Invasive Species Inspections Begin Today in Oregon

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/09/oregon_motorists_with_boats_mu.html

Key take away from article is this:

All vehicles carrying kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailboats and any other boats, non-motorized or motorized, are required to stop.

This is still the stupidest thing I've ever heard.  How are they identifying the difference between a surfer and a paddle boarder?  Only powerboats/sail boats should have to stop.  They better hope a lot people pull fines cause otherwise this program will bankrupt. 

On the plus side my dad is already trying to figure out where the stations will be so he be sure to find one after halibut and salmon fishing.   Why wash your own boat when someone will do it for free.

I went to the state fair on Tuesday (Veterans free day) and at the ODF&W kiosk they had a red kayak hanging on the wall.  I thought that was cool that they recognized kayakers can fish, until I got to display and there was a big sign on the kayak:   KAYAKS CARRY INVASIVE SPECIES TOO!    Sheesh...

It isn't my intention to be argumentative, but I think it is fair to point out that small, cartoppable watercraft are as, or even more, likely to be taken to varied and distant waters than larger watercraft. That is part of the appeal of kayaks. It is foolish to think that we are less likely to transport invasive species than other watercraft.

Please don't take this comment to be a general defense of the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. I will reserve judgement on that topic, although I think the danger is real.

It isn't my intention to be argumentative, but I think it is fair to point out that small, cartoppable watercraft are as, or even more, likely to be taken to varied and distant waters than larger watercraft. That is part of the appeal of kayaks. It is foolish to think that we are less likely to transport invasive species than other watercraft.

Please don't take this comment to be a general defense of the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. I will reserve judgement on that topic, although I think the danger is real.

We also have less surface area, less places to hide or attach things to where they won't be immediately seen, and are the least likely to ever moor leading to longer exposure.

Can you honestly say that paddle boards should even have ever been on this list?

I'm personally waiting for them to require these permits for swimming, inner tubing, and using air mattresses.  "At all designated road side check stations you are required to shower and wash your clothes if you have been swimming that day.  Or face a fine."

They plan to zip tie your boat to the trailer to mark that you've been checked.  Does that mean if you have a zip tie intact you don't have to stop at the next station?  Or do you have to stop at every one and show them your tag?   Do they plan on zip tying my kayak to my car?  How about a paddle board lol?  Honestly the whole thing is a joke and poorly thought out.

This state needs to stop sitting on its collective hands and do something meaningful, that's why as of today I am nominating Andy Jade as Commissioner of the Oregon Genitalia Inspection Program. Mobile inspection stations will be strategically located in front of nightclubs, music festivals to prevent the spread of pecker pox and beaver weevils. 

When I drove my boats out here from the east coast I got stopped for invasive species inspections in both Wyoming and Idaho.  They told me that typically small boats are not the issue, but they so see a few kayaks with bugs and stuff stuck to the hulls. 

This state needs to stop sitting on its collective hands and do something meaningful, that's why as of today I am nominating Andy Jade as Commissioner of the Oregon Genitalia Inspection Program. Mobile inspection stations will be strategically located in front of nightclubs, music festivals to prevent the spread of pecker pox and beaver weevils. 

I will carry this motion.

They better hope a lot people pull fines cause otherwise this program will bankrupt. 

Actually, the funding for these stations is paid for by the "Invasive Species Prevention Permit" that vessels over 10 ft have to have.

As I told the Oregon State Marine board back when they first came up with this non thought out program, creek kayaks,  kick boats, 6-9ft pontoon boats, felt boots and water fowl all have a better chance of transferring invasive species and these don't need checked.  They told me that they just copied Idaho's boat specifics and ran with that. 

Good idea!  NOT! 

The only invasive species on my yak is me! I was born in California!

When I drove my boats out here from the east coast I got stopped for invasive species inspections in both Wyoming and Idaho.  They told me that typically small boats are not the issue, but they so see a few kayaks with bugs and stuff stuck to the hulls. 

They stopped me in Idaho three weeks ago.  I seen the boat check signs as I drove by.    Wondered what that was all about.  Didn't even see the area where they were doing the checks as it was off the beaten path.  The sheriff came barreling down the road after me.    Good thing I had to stop for construction or I just might of got away from him.   Oh ya and when I got to the check station they just looked up at the 3 yaks piled up on top of the van, gave me a brochure with a foam float key chain and sent me on my way.   

On my way back thru Idaho the check station was only open until 7PM.  Passed by about 930PM ish. 

Personally, I'm all for it.  Since March of this year, Idaho has cleaned 24 boats with mussels, all of which were from out of state, and could have found their way into our waters.  I'd rather waste 5 minutes of time for them to go over my kayak, and all other boats, then allow these things into the water. 

Could be worse, too. In California you have to pay to have the inspection done.

Personally, I'm all for it.  Since March of this year, Idaho has cleaned 24 boats with mussels, all of which were from out of state, and could have found their way into our waters.  I'd rather waste 5 minutes of time for them to go over my kayak, and all other boats, then allow these things into the water. 

Could be worse, too. In California you have to pay to have the inspection done.

I'm not against the idea, just the effort they are making.  There are many more watercraft and swimming toys that can easily be added to the list of things to check and require a permit.  Also, more representation at popular water bodies to educate.  I have yet to see a single person representing this endeavor.