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Resolution #3 -Never Launch a Dirty Boat

Oregon is special to the people who live here because of the clear
water, lush greenery and abundant wildlife. The 2009 Legislature passed
two new laws affecting boaters in order to protect Oregon waterways from
aquatic invasive species that threaten Oregon's pristine beauty and
ecology. "Aquatic invasive species are spread primarily by boats,"
says Massey. Eurasian watermilfoil and New Zealand mud snails are
species that have already contaminated some of Oregon's waterways.
"Non-native species can easily hitch a ride on a boat and be
transported to another waterbody," Massey adds. The "Clean
Launch" law (HB 2583) prohibits launching a boat if there are any
visible aquatic species on the hull, motor, trailer or related
equipment, or any invasive species inside the boat. The goal of the law
is to prevent aquatic invasive plants, shellfish or other organisms from
being released into un-infested waters. Boaters need to remove all
vegetation and mud from inside and outside their boat, trailer, motor,
fishing gear, waders and other equipment before launching into a new
waterway. Even a garden hose is effective at removing most vegetation.
The other new law, The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program (HB
2220) aims to educate boaters, both motorized and non-motorized alike,
about the threat of aquatic invasive species and create an inspection
program to detect and prevent aquatic invasive species from entering our
waterways. The program also requires boaters of paddle craft (and
non-registered sail boats) 10 feet long and longer to purchase an
aquatic invasive species prevention permit when operating on the water.
Non-motorized boat operators pay an annual $7 permit fee ($5 permit plus
$2 agent fee) and motorized boat owners pay $5 automatically when they
renew their boat's registration. Current registration decals are
proof of payment into the program for motorboat owners. Funds generated
from this program will fund five regional inspection teams, pay for
education/outreach materials, signage, voluntary boat inspections and
decontamination of infested boats. The fees will also pay for training
and decontamination equipment.

The Marine Board also discourages salt-water boaters from flushing
their motors in fresh-water lakes because this is spreading New Zealand
mud snails to other freshwater lakes throughout the Oregon Coast. The
best location to wash your boat is at a commercial car wash or on a lawn
or other permeable surface away from storm drains, ditches or other
waterways. "Once invasive species are here, they're nearly
impossible to eradicate," Massey adds. "Prevention is our best
defense." Resolve to clean, drain and dry your boat after each use.

For more information about boating in Oregon, visit www.boatoregon.com.
To purchase an aquatic invasive species prevention permit, visit the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's website at
www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp.
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