Oregon adds fee for users of paddle craft

Oregon’s Legislature has followed Idaho’s lead by requiring non-motorized craft longer than 10 feet to have a sticker that will help fund invasive species protections.

Starting in 2010, this and several other laws will require recreationists to pay 25 percent or more in Oregon for hunting and fishing licenses, state park campgrounds and day-use areas as well as boating fees.

Most boat owners will be required to buy a $5 permit to help fund new check stations to inspect for aquatic invasive species such as Zebra mussels.

The requirement, as written by lawmakers, applies to “manually propelled boats 10 feet or more in length” as well as all motorboats. Nonresidents with motorboats will pay $20.

The law would appear to apply to canoes and kayaks, but the Marine Board is given authority to administer the program and possibly to make exemptions.

And it will be more expensive to be a bucket biologist.

Oregon stiffened the penalty for “intentionally or knowingly releasing or attempting to release live fish a into body of water without a permit” to a maximum of five years imprisonment, a $125,000 fine, or both.