Lewis County adopts ordinance allowing electric-thrust boat motors on select lakes

Lewis County commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance 1376 on May 12, 2026, changing county code to allow certain electric-thrust operated vessels on specific local waters. The board voted 3-0 to permit electric-thrust motors on Carlisle Lake in Onalaska and South County Park Pond in Toledo and to create a process by which operators may use electric-thrust vessels on Peckwood Lake if they hold a U.S. Forest Service special-use permit.

Riva Lester, clerk of the board, gave the staff report, saying the ordinance would amend Lewis County Code chapter 10.2 (water safety and vessel operation) to allow the specified electric motors and noted proponents’ reasons: reduced noise, fewer fuel spills and lower exhaust emissions. “This ordinance would allow the use of electric thrust operated vessels on Carlisle Lake in Onalaska as well as South County Park Pond in Toledo,” Lester said, and confirmed a special-permit pathway for Peckwood Lake tied to U.S. Forest Service authorization.

Members of the public who testified supported the change on accessibility grounds. Joe Martin, pastor of First Baptist Church in Toledo, said his congregation has operated a camp at Backwood Lake for 15 years and used electric-thrust motors to assist older and mobility-impaired participants. “I appreciate if you would provide the opportunity for us to then work with the Forest Service to get a special use permit,” Martin said, asking the county to allow the change so the camp can continue.

Tim Fife of Winlock, a camp participant, described how electric motors make the trip possible for people recovering from surgery and others with limited mobility. “It is a great opportunity for people that wouldn’t normally make it to Packwood Lake to have access to that beautiful area,” Fife said.

After public testimony and a brief question-and-answer period, a commissioner moved to approve the ordinance and the board adopted it 3-0. The ordinance notice and the staff report include information on how to apply for the special-use permit where U.S. Forest Service authorization is required; the hearing record will incorporate Riva Lester’s opening statements.

What happens next: the ordinance implements the code change as adopted; where use of electric-thrust vessels depends on a U.S. Forest Service permit (Peckwood Lake), operators must obtain and carry the permit as required. The county’s packet and the June 16 notice on interlocal items include additional procedural details and instructions for submitting written comment or testimony.