Marine Board Hearing Scheduled For May 21 On Proposed Rule For Siletz River - 05/14/26

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing on May 21 on proposed rule language for motorboat operations on the Siletz River in Lincoln County. The meeting will be a hybrid format, where members of the public can attend in person at the Marine Board office, located at 435 Commercial St. NE., Suite 400, in Salem, or virtually.  

At its April 23, 2026, meeting, the Marine Board approved opening the rulemaking process and directed agency staff to hold a public hearing, public comment session, and work session, in addition to a written comment period, before July’s quarterly meeting. The Board will then have its next opportunity to approve, modify, or deny final rules.

The hearing is an open format, from 11 am to 2 pm, where the public can provide comments online or visit the Marine Board office, with minimal impact on their day.

The written comment deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:55 pm. Written comments can be submitted by email to jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. mail to: Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

To view the proposed rule and the hearing details, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page.

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Oregon “Fit To Float®” Events Kick Off National Safe Boating Week (Photo) - 05/04/26

Life Jacket Fitting Events planned for youth and families on “National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work” Day

May is traditionally the month when recreational boaters start hitting the waterways, increasing in numbers as the air temperatures rise. New this year, the Oregon State Marine Board is teaming up with paddlesports leaders on May 15 to offer life jacket fitting events for youth and families at various locations statewide in conjunction with National “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work” Day.

The “Oregon Fit to Float®” Life Jacket Fitting Events are geared towards youth, families, and caregivers to make boating safety simple and approachable. “Oregon Fit to Float®” events aim to have every participant experience how a life jacket should fit, learn about what to check before getting on the water, and why comfort and safety matter in life jacket selection for the boating activity.

The following locations will be holding “Fit to Float®” activities on May 15, from 3 pm to 6 pm:
 

•     The Paddle Shack – Warren, OR

•     Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe – Portland, OR

•     KeizerFEST– Keizer, OR

•     River House Outdoor Center – Eugene, OR

•     Oregon Paddle Sports – Eugene, OR

•     SOTAR – Merlin, OR

•     Sawyer Station – Gold Hill, OR

•     Indigo Creek Outfitters – Phoenix, OR

“We are excited to bring this idea to life at eight locations across Oregon, in conjunction with National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” said Priscilla Macy-Cruser, Boating Safety Advocate Program Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. For years, the Oregon State Marine Board has coordinated life jacket fitting events, as well as being a funding partner for Life Jacket Loaner Stations in regions across the state. 

“Fit To Float®” is yet another way the agency is investing in communities to improve water safety through life jacket education for families, and we are happy to be doing these events in partnership with other boating safety champions. Macy-Cruser adds, “Recreational boating is a meaningful way for visitors and residents alike to enjoy our beautiful waterways, and we want to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to do it safely.”

“Fit to Float®” began as an idea from Southern Oregon-based paddle and oar manufacturer, Sawyer Paddles and Oars. The concept of having coordinated, statewide life jacket fitting events hosted by local partners was developed in collaboration with the Oregon State Marine Board, the American Canoe Association Regional Activity Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, with the intention of launching events that coincide with National Safe Boating Week.

“A life jacket is the key that opens the door to countless days of safe and enjoyable recreation on our rivers, lakes and oceans,” said Zac Kauffman of Sawyer Paddles and Oars. “We’re proud to work alongside local, state, and national partners to bring this idea to life across Oregon.”

“The ACA Regional Activity Council tries to help coordinate local initiatives to promote paddler safety, education, and infrastructure that makes new paddlers feel welcome in our community,” said Andrea White, National Chair of the ACA Regional Activity Council’s Safe Boating Week activities. “Fit to Float®” is a powerful idea that’s being amplified through partnership with instructors, state officials, outfitters and outdoor recreation advocates from across Oregon who recognize the enormous benefits of connecting with the water. We are excited to collaborate on this pilot campaign in 2026, with hopes of expanding its impact to other states in the future.”

Recreational boating is enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket on board but also always wear it while boating. Regardless of your age or experience level, data shows that life jackets save lives. “Fit to Float®” is designed to encourage responsible and safe boating habits. According to the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in 76% of all boating fatalities. Of those, 87% were reported as not wearing a life jacket.

Governor Kotek acknowledges how vital boating safety outreach is for educating visitors and Oregonians about safe boating and water recreation practices, aiming to decrease preventable deaths. To support this goal, May 16-22, 2026, has officially been proclaimed National Safe Boating Week. The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) organizes this annual campaign to promote awareness around safe boating habits.
 

Supporting Organizations

In addition to the Oregon State Marine Board and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, supporting organizations for the event include leaders from ACA Oregon, volunteer instructors certified by the American Canoe Association, Sawyer Paddles and Oars, SOTAR, The Paddle Shack, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, Keizer Fire District, River House Outdoor Center, Oregon Paddle Sports, and Indigo Creek Outfitters.

Learn more about Oregon Fit to Float®. A free online paddlesports safety course is also available on the ACA Paddlesports site. Visit Boat.Oregon.gov for all things recreational boating in Oregon.

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Marine Board Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Rulemaking For The Siletz River - 05/01/26

The Oregon State Marine Board is soliciting public comments on proposed rule language it recently approved at its April 23 meeting in Tillamook.

The Board approved the next phase of rulemaking, gathering public comments on the following proposed rule language to modify rules for boat operations on the Siletz River and its tributaries:

Oregon Administrative Rule, 250-020-0231
Boat Operations in Lincoln County

(6) Siletz River

          (a) No person shall use a motor in excess of 15 horsepower and in excess of slow no-wake speed to propel a boat between Jack Morgan Park boat ramp and Old Mill Park boat ramp.

          (b) All motor use is prohibited upstream of Old Mill Park boat ramp.

 (c) All motor use is prohibited on all Siletz River tributaries upstream of Jack Morgan Park boat ramp.

The written comment period closes June 30, 2026, at 11:55 pm. Written comments can be submitted by email to jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. mail to: Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

Agency staff will also hold a hybrid public hearing with an online option on May 21, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Marine Board’s office, located at 435 Commercial Street NE, Suite 400, in Salem, Oregon 97301. A work session will be held at a later date and will include an opportunity to testify. Details will be shared with interested parties and Boat.Oregon.gov, once finalized.

To view the rulemaking notice, visit the Marine Board’s Rulemaking and Public Notices page.

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Marine Board Approves Siletz River Rulemaking, Denies McGuire Island Petition And Approves Boating Facility Grants - 04/27/26

The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly meeting on April 23 at the Port of Tillamook and approved proposed rules for the Siletz River and denied a petition for a change in boat operations in the pass-through zone of McGuire Island on the Columbia River. The Board also approved a variety of boating facility grants under its Cycle Two funding opportunity.

Siletz River Petition to Prohibit Motorboats Upstream of Jack Morgan Park

After reviewing public testimony, written comments, and a summary from the Siletz River Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC), Board members considered options within its authority while also acknowledging the vast perspectives from property owners, anglers, guides, members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Board approved a proposed rule that allows small motors between Jack Morgan Park and Old Mill Park, with motors prohibited upstream of Old Mill Park. The Board also directed staff to hold two public hearings and a work session prior to its July meeting.

Next steps in the rulemaking process include filing the proposed rule language with the Secretary of State. A public comment period will open from May 1 to June 15, and the agency will solicit written comments on the rule language. Hearings will then be scheduled in May and June, along with a work session prior to July’s quarterly Board meeting. The Board will then have its next opportunity to approve, modify, or deny final rules.

McGuire Island Pass Through Zone Petition

A petition was received in February to replace the existing pass-through zone in the channel between McGuire Island and the mainland on the Columbia River with a slow no-wake zone. This area would extend from the south channel adjacent to McGuire Island, between the east end of Big Eddy Marina, and to the west end of McGuire Point Marina. The desired outcome from the petitioners included wake protection for floating homes and moorages, boating safety for all users, and increased serenity to the floating home and moorage community and wildlife.

The Board denied the petition and directed staff to work with METRO, the facility owner of the nearby Chinook Landing Marine Park and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp access sites, on signage to better educate boaters on the boat operations that are currently allowed in the pass-through zone. The Board also directed staff to work with local marine law enforcement and the agency’s Boating Safety Advocates to engage with floating homeowners and boaters using both access sites.

Boating Facility Cycle Two Grant Applications Approved

The Boating Facilities Program received 20 Cycle Two grant applications, highlighting $5.8 million in boating needs and requesting $3.3 million of the agency’s 2025-2027 facilities funding. The requests for Waterway Access Permit grant funds exceeded by over three times the available non-motorized waterway access funds. The motorized applications received for the Boating Facility Grant also exceeded available funds by nearly $300,000.

The following boating facility grant applications were approved:

Washington County Parks: Eagle Landing non-motorized boating access improvements. The project includes a floating kayak launch, a debris boom, a gangway that reduces slope, and an accessible route for recreational boating access that everyone can enjoy. The Board approved $375,000 in Waterway Access Grant funding, combined with $900,000 in applicant match, for a project total of $1,275,000. The project, developed over 10 years, is the second upgraded non-motorized access site on the Tualatin River.

City of Coos Bay: Empire boat ramp. The grant will replace the deflection booms and piling supporting the boarding docks. Upgrading the debris boom will reduce wave impact on the docks and boat ramp, improving boat launching and retrieving. The Board approved $595,192.86 in Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $141,889.51 in applicant match, for a project total of $737,082.37.

Bureau of Land Management: Replace and expand the composting toilets at Whiskey Dick Boat-In Campground along the Lower Deschutes River. Newer models have a longer use life with fewer components to potentially break. The Board approved $117,384.61 in Waterway Access Grant funding to match $29,346.15 in applicant match for a project total of $146,730.76.

Lane County Parks: The grant will replace the boarding docks at Orchard Point Marina on Fern Ridge Reservoir. The Board approved $150,000 in Boating Facility Grant funding, combined with $182,985 in applicant match, for a project total of $332,985.

Bureau of Land Management: This grant funds the replacement of recreational boating safety, regulatory, and education signs along the John Day River main stem and North Fork. This is Phase 1 of sign kiosk replacements on the John Day River. The Board approved $36,010 in Boating Facility Grant funding, combined with $43,787.95 in applicant match, for a project total of $79,797.95

City of Gold Hill: This grant will fund archaeological reports for Gold Hill Sports Park on the Rogue River. This information will inform decisions for future boating access improvements. The Board approved $15,580 in Boating Facility Grant funding and $5,770 in Waterway Access Grant funding, combined with $5,675 in applicant match, for a project total of $27,025.

Wallowa County: This grant will fund replacing the 25-year-old boarding and ski docks at Wallowa Lake County Park. The Board approved $450,000, combined with $100,000 in applicant match, for a project total of $550,000.

The Board also approved the following requests for additional funding due to rising costs for materials:

• Douglas County: The county is in the process of its project improvement work at Cooper Creek East and West to replace the boarding docks and upgrade the parking. Inspection of the West access parking area revealed issues that need extra funding. The Board approved a cost increase of $400,000 in Boating Facility Grant funds to match $200,000 in applicant match for a total cost increase of $600,000.
   
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Coyote Creek non-motorized Launch, parking, and vault toilet. The additional cost is due to unforeseen circumstances, including the need to install a sheet pile wall to support the abutment and gangway connections due to soil conditions, a modified stormwater treatment system, and increased material costs. The Board approved the cost increase of $140,000 in Waterway Access Grant funds to match $151,000 in applicant match from OPRD’s Recreational Trails Program for a total cost increase of $291,000.

Clean Vessel Act grant funding

• Columbia Crossings, LLC: This grant will fund the replacement of six marine sewage pumpout stations for Jantzen Bay, Tomahawk Bay, and Hayden Bay marinas, which are over 20 years old and managed by Columbia Crossings, LLC. These Marine Board-certified Clean Marinas have been maintaining the pumpout stations well past their expected useful life of 8-10 years. The Board approved $131,463 in federal Clean Vessel Act funds and $43,821 in state Boating Facility Grant funds, combined with $10,254 in administration, equipment, and applicant cash for a project total of $185,538.

A block of grant requests was deferred for future funding opportunities due to a variety of reasons, including timelines, permitting, and funding challenges.

For more details, meeting materials are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.

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Annual Marine Law Enforcement Academy Training On Lake Billy Chinook Begins April 27 (Photo) - 04/21/26

The Oregon State Marine Board will be conducting its annual marine law enforcement training on Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County between April 27 and May 8. This intensive training is designed for new or seasonal marine law enforcement officers to train them in boating laws, boat handling, and water safety fundamentals. 

“Oregon has very diverse waterways for boaters to recreate, making it imperative that Oregon’s Marine Law Enforcement Officers are well trained for any situation with varying conditions,” said Edward Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board.

Throughout this comprehensive, nine-day marine academy, officers get time behind the wheel to develop maneuvering skills for operating jet and propeller boats, including docking, turning, and emergency maneuvers. They also learn boating safety rules that they will be enforcing to keep everyone safe on the water. Persichetti added, “Lake Billy Chinook is ideal for this level of training and allows for different scenarios to be set up in various locations without impacting other recreators.”

The training includes accident investigation, boating under the influence (BUII) detection and apprehension, as well as other types of boater compliance with equipment, motorized boating safety education cards, or waterway access permits for paddlers. Students will apply their boat-handling skills in real-world scenarios that emphasize safety, courtesy, enforcement tactics, and accident prevention.

The marine academy is hosted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with highly skilled deputies from around the state, taking an active role as instructors. 

Learn more about the Marine Board’s law enforcement partnerships with 30 county Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police.

Pictured: Deputy Dennis Greiner, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office

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Marine Board Meeting In Tillamook, April 23 - 04/15/26

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly meeting on April 23, at the Port of Tillamook, 4000 Blimp Blvd., Building #19 in the main conference room, beginning at 8:30 am.

Agenda items include:

• Director’s Report, Informational
• Boating Facility Cycle Two Grant Applications and Grant Cost Increases, Board Consideration
• Siletz Rulemaking, Board Vote                                                                                           
• McGuire Island Pass Through Zone Petition, Board Direction                   
• Legislative Concepts, Board Direction                                                   
• Free Waterway Access Permit Days, Board Direction

Public comments will be accepted in writing or during the meeting’s public comment period before the agenda items. To provide oral testimony, register by 5 p.m., April 21, with Jennifer Cooper at jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by mail: Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, Salem, OR 97301.

Meeting materials and live stream link are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.