Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Management Plan

Floor Speech

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the National Park Service released a draft general management plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri's Eighth Congressional District. The general management plan seeks to limit my constituents' access to the rivers that they have enjoyed for generations.

This plan from the National Park Service would shut down public access points to the rivers, eliminate motorized boat traffic from certain areas, further restrict boat motor horsepower in other areas, close several gravel bars, and propose additional areas to be designated as Federal wilderness.

The outcry I have heard from my constituents is unanimous. They believe the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are already overmanaged and my constituents do not want the National Park Service to further intrude on their access to their public rivers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the park service to reject changing management practices on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways so that my constituents can continue enjoying their rivers.

Source