The National Park Service (NPS) is wanting your opinion on a proposed amendment about the special regulations of motorized vessels within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. [1]
Proposed Changes
The proposed changes include the following: creating a seasonal non-motorized zones, legalize the use of 60/40 horsepower (HP) motors with jet propulsion, and establish a 150 HP limit for motors below the Big Spring on Current River.
Seasonal Non-Motorized Zones
One of the changes include having seasonal non-motorized zones. The time where motorized vessels would not be allowed would be from the last day of trapping to the day before gigging (fishing) season. Right now, that would be from April 1- September 14. The zones would be on the Jacks Fork River from the western boundary of the park to the boundary at West Eminence. For the Current River, it would be from the northern boundary of the park to Round Spring.
60/40 Horsepower Motors
This amendment would also allow 60/40 horsepower jet propulsion systems. As of right now, it is not legal because they exceed 40 HP at the powerhead. It would clarify horsepower limits in jet propulsion units and motors with propellers.
150 HP Limit
The changes would also include at horsepower limit for motorized vessels. For jet propulsion motors, you cannot exceed 150 HP. If you have a motor with propellers, you cannot exceed 105 HP. This change would be for on the Current River between Big Spring and the southern boundary of the park.
Give Your Opinion
The National Park Service would like to hear from you by March 7, 2022. There are two ways to give your opinion:
- Online at https://www.regulations.gov. In the search box, enter 1024-AE62. After that, follow the instructions for submitting comments.
- You can also submit a hard copy by mail or in person to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 404 Watercress Drive, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965.
These are the only two ways to comment. If you do comment, it will be posted, including the personal information accompanying the comments, on http://www.regulations.gov. All submissions must have the words “National Park Service” or “NPS,” and must include the docket number or RIN 1024-AE62.
Put Into Effect
The changes are tentatively planned for implementation in 2023.
Notes:
- ^https://www.nps.gov/ozar/proposed-changes-to-motorboat-rules.htm?fbclid=IwAR3Fz6ebyRkAk_vsR52JKPU7niSACeoEMvXwXjmoYiN8OAOxUh_ia55RU_g (go back ↩)
