According to an Oregon Marine Board July 28, 2009 news release,

"The Marine Board held a special Board meeting on July 27 in Portland, to hear testimony from various boat users and the Marine Board staff recommendation about a proposed no-wake zone for the Holgate Channel and Ross Island Lagoon on the Willamette River, in downtown Portland.

"The Marine Board voted three to two against the proposed rules for a no-wake-zone. Paddle craft and rowing clubs seek solitude and safety from power boat wakes, and boaters who tow skiers and wake boarders seek shelter from the wind and open stretches of water to safely enjoy their sports.

"The Board did not want to impose regulations without the various user groups having more dialogue to discuss the issues more thoroughly through education and law enforcement. Ultimately, both user groups need to share the water, respect each others’ values and show more courtesy when operating within the Holgate Channel, and the rest of the river."

The Urban Greenspaces Institute, Willamette Riverkeeper, Audubon Society of Portland, and Friends of Ross Island had petitioned the Oregon State Marine Board to establish a no wake zone for the Holgate Channel between Ross, Hardtack, and East Islands and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, as well as a non-motorized zone in the Ross Island lagoon. According to the petitioners, the zone would "create a safe, peaceful area for canoeists and kayakers east of the islands, reduce impacts to eroding banks and restored habitat and reduce disturbance to wildlife." The petition was endorsed by the Portland City Council in March.

For more river-related news and information, visit www.portlandonline.com/river