Bureau of Land Management to accept applications for new Special Recreation Permits on Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
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Prineville, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office is announcing the open period for new Special Recreation Permit (SRP) applications from individuals and companies interested in guiding activities that will require a watercraft on the Lower Deschutes River. The application period opens October 1, 2020 and will close October 30, 2020.
The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Management Plan allows for the number of permitted guides and outfitters to increase by five percent annually. With just over 80 active guiding SRPs on the Lower Deschutes currently, applicants will be applying for up to four new available permits. The application is for non-motorized activities on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River only. Successful applicants would be able to use their permit in the 2021 boating season.
The prospectus and application are available on the BLM website at https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office. Application packets can also be requested by calling the Prineville District Office at (541) 416- 6700.
Applicants are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully to ensure they provide all required elements, as incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information or for questions about this SRP application process, please contact the permit lead, Cecilia Marella, at (541) 416-4624.
The Lower Deschutes River is a remarkable resource that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Guide and outfitter businesses facilitate access to recreation opportunities and help local communities and create jobs. The BLM, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and State of Oregon work collaboratively to manage the river for its wild, scenic and recreational values.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.