Northeast Ohio Outdoors

COLUMBUS, OH – An updated registration fee schedule is in effect for non-motorized watercraft with registrations set to expire March 1, 2010. It will provide additional funding for the maintenance and upgrade of non-motorized boat access and enhance recreational opportunities for paddlesports enthusiasts.

Implementation of the Waterway Conservation Assessment Fee increases the non-motorized watercraft registration by $5. No changes were made to the registration fee schedule for motorized watercraft. The revenue generated by the registration of canoes, kayaks, non-motorized sail boats, rowboats and inflatable boats will be deposited in the Waterways Safety Fund and used to maintain and upgrade existing non-motorized boat access sites such as canoe and kayak launch sites.

The income will also help fund management of the Ohio Water Trails and Ohio Scenic Rivers programs, each administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. The Waterways Safety Fund is used to fund state boating programs. The fund consists of a share of the state motor vehicle fuel tax, watercraft registration, titling and waterway conservation fees, and funding provided through the Department of Homeland Security – U.S. Coast Guard.

The registration for non-motorized watercraft will be $17. Alternative registration decals will be $22. The new fees do not include the standard writing fee of $3 received by watercraft registration agents. Ohio watercraft registrations are valid for a 3-year period and are collected by the ODNR Division of Watercraft.

The Waterway Conservation Assessment Fee was approved in the state’s biennial budget in July.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.