2016 News Releases

09/01/2016

Steer Clear on Crowded Waterways during Labor Day Weekend
Navigation “Rules of the Road” Help Boaters Avoid Collisions

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) anticipates an increased number of recreational boaters on waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. With nearly 14 percent of all recreational boating accidents each year occurring during the summer holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, boaters are reminded that following simple navigation rules can greatly decrease the chances of being involved in an accident.

In 2015, 503 boating accidents, 232 injuries and 49 fatalities were reported to DBW. The statistics from last year also show that 40 percent of boating accidents were involved a collision with another boat (34 percent) or fixed objects (6 percent).

“Just like highway rules, navigation rules tell boat operators about right of way, signaling to other boats and how to avoid collisions on the water,” said DBW’s Deputy Director Lynn Sadler. “Not only must boat operators keep a sharp lookout for fast moving vessels, submerged hazards or swimmers and paddlecraft, they must know navigation rules in order to quickly and safely respond to changing conditions.”

Below are some basic navigation rules that every boat operator should know:

  • Boat at safe speeds. Do not exceed 5 miles per hour within 100 feet of a swimmer, or 200 feet of a swimming beach, a swimming float, a diving platform, a lifeline, or a dock with boats tied to it.
  • Keep a safe distance from other boats and obstacles
    • Designate a person aboard the vessel to help you act as a lookout. 
    • Keep a sharp lookout and give way to larger, faster boats. Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks www.parks.ca.gov @CAStateParks 2
    • Communicate your intended movement such as passing or turning to an oncoming vessel using sound or light signals. o Whenever you are traveling through a narrow channel or coming around a bend where it’s hard to see oncoming traffic, always keep to the right side.
    • Never obstruct or anchor in a channel, launching area, or route, or interfere with the travel of other boats.
  • Lookout for hazards. Water conditions are low enough in many places to make for hazardous boating. Areas that were easily boated a year ago may be dangerous this year. Keep a proper lookout for trees, snags, sandbars, etc.

To review light and sound signals or the navigation rules, please download a copy of the ABC’s of California Boating and/or take a boating safety course. And always remember to wear properly-fitted life jackets. Please visit www.BoatCalifornia.com for more information on how to properly and safely enjoy California’s waterways.

08/31/2016

Applications for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program due Sept. 26

SACRAMENTO - The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is currently accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Grant (CVA) Program. Grants are available to any organization for educating coastal and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta recreational boaters about proper vessel sewage disposal in an effort to help keep California’s marinas, waterways, and ocean clean and healthy. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 26, 2016.

As part of DBW’s commitment to provide clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational boating in California, the division serves as the state CVA Program Grant Coordinator. The CVA Program serves as an important educational opportunity for organizations to inform the recreational boating community about sewage related issues, impacts, resources available to them, and proper vessel sewage disposal practices to encourage the use of pumpout facilities and mobile pumpout services.

The program focuses in the following two targeted geographic regions in California (inland work, even in these counties should not be performed under this grant, except the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta):

  • San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary: San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties.
  • Southern California Coastal Counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego.

DBW will provide funding for two grants (one for each targeted California geographic region) that will develop and implement a 12-month CVA Boater Education and Outreach Program for each of the two targeted geographic regions mentioned above. Each regional grant must include education, outreach and monitoring components. Detailed information on the application process and a complete guidelines packet can be found online at http://www.dbw.parks.ca.gov/Funding/CVAGrant.aspx.

08/12/2016

Low Water and 5 MPH Speed Limit at Folsom Lake

FOLSOM California State Parks asks visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake, as low water levels have left four of the five boat ramps dry. There will also be a 5 mph maximum speed limit established for the entire lake starting on Monday, August 15, 2016for public safety concerns due to hazards and the low water conditions.

“Visitors are welcome to come out and enjoy the lake,” said Park Superintendent Richard Preston of California State Parks. “We want to make sure our visitors are aware of the increase in underwater hazards as a result of the low water levels. We urge people to exercise extreme caution while boating on the lake, both for their safety and to prevent damage to their watercraft.”

The 5 mph speed limit is necessary because the low water level has brought rocks on the lake bed closer to the surface, placing boats in danger of being scratched or worse in some of the more shallow areas.

By Monday, August 15 the only launch ramp available for boaters will be the Hobie Cove ramp located at Browns Ravine in El Dorado County.

Rattlesnake Bar, Granite Bay, Folsom Point and Peninsula boat ramps are all out of the water and closed to boat launching. The Granite Bay Low Water Ramp will surface and should be accessible in about a week.        

The day use and picnic areas at Folsom Lake all remain open however it is a long walk to the water’s edge.

The low water speed limit was last implemented July 13, 2015 and lifted January 25, 2016.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area office is at 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom. For more information, call (916) 988-0205.       

08/08/2016

Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Silverwood Lake; No-Swimming Advisory in Effect

HESPERIA – The cyanobacteria (blue-green) algal bloom in Silverwood Lake is persisting, according to the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Recent sampling for microcystin toxins in the water showed that levels have increased, and DWR and California State Parks are warning the public to stay out of the water until further notice. All water activity is prohibited, including swimming, wading, boating, waterskiing and jet-skiing.

Danger signs are posted at the lake and swim beaches are closed. However, activities near the water such as picnicking and hiking are safe. Because algal blooms can form and die off fairly rapidly, DWR continues to test the water and will update this advisory as conditions change.

Based on current testing results, the following precautions from the Voluntary Statewide Guidance for Blue-Green Algae Blooms are in effect:

  • Stay out of the water until further notice.
  • Do not touch scum in the water or on shore.
  • Do not let pets go into or drink the water, or go near scum on the shoreline.
  • Do not drink lake water or use it for cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.
  • Do not eat fish or shellfish from these waters.

If people or pets become sick after going in the water, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Sunlight, warm temperatures, nutrients in the water and calm conditions can contribute to algal blooms, which are considered to be harmful if they produce toxins that can affect people and pets when they contact the affected water. 

People can be exposed to the toxins when they accidently swallow water while swimming or waterskiing. The toxins can also contact the skin during swimming or be inhaled if they become aerosolized, such as during waterskiing or jet skiing.

Exposure to high concentrations of these toxins can cause skin rashes, eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache and gastrointestinal upset. Dogs can experience diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, or even death if they ingest the water or lick their fur after contacting the affected water.

Additional information on harmful algal blooms can be found on the State Water Resources Control Board website: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html.

08/04/2016

Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Silverwood Lake; No-Swimming Advisory in Effect

HESPERIASwimmers, boaters and recreational users are urged to avoid direct contact with Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County until further notice because of a cyanobacteria (blue-green) algal bloom.  The Department of Water Resources continues to test the water and will update this advisory if conditions change.

 Based on current testing results, the following precautions from the Voluntary Statewide Guidance for Blue-Green Algae Blooms are in effect at Silverwood Lake:

  • No swimming.
  • Stay away from scum and cloudy or discolored water.
  • Do not drink lake water or use it for cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.
  • Do not let pets go into or drink the water, or go near scum on the shoreline.
  • For fish caught here, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.
  • Do not eat shellfish from these waters.   
  • People can be exposed to the toxins when they accidently ingest water while swimming or waterskiing. The toxins can also contact the skin during swimming or be inhaled if they become aerosolized, such as during waterskiing or jet skiing.
  • Sunlight, warm temperatures, nutrients in the water and calm conditions can contribute to algal blooms, which are considered to be harmful if they produce toxins that can affect people and pets when they contact the affected water.
  • If you or your pet becomes sick after going in the water, contact your doctor or veterinarian.

Exposure to high concentrations of these toxins can cause skin rashes, eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache and gastrointestinal upset. Dogs can experience diarrhea, vomiting,convulsions, or even death if they ingest the water or lick their fur after contacting the affected water.

Additional information on harmful algal blooms can be found on these State Water Resources Control Board and Department of Public Health websites: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html.

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx

06/30/2016

Boating Infrastructure Grants Available for Marina Operators

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting applications for the National Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG). Applicants must submit a grant application to DBW on or before Aug. 11, 2016.

BIG is a competitive program open to both publicly owned and privately owned marinas to renovate or construct visitor docks, restrooms, gangways and dockside utility hook-ups. The program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, for transient boat dock improvements. Nationally, an estimated $4 million is available for Tier I projects and $9 million is available for Tier II projects to both publicly owned and privately owned marinas to install or upgrade visitor tie-up facilities for recreational boats 26 feet or greater in length. Eligible projects include the renovation or construction of visitor docks, restrooms, gangways, and dockside utility hook-ups.

Applicants should first review the federal guidelines to determine if they meet the necessary requirements. Marina operators eligible to compete in this program should contact Ron Kent at Ron.Kent@parks.ca.gov or (916) 327-1819.

06/29/2016

Boat Safe this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) reminds boaters to use caution on the water this Fourth of July holiday weekend. DBW’s recreational boating accident data shows that more boating accidents occur during this holiday than any other—waterways are crowded, people are boating in groups or with many people aboard their vessels. Distractions are numerous. The data also shows that human-propelled boating, such as paddling, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and standup paddleboarding, is especially vulnerable to accidents.

An analysis of paddlecraft accidents from two time periods show a 49 percent increase from 39 fatalities on California waterways in 2001-2005 to 58 in 2011-2015. With the increased popularity of paddlesports in recent years, it is vital that participants are aware of safe boating practices.  

“Kayaking, canoeing and rafting are great ways to enjoy California’s beautiful waterways, and it is important to do so in a safe manner,” said DBW Deputy Director Lynn Sadler. “Our waterways during the Fourth of July weekend will be filled with power boaters and paddlers, and many will be inexperienced. We encourage all recreational boaters to take a boating safety course and learn navigation rules in order to avoid accidents.” 

Power boat operators are also being asked to keep speeds down in crowded waterways and ask their passengers to help them spot difficult-to-see paddlecraft. Below are some additional safety practices when on the water:

All Recreational Boaters

  • Always wear appropriate life jackets
  • Take a boating safety course or class
  • You may have people aboard your vessel who do not normally boat. Familiarize them with the location of the safety equipment and how to be safe aboard you boat (e.g. keep hands inside near dock, carbon monoxide, propeller safety, etc.)
  • Designate a person aboard the vessel to help you act as a lookout
  • Keep a sharp lookout and give way to larger, faster boats
  • Leave the alcohol at home
  • Keep seated to minimize risk of capsizing
  • Load the boat properly and never exceed the stated capacity
  • Avoid extreme conditions

Human-Propelled Recreational Boaters

  • Stay near the shore and cross channels with care
  • Carry an efficient sound signaling device such as a loud whistle
  • Use a white navigation light when paddling at night or in low visibility
  • Never paddle alone

Last year California had 503 recreational boating accidents, 232 injuries, and 49 fatalities. Detailed data on California’s 2015 Recreational Boating Accident Statistics can be found online on DBW’s website. The statistics the report reflect every reported recreational boating accident in California in 2015. State law requires boaters involved in accidents to file a written report with DBW when a person dies, disappears or requires medical attention beyond first aid. A report is also required when an accident results in damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $500 or there is a complete loss of a vessel. Boaters can find a printable California Boating Accident Report Form online.

For more boating safety information, please visit www.BoatCalifornia.com.

06/27/2016

DBW Expands Herbicide Treatment in the Delta for Egeria densa

SACRAMENTO – Continuing the effort to control invasive aquatic plants in the Delta, California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will begin treating Egeria densa in the Bethel Island region starting July 11 through November 4, 2016. DBW will concurrently be treating curly-leaf pondweed as well.

Recent field surveys of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) conducted by the division and public feedback show that infestation levels in the Bethel Island region are significant enough for herbicide treatment.

Below is detailed information on the division’s latest control efforts:

Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Control Program: Egeria densa and Curly-leaf Pondweed

Herbicide Control

  • Treatment Period: Starting July 11, 2016 through November 4, 2016, treatment period based upon DBW field survey data, water temperatures and fishery surveys.
  • Treatment Areas: In and/or around the following areas (individual areas will be noticed prior to treatment application):
  • Anchorages, Boat Ramps and Marinas: Mariner Cove, New Anchor, Delta Sportsman, Sunset Harbor, Hennis, Carol’s Harbor, and Emerald Pointe Eastern Contra Costa County Area: Taylor Slough and Sandmound Slough
  • Herbicide: Fluridone.

Treated areas will be monitored weekly to ensure herbicide levels do not exceed allowable limits and that herbicide treatments have no adverse impacts on the environment, agriculture or public health in or near the planned treatment areas. All herbicides are registered for aquatic use with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Since March 8, 2016, DBW has been treating Egeria densa, curly-leaf pondweed, water hyacinth and Spongeplant with herbicides in the Delta (news release). All of these aquatic invasive plants have no known natural controls in the west coast’s largest estuary, the Delta. It is likely that the plants will never be fully eradicated from the region. Therefore, DBW operates “control” programs as opposed to “eradication” programs. The division works with local, state and federal entities to better understand the plants, and implement new integrated strategic methods.

Funding for DBW’s aquatic invasive plant control programs comes from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, which receives revenues from boaters’ registration fees and gasoline taxes.

In 1982, California state legislation designated DBW as the lead state agency to cooperate with other state, local and federal agencies in controlling water hyacinth in the Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun Marsh. The Egeria densacontrol program was authorized by law in 1997 and treatment began in 2001. In 2014, Spongeplant was authorized for control upon completion of the biological assessment and in 2015, curly-leaf pondweed was authorized under amendment to the Egeria densa control program.

The importance of DBW’s control programs is evident in that the aquatic invasive plants negatively impacts Delta’s ecosystem as they displace native plants, block light needed for photosynthesis and reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Continued warm temperatures help the plants proliferate at high rates. Plants are also known to form dense mats of vegetation creating safety hazards for boaters, obstructing navigation channels, marinas and irrigation systems.

The public may view the public notices and sign up to receive weekly updates on this year’s treatment season on DBW’s website. For more information, please visit http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/Environmental/Aquatic.aspx.

06/21/2016

Boating Safety Patrols Increased This Weekend for "Operation Dry Water"

SACRAMENTOCalif. – This weekend, many law enforcement agencies across the nation and in California will be out in force on waterways looking for drunken boat operators. This heightened vigilance, known as Operation Dry Water, is part of a national effort to change the cultural acceptance of drinking and boating, and raise awareness that boaters can have safe and fun recreational boating experiences without the use of alcohol and/or drugs. California will also emphasize the dangers that drunken passengers face.

Since the launch of Operation Dry Water in 2009, the number of recreational boating fatalities with alcohol named as a contributing factor has decreased in the United States. As of 2015, the national alcohol-related boating fatality rate was 21 percent. In California, alcohol use remains a leading contributing factor in boating deaths. The state’s recreational boating accident statistics show that over the past five years (2011-2015), 33 percent of boating fatalities were alcohol-related (when tests were conducted).

“One quick way to end a weekend of fun with family and friends is mixing boating and alcohol,” said California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Boating Law Administrator Ramona Fernandez. “It is a deadly cocktail that can lead to operator inattention and passengers falling overboard.”

Designating a 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. The potential for drowning also goes up if life jackets are not worn.

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effect of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications. 

In California, it is against the law to operate a boat or water ski with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. A person with a BAC less than 0.08 percent may also be arrested if conditions are deemed to be unsafe. If convicted, a person may be sentenced to jail for up to six months and assessed fines of up to $1,000. Two convictions within seven years could add a jail term of up to one year. Boaters caught operating under the influence may also find their voyage terminated and their vessel impounded.

Twenty-seven law enforcement entities from California will be participating in this year’s Operation Dry Water campaign. Below is the list of participating entities and their contact information: 

California State Parks

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Rich Preston

Rich.Preston@parks.ca.gov

(916) 988-0205

 

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

Aaron Wright, Superintendent

Aaron.Wright@parks.ca.gov

(530) 538-2200

 

County Sheriff’s Offices

Butte

Sgt. Jack Storme

jstorne@buttecounty.net

(530) 538-7543

 

Contra Costa

Lt. Jose Beltran

jbelt@so.cccounty.us

(925) 427-8507

 

Humboldt

Deputy Phil Daastol             

pdaastol@co.humboldt.ca.us

(707) 268-2532

 

Imperial

Sgt. Benevidez        

rbenavidez@icso.org

(760) 455-9635

 

Lake County - Marine Patrol

Don McPherson      

donald.mcpherson@lakecountyca.gov

(707) 263-2690

 

Los Angeles - Marina del Rey

Sgt. Frank Ruiz       

frruiz@lasd.org

(310) 823-2300

 

Mariposa

Capt. Byron Robles

brobles@mariposacounty.org

(209) 966-3615

 

Placer

Sgt. Michelle Baxter           

MBaxter@placer.ca.gov

(530) 392-0032

 

Plumas

Officer in Charge

dcanalia@pcso.net

(530) 283-6375

 

Sacramento

Sgt. Scott Maberry   

smaberry@sacsheriff.com

(916) 606-0980

 

San Joaquin

Sgt. Carey Pehl       

ctpehl@sjgov.org

(209) 953-3428

 

Solano

Sgt. Ray Dudley                  

RGDudley@SolanoCounty.com

(707) 580-4977

 

Sonoma

Lt. Ed Hoener          

Ed.Hoener@sonoma-county.org

(707) 565-2511

 

Stanislaus

Lt. Larry Sanders     

lseymour@stanislaussheriff.com

(209) 525-7015

 

Sutter

Charles Green

cgreen@co.sutter.ca.us

(530) 822-7307

 

Tehama

Sgt. Mike Paisley

mpaisley@tehamaso.org

(530) 529-7900

 

Tuolumne

Dave Vasquez         

DVasquez@co.tuolumne.ca.us

(209) 533-6300

 

Yuba

Dan Harrison           

dharris@co.yuba.ca.us

(530) 749-773

 

Salton Sea Marine Patrol

Officer in Charge

(760) 393-3052

 

South Lake Tahoe Police Department

Steve O'Brien

sobrien@cityofslt.us

(530) 542-6120

 

United States Coast Guard

San Francisco Maritime Safety/Security

Station Channel Islands Harbor

Station Golden Gate

Station Los Angeles- Long Beach

Station Monterey

 

For more information on this annual event and to confirm registered agencies, visit OperationDryWater.org. California-specific boating laws and safety tips may be found at BoatCalifornia.com

05/20/2016

Improved Boating Conditions in California Renews Importance of Life Jacket Use this Season

SACRAMENTO – As the 2016 California boating season begins with improved water conditions across the state, it is more important than ever to wear a life jacket.

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 75 percent of recreational boater deaths could be prevented every year if the victims had been wearing a life jacket. In California last year, 65 percent of recreational boaters who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.

“While California is still in a drought, we are seeing some lake levels higher than in years past, leading to more boating activity this year,” said DBW Deputy Director Lynn Sadler. “Keeping this summer fun and safe means to wear a life jacket and to ‘Save the Ones You Love’ by encouraging them to also wear life jackets when on the water.”

To promote the life jacket message, DBW manages a myriad of safety outreach programs including a public service campaign. This year’s campaign, which will be launched during National Safe Boating Week (May 21-27), raises awareness on life jacket use through the message of “Life Jackets Save Lives.” The campaign will target recreational boaters through a combination of strategic radio and ad placements and social media messaging during high volume summer weekends in the top five boating accident areas of the state: San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino-Colorado River), and the coastal areas of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Life Jacket Trade-Ins

This year, DBW continues to partner with more than 50 life jacket trade-in events across the state beginning this Saturday, May 21, as a part of National Life Jacket Trade-In Day, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week. Other events will be held throughout the summer.

These events provide recreational boaters the opportunity to have life jackets inspected by professionals. If a life jacket is found to be unserviceable or the wearer has outgrown the life jacket, a new, properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket will be given in exchange, for free. Event locations and times by county can be found on DBW’s Website.

Life jacket trade-in partners include a number of state parks, aquatic centers, the Drowning Accident Rescue Team, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons and local law enforcement agencies.

When choosing the right life jacket, water enthusiasts should ensure the following:

  • Coast Guard-approved: All life jackets approved for use by the Coast Guard will have an approval number on the inside label. Only these types of life jacket should be used when boating. Boaters could be cited if they do not have Coast Guard approved life jackets on board their vessel.
  • Proper size: Life jackets are categorized by weight or chest size. They should fit snug and should never be purchased to “grow into”. A lifejacket that is too small may not provide enough flotation to keep a person afloat. One that is too large can slip off upon entry into the water or could ride up around the face and prevent normal breathing.
  • Intended boating activity: Check the inside label of the life jacket to make sure it is approved for your boating activity.
  • Good condition: Life jackets with rips, tears, mildew, loose or missing straps, frayed webbing, broken zippers or buckles, hardened stuffing or faded label instructions must be replace.

For more information on the public service campaign or California’s boating laws, please visit www.BoatCalifornia.com.

04/22/2016

California's Recreational Boaters Encouraged to Practice Clean Boating Habits All Year-Long

SACRAMENTO California’s Boating Clean and Green Program would like to offer boaters Earth-friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day — and every day. Practice these habits to protect the environment throughout the year and California will have healthy waterways all year long!

TOP 5 WAYS TO HONOR THE EARTH

 1. Don’t Spread Invasive Species. The spread of aquatic invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, can create havoc in the aquatic environment and damage motor boats. The Boat Cleaning Guide Book was created specifically for boat owners and watercraft users, and contains general cleaning guidelines and a basic checklist for inspecting boats and recreational equipment for aquatic hitch hikers. There are also additional inspection and cleaning checklists for specific types of boats and equipment.

 2. Plan Ahead. Dump at the Pump! It is important for boaters to use sewage pumpouts and mobile-pumpout services to properly dispose of raw sewage. It is    illegal to dump raw sewage into California waterways and more importantly, this practice can be unsafe for humans and the marine environment. Plan ahead and find out where your nearest restrooms and pumpout stations are located and how to properly use them.

 3. Stow it, don’t throw it. Invest in a reusable coffee mug, water bottle and shopping bag. Don’t use plastic waste. When ordering a drink, refuse the straw. When getting take-out to bring back to your office or home, refuse the utensils and bring a reusable set to keep in your office or home.
 

Besides keeping your trash on board, remember that fishing line can entangle and kill wildlife and cause boat damage. Make sure to recycle fishing line appropriately. Fishing line is not biodegradable and can remain in the environment for more than 600 years. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to properly dispose of trash or recycle your fishing line.

 4. Turn in a vessel before it pollutes. Proper disposal of an unwanted vessel is a vital part of clean and responsible boating. Because there are several environmental hazards associated with old vessels, including used oil, solvents and used batteries, it is important that all vessel owners properly dispose of their vessels at the appropriate time. There are several options for proper vessel disposal: no-cost vessel turn-in program, landfill disposal, recycling and/or dismantling.

 5. Recycle, Collect, Report. Take the necessary steps to performspill-proof oil changes and recycle your used oil and oil filters. Always use oil absorbents and dispose of them as a hazardous waste by visiting your county household hazardous waste collection center or marina offering this service. Remember to never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. Doing so increases harm to the environment and is illegal. Check our oil and fuel clean boating videos. Report ALL oil and chemical spills to your marina, the National Response Center (800-424-8802) and the California Office of Emergency Services (800) OILS-911.

 Be a leader. Encourage others to adopt “green” habits.For more information on the program or detailed information on environmental services/resources please visit www.BoatingCleanAndGreen.com.

California’s Boating Clean and Green Program is an education and outreach program that promotes environmentally-sound boating practices to marine businesses and boaters in California. The program is conducted by California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways and the California Coastal Commission.

02/19/2016

State Offers Opportunities for the Public and Boating Facility Operators to Help Keep California’s Waterways Clean and Green

SACRAMENTO – California’s Boating Clean and Green Program and its partners are offering volunteer opportunities, workshops and seminars on ways to help keep California’s waterways clean. Motivated individuals with an ability and willingness to learn and convey important environmental messages are encouraged to participate. Registration is required to take part in these free events.

“It is important to know that environmental stewardship efforts we implement today to keep California’s waterways free from boat pollution, aquatic invasive species, and oil will help future generations enjoy clean waterways,” said California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways’ Deputy Director Lynn Sadler. “We hope that the public and boating facility operators take advantage of these free resources and learning opportunities.”

To register or become a volunteer, please contact the Boating Clean and Green Program Coordinator Vivian Matuk at (415) 904-6905 or Vivian.Matuk@coastal.ca.gov, or visit www.BoatingCleanandGreen.com for more details.

Below is a listing of the upcoming opportunities:

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Workshops 

Workshop participants will gain an understanding of the impacts aquatic invasive species (AIS) have on the environment; learn to recognize them in their region; learn how to take action and prevent spreading the invasive species by inspecting and cleaning equipment and watercraft.

AIS pose serious threats to water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, boating, fishing and the environment. Recreational activities, including boating and fishing, can spread the species from infested waters to uninfected waters.

Oakley – March 16

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 11

  • Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Location: Big Break Regional Shoreline, 69 Big Break Rd, Oakley, CA 94561
  • Parking: Free
  • Lunch: Purchase lunch at a nearby restaurant or bring your own lunch
  • Partner: Big Break Regional Shoreline Park

Modesto – April 12

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 8

  • Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Location: Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources, Training Center Room DE, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358
  • Parking: Free
  • Lunch: Purchase lunch at a nearby restaurant or bring your own lunch
  • Partner: Stanislaus County

Santa Cruz – May 19

Registration Deadline: Friday, May 13

  • Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Location: Seymour Marine Discovery Center, La Feliz Room, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Parking: Free parking before the main gate, along Delaware Avenue and Natural Bridges Drive.                                                                  
  • Lunch: Purchase lunch at a nearby restaurant or bring your own lunch
  • Partners: Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Save Our Shores

The workshops are being hosted by California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Oil Spill Response Seminars for California Marinas and Yacht Clubs

California marinas and yacht clubs are invited to attend one of two free seminars to learn proper oil spill response techniques. Participants will gain the knowledge to prepare them in the event of an actual incident. Space is limited. Registration for both seminars is required by March 25. Seminars are scheduled to take place:

March 29, 2016 - Stockton
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ebony Boat Club
445 West Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA 95203                                   

April 1, 2016 – Newport Beach
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Marina Park - Bay Island Room
1600 West Balboa Boulevard
New Port Beach, CA 92662

As waterfront stakeholders, marina and yacht club operators possess extensive local waterway and boating knowledge, making them especially valuable responding to oil spills. Seminars will cover information on:

  • California’s oil spill response structure
  • Office of Spill Prevention and Response Equipment Grants
  • Third party claim process
  • General information on oil spill kits for boating facilities
  • Marinas and Yacht Clubs Spill Response Communication Packet
  • Tools and resources available to increase communication capabilities between boating facilities and offices of emergency services during oil spills

Key presenters include representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California’s Boating Clean and Green Program and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Become a Dockwalker

The public is invited to train as Dockwalkers and conduct face-to-face boater education and distribute boater kits with educational information and pollution prevention tools. Dockwalkers visit marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows and other popular boating areas. Hours spent training and educating the public may qualify as community service.

Trainings are free and are set to begin in mid-March and run through early May 2016. Pre-registration is required. Visit the Dockwalker website to view the full training schedule and locations or to sign-up.

Marinas and yacht clubs are also encouraged to participate in the Dockwalker Program. Involvement in this program provides them with the educational materials and tools to operate a clean boating facility and minimize water quality impacts. This program provides marinas with points towards the Clean Marina Designation. Participation in the Dockwalker Program also counts towards the nomination of the Club of the Year under the community service category.

Partnerships with the Bay Foundation, Keep the Delta Clean Program, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Save Our Shores, Lake Berryessa Partnership, San Mateo County and many more organizations have made this program successful.

California’s Boating Clean and Green Program is an education and outreach program conducted through the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways and California Coastal Commission. The program promotes environmentally-sound boating practices to marine businesses and boaters. For more information on the program, please visit www.BoatingCleanandGreen.com.