PORTLAND, Ore. - A surprise decision not to create a no-wake zone on a popular portion of the Willamette River has motor boaters and wake boarders relieved.

The Oregon State Marine Board was considering implementing a no-wake zone for the Holgate Channel and the Ross Island Lagoon.

On one side, environmentalists and paddlers wanted the 1.5-mile stretch to be speed boat free so the area could serve as a serene and safe area that would also protect wildlife and the restoration under way in that area. The concern was poor line of sight and the low profile of kayaks, canoes and outriggers.

On the other side, wake boarders said the channel is the perfect place for them due to calmer winds and less boating traffic and being forced to ski in the main channel would put them at risk.

In the end, the Oregon State Marine Board went against a committee's recommendation and voted against a no-wake zone.  The board wants both sides to get together and discuss ways to improve education and enforcement of the boating laws.