[Paddlewise] Invasive Species Issue in Oregon [was: Australian state (even more) severely restricts kayaking]

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:33:52 -0700
Paul Hayward wrote:
> Brad Crain said on Tuesday, 13 October 2009
>> Oregon will require a permit for all canoes and kayaks over a certain
> length
> 
> Hopefully they will not be targeting people in transit (by road or coast) ?

Brad did not tell the whole story. There is a reason for the permit; the 
permit is devoted strictly to help fund efforts to prevent introduction of 
invasive aquatic species in Oregon waters:

> 01. HB 2220 was passed in late June by the Oregon Legislature and signed by the
> Governor in July. The bill creates the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
> Program that will bolster prevention efforts, law enforcement and coordination
> statewide for aquatic invasive species susceptible to spread by recreational
> boating, such as quagga and zebra mussels not yet in the state, and Eurasian
> watermilfoil, New Zealand mud snails and other harmful species already
> established in the state. The legislation establishes a $5 surcharge on boat
> registrations in Oregon, a $5 annual permit fee on manually powered boats 10 feet
> or longer, and a $20 annual permit fee on out-of-state power boats. It also
> establishes a fine ...

From:  http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/programs/docs/HB2220Rules.pdf

The permit is transferable, so that only one person in the boat has to have 
a permit, and that person can move it with him/her from boat to boat. I'm 
no fan of fees or permits, but the five bucks a year is small beans in the 
face of the impact these invasive species can have.

And, sorry, folks, but boaters from out of state will also be required to 
have one.

All this is detailed in the link above.  there is a FAQ on this issue here: 
   http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/programs/09LawsFAQs.shtml   Of note in 
the FAQ:

> Is this just another way for government to tax boaters?
> 
> No. The funds generated by the permit will go directly into a special
 > account for aquatic nuisance species prevention and pay for mobile
 > inspection teams, training/personnel, the permit infrastructure (permit
 > printing, purchasing, and agent partnerships) and education and outreach
 > materials.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Tue Oct 13 2009 - 05:33:50 PDT

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