delta_queen

Howdy, Am hoping to get a green light before I post and break some rule and get banned. (I've been a member for several years as a hobby). I am helping market a fly shop for sale in Norfork, AR on the White River. I'd like to post a link / add postlet html to the Shop that is for sale - by broker - in the buy / sell / trade forum category. Is this allowed? I know better than to spam it over and over. In addition, do you sell ad space for small business - I see the large banners from Jeep etc that must come from a large syndicate machine. Just wondering if there is a way to market this fly / fish shop on your site aside from one post to the buy forum? Thanks, Delta

I live on South Sylamore Creek. It's generally floatable in May. (see my profile pic for fishing...) North SYlamore is only floatable directly after big rain event. North Branch not known for fishing. Send me a PM for livery service details....

no bites yet. he reports. still too swift/high. Floating sure is great tho. color = perfect.

I'm on a spring creek 40 minutes se of 65 bridge. (sylamore creek) It runs very similar to the buff. Our creek is GORGEOUS right now. Hubs out fishing it as we speak.

http://www.gilbertstore.com/ the gilbert store has rafts, cabins, and more. rarely see rafts on this river though. I can think of nothing more family friendly than this experience.

Thanks for the report Cameron! I can't imagine EVER catching a fish that big. I am going to call you up and ask you to guide me :-) What a great day it must have been on the water. ~V PS, A certain somebody in Heber left a message on my phone that a certain something had been repaired..... Now I just need to get it back to together.

OH NO! Bank fishing is Great right now in tributaries of the LR, but if want your boat maybe you'll have to go to the White? Or stay along the shores of the lake?

We almost bought one of those lots. Did you get one of the lower ones? Very pretty. Did you get a gillion chigger bites when you were surveying? Welcome aborad. ~ Virginia

Point taken and I too have seen dead horses and dogs in Sylamore due to the floods this year, but these couple of cows were thrown smack dab on top of a large dump site of moutnains of trash. It would be too uncanny for them to have floated downstream and gently placed on top of the other stuff. (the dump chute from above is well above the flood line) How they died is not my concern du jour. <struck by lightening?> The obvious way they were added to an active dump site on a beautiful creek is... Anyhoo, they'll decompose soon enough... The appliances and cars will not.

to quote ADEQ: It IS illegal to dump cattle and solid waste in creeks and streams in AR. I have been given names and numbers for department heads. I will probably continue most of my updates on my blog going forward. When I have a finale, I'll post it here. You folks are most appreciated. Zander, that was a good post. thanks for sharing.

I google earth just got a VM from ADEQ. GAME ON!

I left a VM with our local rep for the EPA. Here is what their web page says about this situation: Clean Water Act - Citizen Complaints Citizen that perceive environmental problems related to the Clean Water Act should report finding to EPA. Providing quality information will greatly assist the agency in assuring compliance. Before reporting to EPA, gather as much information as you can and be prepared to relate the information over the telephone or by mail to EPA. If you cannot gather information safely and legally (e.g. do not enter private property without permission), relay your concerns to the agency and EPA will determine a best course of action. Clean Water Act complaints should be reported to the following EPA Enforcement Coordinators: Texas Alan Vaughn 214-665-7487 Oklahoma Robert Houston 214-665-8565 Arkansas Jana Harvill 214-665-8369 Louisiana Mona Tates 214-665-7152 New Mexico Diana McDonald 214-665-6475 You may file a complaint by telephoning the above EPA Enforcement Coordinators or by clicking on their name and submitting an e-mail. The following information should be provided with every complaint: The physical location where the problem is occurring, including county. Any contact names, telephone numbers, and mailing addresses. Your name, address and telephone (you may remain anonymous, but we might not place as high a priority on anonymous complaints). A description of the environmental concerns and any specific environmental impacts including dates and times when observed. Please provide the name of any named Waters of the U.S. impacted. Some examples are: 1) discharge into unnamed wetland, thence to tributaries of the Rio Grande River; or 2) discharge into Galveston Bay; or 3) discharge into unnamed drainage ditches, thence to Buffalo Bayou. Please provide the names and locations of any other businesses or activities nearby that may also be contributing to the environmental problem such as an upstream wastewater treatment plant to a fish kill. Any additional information you have such as pictures, documentation, sampling data, historical information, stream marker number or stream segments, etc. The following are examples of environmental problems relating to the Clean Water Act that should be reported to EPA: Fish Kill - Any time a fish kill is observed, please report all known information such as time observed, number of fish, type of fish (if known). Additionally, you should report fish kills to U.S. Fish and Wildlife as well as their State counter parts (e.g. Texas Parks and Wildlife). Sanitary Sewer Overflow - sanitary sewer system lines should not break and if there is a discharge, many environmental and health problems can result from untreated sewage. Please do not confuse a sanitary sewer line with a storm sewer line. In addition to reporting a broken sanitary line to EPA, please report this information to your local municipality operating the sanitary line so that they can repair the line. Most sanitary sewer overflows happen during rain events resulting from the rain improperly infiltrating into the sanitary lines causing them to overflow. Any unknown pipe discharging into a Waters of the U.S. that appears to be unpermitted (e.g. can't identify an owner/operator that can confirm its NPDES permitting status) and impacting the receiving water. Storm Water discharges from industrial activities such as construction projects and heavy industry that are resulting in adverse impacts (e.g. sedimentation runoff, oil sheens, etc.). Dumping or pouring pollutants into Waters of the U.S. such as observing someone dumping drums into a creek should be reported to EPA. This includes pouring used motor oil into a storm drain. Storm Sewer collection systems (e.g. storm drains in streets) are not treated and flow directly to Waters of the U.S. Any type of non-storm water connection into a storm sewer system should be reported to EPA. Connecting a sanitary sewer line into a storm sewer system is an example of an illicit connection that should be corrected immediately "Waters of the US " is defined as: Waters of the United States 40 CFR 122.2 For purposes of the Clean Water Act, "Waters of the United States" means: (a) All waters which are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; ( All interstate waters, including interstate "wetlands"; © All other waters such as interstate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds the use, degradation, or destruction of which would affect or could affect interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters: (1) Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes; (2) From which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) Which are used or could be used for industrial purposes by industries in interstate commerce; (d) All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under this definition; (e) Tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this definition; (f) The territorial sea; and (g) Wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) identified in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this definition. Waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet the requirements of CWA are not waters of the United States. So this should indeed fall under their jurisdiction. ( at a minumum - motor oil) But I'm no lawyer

There are some hot and heavy opinions going on in the General Forum with this post.... Several have said the EPA... Seems like a daunting place to start, but I'll look into it.

My tip or trick for you is to start out as early as possible or as late as possible that Sunday. The Sunday of Memorial day weekend is swamped with people. It's a canoe parade.

oh, you curmudgeon you. 'your experience' jived with our local judge's. He said if it's on private property, good luck. 2 or 3 weeks have past since I saw these dumps, and I'm bothered by it still. Even in my sleep. If I can report the land owners and somebody at least gives them a spanking and they think twice before doing it again, well then maybe....

ohhh. Another great idea. GPS. I think my phone is capable of it, or maybe I borrow somebody's. Dumpsite #1 will be tricky to report. I know exaclty where #2 is.

Pictures are a very wise idea. Let me paint the picture here while it's fresh: dumpsite 1: At the bottom of a 100 ft bluff looked to be a lot of household trash (matresses to food bags), old cars, appliances old and new, and a couple of *new* dead cows. The river (at the stage we floated by) was another 7 feet below that. But you could see that the recent floods had swept through the dump and spread the waste into the creek bed. dumpsite 2: At the bottom of a 200 ft bluff had old and yes, new cars. about 3 total. all sorts of appliances, road crew work cones, you name it. Again, this site is about 5-7 feet above the current water level and the floods did indeed sweep through there too. This dumpsite is directly off of a county road and I know exaclty where it is and can see the drag marks of items going over. Getting this stuff out will be near impossible. There are almost ZERO access roads to the creek and pretty soon it's going to be unfloatable. A huge crane would have to be broght in and I don't see that happening any time soon ! At least putting a stop to it would be a good start. To end on a good note, the other 19 miles of our fish/float were pristine wilderness with abundant wildlife and grrreat fishing.

Oh these couple of cows were definately just pushed over the high bluff onto the already existing dump site. 211 is a good idea. I heard about that too.

CC, I appreciate your repsonse, but... I haven't done anything yet. Need to learn the laws and find the right person to help me. Just found The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. There was a place there to make a report. Fingers crossed I get a bite. I'll report back here.

This is a cross post from the General Angling Section, posted again for relevance here... I need your input on who (or what entity) to reach out to regarding some dump sites on a creek in Central Arkansas. It primarly runs through private land but there are some public lands (WMA, etc) . I wrote the letter pasted below to the Arkansas Heritage Commission. The Code enforecement in AR is so slack I am curious if it's even illegal to dump dead cows in a stream? Dear Keeper of Big Creek Natural Area, My husband and I have recently moved to AR. We are a short distance from Big Creek Natural Area of Cleburne County. It is a wonderful place that we visit often for hiking and fishing and whatnot. On our first visit we thought this creek looked like canoe heaven and indeed it is. This very wet Spring afforded us a long canoe trip a couple of weekends ago – almost 19 miles we think. The fishing and the scenery was spectacular. We saw some bad dump sites and I am not resting easy about it. I write to you now for your guidance. I’d like to learn more about what I can do about this. The two worst sites have: cars (old and new), appliances (old and new) and even freshly dead cattle. The dumping is active and smells wretched. The ‘trash’ is pushed over the side of the ridge and sits very near the water level, which of course ultimately runs to the Little Red River …... Big Creek is a wild treasure! Any advice you have for me will be appreciated. Who should I go to about this? It’s so remote that I doubt few will ever see this horrible pollution until its too late. Sincerely, Virginia

I need your input on who (or what entity) to reach out to regarding some dump sites on a creek in Central Arkansas. It primarly runs through private land but there are some public lands (WMA, etc) . I wrote the letter pasted below to the Arkansas Heritage Commission. The Code enforecement in AR is so slack I am curious if it's even illegal to dump dead cows in a stream? Dear Keeper of Big Creek Natural Area, My husband and I have recently moved to AR. We are a short distance from Big Creek Natural Area of Cleburne County. It is a wonderful place that we visit often for hiking and fishing and whatnot. On our first visit we thought this creek looked like canoe heaven and indeed it is. This very wet Spring afforded us a long canoe trip a couple of weekends ago – almost 19 miles we think. The fishing and the scenery was spectacular. We saw some bad dump sites and I am not resting easy about it. I write to you now for your guidance. I’d like to learn more about what I can do about this. The two worst sites have: cars (old and new), appliances (old and new) and even freshly dead cattle. The dumping is active and smells wretched. The ‘trash’ is pushed over the side of the ridge and sits very near the water level, which of course ultimately runs to the Little Red River …... Big Creek is a wild treasure! Any advice you have for me will be appreciated. Who should I go to about this? It’s so remote that I doubt few will ever see this horrible pollution until its too late. Sincerely, Virginia

Wild and Crazy Big Creek Canoe Trip Report The wild part was the fact that it was 19 miles long, full of wildlife, and it took 15 hours of regular and sometimes very heavy paddling. There were no open public access roads in the entire course and just about 3 private ones that probably lead to no one. Otherwise, it was 100-200 fts bluffs on either side. If the Buffalo River is wild, Big Creek is 4 x 4 wild. It should have been a three day float for us. The crazy part was the fact that we got a hole in the keel of our borrowed canoe on the first day. We don’t remember where we got it and didn’t know we had it until making camp the first night and pulling it up on the bank. Every 45 minutes thereafter we needed to bank it, remove our overnight supplies and turn the water out to keep from sinking. The hole kept getting bigger. I was a bundle of nerves the last 5 hours and belatedly recall one should go canoeing with a good bailing tool, gum and duct tape. Put in/take out: Warren Mountain Access Road through the WMA is closed off. Unless it’s a magical sanctioned hunting day and the gate is open, you need to go up to Low Water Bridge #3: Wilburn, AR SH101 and about 7 miles East on Tylar Road. There was 1.5 inches of water crossing the bridge and I wouldn’t float this again with any less. I read elsewhere that if there was a foot or more, don’t do it and I believe it. The take out spot is the bridge at McJester Baptist Church a little north of Pangburn on McJester. A prominent web review calls this the Old Iron Bridge, but that’s gone, it’s a new cement bridge. You can park past the bridge. Fish: We were looking for smallmouth, but were surprised. Daren caught his largest fish yet; a 5 lb largemouth in the last 5 miles. He caught about 20 good size stripers , a ton of brim and only one puny smallmouth. We only had one rod and reel so I can’t add to the average. Other factors included a full moon, 75 degree sunny days and 40 degree night. Canoeing: there is some white water. There are a few falls that take some thought. We had to portage around numerous recently flood felled trees that create long deep slow pools preceding them. Yet the trickiest and most treacherous part were the cypress groves that crept up the last 5 miles. White (cold clear) water shooting through a half mile stand of cypress and their knees was new to us. We got a second gash in our borrowed canoe which was already a sinking ship. The only way we found through was to walk it – each time thereafter. Other Resources: Bring your own canoe - or better yet, kayaks. http://southwestpaddler.com/docs/whitear8.html http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/ http://ozarks3xw.blogspot.com/2008/02/big-...tural-area.html

am looking to buy. alum or FG, don't care. beat up, don't care. mo cheaper mo better. Can't drive too far b/c of gas $$$ please PM me.

Buffaloriver anddrain. com is tricky; they're off and on. Keep checking. I wrote them and they said they don't have budget enough to keep the guages going. They are getting ready to pass the torch to the USGS. Sad Sad becuase it will be far removed from the real keepers. I know you didn't ask my opinion, but if you did, I'd say head to Gilbert Store (an experience in itself), get them to shuttle you up to Carver, then float down to Gilbert and find your truck when you're good and ready.

Yup. Tried both places with no luck. Thanks though. I found one outfitter on the lake that rents, but it's steep considering the drive and the fact we want to rent for 2 night/3 days.. Arkansas' state home page touts the LR as being a top canoe destination, but I'm getting the impression it's not. hmm. I'm daydreaming about opening a livery. ~V