The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing on December 4, in Medford, on proposed rules for boat operations on the Upper Rogue River (Fishers Ferry to Lost Creek Dam) in Jackson County. The hearing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Rogue Community College Medford Campus, 114 S Bartlett St, Room HEC 129 A/B.
Written comments will also be accepted until December 20, by 12:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will only be accepted by telephone on the day of the rule hearing.
Agency staff will compile all comments for the board to review before their next quarterly meeting on January 23, 2025. At that meeting, the board may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking.
To view the public hearing notice and proposed rule language, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.
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The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work, to gather and engage with staff at an Open House on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The agency is hosting an Open House to better understand the needs of boaters in Portland and surrounding areas. The Open House is being held at the agency’s office main conference room, 435 Commercial Street NE, Suite 400, in Salem.
The Open House is intended to build relationships with local recreational boaters and hear perspectives on how the agency can improve operations to meet future needs. Staff will be available to answer questions about boating safety, agency policies, plans, regulatory considerations, grants, boating access, revenues and expenditures, safety education, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and the agency’s environmental programs.
Learn more about other Open House locations and the proposed Outfitter Guide legislative concept.
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The Oregon State Marine Board has a new member who replaces longtime member Val Early. Messett represents commercial and recreational boating in southern Oregon interests and was confirmed by the Governor and Senate in September 2024. His term became effective on October 1, and he attended the Marine Board’s October 23 meeting held in Medford.
The Oregon State Marine Board is comprised of five members of the boating public who volunteer their time and expertise. Members serve a four-year term and may apply for a second term of service. Members represent different geographic regions of the state and different boating activities. Our Board members are also boaters. They own and use motorized boats and paddlecraft. Many own more than one type of watercraft.
Messett has spent the last 25 years of working in the outdoor industry as a registered guide and outfitter, sales representative, international destination travel coordinator, writer, photographer, and featured guest speaker.
Messett is also an avid recreational boater with worldwide experience on a diverse array of waterways and can provide the agency and board valuable insight. He aspires to offer thoughtful insights and perspectives around policy decisions to meet the needs of all user groups through promoting education, increasing awareness of user impacts on waterways, and interventions reducing conflict for the long-term enjoyment of Oregon waterways.
Messett is from Medford, Oregon, and spends as much time as possible on the water with his wife Leslie and dog Marlee, fishing, whitewater rafting, and jet boating.
Learn more about your Oregon State Marine Board members.