As outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon, we cherish our pristine rivers, lakes, and coastal waters—from lazy floats on the Deschutes to challenging kayak runs on the Rogue. These waterways are not just playgrounds but vital ecosystems supporting wildlife, fisheries, and a robust recreation economy. However, a new state law set to take effect on January 1, 2026, is shaking things up for non-motorized boaters. House Bill 2982 expands the Waterway Access Permit (WAP) requirement to include all non-motorized watercraft, regardless of size, aiming to bolster defenses against aquatic invasive species (AIS) like quagga, zebra, and golden mussels. While the intent is to protect these cherished resources, the changes have sparked debate about costs, necessity, and fairness.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of the permit program, the drivers behind this expansion, the real threats posed by invasive mussels, and what it all means for you as a paddler, floater, or casual boater. We’ll also cover recent clarifications, public reactions, and practical tips to stay compliant without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a weekend SUP enthusiast, understanding these rules can help you navigate the changes smoothly.
The Origins of Oregon’s Waterway Access Permit Program
Oregon’s fight against aquatic invasive species didn’t start overnight. The WAP program was established in 2010 as part of a broader Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). Initially, it required permits for motorized boats and non-motorized vessels 10 feet or longer, with fees funding boat inspection stations at key entry points like Ashland on I-5 and Ontario on I-84.
The program’s roots trace back to growing concerns over AIS spreading from infested regions. Zebra and quagga mussels, first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1980s via ballast water from international ships, have since wreaked havoc across the U.S. These tiny bivalves reproduce rapidly, clogging infrastructure and disrupting ecosystems. In Oregon, the program has been credited with keeping mussels out through mandatory inspections, free decontaminations, and public education campaigns like “Clean, Drain, Dry.”
By 2025, with detections of quagga mussels in Idaho’s Snake River in 2023 and golden mussels in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024, lawmakers saw a need to ramp up efforts. House Bill 2982, sponsored by Rep. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton) and passed during the 2025 legislative session, was signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek on June 24, 2025. 5 The bill increases all boating fees by $3 and removes the 10-foot exemption for non-motorized craft, effectively requiring permits for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and rafts under that length.
Fiscal projections estimate the expansion will generate an additional $2.5 million annually for the AIS Prevention Fund, supporting more inspection stations (including a new one in Klamath Falls) and roving crews at boat ramps. 3 Proponents argue this is a modest investment compared to the potential devastation of an infestation.
Why Expand to Smaller Watercraft? The Invasive Mussel Threat Explained
At the heart of HB 2982 is the prevention of invasive mussels, which officials describe as a “huge red flag” due to nearby detections. Golden mussels, in particular, can thrive in a wider range of temperatures and salinities, making them a more adaptable threat than their zebra and quagga cousins.
But why act aggressively when no mussels have been found in Oregon? The answer lies in prevention’s cost-effectiveness. Once established, mussels are nearly impossible to eradicate. In the Great Lakes, they’ve caused over $5 billion in economic damage since the 1980s, affecting hydropower, irrigation, and fisheries. 20 A 2021 study estimated invasive species cost North America more than $26 billion annually by 2010, up from $2 billion in the 1960s. 20 Closer to home, Montana faces potential annual losses of $234 million if mussels invade, including $61 million to agriculture alone. 21 22
Smaller non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and SUPs were added because they can transport mussel larvae (veligers) in bilge water, gear, or even damp life jackets. These crafts are often trailered between states—from California’s Delta to Oregon’s Crater Lake, for example—bypassing inspections if not required to stop. In 2019, Oregon inspections caught about 400 infested watercraft, underscoring the risk.
Critics, however, question whether this targets the right vectors. Some point out that commercial shipping and ballast water pose greater risks, yet the burden falls on individual recreators. 24 Others see it as revenue generation disguised as environmental protection, especially since two-thirds of permit funds also support non-motorized access improvements like boat ramps and signage, not just AIS efforts.
Key Details of the New Law and Recent Clarifications
Starting January 1, 2026, all non-motorized watercraft in use on Oregon waterways will need a WAP. Fees are $6 for a week (up from $5), $20 for one year (up from $17), or $35 for two years (up from $30). Permits are per watercraft in simultaneous use—if you paddle solo and switch between your kayak and SUP, one transferable permit suffices. But for group outings with multiple crafts, each needs its own.
A major point of confusion arose shortly after the bill’s passage. Initial OSMB guidance suggested even two inner tubes tied together qualified as a “multi-air chamber device” requiring a permit, sparking widespread outrage on social media. 2 4 On July 15, 2025, the board reversed course, clarifying that single inner tubes, tied-together tubes, pool toys, and float mattresses are exempt, as they’re not typically transported between waterbodies and don’t fit the intent of targeting AIS carriers like kayaks and rafts. 2 14
Non-compliance could result in a $115 fine, but the OSMB emphasizes education over enforcement initially. All boaters must stop at open inspection stations, where inspections and decontaminations remain free.
Public Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Calls for Balance
The law has divided the outdoor community. Supporters, including Trout Unlimited, praise it for funding AIS prevention and habitat protection. 3 Businesses like Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe in Bend view the fee hikes as reasonable—”the cost of a beer”—for safeguarding waterways that drive tourism.
On the flip side, social media erupted with frustration over the inner tube rule, with some calling for “float protests.” 2 Facebook groups and X posts labeled it a “money grab,” arguing it disproportionately affects low-income families and local users who don’t travel to infested areas. 7 9 10 Critics like Deschutes River floaters worry it could discourage recreation, especially with per-craft fees adding up for multi-device owners. 4
Recent X discussions highlight the reversal as a win for common sense but question why such overreach happened initially. 15 Overall, while the threat is real, many feel the expansion could be more targeted to high-risk users.
How to Prepare and Stay Compliant
To avoid surprises in 2026:
- Purchase Permits: Buy online via the Boat Oregon Store or at ODFW license agents. Out-of-state visitors need them too.
- Practice Prevention: Always clean, drain, and dry your gear. Pull drain plugs before transport—it’s the law.
- Know Inspections: Stop at marked stations; they’re quick if your craft is clean. Roving crews may check ramps.
- Budget Wisely: If you own multiple crafts, consider usage patterns to minimize permits needed.
- Stay Informed: Follow OSMB and ODFW updates, as outreach campaigns are planned.
For families or groups, sharing transferable permits can cut costs. And remember, funds improve access—think better launches at popular spots like Elk Lake.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Protection and Access
Oregon’s waterways are a treasure worth protecting, and HB 2982 reflects a proactive stance against a looming threat that could cost far more than a $20 permit. Yet, the expansion raises valid questions about equity and effectiveness, particularly for everyday recreators. As paddlers, we can support prevention while advocating for refinements, like exemptions for purely local use or more focus on commercial risks.
At HenrickOutdoors.com, we encourage you to get involved—contact legislators, join clean-up events, and share your experiences. By staying informed and compliant, we ensure these waters remain open and mussel-free for generations. What’s your take on the changes? Drop a comment below!