SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 | 3B
Trap takedown
COURTESY PHOTO FLORENCE STEP
Florence Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) members recently removed the steelhead trap from Whittaker Creek with the help of a crew from Camp Florence as part of
STEP’s ongoing eff orts to foster the annual salmon returns each year. The trap, used for temporarily keeping salmon for egg-gathering and counts, will be placed back at the creek
next season.
As boating season begins, State Marine Board urges boaters to plan ahead for safety
SALEM — There are dozens
of boat types on the market and
many opportunities to explore
Oregon’s waterways. Regardless
of what’s calling you to the
water and the type of boat
you’re in, be sure to plan ahead,
pay attention and share the
water so everyone can have a
fun time.
The Oregon State Marine
Board (OSMB) invites boaters
to explore the interactive
Boating Oregon Map, where
you can find a boat ramp near
you, plan for a weekend escape
to places less-frequented or find
a waterway in the center of all
the action.
“This season is off to a great
start,” says Ashley Massey,
Public Information Officer for
the Marine Board. “Take time
to plan ahead. Check the weath-
er forecast, water levels or tides,
see if there are any reported
obstructions, and have the right
gear for the activities you’re
doing,” Massey adds.
Boaters can check the Marine
Board’s website to find out what
equipment is required based on
the size of the boat and rules for
operation which vary by water-
body.
Massey also emphasizes pay-
ing attention to your surround-
ings, continually scanning port
to starboard and keeping a close
eye on what’s ahead.
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“Brush up on the rules-of-
the-road, start out slow because
of debris in the water from this
past winter, and whatever you
do, don’t text and drive. In 2017,
there were 17 collisions from
distracted driving.
“Social media, taking pic-
tures and texting can be fun,
but the operator needs to main-
tain focus and awareness to
what’s going on around them,”
says Massey. “High water levels
in the spring cover many wing
dams (also known as pile dikes)
on rivers and bays and are just
below the surface. Boaters need
to keep their distance from the
shoreline up to several hundred
feet out from shore so they
don’t inadvertently hit one of
the piles.”
Boaters are encouraged to
learn where the wing dams are
located based on the waterbody
where they’re boating from
NOAA Charts. The navigation
charts can be downloaded for
free.
With Oregon’s population
increasing and many people
wanting to boat in their own
backyards, think about taking a
“dispersion excursion” to less-
er-known waterbodies, espe-
cially for people new to paddle-
sports or seeking more solitude.
There are 96 waterways
where motors are prohibited
and 50 designated as electric
motor only.
The Marine Board also rec-
ommends boaters play it safe
by:
• Not using marijuana, drugs
or alcohol. Instead, take along a
variety of non-alcoholic bever-
ages and plenty of water.
Impairment can lead to a BUII
arrest. Drugs and alcohol
impair a boater’s judgement
and coordination which every
boat operator needs. Swift cur-
rents, changing weather and
debris require boat operators to
be focused and skilled to avoid
an accident.
• If feeling tired, take a break
on land and return to the water
when you are re-energized and
alert.
• Continually monitor the
weather because it changes
quickly.
• Operators and passengers
should wear properly fitting life
jackets. Learn more about life
jacket types, styles and legal
requirements. Anyone rafting
on Class III Whitewater Rivers
is required to wear a life jacket,
and all children 12 and under
when a boat is underway.
• Never boat alone — espe-
cially when paddling. Always
let others know where you are
going and when you’ll return.
Print out a downloadable float
plan to leave with friends and
family.
Be courteous to other boaters
and share the waterway.
Congestion is a given in many
popular locations, especially
with nice weather.
In Oregon, all boaters must
take a boating safety course and
carry a boater education card
when operating a powerboat
greater than 10-horsepower.
The Marine Board also offers a
free, online Paddling Course
for boaters new to the activity.
For more information about
safe boating in Oregon, visit
www.boatoregon.com.
JUNE 7 TH
10am-2pm
9
Meet the staff and
get questions
answered.
If a little help is
what you need for
food, bill payment,
clothes, or the
many needs of
local families, come
to the fair.
You will be able to
sign up for services
as well.
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&
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“Your Local Independent Trane Dealer”
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Contractor
CCB#212734
541-991-3405
• Heating Systems
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1645 Kingwood ~ Florence
(541)
997-2422
www.trane.com
(L-R) Matteo Cocciolo,
Owners Krystal & Steve Wolford,
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CCB#64