Marine board wants to remove 25% of the Rogue River from Public access
Marine board wants to remove 25% of the Rogue River from Public access
STOP THE POWERBOAT BAN ON THE ROGUE RIVER!
For the third time in 7 years, a small group of anti-powerboat activists, backed by wealthy landowners, is trying to ban recreational powerboats on 25% of the Rogue River. This effort ignores decades of responsible, safe recreation by historic users. TWICE these attempts were rejected by public outrage, but this time, your voice is critical to stopping these restrictive and unfair rules.
If we don’t act, the Oregon State Marine Board will implement sweeping rules that will:
Ban powerboats in key stretches of the Upper Rogue River.
Disregard 70+ years of safe, multi-use recreation that has defined the river’s history.
Favor narrow special interests over the majority of responsible river users.
Protect the Rogue River’s legacy for ALL users! Contact the Marine Board NOW to oppose these rules and defend your right to recreate on the Rogue River.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Call or email the Marine Board:
📞 Phone: (503) 378-8587
📧 Email: osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov
Don’t let a vocal minority take away the rights of responsible boaters and destroy the Rogue River's heritage. Make your voice heard today!
How you can help:
Send an email osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov
larry.warren@boat.oregon.gov
U.S. mail to: Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Bait and switch
The initial language and meetings that followed for this rulemaking was to gauge public interest in regulating a specific tour boat company, not to impose a blanket ban on all powerboat users. This bait-and-switch approach is deeply unfair and needs to be addressed. Responsible powerboaters, who coexist peacefully with other users, should not be lumped together with commercial operators and punished for broader concerns.
Private Property Owners on The Rogue River want to take public rights for themselves.
Some private property owners along the Rogue River are attempting to take public rights for themselves by pushing for a powerboat ban. Several of the petitioners, who own property on the river, appear motivated by a classic "not in my backyard" attitude, seeking to prevent the public from using the river near their homes. Their proposal suggests that powerboats should "recreate somewhere else," ignoring the Rogue River's long-standing tradition of powerboat use spanning over 70 years.
This effort unfairly targets all powerboat users by disguising their agenda as a response to concerns about a single tour boat company operating from a public park. Rather than addressing their specific grievances directly, these landowners are using broader bans as a means to restrict access for everyone, undermining the river's multi-use legacy and public access rights.
The proposed powerboat restrictions on the Upper Rogue River will severely harm small businesses and local economies that depend on recreational tourism. Powerboaters bring vital dollars to rural towns, staying in hotels, eating at local diners, buying fuel, and supporting fishing guides and marine service providers. The Marine Board's own data shows powerboats are not the main source of safety issues, yet this ban unfairly penalizes responsible users who have coexisted respectfully with others for over 70 years. By driving visitors away, the restrictions will hurt rural communities already struggling to sustain their economies. Oregon’s rivers should remain accessible to all, preserving the economic benefits and cultural traditions they provide. We urge the Marine Board to reject these rules and protect the livelihoods of small businesses statewide.
Historical Respectful Use
For more than 70 years, powerboaters have used the Upper Rogue River responsibly and safely, coexisting with non-motorized users in this multi-use waterway. The Marine Board’s own safety data confirms that powerboats are not the primary source of safety issues on the river. In fact, they are an asset, often lending a hand to distressed floaters or rescuing stuck boats. Penalizing all powerboaters for the actions of a few individuals is unjust and disproportionate.
The whole community needs to learn how to share the river and the natural resources of Oregon. Everyone should have the ability to enjoy our beautiful Rivers. Cutting off 25% of the Rogue River power boats over a few reckless individuals is unacceptable. Please deny the petition to reclassify boating on the Rogue River.
Oregon marine boards purpose statement:
“OSMB is dedicated to making the state's waterways safe and enjoyable for all boaters and it's our mission to: Serve Oregon's recreational boating public through education, enforcement, access and environmental stewardship for a safe and enjoyable experience.”
This ban directly contradicts the marine board's mission statement. Enforcement of current regulations is a viable path forward. These reckless individuals shown in the marine board's emails and presentation should be dealt with ORS 830.315 reckless boating.
The marine board staff believes that powerboats have the potential to cause conflict between river users. The potential for an activity is not a reason to pass more regulations.
Randy Henry of the OSMB states "I think these little boats have the capability to create a lot of complaints for all of us" He also writes, "these really have the opportunity to inflame tensions between private landowners and boaters."
Activities discussed are currently regulated through ORS 830.315 reckless boating. More rule making is not necessary to curb this sort of reckless activity.
Dear Oregon State Marine Board,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed restrictions on recreational powerboats on the Upper Rogue River. These rules would unfairly penalize responsible powerboaters who have safely and respectfully used this river for over 70 years, while significantly harming the small businesses and rural communities that rely on recreational tourism for their livelihoods.
Powerboaters bring critical economic benefits to the region, supporting hotels, restaurants, fishing guides, and marine service providers. The Marine Board's own data shows powerboats are not a significant source of safety incidents, and there is no definitive evidence linking their use to environmental harm. Each study presented to the board concludes by recommending against banning powerboats. These restrictions will drive away visitors, erode local economies, and set a troubling precedent for restricting access to Oregon’s rivers.
Instead of banning powerboats, I urge the Marine Board to adopt balanced solutions that preserve the river’s multi-use heritage, such as no-wake zones, enhanced education for all users, and targeted enforcement of existing rules. Oregon’s Rogue river should remain open and welcoming to all responsible users.
Thank you for considering my perspective. I trust you will make a decision that reflects fairness, evidence, and the long-standing tradition of shared use on the Rogue River.
Sincerely,
Key Points in Favor of Powerboat Use
Accessibility for All:
Motorized boats provide access to the river for individuals with disabilities, elderly users, and families who cannot use non-motorized options like kayaks or rafts.
Jet boat tours offer a safe, inclusive way for people of all abilities to experience the river.
Economic Contributions:
Powerboats, including jet boat tours, play a critical role in supporting local tourism and businesses.
Motorized boat manufacturing, guiding, and related industries are key contributors to the regional economy.
Safety and Search and Rescue:
Powerboats are essential for swift emergency responses and search-and-rescue operations, especially in challenging river conditions.
Low Environmental Impact:
Advocates argue that powerboats have minimal impact on fish populations and river health, with claims that erosion and turbidity are caused by natural factors or other human activities.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Jet boats have been part of the river’s traditional use for decades, contributing to the area’s recreational identity.
Several multigenerational families shared their connections to the river through powerboating.
Shared River Use:
Many participants support a balanced approach that maintains motorized use while promoting mutual respect among all user groups.
Education and enforcement of existing regulations could resolve conflicts without imposing further restrictions.
Survey and Public Opinion:
While some participants called for restrictions, a significant portion opposed additional regulations, favoring education and enforcement over bans.
Many participants acknowledged that jet boats could coexist with other users through respectful practices and zoning.