Source: http://grandlakefun.com/lake-info/lake-rules.html
Timestamp: 2015-09-01 18:07:26
Document Index: 207479569

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 861', '§ 4200', '§ 1', '§ 4001', '§ 4212', '§ 4212']

TITLE 300. GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 35. LAKE RULES
SUBCHAPTER 1. DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
300:35-1-1. Definitions
"Authority or GRDA" means the Grand River Dam Authority.
"Board" means the Board of Directors for the Grand River Dam Authority.
"GM" or "CEO" means the General Manager and/or the Chief Executive Officer of the Grand River Dam Authority.
"GRDA land" or "GRDA property" or "lands of GRDA" means the land owned by GRDA. The location and boundaries of GRDA land is determined by a legal description (generally described by metes and bounds). Many times, a survey is necessary to determine the boundary of GRDA land. A particular elevation does not necessarily determine the boundary of GRDA land. Additionally, GRDA and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may have flowage easements over land.
"Wake" means the track of waves left by a vessel or other object moving through the water and such waves are greater than the natural waves in the immediate area of the vessel or are cresting and showing white water or may cause injury to any person or property. However, a "no wake zone" is not violated when a vessel is safely proceeding with engine(s) engaged at normal idle speed.
"Waters of GRDA" means and refers to the waters of the Grand River and its tributaries, including, but not limited to, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Lake Hudson, and the W.R. Holway Reservoir.
300:35-1-2. Statutory authority
The Act (82 O.S.2001, § 861 et seq., as amended) creating the Grand River Dam Authority prescribes the use that may be made of the properties and waters of GRDA and authorizes GRDA to promulgate, prescribe and enforce rules and regulations for the use, for recreational and commercial purposes, of its lakes and shorelands, including the use of firearms and the inspection of all vessels of every character proposing to operate or operating on said lakes. The travel of vessels on the waters of GRDA shall be in keeping with the following rules of GRDA in the interest of public health, safety and convenience in the use of the waters and the shorelands of GRDA.
300:35-1-3. Application of state laws
The laws of the State of Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Boating Safety Regulation Act, 63 O.S.2001, § 4200 et seq., as amended, and the Oklahoma Penal Code, 21 O.S.2001 § 1 et seq., as amended, apply to the waters of GRDA, in addition to the rules set out herein. Failure to comply with these laws and Rules may constitute a criminal offense.
300:35-1-4. Registration of boats
The Oklahoma Vessel and Motor Registration Act, 63 O.S.2001, § 4001 et seq., as amended, applies to the waters of GRDA and must be complied with in addition to the Rules herein. Every
vessel subject to the provisions of the Oklahoma Vessel and Motor Registration Act must have state registration and a current license by no later than June 30 of the current state fiscal year.
300:35-1-5. Law enforcement division and compliance division of GRDA
(a) GRDA has created a law enforcement division and compliance division for the purpose of enforcing these Rules on the waters and land of GRDA.
(b) The members of GRDA's law enforcement division are hereby declared to be the enforcement officers for GRDA. The enforcement officers for GRDA may enforce GRDA rules and regulations, those rules and regulations as may be issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 4200 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the provisions of Sections 861 et seq. of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and all violations of criminal laws occurring within the boundaries of the counties where real property owned or leased by GRDA is located. The enforcement officers shall have the power of peace officers during the performance of their duties, except in the serving and execution of civil process.
(c) The officers shall, in the event of emergency, assist in the rescue of any person who may be in danger and shall assist in the saving of any property that is in danger of being lost or damaged. They shall require the operator of any vessel operating on the waters of the lakes in any manner which is not in compliance with these Rules, or any applicable state law, to immediately remove said vessel from the lake until compliance has been had.
(d) The officers are charged with the duty of causing all vessels to be registered with proper registration numbers, or permit numbers, which shall be displayed upon such vessels.
(e) GRDA's law enforcement officers may cooperate with federal, state and local enforcement officers in the enforcement of all federal and state laws upon the waters, lands and properties of GRDA or any other location within their jurisdiction.
300:35-1-6. Permitted activities
No person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity shall perform any activity which requires a permit prior to the receipt of written permission from GRDA. For example, no dock may be placed upon the waters of GRDA until such time as the applicant receives written notice that such activity may take place. Any person that performs any activity which requires a permit prior to the issuance of a permit, or written permission from GRDA shall be subject to the penalties set forth in these Rules and law.
300:35-3-1. Free access
The public shall have free access to the waters of the lakes and no charges shall be made to the public for the right to engage in hunting, fishing, swimming or non-commercial boating. The public shall comply with all state hunting and/or fishing laws and rules.
300:35-3-2. Lake elevations
Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and W.R. Holway Reservoir are flood control and hydro electric power projects, and it is recognized and understood that the elevation of the waters in said lakes will vary from time to time as operations for flood control and hydro electric power generation demand, and the water rights granted under these Rules shall be subject to these conditions and all laws governing the Grand River Dam Authority and shall be subject to all
federal and state laws and rules governing the control storage release and use of the waters of Grand River, Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and W.R. Holway Reservoir.
300:35-3-3. Liability
(a) GRDA shall never be liable in any manner whatsoever because of the quantity or quality of the water in its lakes, nor shall GRDA ever be liable for any damage that the permittee may sustain to person or property which may be occasioned by or result from the construction, maintenance and operation of GRDA's projects and the Fort Gibson Reservoir.
(b) Neither GRDA nor any representative thereof assumes any responsibility for loss or damage to life or property by theft, storm, accident or otherwise, in connection with or growing out of the exercising of the privileges conferred by any permit which may be issued in accordance with these Rules.
(c) Nothing contained in these Rules shall operate to relieve the owners of vessels from complying with, or from the obligation of complying with, the applicable laws of the United States and the State of Oklahoma.
Transfer or assignment of permits or licenses issued hereunder (both private and commercial) shall not be made except with written consent and approval of GRDA. Additionally, all delinquent unpaid fees, plus interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum must be paid prior to a transfer. No person, firm or corporation shall allow his or its name to be used by any other person, firm or corporation to do any work under his or its permit.
300:35-3-6. Cancellation/termination of permit or license [REVOKED]
300:35-3-9. Fishing and hunting
Fishing or hunting within restricted areas will not be permitted, nor will hunting or fishing be permitted within two hundred (200) feet of the tailraces below the dams; nor will hunting or fishing, except commercial bait operators, be permitted at such other points on or about the lakes where such use will unduly interfere with navigation or proper conduct of the business of GRDA or endanger the public.
300:35-3-10. Firearms
(a) Only shotguns and proper archery equipment are allowed on GRDA property, except that hunters may use rifles and pistols, in compliance with state laws and wildlife regulations, on GRDA property which has been designated as a Wildlife Management Area.
(b) All hunting on any GRDA property shall be conducted in accordance with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations. If hunting within ¼ mile of GRDA waters, only nontoxic shot may be used.
(c) The discharge of any firearms or bows in, over or across the waters of the lakes is expressly prohibited except as regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. In no event shall the use of firearms or bows be conducted in a manner which interferes with the business of GRDA's projects or endangers the public.
(d) Persons properly licensed to carry concealed weapons may do so only in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
300:35-3-11. Gas and oil storage
The keeping or storage of gasoline and other combustible fuels, except for fuel tanks installed in vessels, in, upon or about GRDA lands and waters will not be permitted unless the location and detailed storage plans therefor are first submitted to and approved by GRDA and comply with all applicable state and federal statutes.
300:35-3-12. Health and sanitation
All sanitary rules, regulations, and laws shall be complied with prior to the granting or renewal of any GRDA permit.
In the interest of public health, sanitation and safety, there shall be no camping on GRDA's lands except in a designated camping area.
Bottles, cans, garbage, rubbish, refuse, debris, wreckage, bilge water containing oil or grease, or materials used in the process of cleaning the outer surfaces of vessels, or any other material of any kind shall not be thrown into or released upon the lakes or deposited or dumped upon the shores of the lakes or upon any land under the jurisdiction of GRDA.
No septic tank, lateral line or lagoon shall be placed on the shorelands of GRDA. No sewage shall be disposed of in the waters or on the shorelands of GRDA. No person shall operate a vessel equipped with a marine toilet which is not a total retention system in accordance with federal regulations regarding marine toilets.
The preparation and marking of beaches shall be in such manner as to provide reasonable safety in their use. Commercial beaches shall be provided with adequate and sanitary dressing rooms, toilets, showers and other necessary accessories for public convenience and safety.
300:35-3-13. Repeal
All rules and regulations adopted by the Authority which conflict with the provisions of these Rules are hereby revoked, cancelled and repealed.
300:35-3-14. Permit applications
(a) Applications for GRDA permits required by these Rules are available at the permitting office inside the GRDA Ecosystems & Education Center located at the west end of Pensacola Dam in Langley, Oklahoma, by mail at P.O. Box 70, Langley, Oklahoma 74350, by calling 918-782-9594, or on the GRDA website at www.GRDA.com.
(b) In addition to any other requirement that may be applicable to a permit application, GRDA may, in its sole discretion, forward any application to fish and wildlife resource agencies, environmental agencies, and/or tribes for comment.
(c) These Rules cover the following types of GRDA permits:
(1) Private and commercial docks, wharves, landings, anchorages, and boat houses;
(2) Buoys;
(3) Private and commercial breakwaters;
(4) Private and commercial rail-systems and tram systems;
(5) Fences located on GRDA lands;
(6) Boat ramps;
(7) Retaining walls;
(8) Dredging (and excavation);
(9) Erosion control devices;
(10) Shoreline stabilization;
(11) Commercial operations (including dock installer, dredging contractor, commercial boat operator);
(12) Taking of raw water (including irrigation);
(13) Vegetation management plans; and
(14) Sanctioned event.
(d) Permit applications are subject to change without notice. Permitted activities must comply with all standards, rules and regulations in effect at the time the activity commences.
300:35-3-15. Penalty
After notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with Subchapter 21 herein, any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity which violates any Rule in this Chapter (i.e. Chapter 35 Lake Rules), shall be required to pay all costs (including attorneys fees, GRDA staff time, and mitigation) related to the violation including the repair, restoration and reclamation of GRDA lands and waters. Other penalties may include, but are not limited to, suspension or revocation of a permit for a period of up to and including three (3) years. Also, GRDA may seek an injunction to prevent any violation or unauthorized activity.
SUBCHAPTER 5. BOATING SAFETY RULES
No person shall operate or give permission to operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person or persons using parasails or on water skis, a surfboard, a sailboard or similar device, nor shall any person engage in parasailing, water skiing, surfboarding, sailboarding or similar activity at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise or at such time visibility due
to other existing conditions is obscured so as to endanger life or property. (63 O.S. Supp.2004, § 4212(B).
Pursuant to 63 O.S.Supp.2004, § 4212, the following applies to water skiing, wakeboarding, or similar towing activities:
No person shall operate or give permission to operate a vessel on any GRDA waters for towing a person or persons using parasails or on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device unless there is in such vessel:
a person who is at least eight (8) years old, and who, in addition to the operator, is in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed, or
if the vessel is not a personal watercraft, an efficient wide angle convex rear view mirror installed on such vessel in such manner as to permit the person operating said vessel to face the direction of travel and be in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed, or
if the vessel is a personal watercraft, two (2) efficient wide angle convex rear view mirrors installed on such vessel in such manner as to permit the person operating such watercraft to face the direction of travel and be in a position to observe the progress of the person or person being towed.
Water skiing shall be allowed with any watercraft which is designed to accommodate two or more persons.
300:35-5-3. Flotation device required
All vessels shall carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device (life preserver) for each person on board. The operator of a vessel less than twenty-six (26) feet in length, while under way, shall require each passenger twelve (12) years of age or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device. Any person operating or manipulating, or who is a passenger on a personal watercraft, water skis, a sailboard, surfboard, wakeboard, parasail or a similar device shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
300:35-5-4. Sitting and standing in vessel
No person shall sit or ride on the sides of a vessel, the back of a vessel, a covered bow or the top of any back seat of a vessel, or stand in a vessel while under way at any speed greater than idle or trolling speed; unless, the vessel is specifically designed for such use.
300:35-5-5. Required equipment
Each vessel which is less than twenty-six (26) feet in length, other than a personal watercraft, shall be equipped with a paddle or set of oars, anchor, bailing device and fire extinguisher. Al