Meeting In Springfield

[grizwilson]

I’m contacting you about one of my favorite places in the world, the Current River . As you will see below the National Park Service is taking comments on a new 20 year plan for the National Scenic Riverways: the Current and the Jacks Fork Rivers . The issue is very timely, (comments due July 31st) and so important to those of us that use and enjoy this National Park area. I was hoping you could post and forward about this informational meeting to any other low impact conservation minded groups, family and friends you think would be interested.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Please try to join us to discuss the proposed changes for the management plan for the Current & Jacks Fork Rivers that many of us cherish and enjoy.

There will be an educational meeting to discuss the alternative proposals by the National Park Service at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7 at the MDC Springfield Conservation Nature Center , 4600 S Chrisman in the auditorium.

The National Park Service held a series of meetings that have now concluded, but NONE in SW MO. NPS representatives are invited to the July 7th meeting as well as other local experts, to discuss the several options under consideration. Please try to come and see what the NPS says is going to be the fate of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways for at least the next twenty years.

To learn more, you can also view a new Missouri Parks Association and Friends of Ozark Riverways documentary entitled Why We Must Save the Current River, Again . For the first time ever, it tells the story of the Riverways from the conservationist point of view. It reminds us all of those who went before and why they saved the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, and why we must follow their example, and save the rivers, again.

If you cannot attend this one and only meeting in this part of the State, please review the plan and submit your comments in support of better management practices including implementation of appropriate usage standards. Every comment counts, so please make yours. You may also submit comments in writing and, most recommended,electronically .

(http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ozar)

Meeting or not, plan on getting your comments in by July 31.

The new General Management Plan needs to put the health of the rivers first, because we already have lakes for fast boats, amusement parks with water rides and go kart tracks for motorized vehicles. These rivers are a unique and fragile resource that should be protected for future generations to enjoy as we have.

The Current River and its tributary the Jacks Fork, are in danger of being loved to the point of destruction. They are legendary for their constant flow of clear, cool waters. Fed by more than 350 springs, including the 278 million-gallon-per-day Big Spring which is one of the largest springs in North America , and the dazzling Blue Spring, the 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers flow through beautiful Ozark country. Because of its amazing character, the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers were designated in 1964 by Congress as the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and are part of America 's National Park System. These rivers and their valleys unsurpassed in America for quality, richness, and beauty.

The people of Missouri lead the effort to designate and protect these outstanding rivers. Now, 45 years later, the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers need our help and attention again. All is not well, but we have an opportunity to make a positive difference and ensure the health of the rivers 45 years from now.

Please forward this email to anyone that is interested regardless if they can attend the meeting so they can view the plans online and submit E-comments.

For more information call:

David Stokely 417-732-7412