The Oregon State Marine Board seeks public comment on proposed rules between river mile 30 to river mile 50 on the Willamette River in an area known as the “Newberg Pool” to replace the existing boat operation rules. The Marine Board approved opening rulemaking for the area after being presented with a plan jointly crafted by representatives from the wake board industry and the Oregon River Safety and Preservation Alliance.

Additionally, the public is also invited to provide comment on the proposed rule language on January 9, 2019, Rose Room, Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 SW Wilsonville Rd. in Wilsonville. Marine Board staff will be on site from Noon to 7:00 pm. Stop in at any time during the open time period to testify on your response to the following question:

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSED RULE LANGUAGE FOR THE WILLAMETTE RIVER-NEWBERG POOL

Yes or No. If No, suggest an alternative proposal.

In summary, proximity rules for towed watersport operation and slow-no wake for motorized boats are being proposed, in addition to seasonal restrictions for anchoring and non-motorized boats, and designating zones with additional restrictions. Marine Board staff created a story map outlining the proposed rules in a visual format for clarity: http://arcg.is/0W59b5.

Written comments will be accepted until January 13, 2019, at 5 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to osmb.rulemaking@oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to: June LeTarte, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial St. NE., Suite 400, Salem, OR 97301.