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Conservation group urges Marion County to create Rainbow River noise‑sensitive zone; commissioners ask staff to study options
Summary
Rainbow River Conservation requested a noise‑sensitive zone to curb loud audio on pontoon boats; the board directed staff to investigate options and consult law enforcement and return with recommendations.
Members of Rainbow River Conservation urged the Marion County Commission on April 7 to adopt a noise‑sensitive zone for the Rainbow River, citing large pontoon boats and amplified speakers that disturb wildlife and residents.
Jan Cubbage, who identified herself with Rainbow River Conservation, said tour operators bring vessels with large speaker systems and that the river’s wildlife and family recreational uses are harmed by persistent loud audio. "We want to keep that river a more quiet place," she told commissioners, describing recent enforcement actions and volunteer cleanups.
Commissioner Bryant expressed strong support for exploring legislative tools and asked staff to work with law enforcement and the county attorney to determine what an ordinance or local rule would look like for the Rainbow River. Law‑enforcement representatives were asked to help craft enforceable language that can be implemented without unduly increasing patrol burdens.
Staff and commissioners noted the county already has an air/noise ordinance that primarily applies to terrestrial uses and that the Silver Glen Springs ordinance had been developed in partnership with neighboring Lake County as an enforcement model. Commissioners requested staff research options, identify jurisdictional limits, and return with a recommendation on a noise‑sensitive zone for the Rainbow River.
No formal vote was taken beyond the direction to study the issue; staff will report back with legal and enforcement options and an implementation plan.
