WSAN Press Release

CrewAdmin · January 3, 2011

Resently the WSAN (Water Sports Alert Network) was formed, in the future Press Releases from them will be posted here. Please see latest Press Release below.

The Water Sports Alert Network (WSAN) is your ALERT system to let you know what is going on in your area and in other parts of the world that could affect you. This network comes to you courtesy of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA).

WHO: The Oregon State Marine Board

WHAT: Rules that impact Wakeboarding

WHERE: Holgate Channel - water around Ross Island in downtown Portland.

WHEN: Public Hearings 1-20-2011 and 2-17-2011.

Contact the Oregon State Marine Board at:

PO Box 14145

435 Commercial St NE #400

Salem, OR 97309-5065 (Or Ph: 508-378-2623).

Comments due 2-17-2011.

WHY: The State Marine Board has proposed amendments to the boating rules impacting Holgate Channel. The proposal will prohibit the use of wake enhancing devices in the Holgate Channel and establish a slow-no-wake zone in the area south of a point 200 feet north of East Island to the south end of the channel. Originally in 2009, this Board proposed rules to establish the no-wake zone, but due to divided public interest, the rules were withdrawn. The Board supported implementation of a working group in order to come up with new recommendations.

The group worked with local community and developed a long-term solution for Holgate Channel. Specifically, the following was discussed: (1) targeted law enforcement, including increased marine law enforcement in the area, and informational flyers and signs to provide direction for boaters to report violations and unsafe boating; (2) a Wake Education Campaign developing and distributing information cards addressing boat wake impacts and user conflict issues; (3) stereo noise restrictions; and (4) monitoring user conflict and safety issues in the area.

Notice of the proposed rule is available at: (scroll to Chapter 250)

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/1210_Bulletin/1210_rulemaking_bulletin.html

A copy of the June 2010 press release is available at:

http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/news/HolgateAction.shtml

RULE DEVELOPMENT: The Board has released notice of the new proposed rule. Staff has scheduled public hearings 1/20/2011 and 2/17/2011. Comments are due 2/17/2011.

The Board established a working group to discuss the no-wake zone in Holgate Channel. The working group held meetings throughout early 2010. The Board issued a press release in June 2010 announcing support for recommendations developed by the working group. In addition, the Board determined that further rule amendments were necessary. Staff internally worked on the possible rule amendments.

The Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the State of Oregon is Mr. Scott Brewen. Scott can be reached at:

Scott Brewen

435 Commercial St NE, Ste 400

PO Box 14145

Salem, OR 97309-5065

Phone: 503.378.2617

Your dealers in the state of Oregon should also contact their local marine trade association for assistance on this matter. Your voice and that of your dealer and community can make a difference. Please start contacting your base today.

h20king · January 3, 2011

We have been dealing with this for a while and it truly sucks.We have already lost a section of the upper Willamette to similar laws.These laws were brought into affect with the help of very rich home owners who think the river came with their home purchase which has lead the way for the new proposed laws being pushed by environmentalists and rowing clubs.The new laws affect Portland's largest party cove the Ross island lagoon no wake no loud tunes no more party is their line of thinking.My fear is these laws will force more boaters to use an already very crowed Columbia river.............H