| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit FAQ's |
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WHAT IS THE INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM?
The Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are implementing the new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, which will include education outreach, voluntary boat inspections and decontamination of infected boats to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
WHY THIS LAW IS IMPORTANT TO OREGON'S WATERWAYS
Oregon’s new Aquatic Invasive Species Program became a priority for the 2009 Oregon Legislature as demand grew for an enhanced effort to prevent a devastating introduction of zebra or quagga mussels into Oregon’s waters. Several aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Eurasian watermilfoil, New Zealand mud snails and others, are already present in Oregon, damaging waterways and costing waterway and fishery managers – and ultimately taxpayers, boaters and anglers – millions. This new program is not as complete a response as some would have liked, but it greatly increases current prevention programs.
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Why do boaters need an Invasive Species Prevention Permit?
- Aquatic invasive species seriously damage waterbodies. Species like the quagga mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil "hitchhike" from one body of water to the next, primarily on boats. Revenues from permits will fund a new statewide prevention program to help protect our waters.
- Destructive invaders including the quagga and zebra mussels are rapidly spreading across the nation degrading water quality, depleting native fish and waterfowl populations and costing millions of dollars in maintenance of water and power facilities. The new program will be implemented by the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What does this mean to the motor boater with a boat registered in Oregon?
- Registered boaters (including sailboats 12 feet and longer that are registered) will pay an additional $5 surcharge when they renew their boat registration. Current boat decals are proof that you've paid the fee. Renewal notifications will itemize the cost of registration and the $5 surcharge so boaters understand how their fees are used.
- Sailboats under 12 feet (that are not registered) will need to carry and purchase a $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee), which the boater can use with any manually powered boat.
What does this mean for those with manually powered boats?
- Non-motorized boat operators (rafts, drift boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) 10 feet and longer will need to carry and purchase a $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee), which the boater can use with any manually powered boat.
- Permits are required for both residents and nonresidents and are transferable to other non-motorized craft, but every vessel on the water must have a permit.
- Non-motorized liveries (rental businesses) will receive a
quantity discount. Clubs and organizations can have permits issued in
their name. Permits must be purchased directly from the Oregon State
Marine Board.
What about out-of-state visitors?
- Out-of-state visitors who trailer a motorized boat will be required to purchase a $22 annual permit ($20 permit + $2 agent fee) and carry it with them when boating on Oregon waters.
- Permits will be available ONLY through ODFW license agents, ODFW offices that sell licenses and on the ODFW web site. Out-of-state permits will not be sold through boat registration agents or the Oregon State Marine Board.
- Non-motorized out-of-state visitors will need to purchase the $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee).
Where do I get a permit?
Does this mean non-motorized boats will have to be registered?
- No. Non-motorized boats are NOT titled or registered under the program. Fees from permits are deposited directly into a fund dedicated to this program. They do not benefit the state's general fund. Some of the funds will be transferred to ODFW to implement the program.
Why do motorized boats pay $5 every two years and non-motorized $7 ($5 permit + $2 agent fee) each year?
- Boat registration decals are non-transferrable -they adhere to the bow of the boat. Non-motorized permits are transferrable.
- Because this is a new program involving a different segment of boater, a new delivery system will need to be created which carries additional overhead costs.
- The surcharge on a motorboat will be automatic, with little overhead. Motorboaters are already paying a certain amount of their registration fees to maintain the registration data infrastructure.
- Because ODFW has nearly 500 point of sale agents and an online license sales system, their permit delivery system better serves boaters statewide.
Are there any exemptions to the new law?
- Yes, but they're very limited and specific.
- State, county and municipality-owned watercraft used for official business.
- A ship's lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes
- Seaplanes
- The Lightship Columbia
- Eleemosynary groups
(Eleemosynary organizations are those which are operated primarily as a part of organized activities for the purpose of teaching youths scoutcraft, camping, seamanship, self-reliance, patriotism, courage and kindred virtues). Defined in ORS 830.790.
What if I don't purchase a permit?
- Law Enforcement Officers will issue warnings for the first few months of the program. After that, they will begin actively enforcing the new law which is a Class D Violation which carries a $97 fine.
All boaters need to take personal responsibility by taking a few extra steps to prevent the spread of unwanted invaders.
How to Check and Decontaminate Your Boat
"Don't Move a Mussel!" -100th Meridian Initiative Video Part II.
This detailed video shows boaters how to inspect and decontaminate their boats after being in an infested waterway.
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| The Nuts and Bolts...the Marine Board's Role |
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How the new laws came about during the 2009 Legislative session. Background information.
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| Idaho's Aquatic Invasive Species Effort |
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In 2009, the Idaho legislature enacted a similar law and has implemented considerable education and outreach efforts. Oregon is working closely with Idaho to keep our messages consistent with the western, regional effort, to educate boaters and hopefully prevent invasive species' spread.
See what Idaho is doing, and what Oregon hopes to mirror in this YouTube video:
More information about Idaho's Invasive Species Fund can be found at: http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/indexInvSpCouncil.php
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| HB 2583 -The "Clean Launch" Law |
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 HB 2583
This law prohibits launching a boat if there are any visible aquatic species on the hull, motor, trailer or related equipment, or any invasive species inside the boat. The goal of the law is to prevent aquatic invasive plants, shellfish or other organisms from being released into un-infested waters. This law focuses on the launch, not the transport of retrieval of a boat.
All of us need to take responsiblity in keeping our waterways clean from aquatic invasive species that can clog waterways and damage fisheries.
Boaters will need to incorporate a few "housekeeping" protocols into their outdoor planning. This way the boat operator can find a suitable location after a day of boating to clean his or her boat. Learn to "Clean, Drain and Dry."
Suitable locations are:
- self-serve carwashes or permeable surfaces (lawn, gravel driveway, etc.) away from storm drains, ditches or creeks.
- A good garden hose, soapy water and a brush or sponge is all you need.
Also, be sure to:
- drain interior compartments (live well or bilge area), leave all hatches open and let the boat dry in the sun -if possible.
- Don't forget to clean mud off anchor ropes, waders, crab rings, fishing gear and other equipment.
Enforcement
This is a Class B infraction with a maximum fine of $242. The objective is not to site boaters, but to educate and ensure compliance with the new law.
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| In the News |
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Op-Ed, "Boating Fee for Boating Invasive Species Prevention a Worthy Program" -Randy Henry, Operations Policy Analyst for the Marine Board.
"Editorial -This Boat Law Needs Fixing" -Corvallis Gazette Times, Albany Democrat Herald, and Associated Press, Hasso Herring. (See final comment by RHenry -for clarifying facts.)
"A surprise for Oregon boaters and Marine Board -A $5 permit" -The Oregonian, by Bill Monroe
"Oregon Legislature passes invasive species bills" -Statesman Journal, by Nick Budnick of the Bend Bulletin
"Boaters will face higher fees in 2010" -Statesman Journal, by Henry Miller
"Pressure Washers Aid in Rapid Response for Boats Contaminated by Aquatic Invasive Species" -OSMB News, September 2008
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