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As a paddler I don't want to ban all motorized traffic on the Willamette, just in the Holgate Channel.  Why?  I love to observe the wildlife undisturbed by the blaring noise of a speeding boat with it's stereo on full blast.  I love to paddle the calm water, not have to redirect my course every fiew minutes into the huge wake these boats make.  And there are many all-weather paddlers.  I am also a member of a dragon boat team which paddles 3 times a week in the Holgate Channel.  You might be surprised by the number of inconsiderate boaters who think nothing of making huge wakes very near paddled boats.  It is not only dangerous but extremely rude.  I welcome all courteous boaters but having almost been hit by a speed boat last summer when I was very near the bank and no place where he should have been I find I would like some calm water to know that I may be safe.

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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I am an active person on the Willamette River.  I have been a member of a dragon boat team (most recently the Golden Dragons) for over 12 years.  I have participated in Paddle Oregon three times and frequently take my kayak from Clackamette Park as far as downtown Portland on day trips.  During the Paddle Oregon trips I have kayaked from the McKenzie River all the way to West Linn, just above the falls, and from Clackamette Park to downtown Portland.  It is amazing to see all the wildlife and bird life along this river and the efforts that are being made to restore the river's natural habitat.  I applaud Willamette Riverkeepers for all their efforts and fully support their mission to keep the river livable.

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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