Chocolate River

[Caddis Man]

As a new member but long time reader, I am totally disgusted with what has happened at the Norfork. You are correct about shutting down this ill-informed developer. In the weeks and months that have passed Mr. Doyle has proven that he has no business anywhere near running water. Why are the agencies dragging their feet? As someone who lives outside the great state of Arkansas, I am one of the guys that has been traveling for years to enjoy fly fishing on this beautiful resource. I spend money staying at Lodges, Resorts, Motels, Fly Shops, and Resturants. I pick up trash along the banks (especially near the ramp) and if you can't tell by now, this river is very dear to me. I feel like I have been violated somehow by this developer. Does any one else feel this way? What can we do?

[Phil Lilley]

Wonder if Forest Wood or Dave Whitlock would get involved if asked... someone with some clout. I'd think Wood would already be- isn't he a commissioner? Isn't your governor an angler?

[Arkamo Traveler]

The article mentioned silt fences and haybales as means of erosion/sediment control, and also that mulch had been spread. Although these are fairly accepted means, they are ABSOLUTELY A JOKE. They look nice when its dry, but who hasn't seen silt fences blown over where it counts, and haybales nocked out or overtopped. Especially in the Ozarks where good anchors are tough to drive, and the runoff comes hard and fast. Mulch? If it was on a slope I bet there was some of it in the river an hour after it rained.

These developers need an honest, well engineered runoff plan.

Does anyone have ideas on how forum readers can take action to right the problem?

[Danoinark]

Here is a thread from another forum that some action is being taken....Dano

http://p222.ezboard.com/fflyfishingarkansa...icID=2498.topic

[Snow Fly]

Good comments & info concerning a very sad state of affairs for something like tthis to take place in a state where their economy is driven by tourism. I did send an e-mail to Gov.Huckabee. IF I receive a respones I will post.

[Caddis Man]

I see that George Peters from Cotter may get involved. He is a good man to have on our side. Besides being a excellent Fly Fisherman, he is in the business of providing Legal Services. When I see him this week-end I will

ask what is being done. I will try to report back Tuesday night.

[John Berry]

I think the word on this mess is starting to get out. Yesterday the Arkansas Democrat (The Newspaper in Arkansas) ran an article on it. The ADEQ needs to stay on top of this. I understand that this developer has acquired land on the White River to do a similar development. This scares me!

[Caddis Man]

The ball is rolling and Mr.Doyle is not going to like it. George wrote the petition to stop him. It was later found out that Mr. Doyle also purchased 200 acres below Reds' Landing and was planning on developing it as well. He will be lucky if he is allowed to operate in the state of Arkansas when all this is done. There is even a rumor, take it for what it is, but that the EPA may come down and have a look. The good news is that yesterday, the Norfork was in good shape and fished well. Caught somewhere over 30 fish, size 18 Zebra midge was productive. Had some real fun later in the day on drys. Still a variety of Caddis hatching, as well as a few Sulphers here and there. The most unusual site was a Water Moccasin underwater with a 3-4" fish in its' mouth. I had thought all this time the the water was too cold for them. Beware!

[helix74]

John Berry, did you fish at McClellans on Sunday morning this past weekend (May 7)? I looked at your profile which led me to your website and from the pictures there you look very much like a guy I talked to Sunday morning at McClellans that told me about this mess with the developer up on the hill. You were just coming down the hill from the "parking lot" and I was standing there by the uprooted tree tying on. We didn't talk long, and I told you I was new to the area and you briefly told me about the problem as you headed down towards the catch and release only section of the river. Anyway, just wanted to see if you were the person I spoke to that morning because the pics sure do look like the guy and he had a cigar in hand. You were with 1 other guy that morning (if it was you).

[Danoinark]

A bit of an update..Dano

http://p222.ezboard.com/fflyfishingarkansa...icID=2531.topic