Input Sought on Elk Lake Motorboat Use Restriction

Written comments on the proposed rule are welcome and must be received by Thursday, August 31st.

Elk Lake is near Brietenbush in Marion County. Photo courtesy: RealAdventures.com

(SALEM) - The Oregon State Marine Board is now accepting written public comment on a proposed rule that would restrict motorboat use on Elk Lake, near Brietenbush in Marion County.

The Marine Board received a petition requesting electric motors only on this waterbody. Difficult road access has limited vehicles towing trailers, but recent road improvements have caused concerns that larger motorboats may attempt to access this small lake.

"The question we are asking people is do we need an electric-motor-only regulation on Elk Lake, or would a 5 mph or 10 mph speed limit be more acceptable to historic users," says Randy Henry, Policy and Planning Analyst for the Marine Board.

"This lake wouldn't serve waterskiers or other high speed activities well, but there has been no historical prohibition on gas motors. We want to know what people think about this proposal."

Written comments on the proposed rule are welcome and must be received by Thursday, August 31st.

Comments can be sent to: Randy Henry, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309.

They can also be sent via email to: randy.h.henry@state.or.us, or via fax: (503)378-4597. Comments via telephone cannot be accepted.