NPS Photo / Jessica Poppa Changes to Motorboat RulesThe National Park Service (NPS) is implementing amendments to the special regulations for motorized vessels within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The changes will create seasonal non-motorized zones, legalize the use of 60/40 horsepower (HP) motors with jet propulsion, and establish a 150 HP limit for motors between the lower end of the Van Buren Gap to the park’s southern boundary on the Current River. Note: Any mention of "jet" or "jet propulsion" systems being allowed on the river refers to outboard motors only. Inboard motors are prohibited within park boundaries. Changes to the park’s horsepower regulation were proposed in the park’s 2015 General Management Plan as part of the Preferred Alternative. The original proposal was to establish a 150 HP limit below Big Spring on the Current River. After analyzing public comment on the proposed rule in early 2022, the NPS determined that the 150 HP limit should be extended north of Big Spring to the southern end of the Van Buren Gap. To implement these proposals, the NPS will amend the special regulation at 36 CFR § 7.83. This modification to the special regulation requires an amendment to the original proposal in the park’s 2015 Final GMP. Details about the amendment, including updated charts and maps, are documented in an Errata Sheet. The final rule can be viewed in the federal register. The following tables are included in the final rule and summarize the changes for each river: 
NPS Photo / Wil Marischen Current River - Horsepower Limit Table [§ 7.83]The use of a motorized vessel is allowed on the Current River according to the seasonal restrictions and maximum horsepower limits set forth in the table below.
Jacks Fork River - Horsepower Limit Table [§ 7.83]The use of a motorized vessel is allowed on the Jacks Fork River according to the seasonal restrictions and maximum horsepower limits set forth in the table below.
Background on the AmendmentsSeasonal Non-Motorized ZonesThe NPS proposes to create seasonal non-motorized zones along the upper stretches of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, where lower water levels during the peak season typically limit access for motorboats. These zones would provide areas where motorized and non-motorized vessels would not conflict during peak visitor season, when it can be challenging for non-motorized vessels and motorboats to navigate narrow river channels at the same time. Peak visitor season usually begins the day after the last day of spring trapping season and ends the day before gigging season, which would currently be April 1 - September 14 for 2024. The non-motorized zone on the Jacks Fork River would be from the western boundary of the park to the boundary at West Eminence. The seasonal non-motorized zone on the Current River would be from the northern boundary of the park to Round Spring. 60/40 HP MotorsThe new rule will allow the use of outboard 60/40 HP jet propulsion systems that are most popular with motorboat users today. Under existing (prior to 2024) regulations for motorized vessels within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the 60/40 HP motors are not legal because they exceed 40 HP at the powerhead. The new rule will allow the use of these motors and clarify HP limits at the powerhead for both motors with jet propulsion units and motors with propellers, which produce differing horsepower outputs. 150 HP LimitA 150 HP limit for motors equipped with outboard jet propulsion and 105 HP limit for motors with a propeller will be implemented on the Current River between the lower end of the Van Buren Gap and the southern boundary of the park. These limits were established to address visitor concerns about safety, degradation of visitor experience and increasing boat sizes resulting from no limits on boat motor size. Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsChanges will be implemented on January 11, 2024. Peak season would be defined as beginning on the day after the last day of trapping season (usually around April 1) and ending on the day before the first day of gigging season for nongame fish (usually around September 15). These dates are determined annually by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Defining peak season in this manner, rather than using fixed dates, would allow visitors to use motorboats for lawful trapping and gigging activities. Hunting, trapping and fishing (gigging) were included as authorized activities in the legislation that established Ozark National Scenic Riverways. No. Only outboard motors can be used within park boundaries. No. When Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established, “gap” areas were established near the towns of Eminence and Van Buren to allow for economic growth and expansion of those communities. These “gap” areas begin and end approximately two miles above and below the highway bridges in each town. Yes, the seasonal restriction on the upper stretches of both rivers would prohibit motorized boats operating with trolling motors. Yes, the section of the Current River from Big Spring to the southern boundary of the park, near Gooseneck, is currently unlimited. The new rule will establish a 150 HP limit for boats with outboard jet units (105 HP for boats with propellers) for this section. In addition, the section from the lower boundary of Van Buren to Big Spring will have its limit raised to 150 hp. This rule is necessary in order to legalize the use of the 60/40 HP motors. The regulated limit for boat motors in most areas of ONSR is 40 HP. The way the NPS previously interpreted the use of 60/40 HP motors retrofitted with a jet propulsion unit was determined to be inconsistent with Title 36 CFR § 7.83, which is the park’s existing Special Regulation regarding HP ratings for motorboats used in the park. Several years ago, motorboat users began exchanging propeller units on their outboard motors for jet units. An argument was made that the jet units reduced the HP output of the motors. Following this logic, a 60 HP motor would only produce 40 HP at the jet output. The 60/40 HP motors are widely used today, allowing longer and wider boats capable of transporting four or more adults against the current of the rivers of the park. A Solicitor review concluded that the use of 60/40 motors is inconsistent with § 7.83(a)(2). The inconsistency lies in the regulation’s use of the standard of power output “as established by manufacturer”. Because the HP rating pursuant to the “prevailing industry standard . . . as established by the manufacturer” on a 60/40 motor is 60 HP, the [current] rule prohibits use of these 60 HP motors on ONSR waters where the regulated limit is currently 40 HP. The park Superintendent has the authority to make exceptions to the horsepower limits or seasonal closures in limited circumstances, taking into consideration public safety, protection of park resources, weather conditions, and management objectives. On the Current River, motorized boats would be restricted during peak visitor season from the northern boundary of Ozark National Scenic Riverways (near Tan Vat) to Round Spring. On the Jacks Fork River, motorized boats would be restricted during peak visitor season from the western boundary of the park to the park boundary near West Eminence. |
Last updated: December 12, 2023