Salem, Ore. –The Oregon State Marine Board has clarified and simplified two aspects of the new program to prevent aquatic invasive species from being introduced or spread throughout Oregon. The program, which becomes effective Jan, 1, 2010, was created by the 2009 Oregon Legislature.

The two key issues are reciprocity between Oregon, Washington and Idaho for boaters in the Columbia and Snake rivers and establishment of a minimum age for boaters who are required to have a permit.

Based on the tri-state Boating Offense Compact, it has been determined that Washington and Idaho boaters, who pay for aquatic invasive species prevention programs in their states, are not required to have an Oregon Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit while boating in the Columbia or Snake rivers. However, when they move into Oregon’s state waters, such as the Multnomah Channel or Willamette, Deschutes and John Day rivers, boaters are required to have an Oregon permit.

The reciprocity agreement also extends to boat launch sites in Oregon.

Washington and Idaho boaters may launch into the Columbia or Snake rivers or into tributaries within one river mile of rivers without a permit for the purposes of accessing the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Oregon boaters can also launch from sites in Washington to access the Columbia River. Oregon officials are seeking similar recognition for Oregon invasive species permit holders who want to launch in Idaho.

The second clarification of the program deals with the minimum age permit requirements for manually powered boats, including canoes, kayaks, driftboats, etc. Under the new rules, youngsters 13 years old and younger are not required to have a permit.

The Oregon Marine Board, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, was directed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature to implement a prevention program similar to Idaho and other western state programs. The program charges a permit fee to motorized and manually powered boat operators to fund regional inspection teams and statewide coordination of aquatic invasive species prevention efforts. “By and large, people have been supportive of this new fee as long as the funds are focused on prevention of aquatic invasive species,” said Randy Henry, policy analyst for the Oregon Marine Board.

Additional information on the new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, aquatic invasive invaders and background on the legislation, rules, the prevention techniques can be found at www.boatoregon.com.

For information on the new fees and to find answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Oregon Marine Board Website, http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/programs/09LawsFAQs.shtml