Oregonians fight new permit requirements for paddleboards and kayaks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The "Let Us Paddle" movement is working to place a petition on the ballot in Oregon to remove new permit requirements for paddleboards and kayaks. These regulations, enacted through House Bill 2982 during the 2025 long session, increased fees and broadened the types of vessels needing permits on Oregon waterways.

Details of House Bill 2982

House Bill 2982 raised water access permit fees to $6 for a one-week permit, $20 for an annual permit and $35 for a bi-annual permit. These funds are designated to help prevent and mitigate invasive species, specifically quagga and zebra mussels. The legislation also expanded the permit requirement to include all paddleboards and kayaks, moving beyond the previous rule that only applied to vessels more than 10 feet in length.

Business Impact Minimal

Todd McGee, owner of Powderhouse, a local business that rents tubes, kayaks and paddleboards, noted the rule change has not significantly impacted his operations.

"we're not having to raise any of our prices. So but yeah, it's not affecting us that much," McGee said.

Community Concerns Over Regulation

A Bend resident who declined to be on camera expressed disagreement with the new permit regulations, despite the funding going toward invasive species prevention. The resident argued that non-motorized vessels do not cause harm or pollution.

"with kayaks and paddle boards, they like I said, it's not motor operated. It's not gas operated. We are all using our arms. Whether you're using a paddle, you're using your arms with your sandals or your shoes, you're physically using your body to go up and down the river. You're not causing any harm. You're not causing any pollution. You're not being destructive," the resident said.

The resident also stated that all water vessel users should be held to the same standard.

Petitioners Push Back on Funding Approach

Kari Goodhart, co-chief petitioner of the "Let Us Paddle" movement, stated that her group does not want invasive species in Oregon waters. However, she opposes the current approach to funding prevention through kayaker fees.

"We don't want them in Oregon. Don't get me wrong, we don't want them in our state. But we're just saying, come on in. We're going to, you know, decontaminate your boat. We're going to have all the kayakers pay for that. And welcome to Oregon, rather than, you know, giving them a ticket and sending a message to all other states saying, we don't want you to come here with a dirty boat," Goodhart said.

Signature Campaign Ongoing

Goodhart remains hopeful the "Let Us Paddle" movement will gather enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot.