Come to the Water Access Permit Protest Flotilla 12pm Saturday 8/9 @ Foster Lake Oregon, Shea Point Landing
On July 30th, 2025, fed up with Oregon lawmakers trying to tax and fee us to death, Kari, Ben, and Angi filed a citizens initiative petition to repeal the Oregon Paddle Permit scheme. Paddle Permits are enshrined in state law, and because of HB2982 passed by the legislature in 2025, it extended a "permit to paddle" to every paddlecraft regardless of length, starting on January 1st 2026.
Enough already!
All we ask is to Let Us Paddle, without fees, permits, or permission.
Like you we just want to paddle fee free, read our story below:
Founder & Co-Chief Petitioner
Co-Chief Petitioner
Co-Chief Petitioner
From Kari Goodheart:
I’m a multigenerational American with deep roots tracing back to the 1800s—from Irish indentured servants who helped build this nation, to the Baker family who endured tragedy during the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I’ve also been told that I carry Native American lineage from both Cherokee and Blackfeet bloodlines—heritage that deepens my connection to this land and its story. Their strength, sacrifice, and belief in liberty are part of who I am. As a mechanic, a patriot, and a woman of faith, I stand firmly for the Constitution and for the freedoms that make America—and Oregon—worth fighting for.
My family’s history is a reminder of what it means to survive hardship in the name of freedom. I believe liberty is not granted by government but by God—and it must be defended by every generation. Oregon is at a turning point. I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked government power can erode the rights of citizens. That’s why I stand firmly for the Constitution, limited government, election integrity, and the protection of all people’s freedoms, regardless of background. I’m passionate about building a future where every Oregonian can live free, raise their family without interference, and be proud of the state we call home.
As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” That truth fuels my purpose today—because if we don’t defend our liberties now, we may not have them tomorrow.
Kari
From Ben Roche:
I grew up on the lakes of Minnesota, where the freedom to explore a quiet bay in a canoe or paddle across glassy water at sunset wasn’t something we paid for—it was part of life. Those roots shaped my deep love for watersports and my belief that access to nature, especially public waters, should never be gated behind government fees or permits.
Now, living in Oregon, I share that same love for our rivers and lakes with my six children and four grandchildren. Every summer, we kayak, paddleboard, and explore this beautiful state together. But recent legislative overreach, like the expansion of paddle permits, threatens to turn family recreation into a bureaucratic burden.
Don't think of me as just a guy with a paddle and a petition, I'm a voice for those who believe government should serve the people, not squeeze them for one more fee. Whether I’m defending free speech, protecting voters' rights, or pushing back against regulatory creep, I believe in drawing the line where liberty begins.
This fight isn’t about politics, rather it’s about principles. It’s about the right to enjoy the outdoors without asking permission or opening your wallet every time you touch the water.
You can read more about why I fight for common-sense policy and constitutional freedom on my blog at: bensviewpoint.substack.com
Ben
From Angela:
Hello! I’m a proud Oregonian who has spent the last 50 years in this beautiful state. I’ve been with my high school sweetheart for 36 years, and we’ve enjoyed 31 wonderful years of marriage together. Oregon is not just my home; it’s where I raised five amazing sons, and now I’m a proud grandparent to eight grandsons and one granddaughter.
While I cherish the memories I've created here, I’m increasingly concerned about the erosion of our constitutional rights, particularly when it comes to access to outdoor activities. I want to ensure that my grandchildren can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and other outdoor adventures without facing unconstitutional fees.
My passion for the outdoors includes fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. I believe that these experiences should be affordable for families so they can create lasting memories, just as my children did.
Professionally, I’ve spent the last three years as an administrative assistant at a dialysis clinic, after dedicating 24 years at the Walmart distribution center here in Hermiston Oregon I love connecting with people and supporting my community, and I hope to continue making a positive impact in Oregon for years to come.
Angela
At Let Us Paddle PAC, we value the trust you place in us when you sign our petition to repeal Oregon’s paddle permit requirement.
We want you to understand both our commitment to your privacy and the limits of privacy under Oregon law.
We will not sell, share, or give the names, addresses, or contact information collected on our petition sheets to any third party.
Your information will be used only to support this petition effort and to remind signers about important election dates related to this measure.
Our signature gatherers are required to turn in all petition sheets directly to our Chief Petitioners.
Volunteers and paid circulators are prohibited from copying or retaining voter information for any other purpose.
Under Oregon law (ORS 250.045, ORS 250.052, OAR 165-014-0270):
Petition sheets must include each signer’s printed name, signature, residence address, and date signed.
The name and address of the circulator (signature gatherer) is also recorded on each sheet.
Once filed with the Oregon Secretary of State, these sheets become public records.
Any member of the public may inspect or copy them.
Oregon law does not provide a right to privacy or anonymity for petition signers, chief petitioners, or circulators—unless a signer is enrolled in Oregon’s Address Confidentiality Program (a narrow protection for certain survivors of abuse).
While we will protect your information from misuse or unauthorized sharing, state law makes all petition sheets public records once filed. By signing, you acknowledge that your name and address will be part of that public record.
We believe in transparency—and in protecting your trust—so we want you to have the facts before you sign.