Press: 2007 News Releases

12/18/2007

SACRAMENTO—At its December meeting, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $7.5 million in boat facility improvement grants and loans and elected two new officers.

Warren E. Rupf, of Martinez, was elected as the Chairman and Douglas W. Metz, of Coronado, was elected Vice Chairman for 2008.

Rupf was initially appointed to the commission by Gov. Pete Wilson to serve a four-year term from 1997-2001.  He was re-appointed to two subsequent four-year terms by Gov. Gray Davis in 2001 and by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2006.  Rupf currently serves as the Sheriff for Contra Costa County and is responsible for an urban law enforcement agency of more than 1,200 employees and a budget of $170 million.

Metz was appointed to the commission by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2006. He currently serves as president of Metz & Associates and as senior counsel to The King Law Group providing professional and general management consulting services to businesses and non-profit organizations.

The grants and loans awarded by the commission will go toward three Southern California boat launch and small harbor improvement projects. A description of each project is attached.

Grants and loans require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission. Loan applications are submitted to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and funding for approved projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of vessel gasoline and the repayment of principal and interest on department-made loans.

The department may provide grant funds to a county, city, district or other public agency for the construction and development of small craft boating launching facilities and loan funds to local agencies for the construction of small craft harbors. 

Grant applicants must complete an application and submit it by April 1 of each calendar year. 

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Attached: Loan recipients

Loan recipients

Oxnard Marinas — Ventura County
The commission approved a recreational marina loan of $2,287,000 to the Oxnard Marinas, a Limited Partnership (Oxnard Marinas) for improvements to the Peninsula and Bahia Marinas. The total project cost is expected to be $12,131,000. Loan funds will be used to make improvements to marina berths, utilities, gangways, security gates, and the harbormaster/restroom building, plus construction of two small dinghy docks.  The commission previously approved $1,755,000 in loans to the Oxnard Marinas in fiscal years 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Channel Islands — Ventura County
The commission approved a phase-one grant of $430,000 to the County of Ventura for improvements to the Channel Islands Harbor Boat Launching Facility. The total project cost is expected to be $4,940,000. The proposed project entails demolition of the existing six-lane boat launch ramp and construction of a new six-lane ramp, construction of a turnaround and ready lanes, installation of three new boarding floats, slope protection, reconfiguration/repaving of the south parking area, sidewalks and curbs, storm drainage, demolition of the existing restroom and construction of a new restroom, utilities, lighting, a boat wash down area and a project credit sign.  The existing boat launch facility was funded by DBW and constructed in 1977.  Since then, the commission has consented to the county two grants totaling $680,000 for improvements to boat launching facilities and loans totaling $11,840,000 for construction within the harbor.

Dana Point Harbor Marina— Orange County

The commission approved 4.8 million for the final phase of the first of four marina loans anticipated for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project. This loan covers the demolition and reconstruction of 240 berths in the East Marina, demolition and reconstruction of 500 berths in the West Marina, installation of gangways in both marinas, replacement of dock utilities, fortification of the bulkhead, installation of temporary berths and a project credit sign.  Previously, the commission consented to loans for the construction of the Dana Point Harbor totaling $25,200,000.

12/07/2007

SACRAMENTO--The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet December 7 to consider $7.7 million in new and phased boat launching facility and small craft harbor grants and loans, discuss invasive species, copper paint and boater outreach research activities and other matters. The meeting is open to the public and will convene at 8:30 a.m. at the Hilton Harbor Island Hotel, 1960 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California. The projects to be considered are:

Oxnard Marinas - Ventura County

The Commission will consider a third recreational marina loan of $2,287,000 to the Oxnard Marinas located within the Channel Island Harbor along the coast of southern California in Ventura County. Loan funds will be used to make improvements to marina berths, utilities, gangways, security gates, and the harbormaster/restroom building, plus construction of two small dinghy docks.

Channel Islands - Ventura County

The Commission will consider a grant of $430,000 to the County of Ventura for improvements to the Channel Islands Harbor Boat Launching Facility, located on the southern coast of California in the city of Oxnard. The proposed project entails demolition of the existing six-lane boat launching ramp and construction of a new six-lane boat launching ramp, construction of a turnaround and ready lanes, installation of three new boarding floats, slope protection, reconfiguration/repaving of the south parking area, sidewalks and curbs, storm drainage, demolition of the existing restroom and construction of a new restroom, utilities, lighting, a boat wash down area and a project credit sign.

Dana Point Harbor Marina - Orange County

The Commission will consider a loan of $4,800,000 for improvements to the Dana Point Harbor Marina, as part of the larger Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project. This is the fourth (and final) phase funding of the first (Loan A) of four Marina loans anticipated for the project. The total anticipated construction cost of Loan A is $15,000,000. The Commission previously consented to loans totaling $10,700,000 to the County for improvements to the Marina. This type of phase funding allows DBW to better allocate resources for marina reconstruction and keep project costs down. The marina is located in the City of Dana Point, along the southern shoreline of Orange County, between the City of Oceanside to the south and the City of Newport Beach to the north. This loan covers the demolition and reconstruction of 240 berths in the East Marina, demolition and reconstruction of 500 berths in the West Marina, installation of gangways in both marinas, replacement of dock utilities, fortification of the bulkhead, installation of temporary berths and a project credit sign.

Department of Boating and Waterways loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment interest and principal from loans.

10/12/2007

SACRAMENTO — On October 3, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $9.5 million in loans and grants for the construction of small craft harbors and boat launching facilities.

A previous Department press release dated October 5, 2007 incorrectly stated Skipper's Point as one of the approved grant projects.

The Skipper's Point (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) boat launching facility grant project was deleted from the consent calendar and was not considered by the Boating and Waterways Commission on October 3.

Department loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the Governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment of loan and principal interest.

10/12/2007

A licensed yacht and ship broker, Arthur James Brooks, License #B-02798-02798-SM, Art Brooks Sea Company, has entered into a settlement agreement with the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to resolve a complaint filed against him by the Department under the Yacht and Ship Brokers Act.

DBW adopted an Administrative Law Judge's proposed decision that Mr. Brooks was in violation of the Harbors and Navigation Code, section 716(b), 714 & 732(f), and 732(k). The violations included failure to document receipt of deposit; failure to obtain written authorization for disbursement of entrusted funds; and negligence.

The order stipulates two years probation with the following conditions: obey all federal, state and local laws, and all rules and regulations governing the use of his license; report in person, during the period of probation, for all interviews/meetings as directed by the Department's Director or designated representative; pay $10,000 restitution to complainants; a payment of $11,921.75 to the Department for costs and charges in investigating, presenting and enforcing the case.

Violation of probation may result in the revocation of Mr. Brooks Yacht and Ship Broker's license # B-02798-02798-SM. Probation will end midnight on July 3, 2009.

DBW administers a program to license and regulate used vessel brokers and salespersons to provide for consumer protection.

10/05/2007

SACRAMENTO — On October 3, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $9.5 million in grants for the construction of boat launching facilities. During a public meeting in Redding in Shasta County, the Commission approved the following projects:

Balls Ferry Boat Launching Facility — Shasta County
A grant of $179,000 to make improvements to the Balls Ferry Boat Ramp, located on the Sacramento River in Shasta County. The grant entails the construction of a new single-lane boat launching ramp, a new boarding float, resurfacing of the existing parking area, construction of a pre-cast vault restroom, new sidewalks and lightning, a concrete project credit sign and low-maintenance landscaping and ancillary items.

Ord Bend Boat Launching Facility — Glenn County
A grant of $579,000 for improvements to the Ord Bend Boat Launching Facility, located on the west side of the Sacramento River in Glenn County. The proposed project includes construction of a new two-lane boat ramp and installation of one boarding float.  The parking area and access road will be resurfaced and new sidewalks will be constructed. There will be some refurbishment of the restroom. Lightning and security measures and a new concrete project credit sign will also be installed.

Bowerman Boat Launching Facility— USDA Forest Service
A grant funding of $920,000 for improvements to the Bowerman Boat Launching Facility, located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County. The proposed project includes replacement of the lower portion of the boat launching ramp, a new boarding float, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, an informational kiosk and project credit sign.

Clark Springs Boat Launching Facility — USDA Forest Service
A grant funding of $658,000 for improvements to the Clark Springs Boat Launching Facility located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County. The proposed project will consist the widening of the boat launching ramp sidewalk, a new boarding float, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, a new walkway, informational kiosk and project sign.

Trinity Center Boat Launching Facility – USDA Forest Service
A phase 1 grant of $190,000 to make improvements to the Trinity Center Boat Launching Facility located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County. The proposed project includes the construction of a new boat launching ramp with turnaround, a new boarding float, resurfacing the parking area, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, informational kiosk and project credit sign.

In addition, the Commission approved $7,058,000 for previously approved grant projects:

Department loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the Governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment of loan and principal interest.

09/28/2007

Sacramento – The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet October 3 to consider close to $10 million in new and phased boat launching facility grants, and discuss small craft harbor loan interest rates, California boating accidents, Quagga mussels (an invasive species), and other matters. The meeting is open to the public and will convene at 8:30 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, 1830 Hilltop Drive, Redding, California. The projects to be considered are:

Balls Ferry Boat Launching Facility — Shasta County
The Commission will consider a first phase grant of $179,000 to make improvements to the Balls Ferry Boat Ramp, located on the Sacramento River in Shasta County.  The grant entails the construction of a new single-lane boat launching ramp, a new boarding float, resurfacing of the existing parking area, construction of a pre-cast vault restroom, new sidewalks and lightning, a concrete project credit sign and low-maintenance landscaping and ancillary items.

Ord Bend Boat Launching Facility — Glenn County
The Commission will consider a grant of $579,000 for improvements to the Ord Bend Boat Launching Facility, located on the west side of the Sacramento River in Glenn County.  The proposed project includes construction of a new two-lane boat ramp and installation of one boarding float.  The parking area and access road will be resurfaced and new sidewalks will be constructed.  There will be some refurbishment of the restroom.  Lightning and security measures and a new concrete project credit sign will also be installed.

Bowerman Boat Launching Facility— USDA Forest Service
The Commission will consider a grant funding of $1,305,000 for improvements to the Bowerman Boat Launching Facility, located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County.  The proposed project includes replacement of the lower portion of the boat launching ramp, a new boarding float, resurfacing of the parking area, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, an informational kiosk and a project credit sign.

Clark Springs Boat Launching Facility — USDA Forest Service
The Commission will consider a grant funding of $658,000 for improvements to the Clark Springs Boat Launching Facility located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County.  The proposed project will consist the widening of the boat launching ramp sidewalk, a new boarding float, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, a new walkway, informational kiosk and a project sign. 

Trinity Center Boat Launching Facility – USDA Forest Service
The Commission will consider a phase 1 grant of $190,000 to make improvements to the Trinity Center Boat Launching Facility located on Trinity Lake in Shasta County.  The proposed project includes the construction of a new boat launching ramp with turnaround, a new boarding float, resurfacing the parking area, construction of a new restroom, rock slope protection, informational kiosk and a project credit sign. 

The phased boat launching facility grants are on the Commission’s consent calendar and include:

Department of Boating and Waterways loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment of loan and principal interest.

08/31/2007

Boats and boating recreation at risk

SACRAMENTO – Multiple state departments are urging boaters and watercraft users to help stop the spread of Quagga mussels along the Colorado River and into California.  Particular waters of interest include Riverside County’s Lake Skinner and San Diego County’s Lower Otay Reservoir, Lake Dixon, and San Vicente Reservoir, all of which permit recreational access.

"With Quagga mussels on the move from the Nevada border to inland San Diego County, we need the public’s help to keep them from going farther," said Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. "Once the Quagga are established in a waterway, they have significant environmental, recreational and economic impacts."
 
Although they range from microscopic to the size of a fingernail, the mussels are prolific breeders and attach themselves to hard and soft surfaces, such as boats and aquatic plants.

Quagga mussels affect boaters negatively because they:

• Ruin your engine by blocking the cooling system – causing overheating.
• Increase drag on the bottom of your boat, reducing speed and wasting fuel.
• Jam steering equipment on boats.
• Require scraping and repainting of boat bottoms.
• Colonize all underwater substrates such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other underwater surfaces requiring constant cleaning.

Quagga mussel infestation can potentially lead to the closure of boating in affected waterways.  They also wreak havoc with the environment, disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other species. Spread of the Quagga could result in millions of dollars in damage to water transport facilities.

Various watercraft are the primary transporters of Quagga mussels. All boaters and anyone who accesses freshwater aquatic environments should take the following steps to inhibit the spread of the Quagga mussel:

• Inspect all exposed surfaces - small mussels feel like sandpaper to the touch.
• Wash the hull of each watercraft thoroughly; preferably with high pressure/hot water
• Remove all plants and animal material.
• Drain all water and dry all areas.
• Drain and dry the lower outboard unit.
• Clean and dry all live-wells.
• Empty and dry any buckets.
• Dispose of all bait in the trash.
• Wait five days and keep watercraft dry between launches into different fresh waters.

It is important for boaters to follow these steps and cooperate with vessel inspections that are being conducted at a number of Department of Food and Agriculture border inspection stations and around the state.

These invasive freshwater mollusks were first detected in California in January 2007, in Lake Havasu on the Colorado River.  In subsequent months, they were found in two Southern California water systems using Colorado River water, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the San Diego County Water Authority.  

MWD documented the mussels in March and again in July in its 242-mile Colorado River aqueduct, and also at Lake Mathews near Riverside and at Lake Skinner in Winchester, east of Temecula.  On Aug. 21, the mussels were discovered in San Diego County, at San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside.

Thus far, the mussels have not been found in California's State Water Project (SWP), which draws its water from Northern California watersheds. Environmental scientists are monitoring the system, the largest water and power system in the United States.  The main risk of mussel introduction in the SWP is from trailered boats.

A multi-agency taskforce that includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Boating and Waterways, the Department of Water Resources and California State Parks has launched an outreach campaign to alert boaters and the public to the Quagga mussel threat.  This effort is also being coordinated with MWD and the San Diego County Water Authority.  For information on the Quagga mussel response, visit the DFG Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/quaggamussel/.

A public toll-free number, 1-866-440-9530, has been established for boaters and anyone involved with activities on lakes and rivers seeking information on the invasive and destructive Quagga mussels.  The toll-free number is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

08/31/2007

The Department of Boating and Waterways(DBW) reminds boaters to use caution and good judgment while boating this upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

"During holiday weekends, boating accidents occur every 30 minutes,” said DBW Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi. "When waterways get crowded, the chances for a collision increase so it’s important that boaters maintain a proper lookout, abstain from alcohol, and wear a lifejacket."

Operator inattention is the leading cause of boating accidents, contributing to 43 percent of all California boating accidents in 2006. When boaters are celebrating, they may neglect to watch out for other boats. While the operator is ultimately responsible for maintaining a proper lookout, it's a good idea to designate someone else on board to help watch for other traffic, especially on a large boat or in congested areas.

Last year, 48 percent of all boating fatalities reported in California last year were alcohol related. DBW continues to remind boaters that a designated driver is not enough on vessels.  The concept works well in cars, but drunken passengers on boats can easily fall overboard, swim near the propeller or cause loading problems by leaning over the side or standing up in small vessels, causing vessels to capsize.  Everyone who drinks alcohol on board is at risk.

The Department of Boating and Waterways promotes on-the-water safety and helps develop convenient public access to the waterways through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

“If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.”

08/23/2007

SACRAMENTO – Boaters are invited to attend a boating safety clinic in Marina Del Rey Aug. 25 hosted by the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The clinic will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the West Marine store on 13555 Fiji Way.

DBW, in partnership with West Marine, will host the clinic to encourage safe yet enjoyable boating experiences. 

During holiday weekends, boating accidents occur every 30 minutes.  To encourage safe boating, DBW will give away two life jackets every half hour during the clinic.  Hourly safety seminars taught by West Marine’s Robin Stout, appearances by the Los Angeles Fire Department and UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, and local radio station representatives are also planned.

DBW enhances public access to the waterways and promotes on-the-water safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

“If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.”

08/23/2007

SACRAMENTO – Boaters are invited to attend a boating safety clinic in Sacramento Aug. 25 hosted by the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The clinic will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the West Marine store located on 9500 Micron Ave.

 DBW, in partnership with West Marine, will host the clinic to encourage safe yet enjoyable boating experiences.

During holiday weekends, boating accidents occur every 30 minutes.  To encourage safe boating DBW will give away two life jackets every half during the clinic.  Hourly safety seminars taught by Pro Angler Charley Almassey and local radio station are also planned.

DBW enhances public access to the waterways and promotes on-the-water safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

“If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.”

08/04/2007

2007 Fatalities Up 48% Compared to Last Year; Inflatable Life Jackets Still Available for Boaters Who Pledge to “Wear It!”

WHAT:           “Wear It!” Ambassadors will mingle with boaters on the water to talk about safety and give away cool prizes, including life jackets.*  MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO SCHEDULE BOAT RIDE-ALONGS BY CALLING GLORIA SANDOVAL AT 916-715-1657.

WHEN:          Saturday, August 4, 2007
                      10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE:        Bethel Harbor Marina
                       End of Harbor Road, Bethel Island, CA
                       www.bethelharbor.com

WHO:             Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Boating and Waterways, the National Safe Boating Council, and BoatU.S.  Use of the “Wear It California!” Campaign Boat has been generously provided by Yamaha Motor Corporation.

BACKGROUND:
According to DBW statistics, California has seen 37 recreational boating deaths to date in 2007, compared to 25 at this time last year.  With summer still in full swing, the “Wear It California!” Campaign Boat continues to cruise the Delta, distributing life jackets and safety information to thousands of boaters and their families.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta was chosen by the U.S. Coast Guard among communities nationwide to serve as the test site for a pilot initiative to advance life jacket wear among recreational boaters.  It is proven that life jackets are the number one way to save a life on the water.  In 2005, 87 percent of U.S. boating fatality victims who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

For more information on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta initiative, visit www.WearItCalifornia.com or call 916-715-1657.

*While supplies last.  Boaters can receive a life jacket if they complete a Pledge Card, available from a “Wear It!” Ambassador or online at www.WearItCalifornia.com. 

08/02/2007

SACRAMENTO – Marina operators can now apply for a National Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) for transient boat dock improvements through the Department of Boating and Waterways. The deadline to submit applications is October 15, 2007.

Nationally, $13 million in BIG funding is available this year for projects to install or upgrade visitor tie-up facilities for recreational boats 26 feet long or more. Eligible projects include the renovation or construction of visitor docks, restrooms, gangways, and dockside utility hookups. It is a competitive program open to both publicly owned and privately owned marinas.

Applicants should first review the federal guidelines, available at www.dbw.ca.gov/big.asp, to determine if they meet the necessary requirements. Those marina operators eligible to compete in this program should follow the BIG Proposal Template available at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/BIGproposal.pdf or contact Kevin Atkinson at (916) 327-1788. Applicants must submit a grant proposal to the Department of Boating and Waterways following the federal guidelines on or before October 15, 2007.

The Department of Boating and Waterways enhances public access to the waterways and promotes on-the-water safety through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

08/02/2007

SAN FRANCISCO — Boaters will learn about their role in combating invasive water species at a free seminar August 18 at South Beach Harbor beginning at 10 a.m.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), the University of California Sea Grant Extension Program and the California Coastal Commission will host the event.   

Boaters are the primary transporters of invasive species into uninfested waterways. During the seminar these species and their impacts in California waterways will be discussed along with what boaters can do to prevent their spread.  Nontoxic bottom paints and their long-term performance results will also be discussed. 

Presenters include Leigh Johnson and Jamie Gonzalez of the University of California Sea Grant Extension Program. Johnson and Gonzales have conducted several programs regarding bottom paints and water quality, including field trials testing. DBW and the Coastal Commission’s Vivian Matuk, the environmental boating coordinator of the state’s boater education and technical assistance program, the Boating Clean and Green Campaign, will also be present.

The seminar is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served. Refreshments will be provided by the University of California Sea Grant Extension Program.

For questions or to request accommodations for a disability, please contact Jamie Gonzalez at jagonzalez@ucdavis.edu or (858) 694-3414.

06/29/2007

SACRAMENTO — Boaters are invited to participate in a life jacket giveaway beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, July 2 at Discovery Park. The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and Good Day Sacramento will host the event to stress the importance of safe boating practices.

California statistics from 2006 show that 71 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Most fatal boating accidents occur when individuals fall overboard or a vessel capsizes and most victims know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water.  Sometimes they are injured or unconscious. 

There are various reasons why boaters do not wear life jackets…the weather is too hot, they will mess up tan lines, or they are simply not comfortable. A variety of new inflatable life jackets are low profile and light weight.

Life jackets given away during the event are limited to one per family, while supplies last. Park entrance fee will be waived to those who participate.

There is no excuse not to wear a life jacket.  Boaters should keep the following life jacket laws in mind during this Forth of July holiday:

• Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on boats under 26 feet in length unless in an enclosed cabin.
• Anyone aboard a personal water craft or being towed behind a vessel on skis, tubes, or wakeboards must wear a life jacket.

Remember if it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.

DBW promotes on-the-water safety and helps develop convenient public access to the waterways through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

03/20/2007

SACRAMENTO – The Boating Clean and Green Campaign is distributing free Clean Boating Posters to marinas, yacht and sailing clubs, marine supply stores and fishing associations. The posters showcase the new program mascot Reilly the Rainbow Trout and promote clean boating practices to ensure that safe and clean boating is part of the boaters’ experience.

The new clean boating posters address topics such as fueling, sewage, boat cleaning and maintenance, oil and hazardous waste and trash and marine debris management. “The environmental posters were developed to increase boater awareness on clean and safe boating practices.  Boaters are more likely to employ clean boating habits if they are given access to convenient environmental services and are educated on sound boating practices,” said  the DBW and the California Coastal Commission’s Environmental Boating Program Coordinator, Vivian Matuk. 

The Campaign recommends posting these free posters in areas that are easily accessible to the boating community including bulletin boards, facility entrances, informational kiosks, marinas, harbor or yacht club offices, dock entrances, boat launch ramps and fuel docks.

The Boating Clean and Green Campaign is an education and outreach program through the California Department of Boating and Waterways and California Coastal Commission. It promotes environmentally-sound boating practices to marine business and boaters.

For information about the new Clean Boating Posters, and to place your order, please visit www.coastal.ca.gov/ccbn/ccbndx.html, or contact Vivian Matuk at (415) 904-6905 or vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov.

02/02/2007

SACRAMENTO — The invasive Quagga mussel has been discovered in California and the public is being asked to help prevent its spread. A public toll-free number, 1-866-440-9530, has been established for boaters and anyone involved with activities on lakes and rivers seeking information on the invasive and destructive Quagga mussels. The toll-free number is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"With the discovery of the Quagga mussel in California last month, we are taking the necessary steps statewide to prevent their spread here," said Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. "It is critical that we enlist the public's help. Once the Quagga are established in a waterway, they will have significant environmental, recreational and economic impacts."

Although they range from microscopic to the size of a fingernail, they are prolific and attach themselves to any hard surface. In the Great Lakes area, Quagga mussels have covered everything from boat engines and steering equipment to water transport facilities. They also wreak havoc with the environment, disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other species. Spread of the Quagga could result in millions of dollars in damage to water transport facilities.

Boats are the primary transporters of Quagga mussels. All boaters and anyone connected to freshwater aquatic environments should take the following steps to inhibit the spread of the Quagga mussel:

• Thoroughly wash the hull of each watercraft once it is out of the water, removing all plants and animal material.
• Drain any water through the vessel's hull plug, and ensure the area is dry.
• Ensure the vessel's lower outboard unit is drained and dry.
• Clean and dry any live-well aboard the vessel.
• Empty and dry any buckets.
• Any vessel traveling from Lake Mead or the Colorado River should remain dry and out of water for five days.
• Dispose of all bait in the trash.

A multi-agency taskforce has responded with surface and underwater inspectors to determine the extent of the Quagga threat. Quagga mussels were found in and near Lake Havasu and the multi-agency response team has increased monitoring and inspection locations. For more information on the Quagga mussel response, visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/quaggamussel/.

• Quagga Mussels Questions and Answers
• How do these Outlaws "Ride" Here
• Boaters Beware: Help Prevent the Spread of Quagga Mussels

01/19/2007

SACRAMENTO — On Thursday, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $7.135 million in loans and grants and elected officers Lenora Clark, Chair and Warren E. Rupf, Vice Chair for 2007.  During a public meeting in Sacramento, the Commission approved the following projects:

San Francisco Marina—West Harbor
A $6 million third-phase loan to the City of San Francisco for the West Harbor of the San Francisco Marina to improve berths, upgrade electrical and water dock utilities, install new barrier-free access gangways with security gates, construct a new breakwater, replace the revetment, dredge and improve buildings. Final phase funding of $5.3 million is proposed in the 2007-08 fiscal year. The total cost of the project with State loan funds is $16.5 million.

Gridley Boat Launching Facility—Butte County
A  $635,000 first phase grant to the City of Gridley for improvements to the one-lane Gridley Boat Launching Facility, including a new parking area, two boarding floats, restroom and sewer lift station, fish-cleaning station, slope protection and drainage, and lighting, signage and secure access.  The facility is on the Feather River.  The total cost of the project with State grants is $935,000. A department grant of $300,000 is proposed in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Lake Kaweah Boat Launching Facility—Tulare County
An additional grant of $500,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for improvements to the Lake Kaweah Boat Launching Facility.  The project includes a new two-lane boat launching ramp, a 10’ by 40’ aluminum deck boarding float, paved parking area for 31 vehicle/trailer spaces and 20 single vehicle spaces, access road, a four-unit barrier-free access block restroom with a septic and water system, security lighting, landscaping, and a project sign.  The Corps of Engineers will fund the boarding float and landscaping. The department is grant is now a total of $1.930 million.

Stockton Waterfront Marina—San Joaquin County
A change in project scope, including the addition of 890 linear feet of guest docks, for a previously approved loan of $13,300,000 to the City of Stockton for improvements to the Stockton Waterfront Marina.  The total cost of the project, with City of Stockton funds, is $20.6 million.

Department of Boating and Waterways loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment of loan and principal interest.

01/12/2007

SACRAMENTO—The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet January 18 to elect officers, discuss marina procedures to allocate slips to boaters, and consider funding $6.6 million in new loans and grants. The meeting is open to the public and will convene at 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 1209 L Street, Sacramento, California. The projects to be considered are:

San Francisco Marina — West Harbor
The Commission will consider a third-phase loan of $6 million to improve the West Harbor at the San Francisco Marina. The loan will be used to demolish existing berths and construct reconfigured berths in the West Harbor, upgrade electrical and water dock utilities, install new barrier-free access gangways with security gates, construct a new breakwater, replace the revetment, dredge and improve buildings.

Gridley Boat Launching Facility — Butte County
The Commission will consider a phase 1 grant of $635,000 to make improvements to the Gridley Boat Launching Facility along the Feather River in Butte County. The grant funds will be used to construct a new one-lane boat launching ramp, install two new boarding floats, construct a new parking area, restroom and sewer lift station, install a new fish-cleaning station, add slope protection and drainage, and install lighting, signage and secure access.

Lake Kaweah Boat Launching Facility — Tulare County
The Commission will consider increasing a previously approved grant to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for improvements to the Lake Kaweah Boat Launching Facility. The additional funds will cover an improved access road. The proposed project now includes construction of a new two-lane boat launching ramp, installation of one 10’ by 40’ aluminum decked boarding float, the construction of a paved parking area for 31 vehicle/trailer spaces and 20 single vehicle spaces, construction of an access road, construction of a four-unit barrier-free access block restroom with a septic and water system, the addition of security lighting, landscaping/irrigation, a host site, and a project credit sign.
The USACE will fund the boarding float, landscaping/irrigation, and the host site.

Stockton Waterfront Marina — San Joaquin County
The Commission will consider a change in project scope for a previously approved loan to the City of Stockton for improvements to the Stockton Waterfront Marina. The revised project includes 66 wet berths, 890 linear feet of guest dock, guest docks, 9 gangways with security gates, a 150-space dry stack storage building, 46 single parking spaces, a restroom, dock utilities, 83,000 square feet of walkway, lighting and electrical, a security system, landscaping and irrigation, and signs and ancillary items.

Department of Boating and Waterways loans and grants require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission appointed by the governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels and from the repayment of loan and principal interest.