Public Can Participate in an Upper Rogue River Boat Traffic Work Session in October
MEDFORD, Ore. — Regulating and managing boat traffic on the Upper Rogue River will come under the spotlight at a public work session in October organized by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB).
Increased Jet Boat Traffic is a Cause for Concern
Increasing numbers of commercial and private jet boat operators on the stretch from Gold Ray Dam to Lost Creek Reservoir is a cause for concern and has prompted the OSMB to call for public input.
According to the Rogue Riverkeeper, the section of the river impacted by boats is shallow and narrow and is a major wild spring Chinook spawning ground, says the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Quiet Recreation is Unsafe, Difficult, or Impossible
On its website, the Rogue Riverkeeper says the stretch of river is utilized by jet boats to transport 14,000 passengers annually, making nonmotorized boating ‘and quiet recreation unsafe, difficult, or even impossible.’
The work session allows the Upper Rogue River community to air grievances during a public comment session following presentations and testimony.
The OSTM Rogue River Work Sessionis at the Rogue Community College Medford Campus, Rooms HEC 129 A/B, or via Microsoft Teams Town Hall on October 2 from 8.30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Anyone wishing to provide oral testimony online must register with Jennifer Cooper by 5 p.m. on September 27. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected].
For more information, visit oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board..