Holgate Channel NO Wake Zone Hearing

On January 20th the Oregon State Marine Board will make a final decision on whether to establish a No Wake Zone in the Holgate Channel east of Ross Island. This will bring to a close a process that has no extended out over more than two years.  We have already had some significant success by establishing a no wake zone in the Ross Island Lagoon. However, We need your help to ensure that the Marine Board also takes the necessary steps to protect public safety and natural resources in the Holgate Channel. Currently they are proposing to ban wake enhancing devises on motor boats in the Holgate Channel and a very limited no wake zone at the Southern end of the Holgate Channel. While this represents a step forward, it is still insufficient to achieve necessary level of boater safety and natural resource protection.

Please email the Marine Board and Come to testify on the evening of January 20th!

What: Oregon State Marine Board Rulemaking Hearing on Ross Island/ Holgate Channel No Wake Zone

When: January 20, 2011  7-10 pm

Where: Portland Building Auditorium, 1120 SW 5th

Key Messages: 

·       Thank  the Marine board for the time they are taking to consider this issue
·       Support rulemaking that prohibits the use of wake enhancing devices in the Holgate channel
·       Urge the Marine Board to establish a no wake zone throughout the entire Holgate Channel. The currently proposed no-wake zone from the point 200 feet north of East Island to the south end of the channel does nothing to mitigate the most congested/dangerous area in the Holgate channel 

·       Urge the Marine Board to work with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office to increase patrols around Ross Island
·       It is entirely reasonable to set aside a small area between Ross Island and Oaks Bottom for quiet enjoyment of nature. Establishing a no-wake zone in the Holgate Channel will increase safety in an area that is very heavily utilized by canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats

·       Create a rare oasis of relative calm and quiet on an otherwise very busy river---a place where people can hear the birds… see an otter… have an intimate experience with nature

·       Protect in-water and  riparian restoration efforts along the channel
·       Protect sensitive nesting avian species from disturbance
·       Reduce a serious erosion problem on Ross Island which is largely a result of wave action from boat wakes

Written comments may be submitted via email to osmb.rulemaking@state.or.us

No telephone comments will be accepted.

Thank you for your ongoing support of a No Wake Zone at Ross Island