Beginning in May 1^st of 2010 kayakers wishing to paddle in the San Juan County Park area will require a permit.

The first thing that came to mind while about the new park rules was “this won’t apply to small paddle powered craft such as kayaks”.

A thorough reading of the press release revealed that yes the rule applies to ALL watercraft, whether people or motor powered, wishing to launch from the parks boat launch.

Here’s a little from the press release explaining who, what, why, where and when behind the new permit system.

Boaters will need to obtain a permit and attend a brief training session before launching any vessel from San Juan County Park.

Training 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, which was developed in association with the Whale Museum’s Soundwatch program.

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.

Boat launching permits will be available at San Juan County Park beginning May 1.

They will be issued to county residents without charge; non-resident permits will cost $7 per day or $35 for the entire season.

Visitors staying at campsites in the park will be able to buy a single $7 permit, valid for the duration of their stay.

The required training sessions will be available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. throughout the season and will be less than ten minutes in length.

Special classes will be offered for commercial guides and tour operators.

Interested operators should contact the San Juan County Parks and Recreation office at 360-378-8420. Further information is also available on the County Parks website at: http://sanjuanco.com/parks

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed regulations last July which would effectively close San Juan County Park’s boat ramp and prohibit most boating activities on most of the west side of San Juan Island during the summer season when killer whales are in the area.

The County Council and local recreation and tourist organizations argued that more education and stricter enforcement of existing laws should be tried before instituting an outright ban on boating activities.