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Save
the Current
and Jacks Fork Rivers Again
Please submit your comments before
July 31!
The Jacks
Fork and Current Rivers are a national treasure that include 134 miles of
clear cool water fed by beautiful springs, numerous caves, huge bluffs,
diverse wildlife and a variety of recreational opportunities. The natural,
scenic, primitive and cultural values of this area have earned a place in
the hearts of fisherman, canoeists, and conservationists.
These rivers have suffered degradation from overuse and violations of restrictions
since Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) was established in 1964. The
National Park Service will now take written comments until July 31st
to decide on the new management plan. Friends of the Ozark Riverways are
alarmed by the losses to the health and quality of ONSR and the unique natural
features that originally warranted protection.
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We need YOUR comments before July 31st:
You may submit comments in writing to
Superintendent
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965
Please send comments to:
- substantially decrease number of access points and illegally developed roads/trails
- limit motorized vehicles to official roads and ban ATVs
- reduce motorboat HP size and limit usage areas for motorboats
- enforce scenic and conservation easement terms to deal with and prevent building construction and forest clearing violations
- limit numbers of horses and river crossings of horses to prevent impact on grounds and swimming restricted due to E. Coli contamination
- designate the back country portion of the old Big Spring State Park as Wilderness Area
- monitor and restore ecological health of water quality, stream beds and banks, and native forest habitat
- reaffirm priorities originally established in law to guide the National Park Service to restore the river areas and conserve it for future generations.
To
learn more, you can view and share a new Missouri Parks Association and
Friends of Ozark Riverways documentary entitled Why We Must
Save the Current River, again. It tells the conservationist
story, reminding us of those who went before, why they saved these Ozark
rivers, and why we must save them again.
Do please review the plan and submit your comments See
the summary or the full "Preliminary Alternatives Newsletter # 3, Spring/
Summer 2009" at the NPS website or call ONSR headquarters in Van
Buren, (573) 323-4236, to get a copy.
Every comment counts, so please make yours.
You can make a difference if you speak up.