The National Park Service is moving ahead with plans to modify regulations governing the horsepower allowed by powerboats on the Jacks Fork and Current rivers at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.
Under the final rule that takes effect January 11, 2024, seasonal non-motorized zones will be created, the use of 60/40 horsepower motors would be allowed on both rivers, and a 150 horsepower limit would be set between Big Spring and the park’s southern boundary on the Current River.
After analyzing public comments on the proposed rule received in early 2022, the Park Service determined that the 150 horsepower limit should be extended north of Big Spring to the southern end of Van Buren Gap (approximately 1.3 miles that was previously limited to 60 horsepower). With this change, the horsepower limit on the Current River from the southern end of the Van Buren Gap to the park’s southern boundary will be 150 horsepower. This will make the area more consistent and less confusing for visitors, more enforceable from a law enforcement perspective, and would relieve some parking congestion at the Big Spring boat ramp, the agency said in a release.
The other amendments to the special regulation for motorized vessels will proceed as proposed in the park's 2015 general management plan. These changes will create seasonal non-motorized zones on the upper stretches of both rivers during peak season and legalize the use of 60/40 horsepower motors with jet propulsion. Peak season begins the day after the last day of the statewide spring trapping season on public lands and ends on the day before the first day of gigging season for nongame fish. These dates are determined annually by the Missouri Department of Conservation. For the 2024 season those peak season dates are April 1 through September 14.
This modification to the special regulation requires an amendment to the original proposal in the park’s 2015 final general management plan. Details about the amendment, including updated charts and maps, are documented in an Errata Sheet which can be viewed at National Park Service - PEPC - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (nps.gov). To view the Errata Sheet, click on the link entitled “Modify Motorboat Horsepower Zoning in 2015 GMP” and then select “Document List.”
The final rule can be viewed on the Federal Register at Federal Register :: Ozark National Scenic Riverways; Motorized Vessels . The following tables are included in the final rule and summarize the changes for each river:
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