By Mike Simpson
While volunteering at Round Spring a few weekends ago, Ranger Bill O’Donnell told me that the General Management Plan for Ozark National Scenic Riverways was coming due for a revision. The new Superintendent is weighing heavily on public opinion as to how the park will be designated (there is different Federal laws for Wilderness Areas than there are for Recreational Areas, etc.), how many and where accesses are placed, and to what extent the area will be utilized. The horse enthusiasts, ATV owners, canoe concessionaires and well-compensated local politicians are sharpening their fangs to make their mark on the new plan. According to Bill, more emphasis will be placed on replies made to the website forum. There are four plans on the books at the present time on which all interested parties can comment.
This is our chance to let the powers-that-be know how much we care about that particular pair of free-flowing streams. Go to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways website, choose the General Management Plan/ Wilderness Study Comments and Input, read through the plans and let them know how you feel here. If no one but the organized opposition is heard, then the park will “oil the squeaky wheel” and we will have to be contented with whatever they decide. Thanks.
Comments on this entry are closed.