The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) held its quarterly hybrid meeting in Salem at the agency’s office and via Microsoft Teams on April 24, 2025. In its only decision-making item, the Board accepted a petition by the Siletz Tribes to consider rulemaking to prohibit the use of motors above Jack Morgan Park on the Siletz River. The use of a jet pump drive is currently prohibited.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in February sent a letter to the Oregon State Marine Board asking them to consider banning motorized watercraft above Jack Morgan Park on the Siletz River. This request, submitted in a petition, aims to protect the river's ecosystem and fishing resources. The tribe argues that motorized boats negatively impact long-term stewardship goals and are detrimental to salmon runs and other aquatic life and complained about the amount of guides on the river.

The tribes peitition for restricting boat motor use said "Restricting boat motor use will help protect critical life stages of salmon and steelhead on the Siletz River. It will also protect water quality, reduce bank erosion, and reduce exploitation of salmonid runs. This management recommendation is based in traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources, the best available science, field observations, and common sense. Restricting boat motors upstream brings a Tribal voice to the river. This also acknowledges the ancestral commitment to safe guard resources for future generations; including Tribal, non-Tribal, commercial users, and all Oregonians."

The tribe has said they want to promote and encourage all user groups, including anglers and non-fishing recreationists, to enjoy the Siletz River and its renowned salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat fisheries. Those who opposed the petition pointed out the difficulities it would present to boaters with limited mobility to be able to row a boat for a long period of time while tryng to fish. There were also concerns of increased boat traffic anchored in one area. Others provided testimony that a ban on motors could significantly reduce access to the river, impacting those who rely on it for their livelihoods and recreation. There were several letters sent to the OSMB asking that they not restrict motors on the river.

The Board accepted the petition and opened the rulemaking process, which included convening a rule advisory committee with a balance of representatives and agency partners to share perspectives and aid in developing proposed rule language or finding other creative solutions. The Board asked for staff to report back for its October meeting.