Marine Board Hosting Town Hall Meetings In Umatilla, Ontario, Prineville - 10/09/26

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to a Town Hall meeting. These informal meetings are a chance for agency staff to meet with local recreational boaters and to learn about area needs. It’s also a chance to gather feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts for the 2027-2029 legislative session.

The goal is to build stronger connections with local boaters, share what the agency does, and explain how boating dollars are used in communities. Staff looks forward to answering questions about boating safety, agency rules, grant funding, boating access, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and any environmental concerns.

The Town Hall meeting times are from 4 pm to 7 pm and are scheduled in an open format, so people can come and go as their schedules allow.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency.

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Marine Board Hosting Town Hall Meetings Statewide This Fall - 10/02/26

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to gather and engage with staff in a city near you. Ten Town Hall meetings are scheduled across the state from mid-October to mid-November. These meetings will give staff and ultimately the Board a better understanding of local boaters’ needs and gather attendee feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts.

The goal is to build stronger connections with local boaters, share what the agency does, and explain how boating dollars are used in communities. Staff will also be there to answer questions about boating safety, agency rules, grants, boating access, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and any environmental concerns.

The Town Hall meeting runs from 4 pm to 7 pm in an open format, so people can come and go as their schedules allow.

Visit the Marine Board’s Town Hall page for addresses and links to driving directions.

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Coyote Creek Access At Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Closed For Improvements Through April 2027 (Photo) - 09/28/26

The Coyote Creek access site at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is fully closed to the public for safety during construction, which began in September. Closed areas include any walk-in access through April 1, 2027.

The project scope includes a major improvement from the existing walk-in site to a paved, fully ADA accessible non-motorized boat launch for paddlecraft. Improvements also include a vault toilet, paddlecraft launch dock with an ADA transfer bench, ADA picnic table, a life jacket loaner station/information kiosk and stormwater drainage.

Due to tight project timelines and for the public’s safety, visitors are advised not to disrupt construction contractors on site.

This project is funded by contributions from the Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access (Permit) Grants, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife via federal Sport Fish Restoration funds, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Trail Program funds, and the Oregon Wildlife Foundation.

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The Marine Board is funded by boater-paid fees, marine fuel taxes and non-motorized boater-paid waterway access permits. The Marine Board does not receive any lottery or general fund tax dollars.  These funds support boating safety enforcement and education, environmental programs, and facility access improvements statewide.

ODFW’S mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fish Funds used on this project by ODFW are generated and allocated to states for boating projects from excise taxes paid by consumers on sport fishing equipment, electric trolling motors, fish finders, motorboat gas and import taxes on vessels.