Many people use the Upper Rogue River (specifically between the old Gold Ray dam site, river mile 126, to the Lost Creek Dam, river mile 157) for a whole variety of activities. Some people fish and swim or want to protect fish and animals in the river. Some people enjoy the river using boats, either with paddles or motors. And there are several businesses that take customers up and down the river, some in rafts and some in power boats, like jet boats.
Over the past few years, there has been some conflict about how people are using and enjoying this stretch of the Upper Rogue. Some of those people believe that increased use of motor boats, especially the businesses using jet boats, make those activities difficult or impossible. Some other people believe that everyone can enjoy the river together, including jet boats. The river is also changing over time because of things like lower water and more people wanting to use it at the same time.
The State of Oregon is considering making changes that some people have suggested related to this stretch of the Upper Rogue. So, a group of state agencies – the Department of State Lands, the Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – have partnered with Oregon’s Kitchen Table to hear from people who live in Jackson County and visit the Upper Rogue about their experiences, values, and desires for the future of this part of the river.
Your experiences and perspectives will help these state agencies better understand your values and hopes for the river as they make decisions on how best to manage the Upper Rogue and surrounding lands now and in the future.
There are different ways to take part from mid-May through mid-June. Learn more here!