Oregon Paddle Permit Repeal Effort Turns In First Signatures, Faces Tight Deadline
A campaign seeking to repeal Oregon’s expanded Waterway Access Permit has turned in its first signatures, but organizers still need about 90,000 more valid signatures by July 2 to qualify the measure for the November ballot.
SALEM, Ore. — A campaign seeking to repeal Oregon’s expanded waterway access permit requirement has turned in its first batch of signatures, but organizers still have a long way to go before the measure can qualify for the November ballot.
The “Let Us Paddle” measure would repeal the expanded law that now requires most operators of non-motorized boats to carry a Waterway Access Permit while using Oregon waters. The expansion took effect in 2026 and brought smaller non-motorized boats under 10 feet into the permit system, including kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards.
Under current rules, youth 13 and younger do not need a permit. A one-year permit costs $20 through the Oregon State Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store, with short-term and two-year options also available.
Organizers said Monday they have submitted 12,924 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State and have another 15,000 signatures on hand to be submitted. That still leaves the effort about 90,000 signatures short of the 117,173 valid signatures needed by the July 2 deadline to qualify for the November ballot.
Let Us Paddle PAC chief co-petitioner Benjamin Roche said those totals do not include additional signature sheets still being sent in by circulators. The PAC is asking circulators to send in completed sheets no later than Friday, June 19.
Petition campaigns typically collect more signatures than the minimum required because some are often rejected during the state verification process.
Supporters of the repeal effort argue the expanded permit requirement adds an unnecessary cost for people using low-impact, human-powered watercraft. Let Us Paddle has described the requirement as a barrier to public access for kayakers, paddleboarders, rafters and other recreational users.
State boating officials say the Waterway Access Permit helps fund boating access improvements and aquatic invasive species prevention efforts. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says funds are used for projects such as boat ramps, restrooms and efforts to stop invasive species from spreading into Oregon waters.
Signing locations listed by the campaign can be found at:
https://www.letuspaddle.com/signing-locations
For Douglas County, the signing locations are listed below:
DOUGLAS COUNTY LOCATIONS
- Umpqua’s Last Resort
115 Elk Ridge Lane
Idleyld Park, OR 97447
Located off North Umpqua Highway - Dry Creek Store
16 Happy Creek Lane
Idleyld Park, OR 97447 - River Forks Market
4342 Garden Valley Road
Roseburg, OR 97471
Conveniently located inside a convenience store! - Waldron’s Outdoor Sports
450 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg, OR 97470- Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Hours:
More information about Oregon’s Waterway Access Permit is available through the Oregon State Marine Board:
https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/ais-faqs.aspx
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