Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon State Marine Board is considering new rules for power boats on a 14-mile stretch of the lower Willamette River.  Pete Springer reports.

The Marine Board is seeking public comments on new rules proposed for power boats on the Willamette between Canby and Newberg.

The proposal would prohibit 180-degree turns and ban the use of wake enhancing devices. 

Those are used to create a two to three foot wake behind recreational boats as they tow people on wake boards.

But the large wakes also cause erosion and dock damage. 

Ashley Massey is with the Oregon State Marine board.

Ashley Massey: “We are seeing more conflicts based on new technology, new boats, and really it’s a dynamic of change over time -- you know the technology has gotten better, boats are getting faster and you know, people’s use, boating use has changed.”

The Marine Board is accepting comments on the proposal until September 9th.  A final  decision on the proposed rules is expected in October