As soon as the portage restrictions go into effect this year, the information will be posted at launch sites and on signs along the river. This system also goes into effect Aug. 10. Points are assessed for violating the restrictions, such as floating windows, failure to observe area closures and failure to obtain permits. Points are accrued separately by private and commercial floaters. If the maximum penalty points is reached by the general public, the river will be closed to public floating.
Points assessed by commercial operators affect their special-use permits.
Last year, the river was closed to general floating on Aug. 25 because of the number of violations. That did not affect commercial outfitters. During the salmon spawning period in September, the entire river was closed to floaters, causing complaints from the outfitters. Dean said the location of river closures will depend on where spawning is taking place. Usually, just the two portage areas, historically the most probable spawning sites, are closed.