SALEM, Ore. (Jun. 14, 2026) — Organizers behind a citizen-led effort to repeal Oregon’s permit requirement for non-motorized watercraft are making a final push to gather enough signatures to qualify a ballot measure for the November election.
The grassroots campaign, known as Let Us Paddle, is seeking to overturn the state’s requirement that operators of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards carry an aquatic invasive species permit while using Oregon waterways.
Supporters of the initiative argue the permit places an unnecessary burden on Oregonians who enjoy recreational paddling and represents an example of government overreach.
“With June being the final month to collect signatures, we’re calling on all Oregonians to stand together,” said Kari Goodheart, chief petitioner for Let Us Paddle. “This is about more than paddling. It’s about protecting individual freedoms and pushing back against taxes, fees and regulations that continue to expand.”
Under current Oregon law (House Bill HB2982), operators of non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or longer are required to purchase an aquatic invasive species permit. State officials have said the program helps fund efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species that can damage ecosystems, fisheries and infrastructure.
However, Let Us Paddle contends there is insufficient scientific evidence showing that kayaks, canoes and paddleboards pose a significant risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. The group describes the permit as an unjustified financial and administrative burden on law-abiding residents seeking to enjoy Oregon’s lakes and rivers.
The campaign also argues the policy unfairly targets local paddlers while allowing some out-of-state boaters to access inspection and decontamination services without similar costs.
“Laws should be justified and backed by science rather than unfairly targeting specific groups of people,” Goodheart said. “Future generations deserve the freedom to launch a canoe or kayak without first paying the government for permission.”
The initiative’s supporters say they have collected signatures by the hundreds but still need tens of thousands more before the end-of-June deadline to secure a place on the November ballot.
If approved by voters, the measure would eliminate the permit requirement for non-motorized watercraft in Oregon.
Organizers are encouraging residents unable to attend in-person signing events to download, print and mail petition forms available through the campaign’s website.
“Every signature counts,” Goodheart said. “Together we can restore liberty to our waterways and send a message that Oregonians will no longer tolerate taxation without justification or the erosion of constitutional rights.”
Let Us Paddle describes itself as a grassroots citizen initiative focused on repealing permit requirements for non-motorized watercraft while advocating for constitutional freedoms and limited government involvement in outdoor recreation.
The organization says additional information about the proposed measure, petition forms and upcoming events can be found on its website.
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