# LLMs-Full.txt - Full Content for Project Pages # Generated on: 2026-02-13T02:40:54.318Z # Total pages: 59 --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/wake-responsibly-willamette-river-edition ### Title: Wake Responsibly – Willamette River Edition ### Page ID: 658697 ### Content: **September 15, 2021** - Register now for Wake Responsibly – Willamette River edition, a water sports community event hosted by Oregon Families for Boating and the Water Sports Industry Association. This gathering is THE boating community’s chance to learn and network with fellow water sports enthusiasts. Whether you board, ski, surf, sail, paddle, tube, or even foil we want to see you on September 15 at the Foothills Park Pavilion in Lake Oswego. Meet fellow Willamette River boaters, learn how motorized and non-motorized users alike can advocate for river safety and get insights on water sports issues from local leaders. The Willamette River is a special place for families to recreate, and it’s crucial that we do everything we can to share it safely. Join Ricky Krieger, Co-Founder of Lake Life LLC to chat about all things wake safety. As a former pro wakeboarder, pro shop owner and water sports instructor Ricky knows a thing or two about safe and fun riding. He'll share tips on how we can all be better boat operators on the water. Hear from Josh Mulhollem, Environmental and Policy Program Manager at Oregon State Marine Board, about its latest river health and safety initiatives. All attendees will receive a $50 pro shop gift card\* from Active Water Sports or Northwest Boat Sports, enjoy complimentary refreshments and have the chance to win exciting door prizes from Hyperlite, Liquid Force, pdxWAKE, West Marine and Ronix. Per recent Oregon outdoor COVID mandates, please wear a mask. Advanced registration is required. Sign up now and stay tuned for event announcements by following @oregonboaters on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible: Active Water Sports, Northwest Boat Sports, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, pdxWAKE, West Marine and the Water Sports Industry Association. \* Limit one per household. Must be 18 years or older to be eligible. Valid for in-store purchases only at Active Water Sports or Northwest Boat Sports 9/15/21-10/31/21. Cannot be combined with other offers. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/upper-willamette-bill-dies-in-house-upon-session-adjournment ### Title: Upper Willamette Bill Dies in House Upon Session Adjournment ### Page ID: 658698 ### Content: **June 26, 2021** - Thank you to the boating community for your tireless support this legislative session writing countless emails, testifying at public hearings and making phone calls. Your passion for safe and open waterways and personal stories about how this legislation would have impacted your families and small businesses made a big impact. The 2021 Oregon legislative session has adjourned, and SB 857 is dead. “The boating community is relieved that this legislation did not pass. We look forward to collaborating with legislators and the broader boating community to come up with better solutions to keep our river safe and healthy,” said Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports. Have fun and stay safe this boating season. Stay tuned for more information about how you can continue to help ensure recreational boating’s vibrant future in Oregon. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Oregon Families for Boating is a community of boating enthusiasts, clubs and local small businesses dedicated to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/legal-action-taken-to-repeal-lower-willamette-river-regulations ### Title: Legal Action Taken to Repeal Lower Willamette River Regulations ### Page ID: 658699 ### Content: The point of using dummy text for your paragraph is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters. making it look like readable English. **April 28, 2021** – Members of Oregon Families for Boating have taken legal action to repeal overreaching regulations on the Lower Willamette River, set to go into effect on May 1, 2021. We have filed petitions with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) to ensure boating opportunities are available for all Oregonians. Those filings allege that the Lower Willamette rules, and the lack of transparency in which they were enacted, violate several state laws. Our goal of this legal action is to make Oregon’s waterways safe and accessible for all by paving the way for more sensible regulations. Earlier this year, the OSMB voted to enact sweeping regulations on the Lower Willamette River that significantly impact the motorized boating community. These amendments ban wakesurfing and heavily restrict all towed sports, including tubing, skiing and wakeboarding on almost 13 miles of the Willamette River from downtown Portland to Willamette Falls. We’ve filed a petition with the OSMB, requesting that the regulations be repealed immediately on the following grounds: The OSMB’s final decision to adopt the rules violates Oregon law, requiring meetings of a governing body to be open to the public. During a public meeting held on January 27, 2021, the OSMB initially voted not to adopt the rules, determining that further consideration of alternatives was needed. Then the Board took a break. It appears that members of the OSMB met in private and deliberated during that break, off the public record. Off-record comments from third parties may have influenced these deliberations as well. When the Board reconvened, it moved to reconsider the decision and then voted again – this time to adopt the rules. Any private deliberation of the OSMB members would be unlawful, which makes the vote improper and the final decision invalid. The Lower Willamette rules violate the OSMB’s existing policy directive, which requires the agency to resolve problems by using management measures including education, information, signing, voluntary restrictions or increased enforcement of existing laws before acting to restrict public use and enjoyment of boats. The OSMB has not attempted to resolve the perceived problems on the river with management measures, and this failure violates its directive. The OSMB is required to seek recommendations of affected local jurisdictions and authorities before adopting regulations for local waterways. Although the City of Portland initially supported the rules, it withdrew support after it came to light that the safety rationale had been over-stated and was inconsistent with recommendations from public safety agencies. The OSMB failed to consider the City’s revised position when it voted to adopt the regulations. The OSMB also failed to seek any input from other affected municipalities, including the City of Milwaukie. The OSMB is required to limit any significant adverse effect on small businesses. The record clearly suggests that the purposes of the rules could have been be achieved in a manner that is substantially less intrusive and costly to small businesses. The agency’s failure to consider that approach violated its duty to consider and adopt alternatives that would be less impactful for local businesses. Upon receipt of the petition, the OSMB will be required to re-open public comment on the regulations, including whether options exist for achieving the rule’s goals in a way that reduces negative economic impact on businesses. We’ve also petitioned to the Oregon Court of Appeals, asking the court to find the regulations invalid because the rules exceed OSMB’s statutory authority and were adopted in violation of the applicable rulemaking procedures. The complete petitions can be viewed here. Please be aware these petitions will not prevent the new regulations from going into effect on May 1, 2021. Boaters should continue to follow local rules. To stay up to date about the progress of these petitions, including the opportunity to provide public comment, follow Oregon Families for Boating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/opinion-keep-oregons-outdoor-economy-booming ### Title: Opinion: Keep Oregon's outdoor economy booming ### Page ID: 749979 ### Content: Matt Radich: It would behoove all legislators to let science guide their actions or risk damaging one of the largest segments of our vibrant outdoor recreation economy. It's no secret that Oregon plays host to countless outdoor recreation areas and opportunities. From numerous mountains and deserts to lakes, rivers, waterfalls and beaches, Oregon offers an untamed mix of natural beauty and recreational enjoyment. As president of Active Water Sports, headquartered in Oregon City, I see the joy that boating in the Newberg Pool brings to our community and tourists alike. The area offers boat launching, bird watching, waterskiing, salmon fishing, and a key stop on the Willamette River Water Trail. At times it seems the importance of outdoor recreation to our state's economy is not fully understood. Fortunately, that is changing. In November, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis released its fourth-annual report on the state of our outdoor recreation economy. The numbers are eye-popping and represent an important economic driver in our state. According to the report, outdoor recreation in a challenging year for most industries accounted for an impressive $689 billion in economic output while supporting 4.3 million American jobs. Collectively, the outdoor recreation industry accounts for 3% of America's employment. As a small business operator, I am encouraged to see that boating businesses like ours are the number-one contributor to the outdoor recreation economy. As an Oregonian, I am even more impressed by the strength of our state's outdoor recreation economy: 2.2% of GDP, $5.3 billion in economic impact, and nearly 70,000 jobs. Following suit of years' past, recreational boating and fishing continue to be a leading contributing sector to Oregon's outdoor recreation industry, contributing nearly $450 million in direct economic impact to our state. With this great economic impact comes the responsibility to protect the public lands and waters essential to the long-term health of outdoor recreation businesses like mine. Oregon tow-boat dealers have worked together and made it our mission to help our customers have as much fun on the water as possible and at the same time provide high-quality educational support. We are dedicated to making sure these waterways maintain their natural ecosystems and beauty, and that the recreation we support is not causing any harm. Active Water Sports is one of a handful of dealers in the area that sells recreational boats. We work together to educate new and experienced customers about safe and responsible waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing practices. These practices include staying 200-300 feet from shore and avoiding repetitive passes. Research shows that following these simple instructions does not impact our waterways, shorelines and structures. By teaching and encouraging these best practices, the boating community can hold itself accountable and prove our commitment to mitigating nuisance and eliminating impacts on the health of waterways. As we look ahead to 2022, there will undoubtedly be another misguided attempt in the Legislature to restrict waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing in the Newberg Pool. It would behoove all legislators to let science guide their actions or risk damaging one of the largest segments of our vibrant outdoor recreation economy and all the businesses it supports. Through education, courtesy and accountability, communities across the state can replace the need for overregulation with a deeper understanding of waterway health and safety. Portland-area native Matt Radich began his career in the watersports industry nearly three decades ago as a summer camp waterski instructor. Seeking to help families enjoy boating ever since, he now serves as president of Active Water Sports and as a board member of Oregon Families for Boating. This article was originally published by [Pamplin Media Group](https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/10-opinion/529749-423277-opinion-keep-oregons-outdoor-economy-booming-) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/health-of-willamette-riverbanks-needs-careful-review ### Title: Health of Willamette riverbanks needs careful review ### Page ID: 750099 ### Content: When my wife and I purchased a home on the Willamette River in Wilsonville in 2017, we were immediately alarmed by the erosion of the riverbank on the property. The previous owner hadn't taken steps to prevent invasive species from killing the native dogwood. There's a significant management problem along the river as property owners don't understand the importance of a healthy riverbank and either defer important maintenance or take actions that spur further erosion. While my background is in commercial contracting and real estate development, restoring my riverbank became a passion of mine. I spent months learning the importance a healthy riverbank plays in the river's ecosystem and have invested ample time and money in making sure my property is having a positive impact on the river. To address the erosion, I had to go through a complicated permitting process that took nine months. I started by working with a slew of agencies: the Division of State Lands, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Environmental Quality, the National Marine Fisheries Services, the city of Wilsonville and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Then I hired a surveyor, a geotechnical engineer, a wetland ecologist, civil engineers, and arborists. The experts all agreed — the lack of native vegetation and mismanagement of native trees caused the majority of the erosion. The city of Wilsonville gave us an emergency tree removal permit and advised us to employ experts to save the rest of the trees and bank. We put more than $50,000 into the restoration, and now have a much healthier riverbank. From this process, I learned that the three biggest causes of human-caused erosion are the clearing of natural vegetation, mismanagement of existing trees and plants, and improper draining of property. Naturally, much of the erosion occurs from rapid fluctuations of water levels. When water recedes too fast, the weight of the saturated riverbank soil is unsupported, which is why it is essential to maintain the native vegetation. On my property, the previous owners had allowed invasive ivy and blackberry to grow and kill the native red twig dogwood, exposing the roots of the trees on the riverbank. As a result, the trees had broken loose and in the following two winters of high waters we lost 15 feet of riverbank. However, during the boating season we did not lose any riverbank. While we can all understand a river ecosystem is a network of interconnected parts that play a role in overall health, pointing to boating as a significant cause of erosion is unproven at best and simply false at worst. Nevertheless, there is current legislation attempting to blame recreational boating for the aforementioned riverbank decline. These bills — SB 856 and SB 857 — are presented without scientific merit and are detrimental to families who enjoy safe recreation on the Willamette River. Instead of rushing through legislation that will likely have no tangible impact on riverbank health, I'm encouraging lawmakers to commission a thorough study to find solutions that work. Then we can create a more streamlined regulatory process that empowers property owners to learn about their portion of the riverbanks and have the tools to maintain and strengthen them. We should all be invested in protecting and sharing the Willamette River, one of Oregon's treasures. Its health is up to us. Tom Jones is a Wilsonville homeowner on the Willamette River, an avid boater, kayaker, and the president of Oregon Recreational Boaters United. This article was originally published by [Pamplin Media Group](https://pamplinmedia.com/wsp/135-opinion/510279-408123-health-of-willamette-riverbanks-needs-careful-review) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/theres-a-better-way-to-share-the-willamette-river ### Title: There's a better way to share the Willamette River ### Page ID: 750120 ### Content: Our family looked for years to find a house on the Willamette River to watch our kids grow up and learn skills and confidence while paddling, tubing, surfing and waterskiing. This past year, with COVID-19, online school and no camps, being able to get outside was even more important. Unfortunately, the latter part of those dreams has changed since the Oregon State Marine Board imposed the gravest restrictions yet on public access and recreation. As of May 1, towed sports are restricted on 10 miles of the Lower Willamette. In addition, the entire Holgate Channel, an unprecedented 3.9 miles, has been made a slow, no-wake zone for the benefit of a few, including private paddling clubs, greatly impacting access for the hundreds of families who enjoy towed sports. The OSMB has designated an area on the Willamette to do towed sports; however, it is contaminated and a major commercial shipping area. Most concerning, these rules were made based on special interests including private paddling clubs and homeowners who do not like waves on the river. This is the same river that sees barges, commercial boats, jet boats, and yachts that make large wakes. Yet, these large boats are allowed to continue on the river. These rules were made under the guise of protecting safety and limiting erosion, yet only target towed sports. The wide-ranging claims used to impose these restrictions are not fact-based. There is no site-specific research on erosion, and its causes are multifaceted. Claims about safety have repeatedly been debunked by river safety experts including Portland Fire and Rescue's harbormaster saying the safety data did not support the claims, and these zone restrictions would create safety issues. Even the OSMB's's own 26-member Rule Committee unanimously identified that increased education, greater law enforcement and better signage were what was needed. Instead, the OSMB chose sweeping regulations, leaving actual safety needs unaddressed. These rules also were enacted despite the OSMB hearing testimony about the devastating impact on many local businesses and dangerous precedent set statewide on restricting public recreation. The motorized boating community collaborated with other user groups, including paddlers, on a fairer plan to better share the river and protect public access and safety. This plan offers additional protection for motorized and nonmotorized users launching from Willamette Park, floating homeowners, and Oregon Yacht Club members. Protections are retained for Oaks Park Boathouse and Waverly Marina. In addition, paddlers are prioritized in the morning hours. Members of the river community have appealed the new restrictions, believing the OSMB violated both its mission and proper process. We're asking again that the board work with the broader community on a more inclusive and fact-based plan. The public is encouraged to appeal these overreaching regulations by emailing the OSMB at osmb.rulemaking@oregon.gov by June 6. Find out more at www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/osmb-advocacy. Erin Patterson is a West Linn resident, avid boater and paddler. She is a member of Oregon Families for Boating, the West Linn Riverfront Association, and Willamette River Community Coalition. This article was originally published in [Pamplin Media Group](https://pamplinmedia.com/lor/49-opinion/510987-408544-theres-a-better-way-to-share-the-willamette-river%20) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/tell-policymakers-the-newberg-pool-should-be-safely-shared ### Title: Tell policymakers the Newberg Pool should be safely shared ### Page ID: 757814 ### Content: [![](https://cloud-1de12d.becdn.net/media/iW=263&iH=74&oX=0&oY=4&cW=263&cH=66/9efe49e8086973ba479d2a19e9126d05/image.png)](/home) [](https://mang7589320.brizy.site/news)[](https://www.facebook.com/OregonBoaters)[](https://www.instagram.com/oregonboaters/)[](https://twitter.com/OregonBoaters ) [ABOUT](/home) [PARTNERS](/home) [LATEST NEWS](/news) Tell policymakers the Newberg Pool should be safely shared READ MORE POSTS ![](https://cloud-1de12d.becdn.net/media/iW=350&iH=293&oX=0&oY=0&cW=350&cH=263/049a4d1e07d785865ca7ea2c26dc3d5b/Body.png "Body.png") Volunteers Needed: Provide Foster Children and Unforgettable Day [READ MORE](/wake-the-world-oregon-2025) ![](https://cloud-1de12d.becdn.net/media/iW=350&iH=293&oX=0&oY=14&cW=350&cH=263/ed53c86faea70b5a3b52b5a60c27befe/Untitled-design.png "Untitled-design.png") Support Newberg Pool Reform [READ MORE](/senatebill301) ![](https://cloud-1de12d.becdn.net/media/iW=467&iH=263&oX=58&oY=0&cW=350&cH=263/40f71299aa3c900e0ad525469e3d63a1/image.png) Newberg Pool Voting Record [READ MORE](/newberg-pool-voting-record-copy) OREGON FAMILIES FOR BOATING [contact@oregonfamiliesforboating.org](mailto:Email us at contact@oregonfamiliesforboating.org) GET THE LATEST NEWS --- --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/reset-password-page ### Title: Reset password page ### Page ID: 830516 ### Content: Reset Password Reset Password --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/new-legislation-takes-aim-at-newberg-pool-towed-water-sports ### Title: New Legislation Takes Aim at Newberg Pool Towed Water Sports ### Page ID: 832555 ### Content: No, this is not déjà vu. Unfortunately, misguided legislators have once again introduced legislation that would significantly limit towed water sports in the Newberg Pool area of the Willamette River. It’s imperative all boaters take just two minutes to oppose today. [SB 1589](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB1589/Introduced) will crush the local boating community by banning wake surfing outright and arbitrarily limiting all other towed sports such as tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to boats under 5,000 pounds. Furthermore, the bill extends the Newberg Pool by eight additional miles, making these regulations applicable from Willamette Falls all the way to the mouth of the Yamhill River! Now is the time for the boating community to speak up. Ask your local lawmakers to support Oregon families and small businesses by opposing SB 1589. Tell them: The Newberg Pool should be safely shared! Stay tuned for the opportunity to testify at an upcoming hearing. This bill could make it to the next phase of the legislative process at any moment. It’s imperative the entire boating community oppose this unnecessary legislation during all six steps of the legislative process. Take two minutes to [oppose today](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) and save Oregon families and small businesses. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/the-truth-about-wake-surfing ### Title: The Truth About Wake Surfing ### Page ID: 843509 ### Content: As stewards of the environment and the communities where we live and work, the recreational boating community continues to collaboratively address environmental protection and safety throughout our waterways. While a boat wake coming ashore can seem like a significant event, in the larger scheme of things, it can be of little consequence. Here’s a few key facts about wake boats to keep in mind: ·    Boat wakes dissipate quickly and have little impact on shoreline erosion compared to wind-driven waves. ·     Wake boats operating in bodies of water with a depth of 10 feet of water while in ·     Sedimentation caused by boat traffic or wind-driven waves is significantly less than the amount of sedimentation that flows naturally through lake or river watersheds. ·     Boat wakes can increase oxygenation, which is beneficial for aquatic ecosystems. ·     The wake created by a wake boat in surf-mode dissipates faster than the wake created by a typical boat while underway, or when a boat rides over its bow wave on its own. ·     Residential and commercial shoreline development has a much greater negative impact on lake or river health than boating. **The Boating Community Prioritizes Educating Boaters on Responsible Wake Surfing** Boaters, manufacturers and dealers have a longstanding history of proactively supporting boater education efforts and the adoption of widespread safety measures, such as the industry’s *Wake Responsibly* campaign. Learn more about wake surfing best practices in this [video]( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daa0U56zvwc). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/action-alert-2-9-newberg-pool-public-hearing ### Title: ACTION ALERT: 2/9 NEWBERG POOL PUBLIC HEARING ### Page ID: 846811 ### Content: Legislation that will **kick hundreds of families off the Upper Willamette River** has been scheduled for a [virtual public hearing](https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw) **on February 9 at 3:15pm**. It’s crucial the boating community band together and [attend](https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw) the virtual hearing to show our senators that the majority of the community does not support [SB 1589](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB1589/Introduced). **Sign up to testify here:** [https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw](https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw) **Thank you boating community for your unwavering support!** Voicing opposition was vital to defeating this same legislation in 2021 and now more than ever **it is imperative for us to speak out** every step of the way. Ask your local lawmakers at the hearing to support Oregon families and small businesses by opposing SB 1589. **Tell them: The Newberg Pool should be safely shared.** **The bill will crush the Newberg Pool boating community** by banning wake surfing outright, arbitrarily limiting all other towed sports such as tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to boats under 5,000 pounds and extending the Newberg Pool from Willamette Falls to the mouth of the Yamhill River. Find out more in this [fact sheet](https://willametteboating.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/OFFB_Newberg_Pool_2022_R1.pdf). [https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw](https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cXSBg2qj6CkhJXw) Choose ‘I want to speak’ ‘AGAINST’ for your position on the bill. You will see a confirmation screen and receive an email with information on how to join the meeting. If you do not receive a confirmation, contact the committee assistant. Advanced registration is required to testify. Use the MS Teams meeting link or phone number to join the committee or subcommittee meeting at least 5 minutes before the meeting start time. During the hearing your camera and microphone should be off/muted until you are called upon to testify. Follow any instructions from the Chair for your testimony. This may include a time limit; in some cases, the Chair will use a chime to indicate when you need to finish. Testimony can be as simple as a 1–2-minute statement on why you oppose this legislation. Sample talking points are included below. Additional information about how to testify is available here: [https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen\_engagement/Pages/How-to-Testify.aspx](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/How-to-Testify.aspx) **SB 1589 will** **strip safe, socially distant outdoor opportunities** for hundreds of families along the Newberg Pool and impact local small businesses who depend on their support. **Residential development, not boat wakes, is the primary human-caused source of erosion.** There is broad agreement that the lack of native vegetation and homeowner mismanagement of native trees has caused the majority of erosion. Furthermore, natural occurrences such as last winter’s storm have a greater impact on river health than boating. **There is no empirical evidence or peer-reviewed study that links the proposed restrictions to having any positive effect on fish populations.** Wake sports largely take place in the summer, outside of key migratory or spawning months. Studies show that wake boats waves, when operated at least 200 feet from shore, do not carry enough energy to have a significant impact on most shorelines. **The Newberg Pool is already one of the most regulated bodies of water in Oregon.** Wake surfers are subject to a weight limit, required to obtain a special safety certification and only allowed in two small zones with no adjacent homes or docks. This bill not only exacerbates safety issues, but **it also fails to solve a primary issue** – **enforcement**. The state has already struggled to enforce the extensive laws and rules we have, and the bill does not address how to deal with the **worst offenders who make the river dangerous for everybody.**  **Subjecting only towed water sports enthusiasts to a weight limit is overtly biased.** A 5,000-pound fishing boat can produce a similar wake to the same size tow boat. Furthermore a 15,000 cabin cruiser that produces a wake far greater than any wake surfing boat can still operate freely under this legislation. If you cannot attend the hearing, please submit written testimony by 2/10/22 at 3:15pm. You can also attend the hearing and submit written testimony. Here’s how to submit written testimony: Go to: [https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SEE](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SEE) On the testimony submission form, choose meeting date “2/9/2022 3:15 PM” from the drop-down menu Fill in the name, email address and city of residence fields Tell the Oregon Legislature why you oppose this bill. A few sentences are fine. Include how this bill will impact your family or business. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/action-alert-submit-written-comment ### Title: ACTION ALERT: 2/10 SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENT ### Page ID: 869400 ### Content: **YOUR WRITTEN TESTIMONY NEEDED - SUBMIT BY 3:15PM TODAY** **It’s CRUCIAL all boaters take two minutes today to voice opposition for SB 1589 which will** **ban hundreds of families from enjoying towed water sports on the Upper Willamette River. Submit written comment by 3:15PM here:** [https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SEE](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SEE) Last night the boating community made a strong showing at the public meeting for this bill. It's imperative we continue that momentum with written comment today. If you attended last night you are also encouraged to submit written comment. We know most of you had more to say than the one minute time limit would allow.  The bill will crush the Newberg Pool boating community by banning wake surfing outright, arbitrarily limiting all other towed sports such as tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to boats under 5,000 pounds and extending the Newberg Pool from Willamette Falls to the mouth of the Yamhill River. This is bad public policy and must be stopped in its tracks. Our waterway policies should favor the general public, not special interest groups and select waterfront homeowners. Submitting written comment is essential because elected officials want to hear from real people in their communities on the issues that matter to them.  We encourage all of you to submit written testimony **today before 3PM.**  **Here are some sample talking points to consider for your testimony:** - **Go to:** [https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SE](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/SE) - On the testimony submission form, choose meeting date “2/9/2022 3:15 PM” from the drop down menu - Select “SB 1589” from the bill list - Fill in the name, residence and email address fields - Choose your position on this bill - Write in your text testimony - Tell the Oregon Legislature why you oppose this bill. Even a few sentences is fine. Include how this bill will impact your family or business. Sample talking points are included below. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/sb-1589-senate-hearing-fact-check ### Title: SB 1589 Senate Hearing Fact Check ### Page ID: 873695 ### Content: February 10, 2022 - Last night a public hearing was held for SB 1589 which seeks to place additional restrictions on towed water sports in the Newberg Pool. The bill would ban wake surfing outright, limit all other towed sports such as tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to boats under 5,000 pounds and extend the Newberg Pool from Willamette Falls all the way to the mouth of the Yamhill River. It’s clear from the verbal and written testimony that the majority of the community does not support SB 1589. We believe that legislation should be guided by facts and were dismayed by several false or misleading statements made by legislators at the hearing. Below we have fact checked those statements. 1\. Testimony during the hearing stated “437 boats in Oregon have certificates/decals to participate in towed sports in the Newberg Pool. Just 30 of those boats over 5,000 pounds are actually moored in the Newberg Pool.” MISLEADING: While it may be true that there are 30 boats over 5,000 pounds moored in the Newberg Pool, moored boats represent a small fraction of the total families that recreate in this stretch of the river. According to recent data from the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) more than half of the 500 boats currently registered to wake surf or wakeboard in the Newberg Pool weigh over 5,000 pounds. Therefore, more than 250 boats would be banned from partaking in towed sports in the Newberg Pool. Furthermore, the impact extends beyond these boats as there are countless additional families who are not currently enrolled in the Towed Water Sports Education program who be subject to the weight limit under this bill. This includes those who ski, tube and kneeboard or recreate from river miles 22.6-30 and 50-55. Testimony submitted by the OSMB on SB 1589 states, “SB 1589 would expand the education and decal requirements from wake surfers and wakeboarders to all towed watersports participants, including those waterskiing and towing inflatables. This would likely lead to a significant increase in the number of boaters applying for endorsements and decals.” Furthermore, since early statehood, Oregon courts and the Legislature have recognized that water is public owned, and the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled consistently in favor of public rights in navigable waters to be public highways that would remain “forever free,” not monopolized by private owners. (and Beaches (April 3, 2012). Environmental Law, Vol. 42, No. 1, 2012, Lewis & Clark Blumm, Michael C. and Doot, Erika A., Oregon’s Public Trust Doctrine: Public Rights in Waters, Wildlife, Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2012-1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1925112) 2\. Testimony during the hearing stated “99% of boats can still operate in the Newberg Pool.” MISLEADING: Actually 100% of boats could still operate in the Newberg Pool, but this statement misses the mark as this law would prohibit more than 250 boat owners and their families from partaking in safe, family friendly and socially distant towed water sports in the Newberg Pool. Telling a wakeboarder they can still drive their boat on the river, but they can’t wakeboard is like telling a snowboarder they can go to Mount Hood and walk around in the snow, but they can’t use their snowboard. 3\. Testimony during the hearing stated Oregon Families for Boating “is in the campaign of misinformation.” FALSE: Oregon Families for Boating prides itself in sharing accurate and truthful information with the community. The legislator specifically referenced our informational post about tubing season being canceled. According to the Oregon State Marine Board this bill will ban all boats over 5,000 pounds from participating in any towed water sports in the Newberg Pool, including tubing. Therefore, tubing season will indeed be canceled for hundreds of families in the Newberg Pool. Furthermore, several of the quotes in the legislative presentation were taken out of context. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-bill-passes-senate-committee ### Title: Newberg Pool Bill Passes Senate Committee ### Page ID: 885985 ### Content: February 15, 2022 - Unfortunately additional towed water sports restrictions are one step closer to becoming a reality. The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment moved SB 1589 forward last night despite the majority of community opposing at the public hearing. Next up the bill is headed for a vote on the Senate floor. Any day now all 30 Oregon Senators will vote whether to keep this bill moving forward. Boaters should continue to voice their opposition by taking two minutes to call their Senator’s office today. Visit our [**Act Now**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) page to look up your Senator’s contact information now. Just how close is this bill to becoming a reality? Too close for comfort! It’s imperative the boating community continue to oppose every step of the way. Here are the steps needed for SB 1589 to become law. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-bill-passes-senate-floor ### Title: Newberg Pool Bill Passes Senate Floor ### Page ID: 893752 ### Content: The point of using dummy text for your paragraph is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters. making it look like readable English. February 17, 2022 - **Newberg Pool Bill Passes Senate Floor** More Newberg Pool towed sports restrictions are dangerously close to becoming law. The bill passed the Senate floor today and it is headed straight to the House. We’re just two votes away from a wakesurf ban and all other towed sports limited to boats under 5,000 pounds. The boating community stopped this bill in the House last year. We can do it again with your support! Call your House Representative today and stay tuned for the opportunity to testify at the last public hearing. Every voice counts! Here’s how: [**https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow )[](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow ) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/action-alert-2-21-newberg-pool-public-hearing ### Title: ACTION ALERT: 2/21 NEWBERG POOL PUBLIC HEARING ### Page ID: 900782 ### Content: The point of using dummy text for your paragraph is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters. making it look like readable English. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/action-alert-submit-written-comment-by-1pm-today ### Title: ACTION ALERT: Submit Written Comment Today ### Page ID: 913880 ### Content: The point of using dummy text for your paragraph is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters. making it look like readable English. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-bill-stalled-in-house ### Title: Newberg Pool Bill Stalled in House ### Page ID: 914941 ### Content: The point of using dummy text for your paragraph is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters. making it look like readable English. February 23, 2022 - Thank you boaters for your unwavering commitment to show legislators how devastating SB 1589 would be to our community. Clearly your phone calls, emails and testimony are being heard because the bill did NOT move forward today. The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources did not feel they had enough time to consider the bill this late in the session and moved it to the House Committee on Rules. While this is a small victory, the bill is still ALIVE. The Rules Committee and the House of Representatives now have until 3/6 to decide on SB 1589. We know several of you are rightfully frustrated you did not get to testify today as there was limited time at the hearing. Stay tuned for another opportunity to testify before the Rules Committee soon. It’s imperative we continue to keep this momentum alive. We also encourage you to upload your testimony into the record by 1 PM tomorrow (2/24). ●     [Go to: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/HENVNR](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Testimony/HENVNR) **●**     On the testimony submission form, choose the meeting date “2/23/2022 1:00 PM” from the drop-down menu. ●     Fill in the name, email address and city of residence fields ●     Tell the Oregon Legislature why you oppose this bill. A few sentences are fine. Include how this bill will impact your family or business. **SB 1589 will** **strip safe, socially distant outdoor opportunities** for hundreds of families along the Newberg Pool and impact local small businesses who depend on their support. **Residential development, not boat wakes, is the primary human-caused source of erosion.** There is broad agreement that the lack of native vegetation and homeowner mismanagement of native trees has caused the majority of erosion. Furthermore, natural occurrences such as last winter’s storm have a greater impact on river health than boating. **There is no empirical evidence or peer-reviewed study that links the proposed restrictions to having any positive effect on fish populations.** Wake sports largely take place in the summer, outside of key migratory or spawning months. Studies show that wake boats waves, when operated at least 200 feet from shore, do not carry enough energy to have a significant impact on most shorelines. **This bill fails to address the primary causes of declines in salmon and steelhead abundance in the Willamette Basin.** According to the National Marine Fisheries Service latest report degraded habitat conditions due to land use and development activities, predation, hatchery practices, and dam passage - not boat wakes - are the primary concerns. **The Newberg Pool is already one of the most regulated bodies of water in Oregon.** Wake surfers are subject to a weight limit, required to obtain a special safety certification and only allowed in two small zones with no adjacent homes or docks. This bill not only exacerbates safety issues, but **it also fails to solve a primary issue** – **enforcement**. The state has already struggled to enforce the extensive laws and rules we have, and the bill does not address how to deal with the **worst offenders who make the river dangerous for everybody.**  **Subjecting only towed water sports enthusiasts to a weight limit is overtly biased.** A 5,000-pound fishing boat can produce a similar wake to the same size tow boat. Furthermore a 15,000 cabin cruiser that produces a wake far greater than any wake surfing boat can still operate freely under this legislation. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/mount-hood-environmental-testifies ### Title: Mount Hood Environmental Testifies ### Page ID: 932594 ### Content: In case you missed it here's what fisheries scientists from Mount Hood Environmental had to say at the recent public hearing on SB 1589. February 21, 2022 - Good afternoon. Chair Marsh, Members of the Committee, thank you for having us today. My name is Ian Courter and this is my colleague Tara Blackman. We are both fisheries scientists with Mount Hood Environmental. Our company specializes in salmon, steelhead and water quality research in the Pacific Northwest. The bulk of our work is original research that includes the design and implementation of applied science projects.Our comments today are specific to the impacts of wakes on ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. Oregon Families for Boating contacted us and asked us to review the relevant scientific literature and provide our perspective about the empirical basis for boating restrictions in the Newberg Pool section of the Willamette River. This wasn’t an issue we had encountered previously in our work, in part because recreational boating hasn’t been emphasized as a primary threat to species viability within regional recovery planning documents. That’s not to say that fisheries regulatory agencies wouldn’t be interested or concerned about recreational boating impacts, but it simply has not received much attention relative to other factors known to influence fish survival and productivity. I believe this committee is well aware that there has not been a direct study of wakesurfing impacts on salmon and steelhead survival in the Newberg Pool, nor are we aware of a study proposal with this intent. Tara Blackman is going to briefly summarize what we found in the available scientific literature. Good afternoon Chair Marsh and Members of the Committee: Having reviewed the available peer-reviewed scientific literature, I believe potential impacts of recreational power boating on fish can be generalized into two categories: First, immediate impact–this would include physically removing fish from the space they currently occupy and second, indirect impacts that affect longterm survival, for example impacting their rearing habitat or affecting their ability to find food. Studies that directly assess wake impacts to fish are scant. However, those that have looked at fish impacts from wakes find that the size and swimming ability offish are critical determinants in whether a fish is dislocated by wakes. And, the long-term impacts of wakes on survival of fish is unknown. It is important to note that all studies highlight the importance of how local conditions affect the interaction between boat wakes and fish. In the context of the Newberg Pool, the potential for wake impacts to ESA-listed salmon and steelhead will depend on if fish are present, how big they are, and what habitats they are using. While this reach is most definitely a part of the migratory corridor for juvenile fish, data collected at Willamette Falls indicates that the majority of juvenile fish are migrating through in winter and spring months. Therefore, it is unclear if the most vulnerable small fish overlap with water sport activity. Furthermore, summer temperatures in the Willamette main stem are not ideal for salmonids; and their use of habitat in the Newberg Pool reach during summer is probably limited, though no studies have fully described this. In conclusion, we regard available previous work as useful for crafting hypotheses about fish impacts in Newberg Pool, but whether these findings apply to ESA-listed salmonids remains unknown. The primary take-away here, is that you don’t know what the impacts are because the necessary data for arriving at that conclusion are unavailable. In our opinion, a direct study of fish survival in the Newberg Pool is needed to validate concerns about fish impacts. This type of study would be beneficial locally, to inform the policy decisions before you today, and regionally to ensure that recreational boating regulations have a strong empirical basis if the intent is to benefit Oregon’s fisheries. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-bill-likely-to-sink-local-canby-small-business-expansion ### Title: Newberg Pool Bill Likely to Sink Local Canby Small Business Expansion ### Page ID: 937756 ### Content: March 2, 2022 – In the final days of the 2022 session the fate of a local small business’ plans to expand and add family wage jobs lies in the hands of Oregon House legislators. Active Water Sports, a local Canby small business located in Pioneer Industrial Park, could have its expansions plans haltered thanks to Senate Bill 1589, which passed the Senate last month and is being seriously considered by the House in the final days of the session. The company filed plans with the Canby planning commission last fall to significantly expand its service center operations by almost 40 percent. During the construction phase, which was supposed to kick off this spring, the 11,000 square foot addition will generate $2.5 million in economic impact for local construction companies and suppliers. Once fully operational the added space would allow Active Water Sports to triple its jobs it offers in Canby – primarily service technicians who make livable salaries with full benefits. The facility would also help the company to offer a wider range of services to the community in a timelier manner and double the number of boats it can service annually. “I can’t impress upon our elected officials enough how dire the impacts will be to Oregon small businesses,” said Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports. “If this bill passes, we will have an immediate and drastic loss in revenue that will lead to both layoffs of existing workers and a substantial loss of tax revenue to the state. I am urging our legislators to support Oregon families and small businesses by voting no on this legislation. We can work together to come up with a better solution.” This bill is being pushed under the guide of environmental protection, yet local experts including fisheries scientist at [**Mount Hood Environmental**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/PublicTestimonyDocument/40555) and ecosystem restoration engineer [**David Gorman**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/PublicTestimonyDocument/37722) have testified that these assertions lack merit. Furthermore, the Oregon State Marine Board confirmed with the Legislative Policy and Research Office that they are “not aware of where the 5,000-lb weight-limited proposed in Senate Bill 1589 is derived from.” Outdoor recreation provided a welcome haven during COVID. For example, Active Water Sports experienced enough sustained success to make the expansion in Canby possible. During the pandemic, the company was able to keep all of their employees. Expanding the business will only increase its ability to provide community members with solid employment. Small businesses like Active Water Sports are only able to expand and stimulate the local economy if they know recreational boating and watersports are not at risk. Oregon still has not fully recovered from all the jobs lost from COVID. Being a tax-dependent state, the best opportunity to recover from the recession and address other state budget needs, is to get any and all Oregonian businesses back on their feet. Restoring the jobs that have been lost, and even creating new ones, will generate the tax revenue that is needed. The Oregon Business and Industry Association has warned of the state’s overall business tax burden. It now exceeds the national average, and is higher than most surrounding states. Oregon needs the competitiveness and business growth associated with the recreational boating and watersports industries. Senate Bill 1589 will cause significant economic damage to boat dealers and businesses that depend upon spending by boaters and recreationalists in the Newberg Pool area. As we continue to recover from the COVID pandemic, recreational boating and towed water sports have become an undeniable refuge for countless individuals and families. The Oregon State House should not adopt this misguided legislation, and instead focus on ways the industry can help support our state. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/legislature-devastates-boating-community-with-passage-of-senate-bill-1589 ### Title: Legislature Devastates Boating Community with Passage of Senate Bill 1589 ### Page ID: 941104 ### Content: March 4, 2022 – Today, despite overwhelming opposition and expert testimony refuting [**Senate Bill 1589’s**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Measures/Overview/SB1589) scientific merit, it has passed the House and Senate. The bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signing. Our last chance to defeat Senate Bill 1589 is to urge Governor Brown to veto it. Sign our petition to the Governor today at: [**www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow). We would like to thank the boating community for your unwavering commitment to speak out against this unnecessary legislation. Thousands of Oregonians voiced opposition to Senate Bill 1589. In the bill’s final moments on the House floor Democrats and Republicans alike urged their colleagues to vote no on the bill because of the lack of data available to support its claims and the impact it would have on local families and small business. The bill barely passed the House in a 33 – 25 vote. This legislation will significantly impact boaters who recreate in the Newberg Pool and the small businesses that depend on their support. According to legislative analysts, almost 90% of tow boats currently offered by major manufacturers are over the 5,500-pound combined weight limit. Senate Bill 1589 also sets a dangerous precedent for future restrictions. Upon the Governor’s signature: “This is a devastating day for Oregon families and small businesses,” said Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports. “Our public policies should be based on solid data, not unvalidated academic hypotheses, and scientific opinion. I’m disappointed our elected officials have knowingly put Oregonians out of good paying jobs and shrunk small business revenue without any proof that a weight limit or wake sports ban will have any positive impact on river health.” This bill was pushed under the guide of environmental protection, yet local experts including fisheries scientist at [**Mount Hood Environmental**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/PublicTestimonyDocument/40555) and ecosystem restoration engineer [**David Gorman**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Downloads/PublicTestimonyDocument/37722) have testified that these assertions lack merit. The Oregon State Marine Board also confirmed with the Legislative Policy and Research Office that they are “not aware of where the 5,000-lb weight-limited proposed in Senate Bill 1589 is derived from.   Oregon is quickly becoming one of the least friendly places for recreational boating in the entire nation. Over the last two years bans or significant towed water sports restrictions have been enacted across an unprecedented 41 miles of the Upper and Lower Willamette River. In addition, earlier this month Portland Metro surprised residents of Blue Lake in North Portland with a motorized boat ban without any public hearing or discussion. Oregon Families for Boating is committed to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians. We are urging the Oregon State Marine Board to conduct the study proposed in the bill to increase the boat weight limit and will explore all avenues to come up with a more sensible solution for all users to safely share the Newberg Pool. Keeping our waterways safe and healthy is a top priority and we will continue to advocate for education and enforcement, rather than overregulation.  Those who would like to apply for the Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Certificate can find out more on the [**Oregon State Marine Board website**](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Towed-Watersports-Education-Program.aspx). The new requirements should be updated in the coming months. Another way Oregonians can advocate for fair access to our waterways is to support elected officials who voted against Senate Bill 1589. Many are coming up for reelection soon. Below is a complete list of how our elected officials cast their vote. You can confirm who your local legislators are at: [**https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html**](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html) - The Newberg Pool will be extended from Willamette Falls all the way to the mouth of the Yamhill River - Wake surfing will be banned outright - All other users engaged in towed water sports such as tubing, water skiing and wakeboarding will be required to obtain a special safety certification - Only boats under 5,500 pounds (dry weight + full ballast capacity) will be eligible for the special safety certification --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-bill-goes-into-law ### Title: Newberg Pool Bill Goes into Law ### Page ID: 1079108 ### Content: April 15, 2022 – Today, despite overwhelming opposition and expert testimony refuting Senate Bill 1589’s scientific merit, it has gone into law. We would like to thank the boating community for your unwavering commitment to speak out against this unnecessary legislation. Thousands of Oregonians urged Governor Brown to veto the bill because of the lack of data available to support its claims and the impact it would have on local families and small business. Unfortunately, the bill was not vetoed or signed, which means it automatically goes into law today. This legislation will significantly impact boaters who recreate in the Newberg Pool and the small businesses that depend on their support. According to legislative analysts almost 90% of tow boats currently offered by major manufacturers are over the 5,500 pound combined weight limit. Senate Bill 1589 also sets a dangerous precedent for future restrictions. Starting today: ·**●** The Newberg Pool will be extended from Willamette Falls all the way to the mouth of the Yamhill River ··**●** All other users engaged in towed water sports such as tubing, water skiing and wakeboarding will be required to obtain a special safety certification ··**●** Only boats under 5,500 pounds (dry weight + full ballast capacity) will be eligible for the special safety certification This bill was pushed under the guide of environmental protection, yet local experts including fisheries scientist at Mount Hood Environmental and ecosystem restoration engineer David Gorman have testified that these assertions lack merit. The Oregon State Marine Board also confirmed with the Legislative Policy and Research Office that they are “not aware of where the 5,000-lb weight-limited proposed in Senate Bill 1589 is derived from.    Oregon is quickly becoming one of the least friendly places for recreational boating in the entire nation. Over the last two years bans or significant towed water sports restrictions have been enacted across an unprecedented 41 miles of the Upper and Lower Willamette River. Oregon Families for Boating is committed to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians. We are urging the Oregon State Marine Board to conduct the study proposed in the bill to increase the boat weight limit and will explore all avenues to come up with a more sensible solution for all users to safely share the Newberg Pool. Keeping our waterways safe and healthy is a top priority and we will continue to advocate for education and enforcement, rather than overregulation.  Current Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Certificate holders were sent instructions about renewals or reimbursements depending on if their boat qualified under the new rules. More details are available on the [Oregon State Marine Board website](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Towed-Watersports-Education-Program.aspx). Oregon is quickly becoming one of the least friendly places for recreational boating in the entire nation. Over the last two years bans or significant towed water sports restrictions have been enacted across an unprecedented 41 miles of the Willamette River. Oregon Families for Boating is committed to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians and we need your help to change the tide. Here are three actions all boaters should take: 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. Help us support the campaigns of pro-boating candidates in the upcoming elections. **Donate now:** [**https://secure.c-esystems.com/oregonfamiliesforboating/donation.aspx**](https://secure.c-esystems.com/oregonfamiliesforboating/donation.aspx) Another way Oregonians can advocate for fair access to our waterways is to support elected officials who voted against Senate Bill 1589. Many are coming up for reelection soon. Click [here](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) for a complete list of how our elected officials cast their vote. In addition, stay tuned for the Oregon Families for Boating election guide by following us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OregonBoaters), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oregonboaters/) or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/OregonBoaters). We’ll be recommending pro-boating candidates to vote for throughout the election season. Last, but certainly not least, always practice courteous boating behavior to ensure every moment on Oregon’s lakes and rivers is safe and enjoyable for all. Be sure to minimize repetitive passes, stay at least 200 feet away from docks and shorelines and keep music at reasonable levels. And don’t be afraid to kindly explain our code of conduct to anyone you see who is acting out of line so that wake sports can be accessible for generations to come. Take the pledge to Wake Responsibly today at: [www.wakeresponsibly.com](www.wakeresponsibly.com) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/new-peer-reviewed-paper-analyzing-wake-surfing-finds-minimal-impact ### Title: New Peer-Reviewed Paper Analyzing Wake Surfing Finds Minimal Impact to Shoreline When Operating at 200 Feet from Shore ### Page ID: 1117491 ### Content: April 20, 2022 - The *Journal of Water Resource and Protection*, a monthly journal featuring state-of-the-art research works, recently published a new paper titled, [*Numerical Study of the Impact of Wake Surfing on Inland Bodies of Water*](https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=116094). Renowned researcher and computational fluid dynamic engineer in the marine space, Endicott (Cotty) M. Fay, is among the paper’s lead researchers. The paper quantifies the impact related to turbidity and erosion with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of boat wakes in shallow water and the build-up of wind driven waves. In its findings, the paper details that when wake surfing at least 200 feet from shore and in water that has a depth of at least 10 feet, the environmental impact is minimal. The paper also concludes: ● Boat wakes dissipate quickly and have little impact on shorelines compared to wind driven waves. ·● Multiple simulations show great loss of wave energy at various distances from shorelines. In each case, a boat operating at 200 feet from shore and in water depths greater than 10 feet are optimal for shoreline and environmental health. ·● The amount of sediment caused by shoreline erosion from boat traffic or wind driven waves is insignificant compared to the amount of sediment that flows in naturally through a lake’s watershed. ·● Boat wakes can increase oxygenation, which is beneficial for aquatic species. “This peer-reviewed study confirms that shorelines are minimally impacted when wake surfing at a distance of 200 feet from shore, in waters of 10 feet of depth or greater,” said Cotty Fay, lead research engineer. “While waves from wake surfing at a distance of 200 feet from shorelines may still wash up on shore, our analysis concludes these waves will not be carrying enough force to degrade shorelines, especially when compared to wind driven waves. Additionally, wake surfing in water at a depth of at least 10 feet protects the water bottom, seagrasses, and aquatic life.” The research used advanced simulations to analyze possible shoreline erosion and turbidity that wake surfing causes on waters’ bottom and shoreline impacts. The energy, type and direction of a boat’s wake are described quantitatively in tables, which may be used for predicting wind driven waves over varying fetches, depth and wind speeds is provided. The study can be accessed online at: [https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=116094](https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=116094) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/lbc ### Title: Protect Towed Water Sports on Lake Billy Chinook ### Page ID: 1169549 ### Content: # Help ensure recreational boating’s future in Oregon through boating education #### TUBING #### WAKESURFING #### WATER SKIING #### WAKEBOARDING # WAKE ON. WAKE RESPONSIBLY. # **TOWED WATERSPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAM** ### **NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION** In an effort to foster a peaceful environment on all waterways, [Wake Responsibly](https://www.wakeresponsibly.com/) is a campaign that educates boaters about courteous behavior to ensure every moment on the lake is safe and enjoyable for [all.](#bxytuocqdfjukxfoexaqfjajyrapjupnizbj_bxytuocqdfjukxfoexaqfjajyrapjupnizbj) **Oregon is quickly becoming one of the least friendly places for recreational boating in the nation. Over the last two years, bans or significant restrictions on towed watersports have been enacted across an unprecedented amount of Oregon waterways. To ensure boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians, we need your help to change the tide. Boater education and following best practices is the only way to avoid state regulation of towed watersports on Lake Billy Chinook. Please do your part!** --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/wake-responsibly-coming-to-bend ### Title: Wake Responsibly Coming to Bend ### Page ID: 1179444 ### Content: ###### BOATING EDUCATION ###### RAFFLE PRIZES ###### COLD BEVERAGES We hope you will join us for raffles, boating education and cold beverages at the upcoming WSIA Wake Responsibly event. This is a great way to show your support for the boating community in Oregon and meet other boating families! Raffle prizes donated by: Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Connelly, FatSac, Obrien and Aquaglide. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/excessive-noise-limits-proposed-on-oregon-waterways ### Title: Excessive Noise Limits Proposed on Oregon Waterways ### Page ID: 1231244 ### Content: June 1, 2022 - Should it be legal for Sheriffs to stop and cite Oregon boaters if they think their engine or music are too loud? Even if the noise falls below the current legal decibel limit! This egregious proposal to the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) is backed by 300+ petition signatures and will soon become a reality if the boating community does not speak up now. **Oregon Families for Boating is urging local boaters and small businesses to take five minutes today to oppose the continued over-regulation of Oregon’s waterways.** [**Oppose the petition by emailing the OSMB before June 26, 2022, at 11:59 pm at osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov.**](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Documents/Rulemaking/Petition_Noise_May2022.pdf) Sample talking points are available below. This time Portland-area Willamette River waterfront homeowners are attempting to turn their [frustrations against one nuisance jet-skier](https://pamplinmedia.com/wlt/532522-425980-bolton-residents-ask-marine-board-to-tighten-noise-restrictions-on-willamette) into permanent, STATEWIDE changes to Oregon waterway laws. Their proposal, which the OSMB is considering, would add a new subjective ordinance called a “Narrative Standard” for noise emitting from ALL motorboats and personal watercraft. This means ANY Oregon boater could receive a citation if the officer subjectively thinks their engine or music are too loud, even if the noise falls below the legal decibel limit. Narrative Standards also put an undue burden on law enforcement officers to respond to complaints from anyone who simply thinks a boat noise might be too loud. Our first responders are already stretched thin and should be supported to focus on keeping Oregon’s waterways safe. The proposal targets personal watercraft users by restricting activities like flips or aerial tricks. Oregon waterways are already highly regulated. This needless rule unfairly punishes this user segment, a vast majority of which are respectfully using Oregon waterways and practicing safe and responsible boating. This is about a few people attempting to impose their preferences on others. Oregon Families for Boating supports one aspect of the petition – lowering the shoreline decibel limit from 84 to 75. This level is widely recognized by leading boating associations and is the standard adopted by most western states. The vast majority of boats and personal watercraft manufactured in the last two decades fall well below this limit. The decrease has already been adopted temporarily by the OSMB and is expected to become permanent later this year. Our state waterways should be available for everyone to enjoy safely and responsibly. The 75-decibel limit already achieves this goal. The Oregon boating community must act now and voice opposition to this proposal. **Below are a few sentences to consider including in your email to** **osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov****.** A short message with a few points is sufficient. Join us in ensuring recreational boating’s future in Oregon. Oppose this petition today! • I oppose the petition to amend the rule pertaining to watercraft noise in Oregon • The new 75-decibel limit sufficiently regulates noise on our waterways • Narrative Standards are too subjective and leave boaters open to unnecessary stops and unfair citations based solely on opinion • Narrative Standards put an undue burden on law enforcement officers to respond to complaints from waterfront homeowners who simply think that a boat noise might be too loud • A singular issue on one small section of the Willamette River should not dictate statewide waterway policies • Our waterway policies should favor the public, not waterfront homeowners who choose to live on busy waterways • The proposal unfairly targets personal watercraft users, a vast majority of which are respectfully using Oregon waterways and practice safe and responsible boating [https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Documents/Rulemaking/Petition\_Noise\_May2022.pdf](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Documents/Rulemaking/Petition_Noise_May2022.pdf) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/oregon-state-shefiffs-association-opposes-amending-rule-pertaining-to-watercraft-noise ### Title: Oregon State Shefiffs' Association Opposes Amending Rule Pertaining to Watercraft Noise ### Page ID: 1458261 ### Content: June 22, 2022 - Oregon Sheriffs are opposed to amending OAR 250-010-0121 to reduce the noise level from watercraft, and are also opposed to amending this rule to add a reasonable person standard. As an initial matter, it appears that the petition for these changes arises from conduct by a single person in a specific location. Amending a statewide rule to address the conduct of a single person is a significant overreach, and behavior that presents a problem in an urban environment is not likely to present the same problem when done in one of Oregon’s many remote locations. Oregon Sheriffs recognize that this specific individual is creating real livability issues for nearby residents and they could certainly support a rule amendment that applies to this specific location, but trying to regulate conduct in the entire state based upon a problem in a single neighborhood makes no sense. The same is true of the proposal to restrict specific activities like flips or other aerial tricks. Prohibiting this conduct in the Owyhee reservoir or Lake Billy Chinook based upon the conduct of a single person in a small section of the Willamette ignores the reality that Oregon is a huge and diverse state and is over-regulation. We would also note that these homeowners have an existing remedy – they could bring a private nuisance lawsuit against the individual. More importantly, noise regulation is extraordinarily difficult in any context. A “reasonable person standard” invites a huge amount of subjective interpretation and subsequent challenges to any enforcement action. This is why the Oregon Legislature has tinkered with the “basic rule for speed” so many times, and has largely replaced it with speed limit violations based upon a posted speed. It is a basic principle of due process that a law is void for vagueness if its prohibitions are not clearly defined, and a “reasonable person standard” is likely to lead to arbitrary or discriminatory application. Given the societal and Legislative focus on treating people equitably, we simply cannot support a standard that invites subjective interpretation of whether a person is violating the law. These homeowners have a legitimate problem and they deserve some relief from the activities of this inconsiderate boater, whether done through a targeted regulation or private litigation. Mandating rules for the entire state based upon an isolated incident is not a legitimate solution and is not something Oregon Sheriffs can support. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/rep-meek-opposes-noise-petition ### Title: Rep. Meek Opposes Noise Petition ### Page ID: 1458369 ### Content: June 26, 2022 - Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the petition to amend OAR 250-010-0120 with regard to noise from boats. Many of my constituents have contacted me with serious concerns around the proposed rule changes as outlined in the petition. After listening to their feedback and carefully reviewing the proposed changes, I am writing to oppose the petition – specifically the new Narrative Standards - and urge the Oregon State Marine Board to permanently adopt a 75 decibel shoreline limit instead.  Limiting noise exposure on our waterways is important to preserving a healthy and peaceful environment where all Oregonians can recreate safely and responsibly. Reducing our shoreline decibel limit from 84 to 75 decibels is a positive change that will ensure all Oregonians can enjoy our waterways and shorelines. This level is also widely recognized by leading boating associations and is the standard that most western states have chosen to adopt.  This new 75 decibel limit is sufficient to regulate noise on Oregon’s waterways. The petition, however, proposes the adoption of “Narrative Standards” which bring a whole new level of subjectivity to enforcement. This approach is simply not appropriate. Such narrative standards will take what would otherwise be a clear, objective standard of 75 decibels and leave boaters open to unnecessary stops and unfair citations based solely on the discretion of individual officers.  These narrative standards threaten to undermine the 75 decibel limit and will force law enforcement officers to spend valuable time and resources responding to complaints based solely on the opinions of individual waterfront homeowners. Our law enforcement officers are already stretched thin and should be focused on their critical mission of safety and life preservation. Oregon’s waterway policies should favor the public, not those who choose to live on busy waterways. The rules proposed by this petition will unfairly target boaters and personal watercraft users – the vast majority of whom are using our waterways safely and responsibly.  In conclusion, I urge the Oregon State Marine Board to reject the petition in favor of adopting a permanent 75 decibel shoreline limit instead. Thank you for your consideration. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/house-republicans-oppose-noise-petition-2 ### Title: House Republicans Oppose Noise Petition ### Page ID: 1458412 ### Content: June 23, 2022 - As representatives of districts from across the state of Oregon, we are writing to oppose the petition to amend the state’s standards regarding noise from all boats and operating rules for personal watercraft. Amending the statewide rules to lower the allowable decibel level and create an accompanying “narrative standard” would have an adverse impact on the families who safely and respectfully recreate on our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.  This petition stems from a local dispute about behavior on one small section of the Willamette River. Despite the limited scope of the issue, the petition seeks to limit activity on bodies of water in the state from Detroit Lake to Lake Billy Chinook to the Rogue River. As lawmakers, we believe it would be irresponsible to attempt to fix a hyper-local issue by passing a statewide rule that would impact countless other boating families.  As you are aware, there are already limited law enforcement resources on state waterways. Not only would this new rule be difficult to enforce with current limitations, but the vague “narrative standard” could pose additional problems, as there is little guidance for law enforcement in the proposed rule for the subjective standard.  The subjectivity would also create confusion for the boating community. If a citation can be issued to boaters for sound levels that fall below legal limits, based on the narrative standard, there would be no consistency for boaters to know if they are operating within the law. This also could potentially create a scenario where the rule is being enforced more strictly in some bodies of water than others.  Boating popularity is on the rise, and Oregon has taken strides to increase safety and improve education. While we support the Marine Board continuing to consider ideas to keep our waterways safe and accessible, this petition does neither and will only impede Oregonians’ ability to recreate for the sake of one, local dispute.  Thank you for your consideration, and we strongly urge you to oppose this proposed rule change. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/rogue-jet-boatworks-speaks-out-against-narrative-standard ### Title: Proposed Marine Board Rule Threatens Boat Businesses ### Page ID: 1497725 ### Content: I have been designing, building, and testing all-welded aluminum boats for 40 years. It is my life’s work. My love of the outdoors motivated me to dedicate my life helping others explore it. I have navigated six uncharted river systems in the Himalayas, running rivers in Patagonia, and now train others to do the same. My company’s headquarters is in White City. Oregon’s waterways easily stand up to those I’ve seen across the world, and they offer an amazing backdrop for testing the boats we build that serve thousands of customers each year. Sadly, each year Oregon becomes less friendly to boaters and businesses like mine with increasing overregulation of our lakes and rivers. Now there’s another ordinance in front of the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) called a “narrative standard.” The subjectivity of this citizen petition is over the top, especially for small business owners like myself who rely on access to local waterways in order to stay afloat and employ 20 people. If passed, I could receive a citation if the police think a boat I am testing is too loud, even if it’s within the legal decibel limit. The same would be true for local jet boat operators who bring valuable tourism to our area. Running a business under this much uncertainty is unacceptable. Narrative standards also place an added and unnecessary burden on our law enforcement officers, forcing them to spend valuable time and resources responding to noise complaints based solely on the opinions of individual citizens. Speaking of law enforcement, in addition to the boats we make for the general public, over half our production is for government and law enforcement agencies. Those boats will be impacted by this too. This citizen petition came about because one Portland jet skier who was disrespectful and inconsiderate on a small stretch of the Willamette River. The Portland waterfront homeowners behind this petition fail to understand the diverse nature of Oregon’s waterways and that what might not be appropriate on a busy Saturday afternoon on the Willamette is perfectly acceptable on Oregon’s remote waterways. We have to think of all users and all impacts and consider the unintended consequences of this regulation. The increasing overregulation of Oregon’s waterways poses a real threat to local businesses like mine. In Oregon alone recreational boating provides $1.6 billion in annual economic impact and supports 5,993 jobs and 419 small businesses. There are many established, fair rules to help keep us and our lakes and rivers safe. Our focus should be on abiding by the regulations that are in place. If we aren’t careful, boaters might find themselves without a waterway to call home. On behalf of myself as a boat owner, my boat manufacturing business and my boating customers, I ask the OSMB to vote down the “narrative standard” at their board meeting on July 28. Bruce Wassom is the Owner and President of [Rogue Jet Boatworks](https://roguejetboats.com/). This article originally appeared in the [Medford Mail Tribune](https://www.mailtribune.com/guest-opinion/2022/07/28/proposed-marine-board-rule-threatens-boat-businesses/). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/marine-board-rejects-citizen-petition ### Title: Marine Board Rejects Citizen Petition ### Page ID: 1511020 ### Content: July 28, 2022 - In a 4-1 vote the Oregon State Marine Board rejected the citizen watercraft noise petition at their board meeting yesterday. The proposed petition attempted to establish a subjective and over-the-top regulation allowing riverfront homeowners to call the police if they thought a boat or PWC was too loud. It also would have placed an unnecessary burden on law enforcement to implement an extremely subjective rule. Furthermore, the petition aimed to lower the shoreline decibel limit from 84 to 75 statewide and targeted personal watercraft users by restricting activities like flips or aerial tricks. Big thank you to the boating community for speaking out against this overreach. The board received over 300 pages of public comment on the petition and the opposition was well represented.  Special thank you to House Republican Leader Breese-Iverson, Deputy House Republican Leader Wallan, Rep. Cate, Rep. Rep. Hieb, Levy, Rep. Morgan, Rep. Meek, Rep. Reschke, Rep. Brock Smith and Rep. Wright for standing up for Oregon boating families. They publicly acknowledged the subjective and inappropriate approach of this petition. To help support pro-boating candidates in the upcoming election be sure to donate to the [Oregon Families for Boating PAC](www.oregonfamiliesforboating.com/actnow) today! Another huge thank you to the Sheriff's Association for opposing and drawing attention to the significant equity issues with the narrative standard. The Board did make the current temporary rule (75 dBA limit for PWCs between Willamette Falls and the Waverly Marina) permanent and took no further action. This was expected and largely supported by Oregon Families for Boating. This decision limits the impact of the rule to the area where the issue is occurring and removes the subjectivity of the proposed narrative standard. In addition, the vast majority of PWC manufactured in the last two decades fall below this limit. According to the Oregon State Marine Board, if a PWC was cited for exceeding the 75dB noise limit, the operator would be cited for a class B violation, which carries a fine of $265. “We commend the board’s decision to reject the citizen petition,” said Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports and Board Member of Oregon Families for Boating. “Demanding statewide limits to solve a hyperlocal issue was highly inappropriate. I sincerely hope this is the last attempt to restrict public access on Oregon’s waterways. It’s imperative that the Willamette River community find ways to work together, respectfully share the river and make it safer.” Speaking of decibels, always remember to wake responsibly and keep music at reasonable levels. This way every moment on Oregon’s lakes and rivers are safe and enjoyable for all. For more safety tips head on over to [https://www.wakeresponsibly.com/](https://www.wakeresponsibly.com/). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-voting-record ### Title: Newberg Pool Voting Record ### Page ID: 1619420 ### Content: August 24, 2022 - There are 33 legislators up for re-election that voted in favor of the Newberg Pool Bill (SB 1589). This drastic legislation kicked hundreds of families off of the river and impacted the local businesses that depend on their support. Help us change the tide by electing a more pro-boating legislature. Use your vote to show these legislators that you do not support over-regulating Oregon's waterways. We also encourage you to support the many legislators who voted against over-regulating the Newberg Pool. Check out the maps below and read on to see who's up for reelection in your district and what their voting record is. **Not sure what your voting districts are? Find them here:** [**https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html**](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html) Below is the Newberg Pool voting record of legislators up for re-election in the Oregon House of Representatives. Below is the Newberg Pool voting record of legislators up for re-election in the Oregon Senate. This work to advocate for the boating community is made possible, in part, by boaters like you. **Help us protect Oregon's boating community by donating to the Oregon Families for Boating PAC today at:** [**https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/key-races-to-watch-in-oregon ### Title: Key Races to Watch in Oregon ### Page ID: 1913962 ### Content: October 13, 2022 - Election day in Oregon is less than 30 days away. All the races in our state are important but there are three key races that have the potential to make a huge impact on the boating community. In Senate District 20 (parts of Clackamas and Marion County), Rep. Mark Meek is running against incumbent Sen. Bill Kennemer. Rep. Meek has consistently defended boaters in Oregon. He voted **against** the Newberg Pool Bill and was a vocal and instrumental opponent of the recent proposed narrative standard. Sen. Kennemer chief sponsored legislation restricting towed water sports activities.  “I will be a strong voice and advocate for the rights of Oregon boaters in the State Senate. Unfortunately, those rights are now under serious threat. As a State Representative I have been fighting against new restrictions on boaters that are being pushed by legislators from both political parties. Now it's more important than ever that we push back and stand up for the rights of all Oregonians to responsibly recreate in our beautiful outdoor public spaces. All Oregonians deserve the ability to enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly. If elected to the State Senate, I will continue this fight - and I will lead the effort to restore the rights of Oregon boaters that have been lost.” In House District 26 (includes portions of Clackamas and Washington counties), incumbent Rep. Courtney Neron seeks re-election against challenger Jason Fields. Fields is an ally of the boating community and understands the value boaters provide to Oregon. Rep. Neron was an enthusiastic supporter of SB 1589, which restricted use of public waterways.  “Oregon waterways should be enjoyed by all. We should do our part to preserve this beautiful state and maintain its beauty. There are places on our rivers that all water enthusiasts should be able to enjoy. If elected to serve as our next HD 26 legislator, I'm committed to working to ensure that all voices are heard. I will use a critical eye when evaluating laws that put limitations on river use for Oregonians.” Deb Patterson and Rep. Raquel Moore Green are locked in a race to represent a large chunk of Salem in Senate District 10. Patterson was a chief sponsor of SB 1589, harmful legislation to the boating community.   If you are in these districts, we urge you to vote for Rep. Mark Meek, Rep. Raquel Moore-Green and Jason Fields. Not sure which district you’re in? Check out our voting history map [here](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-voting-record). If you are in these districts, we urge you to **BE A BOATER VOTER** and vote for Rep. Mark Meek, Rep. Raquel Moore-Green and Jason Fields. Wondering if legislators up for re-election in your district have voted against the boating community? Check out our voter history guide [here](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-voting-record). Looking for boater voter recommendations in other districts? Check out the full Oregon Families for Boating Voting Guide [here](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/vote). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/oregon-boating-community-applauds-bipartisan-legislation ### Title: Oregon Boating Community Applauds Bipartisan Legislation ### Page ID: 2712519 ### Content: **Portland, Ore. - March 2, 2023** – The Oregon boating community praised the introduction of [Senate Bill 1071](chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB1071/Introduced), sponsored by Sen. Mark Meek (D), Sen. David Brock Smith (R), Rep. Ricki Ruiz (D) and Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R). The bipartisan bill is a crucial step in the right direction to restore reasonable public access to the Newberg Pool - supporting local families and small businesses. For decades, hundreds of local families have safely enjoyed towed watersports like tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding in the Willamette River’s Newberg Pool. Last year, the Oregon State Legislature narrowly passed SB 1589, which devastated the local boating community and small businesses that depend on recreational boating. The bill banned the majority of families registered to participate in towed watersports by setting an egregiously low weight limit for boats in the Newberg Pool. Only 7% of the 70+ boat models available from popular manufacturers fall under the weight limit as defined by SB 1589. With hundreds of families kicked off the river, local small businesses suffered millions in economic losses last summer. Foot traffic is significantly down at popular stores and accessories shops serving boaters, leading to sales declines as high as 50%. “Since the passage of SB 1589, recreational boating interest has sharply declined in the Newberg Pool,” said Bryan McLean, co-owner of Northwest Boat Sports in Oregon City. “These unnecessary restrictions prevent families from enjoying one of Oregon’s greatest natural resources and substantially reduced interest in recreating in the area. This decline actively harms businesses like ours and directly impacts our ability to provide livable wage jobs.” The newly-introduced SB 1071 will reasonably increase the weight limit and allow local recreationalists to find qualifying boats – restoring river access vital to communities, small businesses and livable wage jobs. It will also correct a serious overreach by aligning the Newberg Pool’s mile marker with SB 1589’s intended purpose of alleviating congestion in populated areas. “Thanks to SB 1589 I can’t even take my kids tubing on the river,” said Monie Gaba of Sherwood. “The law banned our boat from watersports in the Newberg Pool, making it so that our kids can’t experience the river our family has enjoyed for years. The upper Willamette was a godsend during the pandemic for our kids’ mental health as well, but now that’s been taken away. The current law isn’t common sense, and Oregon families need reasonable public access to the Newberg Pool. SB 1071 will allow us to get out on the river again and support local small businesses.” Recreational boating provides significant social and economic benefits across the state. Oregon recreational boaters support $1.6 billion in economic impact, nearly 6,000 jobs and over 400 local businesses. Oregonians spend more than 6.8 million activity days per year on the water participating in watersports and cruising. Passage of SB 1071 is critical to ensure that Oregonians have access to much-loved watersports activities. Oregon Families for Boating encourages concerned citizens to sign its petition to support SB 1071 and the restoration of sensible boating legislation. For more information and to sign the petition, visit [https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/inaugural-oregon-boating-advocacy-day ### Title: Inaugural Oregon Boating Advocacy Day ### Page ID: 3047432 ### Content: March 23, 2023 - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) joined recreational boating and fishing stakeholders and advocates, including Oregon-based marine dealers, and Oregon Families for Boating (OFFB) at Oregon’s inaugural “Advocacy Day” in Salem, Oregon. The coalition of industry stakeholders met with nearly 20 Oregon Senate and House of Representative legislators and staff to discuss legislative opportunities for recreational boating across the state. Advocacy Day served as an opportunity for NMMA, OFFB, and fellow Oregon residents to connect with local legislators and decision-makers. The group met with a members and from the Oregon House and Senate committees on Natural Resources, Rules, Business and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business, and more. A highlight of these meetings was the coalition’s support for SB 1071, which will restore boating access for towed water sports in a stretch of several miles within the Newberg Pool, a portion of the Willamette River outside of metropolitan Portland. On the Senate floor that day, [SB 1071](www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) bill sponsor Senator Mark Meek mentioned and praised the group’s advocacy work and spoke to the importance of maintaining boating access in Oregon. The NMMA team also visited Portland-based member Photon Marine to learn more about the organization’s innovative work on building electric outboard motor systems and bringing electric innovation to the Pacific Northwest. Photon Marine was recently featured for its innovation in electrification at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/recreational-boating-impact-in-oregon ### Title: Recreational Boating Impact in Oregon ### Page ID: 3162032 ### Content: May 17, 2023 - Not only is recreational boating fun, it provides significant value to Oregon's economy supporting thousands of jobs and hundreds of small businesses. Read on to learn more about recreational boating in Oregon. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/second-annual-wake-responsibly-bend ### Title: Wake Responsibly Central Oregon 6/7 ### Page ID: 3169978 ### Content: ###### BOATING EDUCATION ###### RAFFLE PRIZES ###### COLD BEVERAGES Save the date for Wake Responsibly – Central Oregon edition, a water sports community event sponsored by Lifestyle Wake. This gathering is THE boating community’s chance to learn and network with fellow water sports enthusiasts. Whether you board, ski, surf, tube, or even foil we want to see you on June 7th at Lifestyle Wake in Bend. Wake Responsibly is a campaign led by the Water Sports Industry Association that educates boaters about courteous behavior to ensure every moment on the lake is enjoyable for all. At the event you’ll meet fellow Central Oregon boaters, learn how motorized and non-motorized users alike can advocate for lake safety and get insights on water sports issues from local leaders. Central Oregon is a special place for families to recreate, and it’s crucial that we do everything we can to share it safely. The focus of the event will be about protecting Lake Billy Chinook, as well as other Central Oregon Waterways for towed watersports. We’ll have updates on the educational progress made over the last 12 months, in addition to exploring the best ways to address the impacts of towed watersports on our beloved Central Oregon waterways. We hope to see you at this years event and look forward to providing updates on these important topics! Please forward this to your boating friends that share the interest in keeping Lake Billy Chinook regulation free! All attendees will enjoy complimentary refreshments and have the chance to win exciting door prizes from Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Connelly, FatSac, Obrien, Aquaglide and more. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/volunteers-needed-provide-foster-children-and-unforgettable-day-on-the-water ### Title: Volunteers Needed: Provide Foster Children and Unforgettable Day on the Water ### Page ID: 3396024 ### Content: July 2, 2023 - Calling all Foster Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Fern Ridge Reservoir and East Devils Lake boaters! Wake the World, the largest volunteer organization dedicated to providing foster children with watersports opportunities, needs your support. Wake the World is eagerly anticipated by foster children and volunteers alike, as it creates a day filled with unforgettable memories and transformative experiences. By bringing together a community of caring individuals, the event generates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the day itself. If you’re inspired to make a difference, there are three ways you can contribute to the success of Wake the World. 1: Become a volunteer boat driver (inboard boats only). Driving is an excellent way to engage with the children and witness the joy firsthand directly. 2: Become a volunteer. From serving meals, fitting life vests, holding boats at the dock, registration, volunteers are needing to pull off this amazing day for these wonderful kids. 3: Donate to support the event’s logistics and ensure its success. This year’s Wake the World Oregon events will occur on the following days. To get involved, contact the event organizer below:  Date: July 21st Agape Youth Camp, July 24th WTW Oregon for Foster Kids Date: July 31st Foster Kids, August 25th Agape Youth Camp Interested in getting involved outside of Oregon? Check out Wake the World’s national schedule: www.waketheworld.org/events During the Wake the World event, each foster family is assigned their own boat and boat driver, ensuring a personalized experience for the children. This unique setup allows them to have undivided attention and maximize their enjoyment. The day is packed with an array of activities that empower the kids to explore new horizons. From learning how to wakeboard and wakesurf to trying water tubing or zip boarding, they are exposed to exhilarating experiences. The event introduces them to new activities and helps build their confidence and self-esteem. It is a testament to the power of collective action and compassion. Through its dedication to empowering foster children, the initiative provides them with opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach. The event’s personalized approach and diverse range of activities create an environment where kids can thrive, fostering their growth and happiness. Whether through volunteering, donating, or purchasing merchandise, everyone can make a difference in these incredible youngsters' lives. All events are sanctioned and insured through the World Wakeboard Association. See you out on the water! --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/2023-legislative-update ### Title: 2023 Legislative Update ### Page ID: 3469089 ### Content: July 17, 2023 – There is no doubt that there was a lot to take in from this past legislative session at our state capitol. From debates about pressing issues facing Oregon, to negotiating taxes and state budgets, to legislative walkouts and policy standoffs, there was hardly a dull moment in Salem this year. While we didn’t see the passage of SB 1071 that would have restored important boating access to residents and businesses alike to the Newberg Pool, the Oregon boating community galvanized support to bring attention to important issues facing our state's boating community. We had and impressive showing of grassroots bipartisan support from thousands of Oregonians who care about keeping recreational boating alive. SB 1071’s mission to increase public access to towed water sports in the beloved Newberg Pool wasn’t solely a grassroots effort; it was also a legislative one. We were energized to see 15 legislators across partisan lines sponsor this bill. Democrats and Republicans from both the House and Senate teamed together to increase boaters’ ability to safely and responsibly water ski, tube, and wakeboard in this treasured part of the Willamette River. We’ve started the important discussion of reversing the devastating effects of SB 1589 and have built significant support to bring this bill back in 2024. SB 1071’s lead sponsor, Senator Mark Meek (D-District 20), committed to support making the Newberg Pool boaters and small businesses in his district a priority in the 2024 interim session by reintroducing this legislation. We’re grateful for his efforts to make the Newberg Pool accessible to all and for his championship of the Oregon boating community. This effort began as a true movement to protect one of our state’s most enjoyed and cherished pastimes and has grown into a strong grassroots collective that has made the Oregon boating community stronger and more united in our legislative goals. Looking back at this session, we must also celebrate the success of the inaugural Oregon Boating Advocacy Day. Together, Oregon recreational boating advocates and Oregon-based marine dealers teamed up with the National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA) to meet with nearly 20 legislators from both parties in both the House and Senate to educate and encourage the support of boating within the state capitol. Moreover, the group successfully demonstrated the impact of this community which supports thousands of jobs and injects billions of dollars in the state economy every year. The boating community was well represented with members from across the state speaking passionately about the positive impact that boating has in their communities. We were encouraged to see such a strong showing of support for Oregon boating from the legislators we met with and look forward to continuing this day of advocacy in future legislative sessions. Thank you to all those who have been part of our efforts to be seen, heard, and represented at the capitol. We are lucky to have such an active and growing movement in this state that will keep advocating in the legislature to keep recreational boating a reality for future generations of Oregonians to come.  This summer we’re focusing on advocating for infrastructure improvements to Oregon’s docks and encourage the boating community to provide their opinions to the Oregon State Marine Board today via their survey: [Here](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boating-facilities/Pages/Six-Year-Plan.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=want_boating_access_englund_marine_hosting_state_marine_board_staffers&utm_term=2023-07-03). --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/take-the-osmb-boater-survey-today ### Title: Take the OSMB Boater Survey Today ### Page ID: 4257932 ### Content: November 10, 2023 - The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) is conducting a survey to learn about what types of boating activities Oregonians enjoy at different times of the year and on which waterways. It’s crucial recreational boaters are represented in this survey because it helps inform the OSMB about how to best serve us, and use our boating dollars. This survey is open now through November 30, 2023. It is designed to allow you to provide details for as many boating experiences you enjoy each month by waterway, boat type, and activity from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. Your input helps the OSMB better understand boater’s needs and preferences and is crucial in shaping their future decisions and improving services for boaters. At that end of the survey the OSMB asks for additional details about the specific boating experience or the boating facility in which you accessed the water from. We highly recommend boaters take the opportunity to give feedback on recommend facility or safety improvements to the launches, docks or waterways you used. [https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Boater-Survey.aspx](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Boater-Survey.aspx ) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/2024-pac ### Title: Advocating for Boater's Rights: Donate Today ### Page ID: 4380762 ### Content: The 2022 legislation that banned most boaters from doing their favorite towed water sports in the Newberg Pool (Willamette River) is a stark reminder that boaters need a stronger voice in Salem and more pro-boating legislators in office. This year 15 pro-boating legislators, of which many were endorsed by Oregon Families for Boating in the following election cycle, introduced commonsense legislation to increase public access to towed water sports in the Newberg Pool during the 2023 legislative year. While we didn’t see the passage of this bill (2023 was a tough year for anyone to pass a bill), we have continued to engage state legislators about reversing the devastating effects of the Newberg Pool rules and look forward to an exciting 2024 session. Stay tuned for more details early next year! Furthermore, it’s crucial we continue to support pro-boating legislators across Oregon to ensure boater’s priorities are represented in Salem and more excessive restrictions are not introduced on our other favorite lakes and rivers. A one-time donation from everyone on our email list will make a huge impact! Consider giving $5, $50, $100 or more today. **Your donations will help us advocate for pro-boating policies and support pro-boating legislators.**  **Give today at:** [https://www.cesystems.tech/campaign/oregonfamiliesforboating](https://www.cesystems.tech/campaign/oregonfamiliesforboating) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/protected-collection-item ### Title: Protected Page ### Page ID: 4492496 ### Content: In order to view the page, please enter the password below: --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/oregon-boating-community-commend-bipartisan-legislation-to-restore-more-recreational-boating-access-in-newberg-pool-2 ### Title: Oregon Boating Community Commend Bipartisan Legislation to Restore More Recreational Boating Access in Newberg Pool ### Page ID: 4859065 ### Content: **February 1, 2024** – The Oregon boating community enthusiastically welcomed the unveiling of Senate Bill 1590, an important initiative aimed at increasing public access to recreational boating in the Newberg Pool. This legislation not only stands as a beacon of support for local families and small businesses but also exemplifies bipartisan collaboration. Spearheaded by Senators Meek (D) and Brock Smith (R), along with Representatives Bynum (D) and Elmer (R), the bill enjoys widespread sponsorship from Senators Manning Jr. (D) and Woods (D); and Representatives Boice (R), Hieb (R) and Ruiz (D). Together, they collaboratively support a cause that goes beyond party affiliations, ensuring a positive future for both boating enthusiasts and the wider Newberg Pool community. 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. The bill banned the majority of families registered to participate in towed watersports by setting an arbitrarily low weight limit for boats in the Newberg Pool. While the bill was well-intentioned, it kicked hundreds of families off the river, and local small businesses suffered millions in economic losses due to the decline in recreation. SB 1590 is well-considered reform that puts forth the most effective Newberg Pool regulations tested over the last five years, including towed watersports education, dedicated zones and standardized weight limit. Thanks to the Oregon State Marine Board’s (OSMB) 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. SB 1590 carries forward this valuable program so boaters remain informed about the latest boater safety measures, effective wave management techniques and operator responsibilities. Improving public access includes restoring carefully planned zones by the OSMB, shaped with input from diverse river stakeholders. These zones ensure safety for river users and the environment by limiting towed watersports to suitable areas. An extensive list of state-wide boating laws remain in place as well. The legislation's final component includes implementing a standardized factory weight limit, which 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 enforce accurately. “Since the passage of SB 1589, recreational boating interest has sharply declined in the Newberg Pool,” said Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports in Oregon City. “These unnecessary restrictions prevent families from enjoying one of Oregon’s greatest natural resources and substantially reduce     interest in recreating in the area. This decline actively harms businesses like ours and directly impacts our ability to provide livable wage jobs.” “Thanks to SB 1589, I can’t even take my kids tubing on the river,” said Monie Gaba of Sherwood. “The law banned our boat from watersports in the Newberg Pool, making it so that our kids can’t experience the river our family has enjoyed for years. The upper Willamette was a godsend during the pandemic for our kids’ mental health as well, but now that’s been taken away. The current law isn’t common sense, and Oregon families need reasonable public access to the Newberg Pool. SB 1590 will allow us to get out on the river again and support local small businesses.” “For the last three summers, my family has followed all the necessary Newberg Pool rules, completing the education program, registering our boat and paying the fees,” said Darren Holsey of Wilsonville. “Imagine my surprise when the OSMB denied my application this year, deeming our previously legal boat ineligible, citing aftermarket ballast capability. We do have this upgrade, yet because it is offered for our boat model, we’ve been denied. Using nationally standardized weight limits will make it easier for consumers to purchase qualifying boats and for the OSMB to implement consistently.” Recreational boating provides significant social and economic benefits across the state. Oregon recreational boaters support $2.3 billion in economic impact, over 8,000 jobs and over 400 local businesses. The sport helps contribute $25 million annually to conservation and waterway infrastructure projects. Oregonians spend more than 6.8 million activity days per year on the water, participating in watersports and cruising, making SB 1590 important to ensuring Oregonians have access to the great outdoors. Oregon Families for Boating encourages concerned citizens to sign their petition to support SB 1590 and restore sensible boating legislation. For more information and to sign the petition, visit [www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow.](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/act-now-sb-1590 ### Title: Your Testimony is Needed! Act Now and Support for SB 1590 ### Page ID: 4905293 ### Content: We have great news – our mission to increase public access to towed watersports in the Newberg Pool is one step closer to reality. The Oregon Legislature is now accepting public comment on our bill. **The opposition is already weighing in and we need EVERY boater in Oregon to take two minutes today to show legislators that the majority of the community supports reform.** Please submit your written comment [**here**](https://bit.ly/TestimonySB1590) by Wednesday, February 14 at 11:59pm. By adding your voice to this cause, elected officials can hear from real people in their communities on the issues that matter to them. Below are some talking points and instructions to assist you with the process. Even if you already signed the [**petition**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow) we need you to submit written comment too. • Visit the Testimony Submission form for SB 1590 [**here.**](https://bit.ly/TestimonySB1590) • Fill in the name, residence and email address fields •  Tell the Oregon Legislature why you support this bill. Even a few sentences is fine. Include a personalized note on how this bill will impact your family or business. **Sample talking points to consider for your testimony:**  **•** SB 1590 will increase public access to towed water sports for hundreds of families along the Newberg Pool. This includes restoring carefully planned zones by the OSMB, shaped with input from diverse river stakeholders including small businesses, environmentalists and homeowners. These zones ensure safety for river users and the environment by limiting towed water sports to suitable areas. • SB 1590 carries forward the Oregon State Marine Board’s Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Education Program so boaters remain informed about the latest boater safety measures, effective wave management techniques and operator responsibilities. • 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. • Waves created by boats from a safe distance (i.e. 200 feet+ from shore) do not significantly impact shorelines according to peer-reviewed scientific studies. • Residential development is the leading source of human-caused erosion in the Newberg Pool according to ecological restoration engineer David Gorman. Moreover, natural occurrences such as winter storms have a much greater impact on erosion than boating. • There is no empirical evidence or peer-reviewed study that links the current restrictions to having any positive effect on fish populations. Wake sports largely take place in the summer, outside of key migratory or spawning months. Studies show that wake boats waves, when operated at least 200 feet from shore, do not carry enough energy to have a significant impact on most shorelines. For more information on the proposed legislation, visit [https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow.](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow. )[](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow. ) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/inaugural-oregon-boating-advocacy-day-2024 ### Title: Inaugural Oregon Boating Advocacy Day 2024 ### Page ID: 4926267 ### Content: Last week, NMMA and Oregon Families for Boating (OFFB) partnered together for the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Salem, Oregon. Joined by the Marine Retailers of the Americas Association (MRAA) and Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), the coalition met with over 20 Oregon legislators from the House and Senate and their staff to discuss legislative opportunities for recreational boating across the state. Advocacy Day served as an opportunity for OFFB and fellow Oregon residents to connect with local legislators and decision-makers. The group met with a variety of members from the Oregon Senate, in particular those who sit on the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. A highlight of these meetings was the coalition’s support for S.B. 1590, which will restore boating access in the Newberg Pool, a long stretch of the Willamette River outside of metropolitan Portland. S.B. 1590 carries forward the Oregon State Marine Board’s (OSMB) Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Education Program as well as implements a standardized factory weight limit to ensure recreationalists are abiding by OSMB’s regulations. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Meek, who has been an integral partner of the boating community since his election in 2022. Alongside Senator Meek (D) are chief co-sponsors Senator Brock Smith (R), Representative Bynum (D), and Representative Elmer (R), making this bill a bipartisan effort. S.B. 1590 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire on Tuesday, February 13. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/2024-legislative-update ### Title: 2024 Legislative Update ### Page ID: 5021448 ### Content: This year, Oregon Families for Boating welcomed [**Senate Bill 1590,**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Measures/Overview/SB1590) an important initiative aimed at increasing public access to recreational boating in the Newberg Pool. We made impressive momentum with 9 legislators across partisan lines sponsoring this bill and overwhelming support from thousands of Oregonians who advocated for Newberg Pool families and small businesses. While we didn’t see the passage of SB 1590 because some legislators felt this year’s short legislative session would not provide ample time for debate and discussion, we made significant progress with more legislators than ever standing up in support of the bill. At the bill’s public hearing Senator’s Meek, Brock-Smith and Emler all spoke in support of the bill and the majority of public testimony was in favor of passing this important legislation. Due the this positive momentum, legislators are committed to making the Newberg Pool boaters and small businesses a priority in the 2025 session by reintroducing legislation. Oregon Families for Boating would like to extend our sincere thanks to SB 1590’s chief sponsors, Senators Mark Meek (D) and Brock Smith (R) and Representatives Bynum (D) and Elmer (R) along with co-sponsors Senators Manning Jr. (D) and Woods (D) and Representatives Boice (R), Hieb (R) and Ruiz (D) for their support and significant momentum on this bill. We are grateful for their efforts to make the Newberg Pool accessible to all and for their championship of the Oregon boating community. Together, they collaboratively support a cause that goes beyond party affiliations, ensuring a positive future for both boating enthusiasts and the broader Newberg Pool community. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the thousands of Oregonians who voiced their support for the bill by signing the petition, submitting written comment or testifying at the hearing. During this year’s legislative session, we also celebrated the success of the second annual Oregon Boating Advocacy Day. Together, Oregon recreational boating advocates and Oregon-based marine dealers teamed up to meet with over 20 legislators from both parties in the House and Senate to educate and discuss legislative opportunities for recreational boating across the state. Read more about our 2024 Oregon Boating Advocacy Day [**here.**](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/inaugural-oregon-boating-advocacy-day-2024) Oregon Families for Boating will continue to advocate for boating families and small businesses across Oregon and is eager to bring this issue back to the legislature in January 2025. In the meantime, here are two ways you can help pave the way to make the passage of this bill a success in 2025: 1.    **Donate to the Oregon Families for Boating PAC today!** Help us elect lawmakers who support the boating community. There will be open seats up for re-election in November and it’s imperative that we elect pro-boating candidates in these seats. Support our 2025 lobby efforts by donating $25 to the Oregon Families for Boating PAC for the 2025 session and stay tuned for the Oregon Families for Boating election guide later this year. 2.    **Wake Responsibly:** Practice safe and responsible boating not just on the water, but off the water too by educating fellow Oregonian boaters [**how to wake responsibility**](https://www.wakeresponsibly.com/) and promote a safe boating environment for all. Learn more today at www.wakeresponsibly.com. Thank you to all those who have been part of our efforts to be seen, heard, and represented at the capitol. We are lucky to have such an active and growing movement in this state that will keep advocating in the legislature to keep recreational boating a reality for future generations of Oregonians to come. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/waketheworld2024 ### Title: Volunteers Needed: Provide Foster Children and Unforgettable Day on the Water ### Page ID: 5671855 ### Content: Calling all Foster Lake, Lake Billy Chinook and East Devils Lake boaters! Wake the World, the largest volunteer organization dedicated to providing foster children with watersports opportunities, needs your support. Wake the World is eagerly anticipated by foster children and volunteers alike, as it creates a day filled with unforgettable memories and transformative experiences. By bringing together a community of caring individuals, the event generates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the day itself.  **If you’re inspired to make a difference, there are three ways you can contribute to the success of Wake the World.**  This year’s Wake the World Oregon events will occur on the following days. To get involved, contact the event organizer below:  **Volunteer sign up:** [**https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQtXhiB9hruO19vqFTeXXEyAjTZpoIIj3BcHfS5s1d2eOV-w/viewform**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQtXhiB9hruO19vqFTeXXEyAjTZpoIIj3BcHfS5s1d2eOV-w/viewform ) [](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQtXhiB9hruO19vqFTeXXEyAjTZpoIIj3BcHfS5s1d2eOV-w/viewform ) **Wake the World Oregon (2 Boats Needed for July 19th)**  During Wake the World events, each foster family is assigned their own boat and boat driver, ensuring a personalized experience for the children. This unique setup allows them to have undivided attention and maximize their enjoyment. The day is packed with an array of activities that empower the kids to explore new horizons. From learning how to wakeboard and wakesurf to trying water tubing or zip boarding, they are exposed to exhilarating experiences. The event introduces them to new activities and helps build their confidence and self-esteem.  It is a testament to the power of collective action and compassion. Through its dedication to empowering foster children, the initiative provides them with opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach. The event’s personalized approach and diverse range of activities create an environment where kids can thrive, fostering their growth and happiness. Whether through volunteering, donating, or purchasing merchandise, everyone can make a difference in these incredible youngsters' lives. All events are sanctioned and insured through the World Wakeboard Association. See you out on the water!  1. The greatest need is to become a volunteer boat driver (inboard boats only). Driving is an excellent way to engage with the children and witness the joy firsthand directly.  2. Become a volunteer - from serving meals, fitting life vests, holding boats at the dock, registration, volunteers are needing to pull off this amazing day for these wonderful kids.  3. Donate to support the event’s logistics and ensure its success. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/wake-responsibly-towed-watersports-awareness-event-at-lake-billy-chinook ### Title: Wake Responsibly Towed Watersports Awareness Event at Lake Billy Chinook ### Page ID: 5903039 ### Content: **Join Us for an Exciting On-Water Event Open to All Boating Enthusiasts!** The goal of the event is to raise awareness of best practices for towed watersports. [Learn more here](https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/lbc). Aquaglide, the industry leader in aquapark products, is bringing an action-packed pop-up aquapark to Lake Billy Chinook! Test your agility and skills on a floating obstacle course featuring a jump station, slide, bouncer, balance beam, and more! From 1:00-2:00 PM, we’ll hold time trials on the obstacle course. The participant with the fastest time wins an awesome **Backside Lounge** from Aquaglide. [Check it out here!](https://www.aquaglide.com/products/backside-lounge?q=backside%2520lounge&_pos=1&_sid=7bd07ee99&_ss=r) A representative from the Water Sports Industry Association will be at the event to discuss ways to foster a peaceful environment on all waterways. Wake responsibly is a campaign the educates boaters about courteous behavior to ensure the lake is safe and enjoyable for all. Box Canyon (a.k.a. Party Cove), located west of Three Rivers Marina on the north side of Lake Billy Chinook. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/newberg-pool-voting-record-copy ### Title: Newberg Pool Voting Record ### Page ID: 6118024 ### Content: October 11, 2024 - In 2022, the legislature narrowly passed SB 1589, which devastated the Newberg Pool boating community and small businesses that depend on recreational boating. There are now **26 legislators up for re-election this year** who voted in favor of these Newberg Pool towed watersports restrictions. The bill banned the majority of families registered to participate in towed watersports by setting an arbitrarily low weight limit for boats in the Newberg Pool and banned wake surfing. While the bill was well-intentioned, it kicked hundreds of families off the river​,​ and local small businesses suffered millions in economic losses.  Use this voter guide to make sure you are supporting pro-boating legislators in your district! We encourage you to support the many legislators who voted against over-regulating the Newberg Pool. In addition, we’d like to recognize legislators up for re-election who have supported subsequent bills to increase public access to recreational boating in the Newberg Pool. The following legislators stand as a beacon of support for local families and small businesses and exemplify bipartisan collaboration.   Check out the maps below and read on to see who's up for reelection in your district and what their voting record is.   **Not sure what your voting districts are? Find them here:** **https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html**  Below is the Newberg Pool voting record of legislators up for re-election in the Oregon House of Representatives. Below is the Newberg Pool voting record of legislators up for re-election in the Oregon Senate. This work to advocate for the boating community is made possible, in part, by boaters like you. Help us protect Oregon's boating community by donating to the Oregon Families for Boating PAC today at: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow  - Representative Boice (District 1)  - Representative Evans (District 20)  - Representative Elmer (District 24)  - Representative Ruiz (District 50) --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/senatebill301 ### Title: Support Newberg Pool Reform ### Page ID: 7001445 ### Content: March 24, 2025 - **Today's the day we need EVERY boater in Oregon to take two minutes to show legislators that the majority of the community supports Newberg Pool reform.** The Oregon Legislature is accepting public comment on Senate Bill 301, our new initiative to remove ballast from the Newberg Pool boat weight limit and increase the opportunity for wakeboarding, waterskiing and tubing. Please submit your written comments [**here**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Testimony/SEE/SB/301/2025-03-26-15-00?area=Measures) today, **Wednesday, March 26.**  By adding your voice to this cause, elected officials can hear from real people in their communities on the issues that matter to them. We know the boating community is exhausted from advocating for this issue, but this has real momentum, and we need your support to get it to the finish line. Below are some talking points and instructions to assist you with the simple process that only takes two minutes.  **Below is a sample letter that you are encouraged to customize to describe how this issue has impacted your family.**  My name is \[insert name here\] and I’m an active user of the Willamette River. I am writing you to express my strong support for Senate Bill 301. The towed water sports community has a very simple and reasonable request with this legislation to be treated equally to all other boat users in the deep waters of the Newberg Pool.  Many boaters with ballast capability are unfairly excluded from participating in their favorite activities, such as tubing, water skiing and wakeboarding in the Newberg Pool, because their unused ballast weight is counted toward the overall weight limit. Today, a fishing or pontoon boat with a dry weight of 5,500 pounds is eligible to tow a tuber in the Newberg Pool, but an everyday recreational boat with a much lower dry weight cannot because it has ballast capability, which is prohibited.   This small adjustment makes it easier for the Oregon State Marine Board to manage the towed water sports program and for customers to understand which boats qualify. There is no national standard for registering ballast capacity, making compliance a moving target. The legislation’s “maximum ballast capacity” is also overtly punitive. Families have purchased boats with smaller ballast capacity to ensure they are under the 5,500 combined weight limit, only to be denied a permit because their boat line has a model with a larger ballast, which they did not purchase.  I do not believe legislators intended to exclude more than 90% of new recreational boat models from the river, crushing local small businesses and making it almost impossible for everyday people to buy qualifying boats. We want to have the opportunity to share the river, have fun with our families and safely enjoy the sports we love for a few months out of the year.  With this legislation, the Newberg Pool will remain one of Oregon's most highly regulated water bodies. To tow riders in this river stretch, boaters must meet the weight requirement, complete an online safety education course, apply for a towed watersports decal and pay additional fees.  Please support local small businesses and families like mine by passing this small yet meaningful ask.  \------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In addition, we encourage you to email Senator Meek at **Sen.MarkMeek@oregonlegislature.gov** to thank him for advocating for the recreational boating community by introducing this bill. He’s standing up for what’s right here, and we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to thank him.  We also want to acknowledge that many from our community would like to see the surf zones reinstated in the Newberg Pool. While this bill will not bring wake surfing back, we see this legislation as a positive step in the right direction.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reply to this email. - Visit the Testimony Submission form for Senate Bill 301 at: [**https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Testimony/SEE/SB/301/2025-03-26-15-00?area=Measures**](https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Testimony/SEE/SB/301/2025-03-26-15-00?area=Measures) - Fill in the name, residence and email address fields - Choose “support” for your position on this bill - Select “text testimony” - Write in your text testimony  - Respectfully tell the Oregon Legislature why you support this bill. Even just a couple of sentences saying you support the bill works. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/home ### Title: Home ### Page ID: 248795 ### Content: ## NEWBERG POOL VIRTUAL TOUR HELP US ENSURE RECREATIONAL BOATING'S FUTURE IN OREGON Oregon Families for Boating is a community of boating enthusiasts, clubs and local small businesses dedicated to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians. **By developing best practices, maintaining waterway access rights, educating the community, promoting safety, and supporting sound environmental stewardship, we ensure recreational boating’s future in Oregon.** We support the 160,000+ families across Oregon that enjoy recreational boating and 400+ local companies that depend on their business. As a unified group, we make sure state lawmakers hear our collective voice. Our community organizers, lobbyists and lawyers work together to advocate for reasonable and responsible access to Oregon’s waterways for motorized and non-motorized sports. To foster a responsible environment on our waterways, we educate boaters about courteous behavior to ensure every moment on Oregon’s waterways is safe and enjoyable for all. As stewards of the environment and the communities where we live and work, the recreational boating community continues to advocate for environmental protection and safety throughout our waterways. Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports, and Bryan McLean, Co-owner of Northwest Boat Sports take viewers on a tour of the Newberg Pool, arguably one of the most highly regulated bodies of water in Oregon. See why Senate Bill 1071 is a crucial step in the right direction to restore reasonable public access to the Newberg Pool - supporting local families and small businesses. © Oregon Families for Boating. All Rights Reserved. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/news ### Title: News ### Page ID: 658728 ### Content: # LATEST NEWS Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports, takes viewers on a tour of the Newberg Pool, arguably one of the most highly regulated bodies of water in Oregon. The Newberg Pool is a 20-mile section of the Willamette River from river mile 30-50, roughly between Roger's Landing in Newberg and Bernert Landing in West Linn.  We have an amazing and diverse river community. It's important to share with our fellow water enthusiasts important rules and tips for how to coexist together safely on the water. Oregon Families for Boating is a community of boating enthusiasts, clubs and local small businesses dedicated to ensuring boating opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/actnow ### Title: Act Now ### Page ID: 665829 ### Content: # ACT NOW # SUPPORT BOATING # ADVOCACY TODAY #### Increase public access Oregon's waterways #### Support local small businesses that depend on recreation #### Protect vital jobs and economic impact #### Support healthy family outdoor activities ##### Recreational boating brings significant social and economic value to our state. Help us protect the future of recreational boating in Oregon. Oregon Families for Boating is raising funds to support efforts that preserve waterway access, promote safe and enjoyable boating, and advocate for the rights of Oregon’s boating community. **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. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/privacy-policy ### Title: Privacy Policy ### Page ID: 669643 ### Content: ### Privacy Policy We collect information from you when you subscribe to our newsletter, respond to a survey, or fill out a form. When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name or e-mail address. 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This online privacy policy applies only to information collected through our website and not to information collected offline. By using our site, you consent to our privacy policy. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page. If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy contact us at contact@oregonfamiliesforboating.com. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/satefy ### Title: Satefy ### Page ID: 1515330 ### Content: # WAKE RESPONSIBLY # SUPPORT PRO-BOATING CANDIDATES TODAY # RECOMMENDED DONATION #### Supra SE # **$1,000** #### Mastercraft X26 #### Malibu Wakesetter #### Ski Centurion # VOTE FOR PRO-BOATING CANDIDATES #### Voted FOR Newberg Pool Restrictions #### Voted AGAINST Newberg Pool Restrictions Our waterways have never been more regulated than they are now, which means making sure our voices are heard is more important than ever. We need more pro-boating candidates for office in the upcoming Oregon elections. Candidates who understand the value our boating community brings to our cities, counties and state. Candidates who will preserve waterway access and support our recreation boating community. We need candidates who recognize that the Upper Willamette wake surf bans and weight restrictions go too far and help us roll them back. We need candidates who will reject, not support unnecessary proposals like the egregious noise petition currently being considered by the OSMB. We need candidates who will reject proposals being circulated to limit watersports on Lake Billy Chinook. With this increasing overregulation, the boating community’s engagement in the political process is crucial. Simply put, we need your help supporting pro-boating candidates. 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 in the coming year. Join us in supporting candidates that will support boaters. Please donate today. **To help preserve waterway access we recommend that boaters donate .5% of the current value of their boat.** Help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 to support pro-boating candidates and make our voice heard in Salem! Another way Oregonians can advocate for fair access to our waterways is to support elected officials who voted against Senate Bill 1589. Many are coming up for reelection soon. Below is a complete list of how our elected officials cast their vote. You can confirm who your local legislators are [here](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html). Stay tuned for the Oregon Families for Boating election guide by following us on [Facebook](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/findyourlegislator/leg-districts.html), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oregonboaters/) or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/OregonBoaters). We’ll be recommending pro-boating candidates to vote for throughout the election season. *Rep. Dexter - Rep. Fahey - Senator Gelser Blouin - Rep. Gomberg - Rep. Grayber - Rep. Helm - Rep. Holvey - Rep. Hudson - Senator Jama - Senator Kennemer - Rep. Kropf - Rep. Lively - Senator Manning Jr - Rep. Marsh - Rep. McLain - Rep. Nathanson - Rep. Nelson - Rep. Neron - Rep. Nosse - Senator Patterson - Rep. Pham - Senator Prozanski - Rep. Reynolds - Speaker Rayfield - Rep. Sanchez - Rep. Smith G. - Senator Steiner Hayward - Senator Sollman - Rep. Sosa - Rep. Valderrama - Senator Wagner* Rep. Bonham - Rep. Bynum - Rep. Cate - Rep. Evans - Rep. Goodwin - Rep. Hieb - Rep. Levy - Rep. Lewis - Rep. Meek - Rep. Morgan - Rep. Owens - Rep. Reschke - Rep. Ruiz - Rep. Scharf - Rep. Smith DB - Senator Thatcher - Rep. Wallan - Rep. Wright 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.  **DONATE TODAY:**  https://secure.c-esystems.com/oregonfamiliesforboating/donation.aspx --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/vote ### Title: Vote ### Page ID: 1618726 ### Content: # 2024 VOTING GUIDE # IMPORTANT LINKS # STATE REPRESENTATIVES ## DONATE TO THE OREGON FAMILIES FOR BOATING PAC ## SEE WHO VOTED FOR THE NEWBERG POOL BILL One of the best ways Oregon boating families can prevent further overregulation of our waterways is by voting for pro-boating candidates in the upcoming 2024 election. The Oregon Families for Boating PAC supports candidates on both sides who take positions to protect public access and favor education rather than overregulation to keep Oregon's waterways safe. Don't see your district below? Stay tuned for more candidate announcements. With increasing overregulation, the boating community’s engagement in the political process is crucial. We need your help supporting pro-boating candidates. 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. Join us in supporting candidates that will support boaters. There are currently 26 legislators up for re-election who voted for the Newberg Pool Bill (SB1589) in the 2022 legislative session. This bill devastated Oregon's boating community by kicking hundreds of families off of the river. See how legislators in your district cast their vote and keep this in mind heading into November. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/wake-responsibly ### Title: Wake Responsibly ### Page ID: 5304054 ### Content: ##### Join us in showcasing the importance of safe and responsible boating practices. Below is an easy to use toolkit with social media posts and images to encourage fellow boaters to Wake Responsibly. We encourage you to share the tips below on your social media channels to spread awareness of the importance of safe boating this summer.  HERE'S HOW YOU CAN PROMOTE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BOATING THIS SUMMER! **Copy and paste** one of the sample messages below to your social media account — or create your own message using the #WakeResponsibly hashtag. To download a graphic, **click on the image** of your choice to open a new browsing window. Click on the download arrow located in the top right-hand corner of the new page. **Press download** and add the image to your desktop or folder of choosing. **Upload** the saved image saved to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account to accompany your text. Click **publish** and encourage others to #WakeResponsibly! Have you taken the #WakeResponsibly pledge? We can make Oregon’s waterways safe and fun for all by: ? Staying at least 200 feet away from docks and shorelines ? Visit [www.WakeResponsibly.com](www.WakeResponsibly.com) to take the pledge and learn how you can #WakeResponsibly this summer. Commit to #WakeResponsibly and keep our waters safe this summer. You can do your part by following local water laws and respecting fellow boaters. Want to make a positive splash? Choose to #WakeResponsibly and keep our waters safe by maintaining a minimum distance of 200 feet from docks, shores and other boaters. ? ? Learn more ways you can #WakeResponsibly at: www.WakeResponsibly.com Be good to fellow boaters by minimizing repetitive passes. ?  How’s your boating etiquette? Test your knowledge today: ? https://bit.ly/3aJcabf #WakeResponsibly @Water Sports Industry Association Did you know? Sound carries farther on the water than it does on land. While watersports and enjoying music go hand-in-hand, be courteous to your fellow boaters and lakeside/riverside residents by keeping music at reasonable levels while recreating. ? ☀️ Always #WakeResponsibly. Learn more: [www.wakeresponsibly.com](www.wakeresponsibly.com) @Water Sports Industry Association Accidents can happen when you least expect it. Regardless of age or swimming ability, wearing a life jacket is crucial to staying safe on the water. ? Suit up in a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket and ensure you and your passengers wear a life jacket on the water. Need a loaner? Float on over to @boatoregon ? to find a station near you [https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/life-jacket-loaner-stations.aspx](https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/life-jacket-loaner-stations.aspx) Alcohol can have a stronger effect when combined with sun, wind, and motion. If you choose to have a drink, drink responsibly and have a designated Sober Skipper before leaving the dock. Take the pledge to have a Sober Skipper at: [bit.ly/soberskipperpledge](bit.ly/soberskipperpledge) Dive in with tips from @LifestyleWake to see how you can #WakeResponsibly this summer. ·Stay at least 200 feet away from docks and shorelines. Choose a designated Sober Skipper before leaving the dock. --- ## URL: https://www.oregonfamiliesforboating.org/wake-the-world-oregon-2025 ### Title: Volunteers Needed: Provide Foster Children and Unforgettable Day ### Page ID: 7129738 ### Content: Calling all Lake Billy Chinook, Foster Lake and Fern Ridge Reservoir boaters! Wake the World, the largest volunteer organization dedicated to providing foster children with watersports opportunities, needs your support. Wake the World is eagerly anticipated by foster children and volunteers alike, as it creates a day filled with unforgettable memories and transformative experiences. By bringing together a community of caring individuals, the event generates a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the day itself.  **If you’re inspired to make a difference, there are three ways you can contribute to the success of Wake the World.**  This year’s Wake the World Oregon events will occur on the following days. To get involved, contact the event organizer below:  **Volunteer Sign Up:** [**https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQtXhiB9hruO19vqFTeXXEyAjTZpoIIj3BcHfS5s1d2eOV-w/viewform?usp=sf\_link**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQtXhiB9hruO19vqFTeXXEyAjTZpoIIj3BcHfS5s1d2eOV-w/viewform?usp=sf_link) 1. The greatest need is to become a volunteer boat driver (V drive or direct drive only). Driving is an excellent way to engage with the children and witness the joy firsthand directly.  2. Become a volunteer - from serving meals, fitting life vests, holding boats at the dock, registration, volunteers are needing to pull off this amazing day for these wonderful kids.  3. Donate to support the event’s logistics and ensure its success.