Some sort of lulled assumption settles over us as a society when it comes to realizing how things get done. For example, most of our lives are spent utilizing public lands without giving a thought to the history of their creation and continued existence or how we, the people, became the owners and benefactors of those places and spaces.
Generally, even less of our energies are devoted to actively protecting, enhancing and defending our public home turf from an endless assortment of threats. Fortunately, there are some unsung heroes among us who do hear the clarion calls to action when assaults and injustices befall the common good.
Our state's best-known natural area follows a river that flows freely for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains. The Buffalo River is one of only a few undammed rivers in the lower 48 states, according to the U.S. National Park Service, and that free-flowing status was once in serious jeopardy.
One of my all-time favorite quotes, "When the people lead, the leaders will follow," has been accredited to people ranging from Thomas Jefferson to Gandhi. The quote was proved true in Arkansas by the late Dr. Neil Compton and a band of citizens who founded the Ozark Society in 1962. They brought attention and pressure against the possibility that this beautiful and clear river was slated for damming by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Arkansas' governor at the time, Orval Faubus, who was long proud of his rural roots, took political and personal notice of what might happen in his old stomping grounds and eventually so did other state leaders like U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright. Efforts mounted against damming, but it was 10 years before the river was designated in 1972 as the first national river in the United States. This did not happen because of elected leaders, but because of people willing to act and to hang in there for the long fight of getting leaders to follow.
Now in another fairly well-known battle, citizens are engaged in saving the Buffalo---again. Certain that a confined animal (hog) farm near a tributary of the Buffalo River will deliver contamination from run-off and from leaching through the area's porous geologic structure, organizations and individuals launched efforts to hold the state accountable for allowing the use of this site for spreading hog manure in the river's watershed.
Nothing is free in this life, even when long hours of labor are voluntary. A coalition of non-profit groups-- the Ozark Society, the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Arkansas Canoe Club-- share the goal of having, "more funds available for action on the river related to conservation, advocacy, education, youth involvement, and generally building public awareness of and appreciation for the Buffalo River." The funding need also has, and may continue to include, legal fees and scientific research of water and ecosystems.
To this end, this coalition is hosting a "Celebration of the Buffalo" fundraising gala and honoring pioneers , like Compton, who have led the efforts to protect this river, and Ken Smith, who has coordinated trail building around the river for over 35 years. Smith has published four books, including "The Buffalo River Country" and "The Buffalo River Handbook," and probably no one alive today has a more intimate knowledge or connection to this river nor deserves our thanks more than he.
To be held this Friday (so act fast) at Fayetteville's Town Center, there will be a very tempting silent auction, music, book signing, speakers, a "Lobby Party" from 5 to 7 p.m. for a $5 donation, and/or a 7 p.m. banquet dinner for $100 per ticket (don't forget, this is to "save the Buffalo -- again). Details and donations (tax deductible) can be found at: www.celebratethebuffalo.com or call Teresa Turk, 206-713-2265.
This coalition of organizations is "committed to working toward permanent protection of the Buffalo against threats to its pristine quality, recreational value and economic benefits." The National Park Service has calculated that "1.3 million visitors annually spend $56.6 million in the gateway communities surrounding the national park [making the river] a key driver of tourism for Arkansas."
What's not to understand? People do not spend time and money to play in polluted waters. Please help those who are helping us all in saving this treasured place that belongs to all of us.
Commentary on 10/20/2015