Let Us Paddle!

"Let Us Paddle" PAC was formed after the Oregon State Legislature passed House Bill HB2982 requiring permits to use the public waters of Oregon in order to fund a program for aquatic invasive species, (AIS). This unjustified regulation imposes unconstitutional burdens on access to free, natural, public resources. Our movement was born out of frustration with the government overreach from Salem politicians who carelessly passed this bill as a means to create an income, without consideration of the welfare of the people of Oregon, nor with any regards to the rights and liberties of the people. We are dedicated to repealing this unnecessary law and to restoring the unencumbered right of Oregonians and visitors to paddle-board, canoe, kayak, float, and enjoy our rivers, lakes, and shores—without burdensome fees or permits.

We believe human-powered watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, (SUP's), are among the most environmentally friendly forms of recreation on Oregon's lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways. The Oregon State Marine Board has even acknowledged that non-motorized watercraft are not a primary vector for aquatic invasive species, as they do not contain live wells, bilge water, or ballast tanks. Requiring permits or fees for people to paddle at a lake or river punishes responsible recreationists and discourages outdoor activity ~ especially low-income families, youth groups, and veterans. This unjustified money-grab by politicians does not meaningfully prevent invasive species, but rather creates unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and violates the spirit of free and open public access to Oregon's natural resources.  This movement was initiated by concerned citizens as not just an infringement on their rights and liberties, but as a taxation without representation. Initiated by concerned citizens and approved by the Secretary of State to begin collecting "Citizen Initiative" signatures to qualify for a statewide petition to put on the ballot for the 2026 general election to repeal this new law, our initiative champions:

• Freedom of movement—the right to travel and recreate on public waterways as a constitutional privilege, not a privilege-for-hire. "No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges or immunities which, upon th esame terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens." (Article I, Section 20)
  
  

• Preservation of tradition and liberties—day‑in, day‑out use of Oregon’s waterways has shaped countless families and mustn’t be priced out. Overregulation of harmless activities represents a creping loss of those liberties which citizens have a constitutional and moral duty to defend
  
  

• Fair and targeted regulation—if protections are needed, focus on genuine threats (e.g. invasive species and causes thereof), not create an unjustified blanket fees for people using extremely low-risk, environmentally friendly, non-motorized craft.
  
  

"Let Us Paddle" stands for accessible waterways, individual liberty and responsibility, and the foundational and constitutional right to enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty—free from fees.

Our Movement