Oregon Paddle Permit Repeal Effort Enters Final Signature Push
Supporters have until the end of June to gather signatures for a November ballot measure.
OREGON — A political action committee opposing Oregon’s expanded paddlecraft permit requirement is making a final push for signatures in hopes of placing a repeal measure before voters in November.
Let Us Paddle, a grassroots campaign led by Chief Petitioner Kari Goodheart, says June is the final month to gather signatures for an initiative aimed at repealing the state’s Waterway Access Permit requirement for non-motorized watercraft.
The current state requirement applies to operators of non-motorized boats, including kayaks, canoes, rafts, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable versions of those watercraft. The permit requirement expanded in 2026 to include paddlecraft under 10 feet, after applying since 2020 to non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer.
Let Us Paddle describes the requirement as an unnecessary financial and administrative burden on people using Oregon’s waterways for recreation.
“This permit is nothing more than taxation without representation and blatant government overreach,” Goodheart said in the campaign’s announcement.
The PAC is asking Oregonians across the state to sign the petition before the end-of-month deadline. The campaign says it is receiving signatures “by the hundreds,” but needs them “by the tens of thousands” to move the proposal toward the ballot.
The goal, according to the campaign, is to qualify a measure for the November ballot that would repeal the permit requirement for non-motorized watercraft.
Let Us Paddle argues the permit unfairly targets kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders, while placing a cost on people using low-impact recreational equipment on Oregon lakes and rivers. The group also challenges the justification that the permit requirement is needed to address aquatic invasive species.
“The permit requirement claims to address the spread of aquatic invasive species, yet there is no credible scientific evidence that kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards pose a meaningful risk,” the campaign said in its release.
Goodheart said the effort is intended to draw support from beyond the paddling community.
“We need all Oregonians to step up,” Goodheart said. “This is about more than paddling.”
The campaign says it wants future generations to be able to launch canoes, kayaks and paddleboards without first needing to pay for a state permit. It also frames the petition drive as part of a broader objection to new taxes, fees and regulations affecting outdoor recreation.
Let Us Paddle has also scheduled a float protest for Saturday, June 13, from Barton Park to Carver Park on the Clackamas River. Organizers said participants are expected to pass Barton Park around 10:30 a.m. and arrive at Carver Park around 3:57 p.m., where a volunteer will be collecting signatures.
People interested in signing the petition can find signing locations across Oregon. Regional signing locations listed by the campaign include:
A petition table in Medford seeks signatures for an effort to place an Oregon paddle permit repeal measure on the November ballot. The campaign is seeking signatures through the end of June. Photo courtesy of Let Us Paddle / Facebook
Deschutes County
Nate’s Rogue Adventures, Kimball’s Pet and Farm Supply, Harvest Depot
Douglas County
Diamond Lake Resort, Umpqua’s Last Resort, Dry Creek Store, River Forks Market, Waldron’s Outdoor Sports
Jackson County
Jackson County Republicans Office
Josephine County
Resort at Lake Selmac, Josephine County Republicans Office
Klamath County
Crescent Sinclair Station
Days, times and additional locations can be found at:
https://www.letuspaddle.com/signing-locations
The campaign also says people who cannot find a nearby signing location may download, print, sign and mail a single-signature petition sheet through the Let Us Paddle website https://www.letuspaddle.com/print-mail-signature.
“Together we can restore liberty to our waterways,” Goodheart said. “Stand with Let Us Paddle. Sign today and help protect the Oregon way of life for generations to come.”
Cover image: A petition table in Medford seeks signatures for Let Us Paddle’s effort to place an Oregon paddle permit repeal measure on the November ballot. Photo courtesy of Let Us Paddle / Facebook
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