Oregon board may rethink Waldo Lake motorboat ban

An Oregon board may reconsider its ban on motorboats on Waldo Lake, a clear and deep body of water in the Cascade Range about 40 miles southwest of Bend.

Two years ago, after more than a decade of debate, the Oregon Marine Board barred gas-driven motor use on the lake. It cited the values of quiet and protecting the lake from spills.

A group advocating the use of low-horsepower, four-stroke gas motors has appealed the decision to the State Court of Appeals. They're supported by a group representing float plane owners.

An advisory committee to the Marine Board is reviewing the decision and its impact on businesses, The Bulletin of Bend reported Monday (http://bit.ly/w50cGy ). The committee's report is due this month.

If the board decides to reconsider its decision, a public hearing could be held in April, with a board decision made soon afterward.

"So whatever the board decides, it's done before the summer boating season," said Scott Brewen, director of the board.

He said the appeals court will wait to see whether the state reconsiders the rule.

The 10-square-mile lake has wilderness area on three sides and is the second deepest in the state, after Crater Lake.

It averages 128 feet deep, and its deepest point is 420 feet, said Duane Bishop, Middle Fork District ranger for the Willamette National Forest. It is circled by trails and has three shoreline campgrounds that Bishop said are favored by people looking for wilderness-like experiences.

The lake has a 10-mph speed limit, so lifting the ban wouldn't lead to ski or power boat use, said Keith Kendrick, vice president of Waldo For Everyone.

"We are talking about slow-moving boats," he said.

In the two summers since the ban went into effect, people have been able to experience Waldo in a new way, said Doug Heiken, conservation and restoration coordinator for Oregon Wild, a Portland-based conservation group.

"This crown jewel, spectacular world-class lake got to be enjoyed with peace and quiet," he said.