BOATING

Nebraska Game and Parks has opened a new 9.5-mile water trail at Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area south of Cozad, developed by park superintendent Caden Picquet. The scenic paddling route winds through backwaters and fingers of Gallagher Canyon, with a second 4.5-mile trail through the canal system to Plum Creek Wildlife Management Area, offering wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.

Norsk Lithium has launched a limited-time Power Recovery Program from October 1 through December 31, 2026, offering qualifying Dakota Lithium owners a Power Recovery Credit toward eligible products. The program features an online matching process to help customers transition to Norsk batteries and includes endorsements from professional anglers Dewey Hjelm, John Hoyer, Pat Schlapper, and Bobby Lane.

Boaters and anglers across Arkansas face lower-than-usual water levels on rivers and reservoirs this fall. The AGFC and Army Corps of Engineers recommend checking posted signs, slowing down to avoid hazards, monitoring depth finders, and trimming motors up to safely navigate changing conditions.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved approximately $1.5 million in funding for 11 boating access improvement projects planned for 2027, including new ramps, dock replacements, and infrastructure maintenance across Utah's lakes and reservoirs.

Millennium Marine introduces the B100 Camo Boat Seats, purpose-built duck boat seating available in Realtree® Legacy, Mossy Oak® Bottomland™, and Mossy Oak® Shadow Grass® Habitat™ patterns. Constructed of powder-coated aluminum with no plastic components, these seats feature ComfortMAX contoured design, UV and mold-resistant fabric, 400 lb. capacity, and include mounting hardware for easy installation.

The boat ramp at Grey Owl Fishing Access Site will close October 6-7 for repairs. Other site portions, including the parking lot, remain open. The FAS is located on the upper Yellowstone River near Emigrant.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boat collision on the St. Joseph River in Elkhart County where a moving boat struck a stationary vessel, ejecting a juvenile passenger. Three individuals were transported to Elkhart General Hospital, and the operator of the moving boat left the scene before contacting 911.

Michigan DNR Conservation Officers Kris Kiel and Brad Silorey, partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard, rescued a father and son from Lake St. Clair after they became stranded when a propeller line tangled. Both men were hospitalized for hypothermia in water temperatures in the low 60s.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will close 2026 watercraft registrations in October and reopen November 1 for 2027 season registrations. One-year registrations cost $30, while three-year registrations cost $80, with aquatic invasive species sticker options available.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and Hurricane City are partnering on the Life Jacket Blitz initiative to increase life jacket use and water safety at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks from Labor Day Weekend through September, combining public education, community outreach, and targeted enforcement.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges boaters and paddlers to wear life jackets and designate sober operators over Labor Day weekend. Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator, emphasizes that life jackets are the most effective way to reduce risk on the water. AZGFD officers will increase patrols to enforce boating safety laws.

Arkansas boaters and anglers are venturing onto lakes after dark to escape summer heat, but nighttime navigation requires proper preparation. Essential safety measures include U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, life jackets for children under 12, slow navigation in well-known channels, filing float plans, and maintaining hydration and proper fish care in warm water conditions.

Yamaha Marine Connected Boat Division announced an expanded partnership with Skipperi, a boat club platform enabling dealers to generate recurring revenue. The technology handles reservations, payments, and fleet management while dealers control customer relationships. The Boathouse Dealership/Marina on Hilton Head Island launched the pilot program in May 2024.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposes new rules for private docks in state-owned tidal waters under authority delegated to the Commissioner. Public comments are due by September 30, 2026, with the Board of Natural Resources considering the proposed rules on October 27, 2026.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit has appointed Scott Hersey as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Manager, managing Yamaha's professional angler programs and tournament sponsorships, including the Bassmaster Elite Tournament Series and Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournaments.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area's last public boat ramp closed August 15 due to low water levels and mud hazards. Private launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina now provide primary lake access as drought conditions persist.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of Jeffrey Cox, 58, of Indianapolis, whose body was recovered from Monroe Reservoir near Bloomington. Cox went missing while boating and was found unresponsive without a personal flotation device. Conservation Officers remind the public to wear life jackets at all times on or near water.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area's private boat launch services from Van's Lakeview, Ski Patrol, and Big Mac Marina offer the best access as drought conditions lower water levels to 2006 levels. Park Superintendent Patrick Schnell recommends advance scheduling for launching and camping services while most recreation amenities remain available.

Yamaha Rightwaters donated a 150-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine to the Jetty Rock Foundation to support oyster restoration and marine research in New Jersey waters. The engine will power the foundation's new 28-foot Henriksel skiff, expanding conservation efforts and partnerships with NGOs, state agencies, and universities.

Yamaha Marine's "Summer Sunset" sales event runs August 3 through September 9, 2026, offering customers extended Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) coverage or dealer credits on select new four-stroke outboards. Eligible purchases in the 30-350 horsepower range receive two additional years of Y.E.S. coverage, while 2.5-25 horsepower models qualify for up to $300 in dealer credit.