Boatlifts require a permit on Moses Lake

DNR angers residents by charging fees

COLUMBIA BASIN - A resolution was passed reaffirming authorization for the Department of Natural Resources to charge license fees to people who utilize boatlifts and other watercraft lifts on public water.

The resolution passed May 2006 and is enforced across the state, Government and Community Relations Director Michael Grayum said. The authorization for natural resources to implement a license fee has existed since statehood.

The rental fee is $175 per year to have a lift on the lake or $700 for five years, Natural Resources Senior Communications Consultant Jane Chavey said.

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, introduced legislation last year to prevent the license fee from being enforced. The bill died without a hearing, Warnick said. The legislation was written because there are questions concerning the elevation of Moses Lake and where the natural resources property line is located.

More than 40 years ago, a legal argument claimed a flood in 1904 caused a revision to the lake elevation level from 1,046 feet, according to a report on extent of ownership and rights to the flood bed and shores of Moses Lake for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation by Assistant Regional Counsel for natural resources Paul Lemargie in 1952.

"The state hydraulic officer, with his customary care, study, and consideration of the voluminous testimony, has fixed the level at 1038 feet," wrote Lemargie. "It is reasonable to assume that its ordinary high-water mark prior to the (flood) in 1904 was somewhat higher than 1,046 feet."

The elevation of the lake determines where public property ends and private lakeshore land begins and is important to determine if the docks and lifts are on public or private land.

Hinkle gave a different reason for not wanting the fees. He said there is no reason for the permit because citizens pay the fee but do not receive any services in return.

"Government is always looking for another way to dip into the pocket of taxpayers," he said. "I don't think it's fair."

The lifts cause no more impact than a dock, Hinkle said. The lift allows for the watercraft to be lifted and suspended above water.

He said he expects the legislation preventing the fee to be reintroduced again in the future.

Recently Moses Lake residents received notices requiring them to authorize their lifts.

There are approximately 450 unauthorized lifts on Moses Lake, Chavey said. One lift on the lake is authorized while four more are in the process of gaining authorization, she said.

Although the notices are being distributed, it's not being immediately enforced, Grayum said. Several people have questions about the new law and appear confused.

Natural resources is working to educate people about what the new license requirement is, he said. The agency is sending out informational letters and calling people and elected officials who have asked questions about it. An enforcement date is not determined.

Money generated by the authorization fee covers administrative fees and allows for management of other public land, Grayum said.

Chavey said natural resources does not have a lot of funds to make improvements to public lands. Collecting the fees will allow the agency to find solutions to removing milfoil and other invasive components from Moses Lake to improve the environment.

To register a lift with natural resources, people can call 360-740-6835 for further details.