The increasing use of the Upper Rogue River by a commercial jet boat operator based out of TouVelle State Recreation Site as well as the rise of “mini or micro jets” on the Rogue all come with increased impacts on the waterway and conflicts with other users. This change in river use requires that managing agencies on the Upper Rogue River address this issue directly and promptly.

The section of the river in question is specifically between the old Gold Ray dam site to the Lost Creek Dam, a unique section of the watershed where the river is narrower and shallower than downstream and the aquatic ecosystem is robust. The Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife estimates that this section of the Rogue is where the majority of the Rogue’s wild spring Chinook spawn and the unique qualities of this section of the Rogue River deserve protection.

Because the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) is allowing Rogue Jet Adventures to continue to operate out of TouVelle State Recreation Site despite having not renewed the business' special use permit in 2022, this stretch of river now experiences heavy jet boat use with up to 14,000 people a year from this one business alone, sometimes in boats accommodating up to 25 people and frequently with several trips a day. With this increase of commercial jet boat traffic, it has made other forms of non-motorized and quiet recreation unsafe, difficult, or even impossible and the numerous large jet boat trips are having an impact on the river that has never been seen before in this section of river.

The ongoing conflicts and disagreement about how to use and protect this section of river have led to four state agencies—the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD), the Oregon Department of FIsh & Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)—requesting input from the public and considering making changes as to how this section of the river is regulated and managed. Yes, some of them have asked us our opinion before, but now other agencies are at the table, and they are engaging with the public with the help of the non-partisan Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT), part of the Oregon Solutions program at Portland State University.

Why is Rogue Riverkeeper engaging in jet boats on the Upper Rogue River?

Jet boat loading zone at TouVelle State Recreation Site. Credit: Jamie Lusch

From our perspective, the repeated disturbances of the river substrate and bank results in almost daily impacts to the aquatic habitat and water quality as well as conflicts and safety concerns with other river users. While erosion and movement of substrate are “natural” processes, the organisms in the Upper Rogue do not “naturally” have these processes occurring several times a day May to September.

And while there are other impacts to the Rogue River, this unregulated use can be addressed, and we urge you to engage with the agencies as they ask for our input. For the most part, we can all agree that not all activities should occur in all locations at all times. So now let’s figure out what that means in the Upper Rogue.

Rogue Riverkeeper is requesting that the OR State Marine Board use their designated authority to regulate high power and high speed boats on this section of the Rogue. We also request that OPRD follow their own rules for special use permits to reduce and regulate the current use by high power boats at the TouVelle State Recreation Site. Jet boats already have plenty of the Rogue River downstream to use where the channel is deeper and wider. The more sensitive upper reaches of the Rogue should be protected for fish and wildlife values which will result in protecting water quality as well.

There are many ways we can all work to improve how we interact with the river; most notably by creating and protecting diverse and functional riparian areas and not cutting trees and brush along riverside banks to “improve the view.” Those whose properties have stormwater or irrigation runoff into the river, streams, and irrigation ditches (which flow back to the river) can improve water quality by eliminating fertilizer and other forms of polluted runoff which will reduce the unnatural abundance of algae and aquatic plants among other benefits. Encouraging these actions can also be part of improving management of the Upper Rogue.

Where do we hope to end up at the completion of the Oregon’s Kitchen Table process?

In August, the OKT will produce a report based on the public input received. Following that, we hope to see a definitive plan and prompt action by agencies to address environmental and safety concerns in the Upper Rogue.

Now is the time! Share your thoughts about management on the Upper Rogue River!

Please join us as we engage with the agencies to let them know how we feel they should manage the Upper Rogue. You can plan on attending one of these community conversations listed below or complete the online survey. The agencies are working with the non-partisan Oregon’s Kitchen Table on the “community conversations” as well. Learn more at the OKT website or read below to find out how to engage in the OKT process and let your voice be heard about the future of the Upper Rogue River.

There are different ways to take part and let your opinion be known:

Share what you think online in English or Spanish through July 5th - https://tinyurl.com/okt-upperrogue-survey
Join an in-person community conversation facilitated by Oregon’s Kitchen Table Register here: https://tinyurl.com/okt-upperrogue-register
1. Tuesday, June 4, 5:30-7:30pm at Touvelle State Park - in person in English (Spanish facilitation available by request
2. Monday, June 17, 5:30-7:30pm at the Jackson County Library in Medford - in person in English & Spanish
Join Rogue Riverkeeper as we convene our own community conversation June 19 in person at our office at 562 A St. in Ashland! Registration for this event HERE.