The Cedar River was reopened to recreational users near Cedar Rapids Tuesday, following the removal a logjam last week that had spanned the river for several months.

The logjam upriver from Ron Regis Park in Renton was a threat to recreational users, the reason behind the closure by Sheriff Sue Rahr in the early spring.

“The river is still somewhat treacherous and people need to use caution, especially when floating that section,” said Sgt. John Urquhart, a spokesman for the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The closed section of the river was floated by deputies from the sheriff’s  Marine Unit on Friday, he said.

King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director Christie True decided to remove the logjam after it was assessed by county staff and the Sheriff’s Office, and after hearing from concerned citizens, including such long-time river activists as Chuck Pillon, Roger Lowe and Martha Parker.

The reopening comes as a new county ordinance is adopted by the King County Council that requires that anyone floating on major rivers in unincorporated King County wear a lift vest, starting July 1.

Heavy mountain snowpack is expected to result in high water levels in rivers this summer, as the snow melts with warmer weather—just as recreationists take to the rivers.

Current state law requires all children 12 years of age and under to wear a PFD when they are on a vessel that is less than 19 feet in length. The legislation adopted by the council would require use of PFDs on major King County rivers by people who are boating, floating, or swimming in the rivers. It would apply to anyone floating in any type of buoyant device, like a boat, raft, log raft, air mattress, inner tube, surf board, sail board, canoe or kayak.  It would also apply to individuals swimming or wading more than five feet from shore, or in water more than four feet deep, except in designated public beaches or for those who are skin diving.

Major rivers include the South, Middle and North Fork and mainstem Snoqualmie River, the South Fork of the Skykomish River, the Tolt River, the Raging River, the Sammamish River, the Cedar River, the Green River and the White River.

Outreach about the new ordinance will include posting the requirements at access points to major rivers, and coordination with regional organizations focused on drowning prevention and PFD use. The ordinance is subject to enforcement by the King County Sheriff. The first violation would only be a warning; subsequent violations would include a fine of $86.

The measure will expire Oct. 1.