TILLAMOOK, Ore. (April 23, 2026) — The Oregon State Marine Board approved proposed boating regulations for the Siletz River, denied a petition affecting a stretch of the Columbia River, and awarded millions in boating facility grants during its quarterly meeting at the Port of Tillamook.
Siletz River Rule Advances
Following extensive public input, the Board approved a proposed rule governing motorboat use on the Siletz River. The decision comes after feedback from property owners, anglers, guides, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Under the proposal, small motorized boats would be allowed between Jack Morgan Park and Old Mill Park, while motor use would be prohibited upstream of Old Mill Park.
The Board directed staff to hold two public hearings and a work session before its July meeting. The rulemaking process will include filing the proposal with the Oregon Secretary of State, followed by a public comment period from May 1 through June 15. Final action on the rule is expected later this summer.
Columbia River Petition Denied
Board members also rejected a petition to modify boating regulations in a pass-through channel near McGuire Island on the Columbia River.
The proposal sought to replace the existing pass-through designation with a slow no-wake zone between Big Eddy Marina and McGuire Point Marina. Petitioners cited concerns about wake damage to floating homes, boater safety, and impacts on wildlife.
Instead of changing the rule, the Board directed staff to collaborate with Metro—which operates nearby facilities including Chinook Landing Marine Park—to improve signage and boater education. Outreach efforts will also involve local marine law enforcement and boating safety advocates.
Millions Approved for Boating Facilities
The Board approved a slate of grants through its Cycle Two Boating Facilities Program, addressing more than $5.8 million in identified needs statewide.
Among the funded projects:
- Washington County Parks received $375,000 to improve non-motorized access at Eagle Landing on the Tualatin River, part of a $1.27 million project.
- The City of Coos Bay was awarded nearly $600,000 to upgrade the Empire boat ramp, improving safety and reducing wave impacts.
- The Bureau of Land Management secured funding for campground improvements along the Lower Deschutes River and new signage along the John Day River.
- Lane County Parks will replace boarding docks at Orchard Point Marina on Fern Ridge Reservoir.
- Wallowa County received $450,000 to replace aging docks at Wallowa Lake County Park.
- The City of Gold Hill will conduct archaeological studies to guide future Rogue River access improvements.
Additional funding increases were approved for ongoing projects in Douglas County and for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife due to rising construction costs and unforeseen site conditions.
Clean Vessel Act Funding
The Board also approved funding to replace aging marine sewage pumpout stations at marinas in the Portland area, including Jantzen Bay, Tomahawk Bay, and Hayden Bay. The project, managed by Columbia Crossings, LLC, will use a mix of federal Clean Vessel Act funds and state grant dollars.
Looking Ahead
Several grant applications were deferred due to permitting, funding, and scheduling challenges. Full meeting materials and additional details are available through the Marine Board’s public meetings portal.
The Board’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for July, when members are expected to revisit the proposed Siletz River regulations.
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