By Tove Tupper
 
June 19, 2009
 
WHITE CITY, Ore. - Corporate signs along the Upper Rogue River are raising questions about sponsorship of the river's most beautiful stretches.
 
The signs, which mark popular fishing holes, include sponsors like Budweiser. Some say they send mixed signals about drinking on the river.
 
They were put in two-years ago for safety reasons. The Rogue River Guide Association wanted the signs in order to help river users better identify their location on the river in case of an emergency.
 
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says its never used the signs in a search and rescue effort. Others say the logos are offensive and don't go along with the river's natural beauty.
 
"I don't think it's out of control to say that they're eye soars. And it's even more laughable that they have Budweiser logos on them," says Todd Ostenson with the Trophy Waters Fly Fishing Shop.
 
Some say wooden or natural looking markers would have been more appropriate. Others argue a public debate should have been held before allowing Budweiser, or any corporation, to make them.