Oregon State Marine Board - New Fee Q & A

Q) Is there going to be a new fee on my canoe/kayak or powerboat?

A) Yes. The 2009 Oregon Legislature passed HB 2220, directing the Marine Board to create an aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention fund by charging a small annual fee on all registered powerboats and manually powered boats 10 feet or longer. This includes canoes, kayaks, rafts and drift boats, and all recreational powerboats.

Q) What's the fee and when do I need the permit?

A) For manually powered boats, the $5 annual permit is required starting January 2010. For non­resident powerboats, the fee is $20. The permits will be available at approximately 100 Marine Board registration agents, at 500 Ore-on Dept. of Fish & Wildlife license agents, on line, and at specialty stores near popular access points. Resident powerboats will pay a $5 surcharge when they register their boats starting November 2009.

Q) Will I need a permit for each boat?

A) For manually powered and non-resident power boats, the permit is transferable. Once you purchase a permit. you can use it on any boat you operate. Each watercraft in use must have one permit aboard. For resident power boats, the pen^-nit fee is paid as a surcharge to your registration, so your decal will indicate payment. The resident powerboat decal is not transferable.

Q) What will the money be used for?

A) These fees will be used to implement an AIS prevention program across Oregon in close partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Mobile teams will focus on AIS prevention by inspecting boats, operating portable cleaning equipment, working with local communities and organizations, and coordinating with local law enforcement. Funds will purchase mobile decontamination equipment, additional outreach and prevention efforts through OSMB, and improved law enforcement through the Oregon State Police and the county marine patrols.

Q) What are these invasive species, and how do boats spread them'.

A) Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants or animals that overtake and damage native ecosystems. They spread when boats carry them to new waterways The threat that spurred this legislation is two exotic fresh water mussels, called quagga and zebra mussels. In 2007 they infested the Colorado River system and have caused hundreds of millions of dollars damage in Arizona , California and other western states. Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic plants are already spreading throughout Oregon . Check the Marine Board website for specific information.

Q) Can't we just inspect boats crossing the border into Oregon ?

A) California , Idaho and other states have that authority and are now inspecting boats as they cross the border. Oregon 's constitution does not allow mandatory inspections.

Q) Why the 10' minimum on paddle boats?

A) This number was selected to be consistent with Idaho and avoids inflatable toys or smaller plastic boats. However, all boats, waders, fishing gear, beach toys, etc., can spread aquatic invasive species.

Q) What can I do to help prevent spreading invasive species?

A) "Clean, Drain and Dry." Always clean your boat and gear before putting them in the water. If you've boated in Arizona , California or other infested states, seek assistance in decontamination.

_*_Clean your boat of all visible aquatic plants and animals.

_*_Drain all interior compartments such as live wells, anchor storage and the bilge.

_*_Dry the boat in the sun with all compartment lids left open.

In warm conditions, five days of drying will kill nearly all aquatic invasive species.

See www.boatoregon.com for details.  

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