Petition to Amend OAR 250-020-0231

April 8, 2025

The Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians has identified the use of boat motors above Jack Morgan Park on the Siletz River to be negatively affecting long-term stewardship goals.

  • Restricting boat motor use will help protect critical life stages of salmon and steelhead on the Siletz River. It will also protect water quality, reduce bank erosion, and reduce exploitation of salmonid runs.
  • This management recommendation is based in traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources, the best available science, field observations, and common sense.
  • Restricting boat motors upstream brings a Tribal voice to the river. This also acknowledges the ancestral commitment to safe guard resources for future generations; including Tribal, non-Tribal, commercial users, and all Oregonians.

Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians’ Goals for Siletz River

  1. Promote and encourage all user groups, including anglers and non-fishing recreationists, to enjoy the Siletz River and its renowned salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat fisheries.
  2. Implement the Tribal Management Recommendation to restrict motor boats on the Siletz River. Make the Siletz River upstream of Jack Morgan Park non-motorized use only.

How You Can Help

Submit a public comment to the Oregon State Marine Board

The comment period ends on ​April 20th, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

The Tribe’s Letter

You can read the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians letter to the Oregon State Marine Board at the link below or a copy can be printed for you at the Natural Resource Department Office.

https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Documents/Rulemaking/PublicNotice_SiletzRiver_Petition2025.pdf

About the Petition

You can read the proposed rule change here: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/pages/rulemaking-and-public-notices.aspx

Read OAR 250-020-0231 Boat Operations in Lincoln County here: https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_250-020-0231

Submit Your Statement

Email your comments to: osmb.rulemaking@oregon.gov

You can also contact the Oregon State Marine Board directly.

Larry Warren – Marine Director
Phone: 503-378-2617
Email: Larry.Warren@boat.oregon.gov