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The Thomas Hart Benton Group
of the Sierra Club
invites you to:

Save the Current
and Jacks Fork Rivers Again

a film presentation and rally,

addressing new management of these
spring-fed Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Saturday July 11, 1 p.m.

Discovery Center,
4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO

Cost: Free

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.

The easiest and best way to learn more and respond with letters would be to attend the film presentationand rally on July 11 at the Discovery Center. Leaders from the National Parks Service (ONSR), Friends of Ozark Riverways, Missouri Coalition for the Environment and the Sierra Club will be present to answer questions.

If you can't join the presentation,
we need YOUR comments before July 31st:

The National Park Service will now take written comments until July 31st to decide on the new management plan.

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 may submit comments in writing to

Superintendent
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965

You can make a difference if you speak up.

 

You can find more events and outings at our website.

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