New State Report Highlights Non-Motorized Boating in Oregon, June 16

In 2014, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the State Marine Board partnered in a first-of-its-kind survey to Oregonians who participate in non-motorized recreational boating on pubic waterways. The goal was to better understand current boating patterns and future needs from this rapidly growing sector in boating. Non-motorized boats include various watercraft that rely on paddles or oars for propulsion, including drift and row boating, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, and stand-up paddle boarding. The survey included questions about use characteristics, boating locations, sought after experiences, and preferences, priorities, as well as cost drivers such as fees and how those fees are spent. Oregon State University was contracted to conduct the survey and analyzed the results, in conjunction with analyzing the data gathered from a 2011 survey for the 2013-2017 Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) as it related to non-motorized boating. Survey respondents were also asked questions about Oregon’s Scenic Waterways, existing water trails and future development. Highlights from the report include: * Most survey respondents indicated strong support for the Oregon Scenic Waterways program with the three most popular suggestions for scenic waterway additions being the Crooked River, McKenzie River, and Willamette River. * With respect to facilities and services, public access and online information were rated most important. * Across potential management actions, support was greatest for restricting development along shores (apparently due to concern that development would reduce access), followed by “pack in, pack out” requirements, more public access points, and more water-accessible campsites. * Across various boating issues, car safety and increased access were rated as most important. * The majority of boaters were supportive or neutral with respect to an increased annual fee, but a significant minority opposed such a program.
* The SCORP 2011 survey data, adjusted for removal of tubing and floating, indicate 4.4 million annual boater user days, which generated $114 million in expenditures across the state. In turn, this expenditure supported 1,084 jobs, $34 million in labor income, and was associated with another $54 million in value added spending. When out-of-state visitors are included, the estimated amounts increase to 1,258 jobs, $39 million in labor income, and $63 million in value added spending. Survey results will help land and facility access managers better understand the needs of non-motorized boaters and will be used to help guide both state agencies in distributing grants to federal, state, and local government agencies who maintain and develop recreational boating opportunities. To view the entire report, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/paddlecraft/NMStudies/OSU_Boater_Survey_Rpt27May2015.pdf.