Here's one of my buddy's true story.... Imagine your child floating down a safe section of the Rogue River, then getting capsized by a commercial jet boat doing 360s and not even slowing down.  Imagine coming around a blind corner of the river and having to take evasive action as a commercial jet boat comes barreling upstream with no room to manuever.

     Now imagine irrigation water pumps clogging with debris, streamside shade trees falling from eroded banks and salmon and steelhead spawning grounds being decimated from huge wakes caused by lack of common boating etiquette.

     No, unfortunately-you don't need to imagine any of the above as this has been happening to this iconic and pristine river section of the Upper Rogue for few years.  Please sign our petition as we are asking the Oregon State Marine Board to put a 15 horsepower restriction (except for emergency & public safety responders) on this 25 mile stretch.   Right now there are no horsepower restrictions and some boats have 800 horsepwer (average midsize SUV has around 250-300 horsepower!).

     Jet boats, including mini jet boats and commercial tour boats, have begun causing unwanted conflicts and environmental disturbances on the upper Rogue River in southern Oregon.  Their use above TouVelle State Park, historically uncommon, is expanding, as are unwanted conflicts with other river users, disturbances to the environment, and unexamined effects on native fish and wildlife. 

     Signatories to our petition support prohibiting, other than for emergency and public safety purposes, the operation of watercraft with motors greater than 15 hp on the Rogue River between the Table Rock Road Bridge (at River Mile 131.3) and Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery (River Mile 156.3). The purpose of this restriction would be to limit noise and protect river user (public) safety, fish and wildlife, water quality, riverbanks from erosion, public parks and refuges, riverside property and property values, and traditional river uses and businesses. The proposal would put an end to the proliferation of unwanted jet boats on the identified section of river.  Motors of up to 15 hp, referred to as "kickers", would continue to be used by a modest number of fishermen and guides using drift boats that do not generate wakes, but are too small to propel the large powerboats at issue. 

Supporters who have signed the hard-copy version of this petition need not register your support here.  Thank you.

Digital signatories who are interested in receiving infrequent updates on this issue are asked to email UpperRogueGuardians@gmail.com.  Thank you again.