LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Opposition to jet boat service on Upper Rogue

Published 5:45 am Saturday, June 10, 2023

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Upper Rogue too small to accommodate jet boats

The recent RVT story on Rogue Jet Boat Adventures misses the mark.

The real story is how the increased number of commercial jet boat trips and increased size of the boats have created conflicts and unsafe conditions on the upper Rogue River and disrupted traditional uses of the area. The upper Rogue is just too small to safely accommodate these large boats that travel at high speeds and create large wakes.

With limited pathways and blind spots, other boaters, fishermen and river recreators are all put at risk. Someone will eventually get seriously injured.

In addition, the noise and wakes are disruptive to users of TouVelle State Park, Denman Wildlife Area, landowners and other river users.

The jet boats erode the streambeds and streambanks, increase river turbidity, dislodge aquatic vegetation that fouls fishing lines and clogs irrigation pumps. The operations disturb fish and wildlife.

These commercial operations are driving other users off of the upper river and disrupting the peace and enjoyment of a state park, wildlife area and private residences. Though the public overwhelmingly opposed these commercial operations out of TouVelle State Park, the state is still facilitating the use, only now without a permit.

State Parks disingenuously asserts it can’t prevent a private commercial dock at the park as long as it is below the high water mark, though the state actually owns the streambed. The area affected is mostly zoned exclusive farm and aggregate resource use and this commercial operation is just not compatible or safe.

Bob Hunter / Jacksonville

‘A terrible accident waiting to happen’ on river

A beautiful plaque in TouVelle State Park notes that Judge TouVelle donated this land for the benefit of the public. Now it is being used as a launching pad for a commercial tour boat company, Rogue Jet Boat Adventures (RJBA).

Although this park is 51 acres and there is a designated boating ramp for commercial and private users, RJBA chose to install their own private boat ramps which abut the designated swimming area, causing huge safety issues as there are families and children that have enjoyed swimming here for decades.

This is a terrible accident waiting to happen.

Also, I believe this is a violation of Oregon statutes, as no swimming can be done within 200 feet of boating ramps. Why should one company be allowed to break the law by placing their ramps next to a swimming hole? Why should they have more privilege than any other commercial or private ramp users?

Some river guides tell me they avoid fishing this section in spring to early fall because when RJBA is running 24 times a day, it causes plant life in the river to get dislodged and entangle fishing lines.

There are huge economic consequences for these small businesses. And there’s a trickle-down effect on other industries that support out-of-town visitors.

Finally, this vegetation is part of the aquatic food chain and provides habitat for fish. Once dislodged, it causes damage to all the life that depends on the river for survival.

Raina Haddad / White City

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