The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) closes the public comment period for the John Day River Boater Permit Adjustments.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Prineville District, Central Oregon Field Office, closes the comment period for this project. The BLM is in the process of reviewing the comments and will publish the results of the comments when a decision is reached. Prior to reaching a decision, the BLM will consider the substantive comments. Those that submitted comments will be informed when a decision is reached. If you would like to remain on the mailing list for this project, please return comments or send a request to remain on the mailing list; otherwise, this will be the last correspondence regarding this project. Your interest in the management of public lands is appreciated and we encourage your participation during this public scoping process. If you have any questions about the project please contact Monica Morin, Outdoor Recreation Planner by phone at (541) 416-6718 or by email at [email protected].
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Prineville District, Central Oregon Field Office, is at the beginning stages of the environmental review process to consider two related recreation management actions on the John Day River. The two proposed actions include, (1) making minor adjustments to the John Day Wild and Scenic River (WSR) boater permit system between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls, and (2) establishing a consistent process for issuing Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) across the John Day River corridor. The SRPs discussed in the environmental review documents are not boater permits but refer to special authorizations for use such as outfitting and guiding and organized group activities.
The purpose of the proposed boater permit adjustments (action 1) is to improve access, promote visitor safety, protect natural resources, and enhance the WSR’s Recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Value. The BLM is considering adjustments to stay limits, changes to how and when permits are released (lottery, block release, daily rolling release, and cancellations), limited advanced reservations for Recreation Service Providers based on verified historic use, and operational changes such as refunds to promote timely cancellations. The proposal is informed by observed on the ground conditions, public feedback, the 2024 independent assessment of the permit system, and the current permit system capabilities.
The purpose of the SRP action (action 2) is to evaluate a phased approach to issuing new SRPs that meet operational needs and address gaps in services created by the long pause in new authorizations. The proposal includes using a competitive, biennial prospectus to gradually return to historic numbers of SRPs and permitting specific uses, such as education-based activities, outside the prospectus when appropriate. Link to ePlanning page for this project: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Documents/?id=30c9812f-b969-f111-a824-001dd8084607&spid=c8417a35-b969-f111-a824-001dd8084607
The two proposed actions interact together as part of the BLM’s broader effort to improve visitor experience, protect natural resources, and to align with the John Day Basin Resource Management Plan and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act of 2025.
The BLM is providing an opportunity to share any comments or concerns you may have. We are in the information gathering phase for the projects, which means any comments received will be used to refine the proposals and identify considerations for implementation.
If you have comments you would like considered, please send them to the BLM by July 24, 2026. Written comments or questions should be sent to the Central Oregon Field Office Manager at 3050 NE Third Street; Prineville, OR 97754, or submitted by email to [email protected].
Comments are most useful if they are specific to particular actions, provide additional information about the project area, or identify issues or concerns with the proposal.
Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety.
If you would like to remain on the mailing list for this project, please return comments or send a request to remain on the mailing list; otherwise, this will be the last correspondence regarding this project. Your interest in the management of public lands is appreciated and we encourage your participation during this public scoping process. If you have any questions about the project please contact Monica Morin, Outdoor Recreation Planner by phone at (541) 416-6718 or by email at [email protected].
