BOLDUC Cyndi * BOAT <Cyndi.BOLDUC@boat.oregon.gov>
to Outfitter

Hi all-

We want to share an update on the $10 million of grant funding made available by the legislature to help guides financially impacted by the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or by services disruptions related to drought or wildfire.

You’re receiving this email because you meet one of the program requirements of being registered with the Marine Board prior to Mar. 1, 2020.

Another requirement to apply for this funding is that are an Oregon resident and that you hold a current 2022 Outfitter Guide registration.

If you haven’t already, submit your registration renewal by April 30, 2022 (submissions after that date won’t be eligible for this grant relief funding).

The Program Rules are now available for you to determine whether you are eligible to receive funding. 

Program information is available at this website: https://industry.traveloregon.com/opportunities/grants/senate-bill-5561-funding-for-outfitters-and-guides/

Mark your calendar with these deadlines:

4/22 through 4/29: Review the Program Rules and application questions to determine if you are eligible for funding.

4/22 through 4/30: If you haven’t already, submit your 2022 Outfitter Guide renewal to the OSMB.

4/28: You will receive a confidential access code via email from OSMB to be able to access the online grant application when it opens on 4/29. Any problems logging on, email grants@traveloregon.com or check Travel Oregon’s FAQ’s on their website.

4/29: The online application will be available on Travel Oregon’s website and accepting applications until 5 p.m. on May 13. Do not wait to the last minute – submit prior to May 13 if at all possible.

5/13 at 5 p.m.: Application period closes.

Travel Oregon is the administrator of the grant program so the list of eligible applicants has been shared with their agency. Please look for an email from Travel Oregon on Monday, April 25 with links to the Program Rules and the application questions so you can begin preparing to submit an application, if you are eligible. If you have program questions, please direct them to grants@traveloregon.com.

Spread the word that this program is happening and remind folks to check their inbox for my correspondence as well as those from Travel Oregon. The grants are specifically for Outfitter Guides that meet the initial eligibility criteria of holding a resident guide registration prior to Mar. 1, 2020.

Mark the dates – there is not much time to file your application, so don’t miss out! There WILL NOT BE ANY EXCEPTIONS to the application dates.

April 23, 2022 at Eagle Rock Lodge

49198 McKenzie Hwy Vida, OR 97426

VIDA, OR — Each year fishing guides and wooden boat fans gather on the opening day of fishing season to swap stories while admiring the McKenzie River and the unique wooden boats that were designed for these crystal-clear waters. This year’s festival will be April 23, 2022 at Eagle Rock Lodge which is located at 49198 McKenzie Hwy, Vida, Oregon on the McKenzie River between milepost 34 and 35. Come, relax, and learn about the river and the history of this influential double-ended boat from 10am – 4 pm. Admission is free.

The McKenzie River Drift Boat is designed for fishing in the pools and rowing through the rapids of Oregon’s McKenzie River. In 1926 guide Veltie Pruitt built the first very light board and batten Drift Boat that began to resemble those in use today. Later, Tom Kaarhus was the first to convert from spruce planks to new marine plywood. These McKenzie’s were made wider with a wide square end on the downriver side so two anglers could fish at one time. It was Woody Hindman who built the first boats with a prow on both ends and then in the winter of 1946, he added a squared transom on the upriver end creating the final design that most modern Drift Boats use today.

At the show you will be able to see several examples of these boats from the past, as well as modern wood drift boats built by professional boat builders and other lovers of this unique boat design.