Boating permits for the John Day River during peak times will be available beginning at 7 a.m. today, as the Bureau of Land Management starts a new way of limiting use along the busiest stretches of the waterway.

Individuals and river guides can obtain a permit for a group of up to 16 people to launch along specific segments of the John Day between May 20 and July 20. Half of the available permits will be offered starting today, and half of them will be offered on May 1, said Heidi Mottl, recreation planner with the Prineville BLM district. There is no charge.

The BLM is allowing nine groups a day during peak times to launch between Clarno and Cottonwood, nine groups to launch from Muleshoe or Service Creek, and 10 groups from Twickenham, Priest Hole or Lower Burnt Ranch. There will also be 24 day-use permits per day available for the stretch between Service Creek and Clarno.

“We’re required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to set a capacity for boating use,” Mottl said. “The launch limits are designed to reduce crowding on the wild and scenic river, and ensure that overnight boating groups are able to find a suitable campsite on public lands each night of their trips.”

Permit unnecessary after July 10

Outside of the May 20 to July 10 period, boating groups do not need to reserve permits and can fill out the unlimited permits out at launch sites.

People who can’t get a permit in the first round can try again May 1, Mottl said, and check periodically to see if cancellations have opened up slots. Boaters should let the BLM know if they have suggestions for improving the system, Mottl said.

Boating permits

Permits for groups boating on popular segments of the John Day River between May 20 and July 10 will be available online at www .johndayboaterpermit.com. Permits are free this year, although that could change in coming years. Half of the permits for segments between Clarno and Cottonwood and between Service Creek and Clarno will be available starting at 7 a.m. today, while the rest will be released on May 1.

For more information about the permits, visit www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/johnday/permits.php. People with questions can contact the BLM at JDRiverStudy@blm.gov or (541) 416-6700.