Marine Board Denies Petitions, Oct. 31

The Oregon State Marine Board met on October 26, in Lincoln City and considered two petition requests and four rulemakings. The Board denied a petition requesting the adoption of a new rule that would prohibit the use of motors on the Chetco River from the downstream boundary of the National Forest near Miller Bar to the lower water tower located at river mile 3.2 below Social Security Bar. The Board directed staff to facilitate a meeting between bank and boat anglers to address their concerns. The Board also denied a petition to expand the prohibition on the use of wake enhancing devices on the Lower Willamette River from the Hwy 219 Bridge at river mile 48.5 to the upper end of Willow Island at RM 31.5. Instead, the Board directed staff to initiate an advisory committee to review the Wake Enhancement Device Prohibition rules adopted in 2008. The Board approved the adoption of OAR 250-001-0035, Agency representation by Officer or Employee at contested case hearings; amended OAR 250-020-0032, Boat Operations on the Willamette River in Clackamas County to permit boat access for ceremonial activities by members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; amended rules pertaining to Outfitters and Guides, Chapter 016; and allow for a two year license option for Ocean Charter Vessels, OAR 250-015-0005. The Board provided agency staff with direction on how to proceed with the existing grant for the Duckworth Dock and to continue negotiations with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Sergeant Phil Edwards from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office made a presentation to the Board outlining the results of the special emphasis operations from April to September in the Multnomah Channel to address wake issues by boaters. The county has a desire to continue enforcement efforts for slow-no wake and other safety violations in the area for next season. To view the agency staff report or listen to the meeting audio, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.