PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon State Marine Board has reversed itself, voting to create a no-wake zone for a popular section of Portland's Willamette River.

Water skiers and wake boarders take to the Holgate Channel near Ross Island because it's protected from the wind and the water. However, paddle craft and rowing clubs were upset about the power boat wakes left behind.

No word as to when the ban against motorized crafts will start.

Back in July the marine board had voted against a state recommendation to slow boat traffic in the Ross Island Lagoon area.

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The following is a press release from the Oregon State Marine Board

The Oregon State Marine Board met for their quarterly meeting in Bend, on October 13.  Among the many agenda items, the Board approved initiating the rulemaking process for several waterbodies and directed staff to use a mediated approach to find a solution for the Holgate Channel on the Willamette River in Portland.
 
The Board was asked to reconsider the proposed rules for the Ross Island and Holgate Channel by the original petitioners.  The Board decided to adopt a slow-no-wake rule for the Ross Island Lagoon, with exemptions for commercial vessels and chase boats accompanying dragon boats and rowing teams.

The Board also directed staff to initiate a mediation process with the various boat users and petitioners in order to seek a long-term solution for Holgate Channel.
 
Another rulemaking process will begin to consider banning all motors on Waldo Lake.  The Board directed staff to initiate rulemaking to prohibit motorboat use on Waldo Lake.  The rule would also effectively prohibit float planes from landing. 

Exemptions include emergency landings or watercraft used for official purposes such as search and rescue, law enforcement and fire suppression with Forest Service approval.  The rule will implement the Forest Service’s plan to create the largest motor-free lake in Oregon.  With 6,298 acres, Waldo Lake is the second largest natural lake in Oregon.