As many of you know, the Oregon Land Board (composed of Governor Kulongoski, Secretary of State Bradbury and Treasurer Edwards) is considering whether the Rogue River is a navigable river and whether the public has rights to enjoy fishing and boating this river. After an initial comment period, the Department of State Lands has issued a new report with the same recommendation to declare the Rogue River navigable from river mile 68.5 – river mile 157.5.

To review the DSL report, please go to: http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/NAV/rogue_intro.shtml

Please write the Land Board an email roguerivercomments@dsl.state.or.us expressing support for the staff recommendation that the Rogue River is a navigable waterway.

Here are some talking points:

The public overwhelmingly supports keeping rivers, like our beaches, open to the public.

The factual evidence is indisputable. Throughout history until today, Oregonians have utilized the Rogue River for commerce, transportation and recreational use.

Recent navigability determinations on the Sandy and John Day rivers has provided a clear understanding of the law for both public river users and private land owners. This clarity of law has helped the situation on these rivers.

Comments are due by March 26th. Please act now!