LINCOLN CITY — Lincoln County paddlers launching kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards or other non-motorized craft on Oregon waterways must now carry a state Waterway Access Permit.

The requirement, which took effect Jan. 1, 2026, came through House Bill 2982. Passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Tina Kotek in June 2025, the bill expanded an existing permit program — previously limited mostly to craft 10 feet and longer — to all non-motorized boats regardless of size.

“Access to Oregon’s waters is both a constitutional right and a treasured part of our heritage,” said Kari Goodheart, co-chief petitioner of the Let Us Paddle group. “Environmentally friendly paddlecraft like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards should remain free from these burdensome regulations.”

Why the Change?

The Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife say the expansion broadens the funding base for two key programs: grants for paddler access improvements such as ramps and docks, and increased boat inspections to prevent invasive mussels and other aquatic species.

Officials note that all watercraft (motorized or not) can transport invasive species, and that revenue from the broader permit base supports more targeted inspection stations near high-risk waterways.

Opposition Grows

Let Us Paddle, the group leading the repeal effort, argues that paddlecraft have not been documented as significant vectors for invasive species in Oregon. Co-chief petitioners Goodheart and Ben Roche (along with Angi Epperson) say the fee unfairly burdens low-risk users and that stronger enforcement against actual violators would be more effective than a new permit requirement on recreational paddlers.

The group has collected roughly 10,000 signatures and needs approximately 118,000 valid signatures by July 2 to qualify a full repeal measure for the November 2026 ballot. Some Republican lawmakers have signaled they may introduce legislation next year to narrow the expansion.

What Paddlers Need to Know

• Cost: About $22 for a one-year permit (or $8 for seven days; $37 for two years). Prices include a small service fee.
• Exemptions: Youths 13 and under do not need a permit.
• How it works: One permit covers the boat and must be carried or displayed (print or digital) when requested by law enforcement. All paddlecraft must stop at open inspection stations when operating.
• Penalty: Failure to show the permit is a Class D violation carrying a $115 fine.

Permits are available online through the Oregon State Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store or the ODFW Hunt & Fish app/site.

The Marine Board continues public outreach on the rules.

The Let Us Paddle signature drive remains active through early July at events and boat ramps statewide.