San Juan County permit required for paddlers as of 1 May 2011

From a San Juan County News Release...
Beginning May 1, 2010, boaters will need to obtain a permit and attend a brief training session before launching any boat from San Juan County Park. The training, which covers the laws protecting killer whales and other marine wildlife, and the laws and guidelines for responsible boating within the San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area, was developed in association with the Whale Museum's Soundwatch program.

The training and permit requirements will be in force for anyone launching a motor, wind or human powered vessel between May 1 and September 30; the season when killer whales frequent the County's waters.

The permitting and education program was instituted after The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed regulations (see below) which would effectively close San Juan County Park's boat ramp and prohibit most boating activities on a large percentage of the west side of San Juan Island during the summer season.

For more information, contact the San Juan County Parks and Recreation office at 360-378-8420.