The Oregon State Marine Board has installed temporary signs at multiple boating locations along the Upper Rogue River following the decision to pass new rules for boat operations on Jan. 23.

Temporary signs reading “Rogue River main stem upstream of Dodge Bridge County Park to Lost Creek Dam closed to operation of motorized boats with more than a 15 horsepower motor” and “All Rogue River tributaries upstream of Fishers Ferry County Park to Lost Creek Dam are closed to operation of motorized boats with more than a 15 horsepower motor” will be displayed at specific locations along the river.

The rules go into effect Saturday, Feb. 1.

The temporary signs are set to be put up at the following boat access sites: Fishers Ferry County Park, TouVelle State Park, Dodge Bridge County Park, Takelma County Park, Upper Rogue Regional County Park, Rogue Elk County Park, Casey County Park and McGregor Park Boat Ramp.

Permanent signs will replace the temporary signs in the spring, outlining the specific rule segments on the river with visual graphics as well as ramping up education and outreach efforts throughout the first year of rule implementation, according to the marine board.

The rule change stems from concerns raised by conservationists, riverside homeowners and others toward charter jet boat excursions along the river. In public meetings that spanned much of last year, issues cited included safety concerns, preservation of fish and wildlife habitat, boats’ impact on the stream bank and noises disturbing residents.

Rogue Jet Boat Adventures has been operating charter jet boat excursions boats out of the Table Rock Bridge area for over a decade to Fishers Ferry County Park downstream and to Rattlesnake Rapids upstream. Under the new regulation, the company could only run from the bridge to Fishers Ferry. Operating dates would be May 8 to Sept. 10.

To stay up to date with the marine board, follow the Boat Oregon pages on Facebook and Instagram or learn more about the rules on the agency’s public meetings page.