic animals are at risk as well as human beings.
Advisories may include warnings against ingesting water, swimming or bathing, or inhaling water droplets. Advisories may also include information about treating water to reduce or eliminate toxins.
How long do advisories last?
Dangerous algal blooms may develop and disappear within a matter of days, or they may continue for weeks or months. The longest advisory period for any waterbody in Oregon to date began in early June and lasted into late November. The intensity of the bloom and the concentrations of toxin in a waterbody are not uniform. Often the algaes are most dense around the edges of the waterbody, but wind or water currents may change the location of affected areas very quickly.
Usually a dangerous bloom is associated with a distinct bluegreen color and cloudiness in the water. Algal blooms often produce large floating masses of green, yellow or bluish green slime. Visibly affected water should be avoided whether or not there is an official advisory in place.
Blue-Green Algae Health Concerns in Oregon (pdf)- frequently asked questions about blue-green algae
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| Caution Urged for Dory Boats and Surfers |
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Cape Kiwanda
The Dorymen's Association and local surfers are working together on solutions to prevent
accidents on Cape Kiwanda. Tragedy hit the Pacific City cove on July 6, 2008 when a young surfer was seriously injured when a dory boat prop struck him.
Improved signage, better coordination between user groups and partnerships with local business to help distribute brochures with safety messaging have been developed to improve safety.
Local users know the risks of being on the beach. The Dorymen's Association and local surfers want to help educate and inform vacationers and out-of-towners (beach combers, kayaks, swimmers, waders, kite surfers, etc.) about the dory boat launching/beach landing, and being more aware of beach safety. Both groups want to help make the beach safe for everyone, and not impose regulations that prohibit any user group from doing what they enjoy.
For more information about the Dorymen's Association, visit: www.pcdorymen.com
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