The Best News Yet ~ Hopefully!

[Danoinark]

A friend of mine says McClellands has been sold. And has it on good account. No details yet, but lets hope its true. Anyone else heard anything?

Dano

[John Berry]

That is what I have heard. The concept that I heard was for a high dollar private development.

[Danoinark]

Well, then John, this might not be such good news.

Dano

[Crippled Caddis]

<this might not be such good news>

Indeed that has been the worry ever since the closing was announced.

Market reality basically dictated it as a final result. It was far too valuable for any entity to buy other than a commercial venture.

In order for the public to have access in the area it is incumbent on organizations such as the Friends of the Rivers and North Arkansas Flyfishers, Trout Unlimited and the relavent national organizations to begin exerting pressure on the new owners as soon as their identity is announced to provide some means of access for other than those to whom they sell lots. Whether such an effort can bear fruit is somewhat remote as one of the primary selling points of what will be some VERY expensive real estate will be access to hallowed waters.

In light of the on-going Overlooked Mistakes boondoggle I think it incumbent on the same groups cited above to form a joint venture program to monitor every grain of dirt and blade of grass disturbed in the course of developement to prevent further damage to the river. A bit of foresight in this instance can help prevent such disasters in the future. The Homeport fiasco SHOULD be sufficient reason for the developer to 'mind his Ps & Qs' but if we depend on that we are fools deserving of what results.

[Crippled Caddis]

addendum to: <it (is) incumbent on the same groups cited above to form a joint venture program to monitor every grain of dirt and blade of grass disturbed in the course of developement to prevent further damage to the river.>

Such a working group should be prepared to seek injunctive relief in the shortest possible timeframe in order to short circuit damage before it becomes an accomplished fact. That means the group needs an attorney intimately involved in the goals of such a watchdog venture who can take action on a moment's notice. Any delay in getting that ball rolling will only result in another disaster for the fishery so an action plan capable of being set in motion virtually instantly should be at the very top of any priority list. Forming a 'committee' and holding 'meetings' after the fact is a certain formula for failure.

[John Berry]

It is my understanding that TU did try to purchase a small bit of land to allow for public access to this hallowed ground. No success. I fear this is going to be posted private land with little opportunity for us anglers. Crippled Caddis makes a good point. We do not need another overlook estates!