Joe Bald Rd. Park Gonna Be Locked Up?

[vernon]

I don't disagree with any of what you propose other than the fact that this is still not a Corps function. I also agree with you when you basically say if it makes sense they won't do it. That is an everyday mantra of most all federal workers. Believe me when I say the Corps is as frustrated as you if not more so. The local Districts are all about providing the best services they possibly can. They WANT you the customer to be happy. However, as was stated previously, after much consideration and discussion when told to "move out" they are to salute smartly and do just that like it or not.

As a former employee of the Corps I am obviously a supporter of their efforts and have first hand knowledge of the challenges and frustrations that they face everyday. I also have been frequenting the same project areas that you refer to for over 40 years and I see what you see. Table Rock, Bull Shoals,Norfork, Stockton, Pomme and Truman are my favorite places on earth. And after more than 30 years of federal service, I still say the Corps does it better and in many cases with far less than any other federal agency that I have observed or been associated with.

That being said, I hope there is someway, somehow that your park can be saved. Nobody likes moving backwards. Keep fighting the good fight for whatever it might be that you believe in!

[MOPanfisher]

Vernon is correct that the COE is restricted in what it can and can't do in terms of development. The development you are talking about would have to be privately done, which is not impossible, they would have to lease a park or area and submit development plans etc. for approval, think Branson Belle, and Big Cedar. Actually the administration right now would be VERY receptive to a private entity taking over and developing an area, removing the cost to the Government and benefitting the area. I don't believe there has been an actual budget passed for several years, the budgeting process in all of the Federal Government is well confusing at the least. When there is no budget we work on a CRA (Continuing Resolution Authority), basically you get enough money to survive at the lowest possible level, month to month and sometimes week to week. Then when you finally get the final part of the money you are restricted in what you can do or how you do it. It is a bizarre system that we have imposed on ourselves for purchasing materials and supplies and gets more restrictive each year. Some things simply cannot be stopped in mid work, such as multi million dollar levee work etc, lives and property are at risk and lots of dollars to contractors, so money get moved around and the colors changed to fund work that is more important in the overall big picture. Congessional reps are certainly interested and supportive but very matter of fact that there just isn't the money to give out. Will things change, probably the only thing that is consistent is change in the Federal Government. Some will be positive some will be negative, unfortunately things that are intended as a good thing, in fact turn out to cause more problems than it solves. The old say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions is very true sometimes.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I can remember when the COE facilities were a lot more primitive than they are today. I suppose what comes to my mind is that possibly there has been a mindset established in newer employees making decisions that today's standards are minimum. Moving some facilities back to provide bare minimum rather than closing them because the present level can't be maintained might not be a bad thing.

[MOPanfisher]

You are correct wayne I have seen many changes/upgrades etc. over the last 25 years. Unfortunately in todays world taking a campground that has water and electric sites and turning off the water and electricity is essentially signing its death warrant, utilization drops to the point that it falls well into the category where it is slated for full closure. We still try to maintain some at least some areas where more primitive camping is available, sadly it also becomes a battle with various sectors of society that like those areas to sell and or produce drugs, etc. etc. The various LE agencies are fantastic in helping with that aspect but cannot be everywhere all the time. I will give a big THANK YOU to all the LE agencies on their support though, I have never called for their assistance and been ignored, sometimes you end up with a deputy, a Trooper and or a MDC agent who heard the call, sometimes coming up by boat sometimes by road, I can say with complete confidence that it is a good feeling to see the show up.

Back to the original topic, for those that want to see Joe Bald stay open in some form or another, don't just voice your opinions, get involved, work to establish an organization that can take over the area within the guidelines that the COE will require, and be willing to put in the time, effort and $ that it will take. You might be surprised just how much the COE will work to make it happen in the support is there.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Establish an organization that can take over the area within the guidelines that the COE

Could you give us an idea as to what all is involved and what the end product will have to be?

[MOPanfisher]

My first advice is to stop by the COE office and talk with them, they can probably give you some direction. Otherwise I would think something along the lines of "Friends of Joe Bald" group, would probably need to be incorporated as a Not for Profit organization with the State of Missouri and have some sort of organization. Develop a plan such as to maintain the main entrance road, parking lot and boat ramp, block off the rest and simply keep it as an access point. I would reccomend against trying to run it as a campground, however you might eek out a living with a small niche group of campers who want more solitude and only the most basic amenities. Float the idea to the COE and see if you get any interest.

[vernon]

The contracting office should be able to provide you with the basic requirements of a self-help type contract. They should also be able to provide some guidance as to how to go about establishing a Private Organization if that's how you decide to approach the issue. Many of their answers to your questions will lead to other questions that you never dreamed of so a one on one conversation would likely be the simplest way to procede. As was mentioned earlier, there are some really wild restrictions and guidelines within all federal considerations. This would be greatly educational in that regard even if all else fails.

Since Little Rock isn't exactly across the street from you, you could also start by visiting the Table Rock Project Office and ask to speak to the Project Manager. He should be able to get you headed in the right direction without having to travel to Little Rock just to get started. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and your group. The Corps could use all of the help of this nature that they can get. The Army overall utilizes a tremendous number of Private Organization volunteers. In many instances, the PO completely oversees operation of a given organization although reporting to a federal staff member regarding the handling and deposit of fees or other monies.

Many if not most military installations utilize PO's to operate things such as Rod and Gun clubs, Flying clubs, etc. Heck, Fort Leavenworth even has a Fox Hunting club that is run entirely by volunteers! Opportunities of this sort abound if someone is seriously interested in taking on the task as well as the responsibility. One must be patient however as nothing is easy when dealing with the Fed. However, it's not impossible either.

[Wayne SW/MO]

That's very interesting and should be good information for people worried about closures. If that could be worked out it could go along way in a future where service has do be balanced by dollars. I would think if the liability could be covered it should of interest to those who fear they will lose facilities.

I agree that camping is too labor intensive, but possibly a caretaker setup would or could be feasible and could use one site.

[vernon]

Wayne SW/MO

I admire your good intentions and tenacity. The world needs more people just like you. I kind of see this as a time when many Americans feel beat down by the system. So much so that many have just given up and now take whatever comes their way as just more of the same. More of us need to stand up for what we believe in and not make it so easy for irresponsible leadership to rule unchecked as seems to be the case as of late. Like most everyone else, I'm tired of continued reductions in services and benefits while literally billions of dollars are unaccounted for each and every day. Our government is in the process of consuming itself as everyone looks out for their own best interests rather than that of those they are elected to represent.

Bravo to you and all those that share your enthusiasm and refuse to roll over and accept "Cause that's the way it is" as justification for senseless actions.

[MOPanfisher]

Wayne definitely speak with the Table Rock Office, it would end up going through the Real Estate Division as a Lease most likely, although different Districts sometimes handle it differently. The simplest lease option could be the same as the dozens of Resorts and road licenses around the lake, more complex most likely but unless the organization wants to do more than maintain the access it shouldn't be too difficult. The Liability issue is probably best discussed with a lawyer, but for the most part if you are not charging folks to use it, it changes the liability to something pretty basic such as gross negligence.

The next time you are headed up to Pomme holler at me, I'll bring a hot dog, a stick and cup of coffee and come visit you. I hope you or the group around Joe Bald can get it worked through, hate to see that quiet little area go the way of Coombs Ferry, Big Indian, or Kings River parks.

Vernon, if you get back up to Pomme let me know, we will swap COE stories over a campfire & Coffee, or while crappie fishing.