A drift boat instructor shows a student the best line to maneuver during the 2021 Drift Boat School coordinated by the Oregon State Marine Board on the Rogue River.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office marine division, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, is offering free watercraft safety inspections from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at division offices, 620 Antelope Road in White City. Participants should bring all watercraft safety equipment and paperwork.

The inspections allow boaters to have the safety features of their boat verified with the craft on a trailer instead of on a river or lake this summer.

Oregon State Marine Board safety stickers will be issued to boats that pass inspection. For information about safety equipment and boat licensing, go to boatoregon.com.

Applicants sought for artist in residence at historic Rogue River Ranch

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking applicants for an artist-in-residence program at the remote Rogue River Ranch historic site, located 22 river miles downriver from the Grave Creek boat ramp northwest of Grants Pass. Selected artists can stay for two weeks at the ranch between June and August creating works to share with the public.

This is the first year of the program. One artist and one alternate will be selected based on entry materials, professionalism and creative vision. No preference is given to any particular style or medium. Applications must be submitted by June 9.

“Artists have a unique viewpoint on these special areas, and they provide a fascinating window into our relationship with public lands,” said Mike Vanderberg, Grants Pass field manager for the BLM, in an announcement issued Wednesday.

The ranch, located within the river’s designated Wild Section, is a two-hour drive from Grave Creek. The artist will reside in a historic house while there. More information is available from Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov or by calling 541-471-6642.

National forest issues season’s first fire precaution level restriction

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest moves into Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 Monday, marking the start of the “closed season” when fire precaution levels are in effect in order to reduce the risk of wildfire.

Level 1 restrictions apply to permitted, commercial and industrial operations, including personal firewood cutting on national forest land. Level 1 restrictions include a one-hour minimum fire watch after equipment is shut down.

Fire danger risk currently is low, according to the agency.

“Although we still have snow at some of the higher elevations, the forest has plenty of areas that are starting to dry out,” said Dan Quinones, USFS fire staff officer, according to an agency advisory. “There has been a wide variety of local weather conditions to consider with this decision. We feel it’s appropriate to move into a precautionary phase at this time.”