Waterway Access Permit: Out with the Old, In with the New
Over the last handful of years, Oregon paddlers have become familiar with the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits required for all non-motorized craft 10′ and longer. This was an annual permit to fund the prevention of invasive species in our waterways such as Zebra Mussels. Boat inspection stations at Oregon borders have been checking both paddle craft and power boats that may be carrying unwanted critters into the state. In 2019, there were approximately 400 different craft unwittingly transporting ecological saboteurs – that’s one every day! (2019 AIS Annual Report)
AIS is not going away, but it is now a piece of the new-for-2020 Waterway Access Permit. Read below for info and resources regarding the new Oregon permit.
First, all craft 10′ and longer are REQUIRED to have a Waterway Access Permit to paddle in Oregon. The can be purchase online or in person at an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office or an approved ODFW license agent/vendor.
There are three price tiers for permits:
7-days: $5
1 year: $19
2 years: $32
Check out the FAQ page regarding Oregon’s Waterway Access Permit, the ODFW’s brief rundown, or you can read below for a quick synopsis.
The new Waterway Access Permit includes the previous AIS Permit. The additional price of the Waterway Access Permit goes into a fund to maintain, improve, and expand access and facilities for non-motorized craft. That means existing boat launches may see improvements like ADA canoe/kayak launches and restrooms. We also hope to see new access points for paddlers on many different bodies of water.
Do you have a mighty fleet of paddle craft? You will need a Waterway Access Permit for each kayak, canoe, or SUP in use. If you have 6 boats but only use 1 craft at a time, then you only need 1 permit. That goes for tandem kayaks and canoes as well – just one permit per craft on the water. If you are bringing friends or family and using your other craft, you will need additional permits – again one per craft. Print out your permit and laminate it and/or save a copy to your phone. The waterproof Tyvek tags will no longer be issued. You’ll just need to show proof of purchase if approached by a sheriff.
Permits are not specific to a boat or a person so they are transferable. We are not “registering” our boats and there are no stickers involved. Your proof of purchase shows that you are complying with Oregon’s effort to manage invasive species and contribute to the development of non-motorized access.
Did you buy a 2-year AIS permit in 2019? You are good through 2020, but you will need to get a Waterway Access Permit when 2021 rolls around.
Check out the FAQ link above for more details, or feel free to call Alder Creek at 503-285-0464.
