American Rivers, a national conservation organization, issued its annual “America’s Most Endangered Rivers” report May 17th, and for the first time in the report’s 26-year history, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways park has been named one of the top ten endangered rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways encompasses 134-miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in southern Missouri and is managed for its recreational and scenic benefits by the National Park Service.
With the listing as one of America’s “Most Endangered Rivers” representatives from Missouri environmental, fishing, paddling, and conservation organizations put the National Park Service on notice that more is expected in managing the Current River for the future. Friends of Ozark Riverways is asking the public to stay engaged and informed as the new General Management Plan for the Riverways is drafted and submitted for public review later this year.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways feature clear water flowing from abundant springs and provide some of the Midwest’s best river recreation to 1.3 million visitors each year. However, inadequate management has allowed unfettered vehicle access and excessive horse access to the river, which destroys vegetation, the wild, scenic qualities, and causes severe erosion and pollution. Unless the National Park Service gives the Riverways the protections afforded to the country’s other national parks, the area’s healthy, natural river experience will be lost.
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