| The Wake Page |
 |
|
 |
| 2008 Proposed Rules |
|
Click here to view the proposed rule language being brought before the Board at their October 2008 meeting, in Bend.
Public Notice Poster
River Widths (arial views and proximity) for proposed stretch of river.
Wake Setback Diagrams
2008 Underway Newsletter
Next steps:
Comments were collected at the September 9 public hearing on the proposed rules and are being sent to the Board for their review. The Board will make a decision on the proposed rules at the next Board meeting, scheduled for October 14, at the Riverhouse in Bend.
Oregon State Statute requires that the Marine Board hold quarterly meetings in different geographic areas around the state. The Bend location was identified to be in conjunction with the Law Enforcement post-season conference being held in the same location, at the same time.
|
| Boat Wakes Mean Regulations |
|
In April of 2005, the Marine Board accepted a petition seeking to create a “low wake zone” on a portion of the lower Willamette River. This controversial idea was not without merit, but based on several issues, the Board chose to not implement the proposal. Instead, they directed staff to form a working group to look more deeply at the wake issue and address using current and available tools. Those tools would be enforcement and education.
However, education alone was not enough to curtail the issue. In April of 2008, the Board approved a rulemaking process affecting the Lower Willamette River from Newberg to Canby to help minimize wakes while allowing for boating activities to continue within certain limitations.
Click here to see the proposed rules from July 2008 Board meeting for the Willamette River.
If a skipper operates his boat in a way that damages or is likely to damage private property or cause injury, ORS 830.305 clearly states it as a citable offense. If you’re operating your boat in a developed area, near other small boats, paddlers, or swimmers and you create a wake that causes damage or injury, you could be cited ($720).
We formed a working group to look at the education part of this solution. Made up of landowners, boaters and law enforcement, we wanted to make sure that both sides of the controversy get an important message.
For boaters, the message is “Play Away.” If you are operating a wakeboard boat or yacht and you are creating large wakes, do so in an area where there are not docks, moored boats, other boats or paddle craft. Be cautious. When in crowded areas, operate your boat in a way that minimizes your wake. Click here to see our wake boarder direct mailer.
For landowners, recognize that boaters have a legitimate claim to the river. It’s public property. If you’re going to build a dock, make sure you have the proper permits and that you build it strong to withstand the weather, the tides, the seasonal currents and the boats that have used the river for so long. If you see someone committing an egregious violation – clearly being careless, call your local marine officers and report it.
We have a number of projects we’re working on – signage at boat ramps, direct mail to landowners and wakeboarders, handouts and other information. We hope that education and common sense will prevail and prevent the need for restrictive regulations. Yachts can also create wakes. Click here to see our yachting direct mailer.
The number of boats 16-26 feet has grown in Oregon from 91,000 in 2000, to 102,000 in 2006. The number of boats under 16 feet has declined from 98,000 in 2000 to 84,000 in 2005. These larger boats have a larger footprint in the water and are more noticeable.
|
| Outreach Efforts |
|
2007 Wake Outreach Activities
- Direct mail flyer to 7,000 wakeboarders and waterskiers in Marion, Yamhill, Clackamas, Multnomah and Columbia counites (done 5/24).
- Direct mail to 900 large-boat owners (30' plus) in Multnomah, Columbia and Clackamas counties (done 5/24).
- Direct mail to 500 waterfront homeowners in Clackamas and Multnomah counties (due mid-June).
- Saturation patrols focusing on wake, noise and alcohol violations (July / August).
- Implementation of Clackamas County noise ordinance specifically to address high-powered loudspeakers on boats in the water (ongoing). To report excessively loud, disruptive music, please report to Clackamas County Sheriff Department.
- Printing and distribution of 100 new "Please Don't Wake Me" signs, which are available on request (ongoing). Send us your addres and we'll mail or deliver.
- Boat Ramp flyer hand-outs. Volunteers will provide wakeboard and yacht flyers to boaters at boat ramps on key weekends (ongoing).
- Banners: Five large Wakeboard banners noting fines and violations available for launch point education or loan (ongoing).
- US Coast Guard Auxiliary education patrols (July / August).
- Media releases and education efforts (May 24).
- Wake Water - Bottled water with educational label (all donated to OSMB) for boater contacts (ongoing).
- Dealer visits: Encourage dealers to provide the "Play Away" message and explain the issue to customers (Contacts in January, additional in June).
- Marina visits: Provide handouts, signs and banners to marinas that serve wakeboarders and yachters and encourage participation in outreach (May 25, ongoing).
- Regulation study: Review other state efforts to address wake complaints (ongoing).
- Web page improvement and maintenance (ongoing).
|
|
| |
|
|
