Bulletin staff report

Officials from the Prineville Bureau of Land Management announced on Friday an increase in boater pass user fees on the Lower Deschutes River.

Annual boater pass fees have increased from $35 to $75, according to a BLM news release.

Day use boater pass fees have risen from $5 to $8 on peak weekends, the release said.

Peak weekends are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Daily passes will remain at $2, the news release said.

The annual pass becomes available this month, so the prorated cost for the 2003 season will be $60, according to the release.

BLM officials hope the fee increases will minimize peak-weekend use of the Lower Deschutes, according to Robert Towne, Deschutes Resource Area field manager. The increases should also raise additional revenue for law enforcement, campsite maintenance and boater facilities.

An informational open house on the fee increases is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19 at the BLM Information Center, 7 North U.S. Highway 197 in Maupin. BLM river managers will be available to answer questions.

To monitor annual boater pass availability, go to www.boaterpass.com.

For more information, contact the Prineville District of the BLM at 541-416-6700.

River managers are also considering a new fee system that would require hikers and bikers to pay for using the lower Deschutes River Canyon.

Currently land-based recreation in the canyon is free. Only boaters must buy a pass to float the river.

The lower Deschutes is managed by the Lower Deschutes River Managers Group. It consists of the BLM, members of Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Oregon State Marine Board and local governments.