Ashland, Ontario watercraft aquatic invasive species inspection stations remain open, Nov. 28

SALEM, Ore – While boating season is over, aquatic invasive species inspections are still required for all watercraft entering Oregon if the inspection station is open. Currently, the Ashland and Ontario stations operate year round and are open most days this winter. The Ashland and Ontario stations are open if large orange “Boat Inspection Ahead” signs are posted followed by “Inspection Required for All Watercraft.” Inspections are free, required by law, and take just five to 10 minutes. If aquatic invasive species are found on the watercraft, it is decontaminated on site.  Beginning January 1, 2020, permits required for Oregon and out-of-state non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or longer and Oregon sailboats 10 to 11.9 feet long change to a Waterway Access Permit (WAP). The Oregon State Marine Board implemented this change and WAP fees collected will fund that agency’s Boating Facility Grant Program to improve non-motorized boating facilities. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits are still required of all Oregon and out-of-state motorized boats and out-of-state sailboats 12 feet or longer. Permits continue to fund watercraft inspection stations throughout the state.