HARRISON, Ark. – Buffalo National River is preparing to launch a public planning process for an updated river management plan and is seeking public input during a 30-day public comment period from August 16 to September 15, 2024. The project, in part, is the result of feedback from the local community, landowners, and river users who have expressed a desire to plan for increasing and changing the use of this beloved recreation corridor.
This is the beginning of a multiyear process and the first of three opportunities to provide input on the future of Buffalo National River. This phase of civic engagement intends to share awareness of the river management planning process and invite all to submit input that will inform the development of this plan. Comments may be submitted online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BUFFrmp, by clicking on “Open for Comment.”
Comments are crucial to the planning process and will help the National Park Service (NPS) analyze ideas proposed by the public and partners and inform the development of the plan. By considering public input, the NPS will be better able to develop and evaluate proactive strategies to meet the NPS mission while improving opportunities for visitors to experience the beauty and tranquility of Buffalo National River.
The river management plan will identify strategies to address changing visitation patterns, increasing interest in commercial services, impacts on cultural and natural resources, and the implications of climate change on both visitor use and resource management.
This plan will guide future management decisions in support of a range of river-based recreational opportunities and visitor experiences. The planning process will promote the protection of the river’s free-flowing character, natural and cultural resources, and quality visitor experiences.
The NPS is particularly interested in hearing about what makes the Buffalo National River a special place to so many, what observations or issues are interfering with desired experiences, and the public’s visions for the future Buffalo National River. All comments are welcome and appreciated.
After reviewing comments, the NPS will develop a draft plan in Winter 2024/2025 and will share an update with the public through meetings and the second opportunity for public comment in Spring / Summer 2025.
Comments may also be submitted by mail if postmarked by September 15, 2024:
Superintendent
402 N. Walnut Street
Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
For additional information about the planning process, please check the park’s planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BUFFrmp.
(All photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism)
3 Responses
I’m not sure what y’all are wanting to know or what exactly y’all are trying to accomplish. I do know that the BNR needs to be left as natural as possible, that’s the beauty of it. I’m mean we are the natural state after all. We don’t need another Bentonville around here and the Walton’s certainly don’t need any more money.
It’s beautiful and I love that people can enjoy it without having to pay a high price. A large group of us recently floated the river. We seen many groups of people camped on the shore, cooking, swimming, fishing and listening to music. I’m assuming that was free activities for those families.
Please don’t let wind turbines be added. I just drove back from Utah twice this summer and saw so many of these and a large portion of them were abandoned. While driving at night, there were a lot of flashing red lights in the distance and we finally figured out that’s what it was. It really distorted my vision and made it hard to drive.