Buoys marking proposed boundary were placed

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Over the last several years, the Harbor Commission has approved updated boundaries for all of the harbor’s mooring fields; the new boundaries substantially reflect the way we have used our harbor for decades. An area which was proposed set slightly differently than it has been is being tested on-the-water before sending the proposals onward toward eventual updating of the Newport Harbor nautical chart 18754.

The Mooring Master Plan Subcommittee (MMPSC) of the Harbor Commission placed buoys along the proposed south boundary of "H" & "J" mooring fields. The buoys are deployed so boaters may experience the proposed boundaries on the water. Buoys are also placed at the E end of "H" field to represent the E end of planned mooring relocations from the unworkably overcrowded interior of "H" field. Specific boats to be moved have not been identified at this stage. The Log ran a story about this on Sept. 18, 2008.

In the current test of the approved “H” and “J” field boundaries, some neighbors voiced objection over the proposed boundary at the E end of “H” field and its SE corner.  While the Harbor Commission originally approved this proposal (minutes of 14 Feb 2007) because it strikes a reasonable balance of the needs of all users, a few residents recently voiced opposition and asked that the approved boundary be reconsidered.  The Mooring Master Plan Subcommittee and the Harbor Commission will be considering this input and trying to resolve the situation to maximize everyone’s use of the harbor.

The buoys now deployed for a second test will be discussed at upcoming MMPSC and Harbor Commission meetings. If you would like to share your feedback on the test, please contact Chris Miller at Harbor Resources.

At the October 15th Harbor Commission meeting, this "H" field mooring issue was the first item on the agenda. the Harbor Commission heard a balance of input from mooring permit holders and other tidelands users and evaluated the staff report. The Harbor Commission elected to approved "Option 2" but deleted the request that the southeast corner of "H" forever remain clear of moorings. Commissioner Lawrenz pointed out that the tidelands are public waters, over which, in his opinion, the Harbor Commission, could not make such sweeping reservations which favor one interest group over another.

Next steps in the project, toward the boundaries' eventual presentation to the Coast Guard and to NOAA, will be confirmed and updated here.