DBW-50thAnnBook-PROOF

“S.S. Relief” Floating Restroom Program Established in 1972, the “S.S. Relief ” Floating Restroom Program has granted funds for 200 floating facilities at a cost of $65,000 each. Currently throughout the state, there are 100 Cal Boating-funded floating restrooms in use that are visited by hundreds of thousands of boaters each year. Each restroom sports a rustic, woodsy look reminiscent of an old outhouse. However, the facilities have modern, solar powered flush toilet systems. The holding tanks capture over 500 gallons of sewage and prevent an estimated 1,000,000 gallons of sewage from entering state waterways each year. The floating restroom program reflects a unique partnership between Cal Boating, which funds the purchase of the facilities, and various federal, state and local agencies, that operate and maintain the restrooms. The floating restroom concept has been copied nationwide, and the department has received many comments from the public saying that the facilities enhance family boating. Aquatic Weed Control Program The field and office staff of Cal Boating’s Aquatic Weed Control Program attempt to control two invasive, non-native weeds in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: water hyacinth and Egeria densa. Both plants come from Brazil. The water hyacinth is the fastest growing plant in the world, doubling in size during hot weather every seven to 10 days. The Delta has become an area of great concern because of the fragility of its levees, a decline in fisheries, and the need to transfer water from the Delta to Southern California and other areas. Invasive weeds can have a negative impact on fisheries, water conveyance, agriculture, and Delta businesses, while impeding navigation, marina operations and recreation. In 1982, Cal Boating received legislative authority to control the water hyacinth; in 1996, similar authority was granted for Egeria densa. All control efforts are accomplished under permit from the Water Resources Control Board, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These control efforts help make the Delta a healthier place for native ecology and enhance the well-being of California.

While rustic in appearance, floating restrooms have modern, solar-powered flush toilet systems.

Cal Boating’s Aquatic Weed Program helps protect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007