"

Nov. 10: Responding to the Ever-Growing Love for River Recreation 

(Virtual Discussion: 3:30 – 4:30 pm ET) Invitation from the State River Program Managers Working Group – All River Professionals are Welcome!

River managers experienced unprecedented levels of river use in 2020 as the weather warmed and most traditional avenues of entertainment were not available.  While nearly all organization and agency systems were stressed beyond any recent years, a new (as of January 2020) waterway fee enabled the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) to both support its operational needs and award over $400,000 in grants, including those supporting creative and innovative local projects that promote safe boating and educational programs.

Join the RMS State River Program Working Group and member Janine Belleque for a conversation about the OSMB program as it might inform your state’s need to support the needs of (many!) new river users with facilities, education and yes, rescue. We’ll also hear from John Wenck, IA Water Trails Coordinator whose rivers experienced both the effects of a record breaking derecho in August to changes in river use during the COVID-19. John will share how they handled both of these challenges this summer, and we welcome your input on how your organization is or plans to fund and otherwise support the continued blossoming of river recreation popularity. In addition to John and Janine, Aaron Deters, Project Manager with Juniper Environmental, LLC (SBA Certified WOSB and EDWOSB), will share how the excise tax may be an option for funding. 

Join the virtual discussion by using the GoToMeeting link in the Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 News Digest email, or contact rmsmoderator(at)river-management.org for a link.