Quartermaster Harbor Mooring Buoys
   

Quartermaster Harbor Mooring Buoy

 
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed and is implementing the Quartermaster Harbor Mooring Buoy Management Plan to alleviate congestion from unauthorized mooring buoys.
 
To make it easier for boaters to site mooring buoys, DNR obtained permits required for mooring buoys back in 2013 and 2014:
Those wishing to install buoys need to obtain a Hydraulic Project Approval from the Washington State Dept of Fish and Wildlife and work with DNR to get a mooring buoy license for as long as the two active permits (above) apply. (NOTE:  this application process is different from the standard application process for mooring buoy authorizations).
 
As steward of state-owned aquatic lands, DNR is responsible for ensuring the protection of the marine environment, navigation and public safety. In 2011, the agency began working with boaters and community members to establish appropriate locations, distances between mooring buoys, and installation methods for mooring buoys in the harbor. In addition, Quartermaster Harbor is part of the DNR-managed Maury Island Aquatic Reserve, which was established to ensure the environmental protection of the unique habitats and species in the area.
 
With the support of the Quartermaster Harbor community, mooring buoy fields have been installed in Burton Cove (in 2015), Dockton (in 2016), and Judd Creek (in 2017). There are still spaces available for buoy installs - contact Noel Sharp at 360-995-2496 or buoy@dnr.wa.gov for more information.  
 
The two permits that are currently in place ensure a streamlined process.  However, once the two active permits expire, applicants will be responsible for obtaining their own permits to get buoys authorized.
 
Information on requirements for new mooring buoys can be found here.
 

Inventory of Quartermaster harbor Buoys in 2012

The following maps show buoy locations (red points) and include vessel swing circles calculated assuming a 1.5 scope. If you are applying for a mooring buoy license authorization, note the number from the map that corresponds to your buoy location. This information will help confirm which buoys are claimed and actively maintained.