2014 John Day permit regulations released

Just got this in my email. Good news (from my point of view). Every year seems to be "the last year" that they'll have unlimited trips in the peak season, but I'm sure one of these years it will actually happen.

Dear John Day River Boater:

The Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management would like to let you know about several changes for the 2014 boating season on the John Day River:

·         An on-line launch permit is required to boat all river segments year-round.
Exception: A launch permit is not required when boating a distance of less than 100 yards upstream or downstream of the launch point, or to cross the river to the opposite bank.
Priest Hole Exception:  For short day-trips taking place completely within Priest Hole Recreation Site (a distance of one mile between River Mile 136.5 and 137.5), free self-issue paper permits are unlimited and may be obtained at Priest Hole.
 
·         Unlimited Permits:   In 2014, permits for all river segments and launch dates will be unlimited and issued on-line at www.blm.gov/or/permit.  Permits to boat between May 20 and July 10 in Segments 1, 2 & 3 (Service Creek to Tumwater Falls) will be available for reservation beginning in April.  Permits will be available up to and including the day of the launch, so you can get a permit when you’re sure of your launch date.
 
·         Launch Fee:  The Prineville BLM has received approval to charge a launch fee of $20 per overnight trip per group, and $10 per day-use trip per group, for trips entering the Wild and Scenic River section (Segments 1, 2 & 3; Service Creek to Tumwater Falls) between May 20 and July 10.  The non-refundable launch fee will be due when a permit reservation is made.  All fees collected will be used directly on the river to help keep launch sites and river campsites clean.  For more information see http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/johnday/boat-fee.php.
 
·         Trip leader user account:  Each trip leader will need to create a user account by visiting the permit web site at www.blm.gov/or/permit.  A user account will be required in order to reserve a permit.  When creating your user account, if you have trouble locating the message sent to your email address, please check your spam mail.
 
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at blm_or_pr_jdriver_study@blm.gov or 541-416-6700.
Thank you,
John Day River Staff
 
John Day River Permit Website: www.blm.gov/or/permit