Oregon State Marine Board

Emergency Messages as of 1:08 PM, Fri. Oct 30

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Oregon State Marine Board.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Marine Board Approves Boating Access Grants, Rules, Expands Free Paddling Days - 10/30/26

The Oregon State Marine Board approved Cycle Three Boating Facility Grant requests for Fords Pond Community Park and TouVelle State Park, and approved rule updates for personal flotation devices and outfitter guide reciprocity with Idaho. Additionally, the Board approved 2027 Waterway Access Permit exemption days for paddlers beyond the ODFW Free Fishing Days.

 

Cycle Three Grant Considerations  
         

City of Sutherlin, Fords Pond Community Park: The City obtained all required permits and is ready to initiate the first phase for boating access development by purchasing two boarding docks and an accessible non-motorized launch dock. The Board approved $125,000 in Boating Facility Grant funding combined with $10,000 applicant match for a total project cost of $135,000.

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation, TouVelle State Park: The Board approved funding for a hydraulic study to identify if there is a more stable location for a boat ramp on the Rogue River. The hydraulic survey, analysis, and modeling have been needed for several years. This will inform future decisions for State Parks and the Marine Board. The Board approved $49,997 in Boating Facility Grant funding to match $17,000.00 applicant match for a total project cost of $66,997.00.

 

Other Board Decisions


Personal Flotation Devices Rulemaking: The Board approved updating rule language for personal flotation devices to align with the federal U.S. Coast Guard’s newer label ratings for performance and activity. This rule does not change existing carriage or wear requirements for recreational boaters.

 

Snake River Reciprocity for Outfitter and Guides Rulemaking: The Board approved a new rule applying to Idaho outfitters and guides who pick up clients in Oregon and operate on the Snake River boundary waters. Idaho Outfitters and Guides must meet Oregon's business licensing, permitting, and registration requirements. This rule also clarifies what currently exists in statute. This rule goes into effect on November 2, 2026.

 

Free Paddling Days: The Board also approved seven additional days when Waterway Access Permits are not required. The Free Paddling Days were selected based on more ideal weather and water conditions, congestion and capacity at boating access sites, and activities that align well with paddling.

 

 

The following dates will be added for 2027 in addition to ODFW Free Fishing Days:

  • New Year's Day 2027
  • April 22 (Earth Day)
  • May 24 (“Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” Day and kicks off National Safe Boating Week)
  • June 5-6 (Free Day-Use Parking at State Parks and ODFW Free Fishing Days)
  • September 12 (National Grandparents Day) and
  • October 2 (Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Day) 

Staff will report back to the Board at its October 2027 meeting with recommendations for Free Paddling Days in 2028.

 

To view the meeting materials and replay link, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page.
 

-End-

Marine Board Approves Boating Access Grants, Rules, Expands Free Paddling Days - 10/30/26

The Oregon State Marine Board approved Cycle Three Boating Facility Grant requests for Fords Pond Community Park and TouVelle State Park, and approved rule updates for personal flotation devices and outfitter guide reciprocity with Idaho. Additionally, the Board approved 2027 Waterway Access Permit exemption days for paddlers beyond the ODFW Free Fishing Days.

 

Cycle Three Grant Considerations  
         

City of Sutherlin, Fords Pond Community Park: The City obtained all required permits and is ready to initiate the first phase for boating access development by purchasing two boarding docks and an accessible non-motorized launch dock. The Board approved $125,000 in Boating Facility Grant funding combined with $10,000 applicant match for a total project cost of $135,000.

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation, TouVelle State Park: The Board approved funding for a hydraulic study to identify if there is a more stable location for a boat ramp on the Rogue River. The hydraulic survey, analysis, and modeling have been needed for several years. This will inform future decisions for State Parks and the Marine Board. The Board approved $49,997 in Boating Facility Grant funding to match $17,000.00 applicant match for a total project cost of $66,997.00.

 

Other Board Decisions


Personal Flotation Devices Rulemaking: The Board approved updating rule language for personal flotation devices to align with the federal U.S. Coast Guard’s newer label ratings for performance and activity. This rule does not change existing carriage or wear requirements for recreational boaters.

 

Snake River Reciprocity for Outfitter and Guides Rulemaking: The Board approved a new rule applying to Idaho outfitters and guides who pick up clients in Oregon and operate on the Snake River boundary waters. Idaho Outfitters and Guides must meet Oregon's business licensing, permitting, and registration requirements. This rule also clarifies what currently exists in statute. This rule goes into effect on November 2, 2026.

 

Free Paddling Days: The Board also approved seven additional days when Waterway Access Permits are not required. The Free Paddling Days were selected based on more ideal weather and water conditions, congestion and capacity at boating access sites, and activities that align well with paddling.

 

 

The following dates will be added for 2027 in addition to ODFW Free Fishing Days:

  • New Year's Day 2027
  • April 22 (Earth Day)
  • May 24 (“Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” Day and kicks off National Safe Boating Week)
  • June 5-6 (Free Day-Use Parking at State Parks and ODFW Free Fishing Days)
  • September 12 (National Grandparents Day) and
  • October 2 (Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Day) 

Staff will report back to the Board at its October 2027 meeting with recommendations for Free Paddling Days in 2028.

 

To view the meeting materials and replay link, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page.
 

-End-