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SUPPORT PRO-BOATING CANDIDATES TODAY

Help us support the campaigns of pro-boating candidates in the upcoming Oregon elections. Oregon Families for Boating, will be raising money and backing candidates who support our recreational boating community and will preserve waterway access.

With increasing overregulation of Oregon’s waterways, the boating community’s engagement in the political process is more important than ever. That’s why, Oregon Families for Boating has created its own Political Action Committee (PAC) to ensure our voices are heard in the state Capitol.

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NEWBERG POOL IMPACT

For decades, local families have safely enjoyed towed watersports like tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding in the Willamette River’s Newberg Pool - an area of deep water on the Willamette River from the mouth of the Yamhill River to Willamette Falls. In 2022, the legislature narrowly passed SB 1589, which devastated the local boating community and small businesses that depend on recreational boating.

Recreation Stunted

Upon passage, more than 385 families certified to participate in towed watersports were banned from using the Newberg Pool because of the law’s egregiously low 5,500-pound weight limit. Without the ability to even take their kids tubing, at least 1,600 people had no choice but to stop or significantly reduce their recreation in the Newberg Pool.

Economic Decline

The absence has been felt up and down the river. Foot traffic is significantly down at popular stores and accessories shops serving boaters, leading to sales declines as high as 50%. With such steep restrictions to their favorite activities’, more than 60 families have abandoned boat ownership all together. Sadly, others have even moved out of the area due to the law.

Small Business Impact

SB 1589 created significant challenges for local businesses and their ability to provide livable wage jobs. The opportunity to purchase a qualified new boat is virtually impossible - just 7% of all models from popular manufacturers are under the new weight limit. This led millions of dollars in negative economic impact due to boat order cancelations and future sales losses.

THE SOLUTION

Well-considered reform puts forth the most effective Newberg Pool regulations tested over the last five years. Core components of the legislation include:

Carefully Planned Zones

Improving public access includes restoring carefully planned zones by the Oregon State Marine Board, shaped with input from diverse river stakeholders. These zones ensure safety for river users and the environment by limiting towed water sports to suitable areas. An extensive list of state-wide boating laws remains in place as well.

Standardized Weight Limit

Implementing a standardized factory weight limit not only prevents larger boats from towing riders but also streamlines enforcement. The present weight limit (combined factory dry weight and ballast) has no national standard which has posed significant challenges for consumers to determine if their boat is eligible and for the marine board to accurately enforce.

Continued Education

Thanks to the OSMB’s Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Education Program, boat drivers in this region are some of the most knowledgeable in the state and support safe towed watersports. Well-considered reform will carry forward this valuable program so boaters remain informed about the latest boater safety measures, effective wave management techniques and operator responsibilities.

BILL BENEFITS

Reformed legislation will bring significant benefits to the Newberg Pool boating community and the small businesses that depend on their support.

Increase public access in the Newberg Pool

Protect the environment with dedicated zones

Support local small businesses that depend on recreation

Protect vital jobs and economic impact

Support healthy family outdoor activities

Simplifies agency enforcement

RECREATIONAL BOATING IMPACT

Recreational boating brings significant social and economic value to our state.

OREGON RECREATIONAL BOATING IMPACT

$2.3 B

ECONOMIC IMPACT

8,838

JOBS SUPPORTED

416

BUSINESSES SUPPORTED

$25 M

CONSERVATION + INFRASTRUCTURE

OUTDOOR REC ACTIVITY