Modified boat horsepower rule to be implemented in 2024

VAN BUREN, Mo – The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a final rule on motorboat horsepower for Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR).  The final rule was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2023, with the implementation of the rule to begin on January 11, 2024.   

Changes to motorboat rules were originally proposed in the 2015 ONSR General Management Plan (GMP) to create seasonal non-motorized zones, legalize the use of 60/40 horsepower (HP) motors, and establish a 150 HP limit between Big Spring and the park’s southern boundary on the Current River.   

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After analyzing public comments on the proposed rule received in early 2022, the NPS determined that the 150 HP limit should be extended north of Big Spring to the southern end of Van Buren Gap (approximately 1.3 miles that was previously limited to 60 HP). With this change, the HP limit on the Current River from the southern end of the Van Buren Gap to the park’s southern boundary will be 150 HP. This will make the area more consistent and less confusing for visitors, more enforceable from a law enforcement perspective, and would relieve some parking congestion at the Big Spring boat ramp.

The other amendments to the special regulation for motorized vessels (36 CFR 7.83) will proceed as proposed in the 2015 GMP.  These changes will create seasonal non-motorized zones on the upper stretches of both rivers during “peak season” and legalize the use of 60/40 HP motors with jet propulsion. Peak season begins the day after the last day of the statewide spring trapping season on public lands and ends on the day before the first day of gigging season for nongame fish. These dates are determined annually by the Missouri Department of Conservation. For the 2024 season those peak season dates are April 1 through September 14. 

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 which can be viewed at National Park Service – PEPC – Ozark National Scenic Riverways (nps.gov). To view the Errata Sheet, click on the link entitled “Modify Motorboat Horsepower Zoning in 2015 GMP” and then select “Document List.”

The final rule can be viewed on the Federal Register at Federal Register :: Ozark National Scenic Riverways; Motorized Vessels .   The following tables are included in the final rule and summarize the changes for each river: 

Table 1: Current River 

Table 2: Jacks Fork River 

 For additional information about the horsepower regulation for Ozark National Scenic Riverways, call (573) 323-4236 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar. 

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