Buffalo National River seeks public input for updated river management plan

Through September 15, Buffalo National River is seeking public input to begin a public planning process for an updated river management plan. The project is in part the result of feedback from local communities, landowners and river users who have expressed a desire to plan for increasing and changing uses of the river.

This is the beginning of a multi-year process and the first of three opportunities to comment on the future of the Buffalo National River. The goal of this period of community engagement is to raise awareness of the river management planning process and to encourage everyone to provide input that will help develop this plan. Comments can be submitted online by clicking “Open for Comments.”

By considering public input, the National Park Service (NPS) can develop and evaluate proactive strategies to fulfill the NPS mission while improving visitors' opportunities to experience the river.

The River Management Plan will identify strategies to address changing visitor patterns, increasing interest in commercial services, impacts on cultural and natural resources, and the impacts of climate change on visitor use and resource management. In addition, this plan will provide guidance for future management decisions to support a range of recreational opportunities and visitor experiences on the river.

The NPS says it is interested in learning what makes the Buffalo National River a special place for so many people, what observations or issues are affecting desired experiences, and what visions the public has for the future Buffalo National River.

After reviewing comments, the NPS will develop a draft plan in winter 2024–25 and provide an update to the public during meetings and the second public comment opportunity in spring/summer 2025.

Comments may also be submitted by mail provided they are postmarked by September 15, 2024, and sent to Superintendent, 402 N. Walnut Street, Suite 136, Harrison, AR 72601.

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