California Department of Boating and Waterways

The agenda for this meeting includes reports from the Chairperson, Commissioners, and Deputy Director, along with a legislative update. Discussion topics cover the "Outdoors for All" initiative, various division program reports including the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, Boater Sewage Management Grant Program, boating accident reporting, boating safety and enforcement financial aid, and marine law enforcement training. Administrative items scheduled are board nominations and a review of upcoming meeting dates.

The Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program (AIPCP) is focused on managing and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Marsh, and southern tributaries to support environmental, economic, and public health objectives. Due to the plants' persistence, the program's mandate is control, not eradication. Key operational aspects include an upcoming treatment season from March to November 2026, existing partnerships with the Department of Water Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and agreements with contractors for specialized services. The program is enhancing its focus on performance metrics to showcase effectiveness.

The California Boating and Waterways Commission Workshop in November 2021 included discussions on revenue generation, alternative funding sources, and program development. The revenue generation committee focused on restructuring vessel registration fees, exploring requirements for non-motorized vessels, extending registration terms, reducing expenditures, and examining fuel tax dollar allocation. The alternative funding sources committee explored funding for aquatic invasive species, shoreline erosion, and beach nourishment, also discussing vessel registration fees for non-motorized vessels and the management of vessel registration. The program development committee prioritized programs, addressed problem areas, assessed successful programs, considered an economic impact study, and sought alignment within the Division.

The meeting was convened to discuss and provide advice and comment on the Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District's request for a $1,702,400 grant from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund (HWRF) to fund improvements at the existing Donner Lake boat launching facility. The proposed improvements include extending the boat launching ramp with articulated block mats, adding slope protection, replacing boarding floats, resurfacing and restriping the parking area, replacing the restroom and fish cleaning station, updating ADA-compliant access, and installing a new project credit sign. The commission also reviewed the engineering feasibility, environmental impact, required permits, project metrics, benefit-cost ratio, and user fees associated with the proposed project.

The committee meeting included discussions on the economic impact report, beach erosion and shoreline restoration programs, aquatic invasive species programs, the SAVE Program, and loan programs. The committee reviewed the Boating Safety Financial Aid Program, boating accidents, yacht licensing and brokers, and law enforcement training. The committee discussed the Boat Launching Facility Programs, focusing on providing public access to waterways and potential improvements. They also considered funding local salaries to mitigate staffing issues and explored Oregon's model for project control and an annual pass for non-motorized boaters.