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the first Buffalo River bill was considered by Congress. This inflationary trend undoubtedly will continue and can only be terminated by establishing the area and making necessary purchases at the earliest possible time.

In accordance with the policy of this Subcommittee to establish recreation lands close to people, the Buffalo National River as proposed would protect and maintain a pristine area of over 95,000 acres within one-day's drive of nine of the nation's large urban areas. These include Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Memphis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Shreveport, and New Orleans.

In the national interest, the State of Arkansas is supporting vigorously the Buffalo National River proposal. The State Parks and Tourism Commission has agreed, without a dissenting vote, to give the land in two state parks to the Federal Government if Congress passes this legislation. The only provision to this donation is that the state be reimbursed for capital improvements already in place. The State Game and Fish Commission also has announced it will donate its wildlife lands along the river to the national river project.

Time is now of utmost importance. The Buffalo's banks are in increasing danger of despoliation and commercial exploitation that will diminish its status as a natural treasure. The broadest possible public support is behind these bills before the Subcommittee today.

We recommend swift action to protect the natural values of the Buffalo, one of the truly great American mountain rivers.

Hon. Roy A. TAYLOR,

KYLE'S BOYS HOME, Jasper, Ark., October 7, 1971.

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation,
Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, Washington, D.C.

GENTLEMEN: It has just come to my attention that hearings have now been scheduled on proposals to authorize the establishment of the Buffalo National River. Please allow my personal remarks in the matter.

Since 1957 we have been engaged in the preparation for and the building of a home for little homeless boys here in the beauty of The Ozarks. We spent approximately $200,000.00 in purchasing property building roads, getting utilities, erecting houses for our boys, fencing, barns, and pastures for our cattle. One of the leading magazines has done their feature story on our home to be read in their December issue by more than a million readers. Our support comes from 38 states and some foreign countries.

For the sake of all these little fellows who now live in this home, and for all who will come to us, please, I beg of you with all my heart: "Don't take away their home again.” I have never in any way fought this proposal but I do plead for our boys. We have always been a friend to those who float the river and will ever be. Please give us a chance to give homeless boys a chance. Sincerely,

FLOYD HARRIS.

BURROUGHS NATURE CLUB,
Kansas City, October 26, 1971.

Hon. Roy A. TAYLOR,
Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, Committee on
Interior and Insular Affairs, House of Representatives. Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. TAYLOR: The Burrough's Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City
joins those who support H.R. 8382 which will establish the Buffalo National
River in Arkansas.

There are few spots in the Ozarks that equal the beauty of the Buffalo that we are still able to preserve for future generations to enjoy free of pollution and relatively unspoiled by development. The flora and fauna of the area is unique in many ways offering an ideal setting for the study of natural history. With piecemeal development and land speculation now accelerating at a rapid rate it is important that this bill be passed before irreparable damage is done. Please include this letter in the record of the Buffalo River hearing in addition to comments from our conservation committee chairman, Mr. Duane Kelly, who will speak on our behalf at the hearings.

Sincerely,

HARRY L. GREGORY,

President.

STATEMENT OF MOUNTAIN HOME CHAMBER Of Commerce, SUBMITTED BY GEORGE SMITH, MOUNTAIN HOME, ARK.

The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce would like to go on record once again as favoring the creation of the Buffalo River as a national river.

The Buffalo contains scenic wonders and other natural attributes that are priceless to both this area and the nation, and the river should be preserved and protected with national river status.

A national river in the heart of America is needed to afford diversification in the recreational offerings of the Ozarks region.

Although the national river plan only includes 1,590 acres in Baxter County, the residents of this area realize the overall importance of the national river plan. The inclusion of the river in the national river system would assure an increase in tourism in this, the Playground of Mid-America.

ARKADELPHIA, ARK., October 14, 1971.

Hon. ROY A. TAYLOR,
Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, Interior and Insular
Affairs, House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building,
Washington, D.C.

DEAR SIR: I am writing concerning the Buffalo National Rivers Bill (HB8382), which will make the Buffalo River and its surrounding area a National Park. I would like for this bill to be passed. I am very concerned that we have so few scenic rivers left in Arkansas. I think a National Park would preserve and develop the river and surrounding area. A National Park would bring more money into this area.

Please included my letter in the official Record of the Buffalo National Rivers Bill (HB8382).

Sincerely yours,

MISS BEVERLY JOHNSON.

BEAUMOUNT, TEX., October 25, 1971.

Hon. ROY A. TAYLOR,
Longworth Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SIR: I wish to express my support of House Bill 8382 for the establishment of the Buffalo National River. I would like for this letter to become a permanent part of the record on the hearing on H.R. 8382.

Few rivers and streams remain in the United States that have not been dammed or modified by man or have not been subject to development of the land along their banks. The Buffalo River can still be saved as a wild river. Its location in Arkansas makes it accessible to a great number of people in the central states where flood control projects have already been started or completed on most available streams and rivers. The number of people who are looking for the type of recreation that is offered by an area such as the Buffalo River is increasing steadily. They are looking for places where they can abandon the pressures of civilization for a short period and enjoy the opportunity to be exposed to nature as it is intended to be. Such exposures are frequently the only times some of our children have to explore and learn first hand about the world they live in.

The time for establishing such areas as the Buffalo River before their beauty is destroyed is short. This is only one of the projects that must be approved. The value of land so set aside now will multiply many fold in the future. We only have to look to the examples of the past to show the need for the future. All of our National Parks and Monuments have become valuable assets to the people who enjoy them. Far more valuable than any short-term gain that can be realized by the few who would hope to develop the land for profit. We cannot pass up the opportunity to create the Buffalo National River. H.R. 8382 must be passed as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

C. R. REICHE.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS,
Longworth Building, Washington, D.C.

BENTONVILLE, ARK.

SIRS: To you who have the power this is an earnest plea that you preserve for us and future generations a portion of our God given heritage of natural scenic beatuy, namely the Buffalo River of Arkansas.

Erosion of this area is already taking place. It is extremely urgent that action to preserve it be taken now.

Please vote for House Bill 8382 for the creation of the Buffalo National River.

Respectfully,

Hon. Roy A. TAYLOR,

MAE B. ROSBOROUGH.

MENA, ARK., October 22, 1971.

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, Longworth Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: The 150-member Mena Nature Club, an associate of the Arkansas Audubon Society, urges the prompt passage of House Bill 8382, by the Honorable John Paul Hammerschmidt, for the creation of the Buffalo National River. We feel that the inclusion of the Buffalo River in the National Parks System is the only step that can insure adequate protection of this precious and unique natural resource against depredation both subtle and overt to which it is now subject. We feel that action is urgent, as damage to a fragile ecosystem such as the Buffalo River country is often irreversible and irremediable, and further delay might result in action's being too late.

I was delegated to write this statement because of my knowledge of ecology and because of all members of the Mena Nature Club I probably have the greatest familiarity with the Buffalo River. I am a botanist (M.S., University of Arkansas), a life-long resident of the Ouachita Mountains in Polk and Montgomery Counties, and have recently retired after 33 years of teaching high school biology. I have done research in plant taxonomy and ecology at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station. I am also a nature photographer and give frequent slide lectures on ecology, conservation, and nature subjects. I am a member of Arkansas Academy of Science, Oklahoma Academy of Science, Southwestern Association of Naturalists, National Audubon Society, Arkansas Audubon Society, Caddo Chapter of the Ozark Society, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, and other conservation and education groups.

My personal experiences in the Buffalo River country have included camping (both winter and summer), fishing, swimming, botanizing and exploring at Hemmed-in Hollow and Big Bluff, Ponca, Boxley and Lost Valley, Erbie, Pruitt, Jasper, and Buffalo River State Park, and spelunking in Fitton's Cave and other wild and unexplored caves and caverns in the area.

The great variety of outdoor experience offered by this unique river and its environs makes it eminently suitable for the enjoyment of a great cross section of the people of our country, especially those who enjoy the quiet recreation of minimally developed areas. As a botanist I recognize the importance of preserving the distinctive flora of the limestone cliffs and the riverbanks, ravines, and slopes, a flora that may in time to come disappear from unprotected areas as much of it has already disappeared under the waters of the great impoundments on the White River. I repeat that there is a definite urgency that House Bill 8382 be passed.

I request that this letter be made a part of the permanent record on the hearing on H.R. 8382.

Respectfully submitted.

AILEEN L. MCWILLIAM, First Vice-President, Mena Nature Club.

JASPER, ARK., October 14, 1971.

Hon. JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT,

Congress of the United States,
House of Representatives,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR CONGRESSMAN: We are writing you again because we are definitely opposed to the establishment of a National Park on the Buffalo River because:

Don't think you will forsake your neighbors and fellow citizens who live and own land on or near the Buffalo River, Can't think you would favor the Sporting Clubs and folks that live out of your and our District.

In the November Election of 1968 Newton County citizens voted 97% against the Buffalo River National Park. The U.S. Government now owns more than 52% of Newton County, it will be the death of Newton County if they take the Buffalo, forcing our pioneers off their homeland. Most of the best farming land is along the Buffalo, National Parks usually consist of land not fit for farming nor where folks live.

Should the Buffalo River become a National River we will be "swamped" with Hippies, Drug addicts, outlaws, negroes and every kind of people, litter and pollution. Can't we have one little portion of this wide wide world left like God intended? Everyone needs some place to rest, relax, and enjoy nature, LEAVE BUFFALO AS IT IS.

You should visit awhile in some of the National Parks OUT WEST and see the results. We are expecting you to represent us, Don't let your constituants down for out of County and State pleasure-seekers, we are glad and welcome tourists to our beautiful Ozarks and want to keep our country clean and beautiful.

Received your recent NEWS RELEASE on the hearing, must say the average person will not have much of a chance to even voice his complaints according to the new requirements. Is that a fair deal? We will loose a number of our citizens if this bill goes through, we know of several who are waiting for the results, to build homes in the Buffalo area.

We ask that this letter be made a part of the permanent hearing records,
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. JAMES S. VAUGHAN.

Hon. ROY A. TAYLOR,

JASPER, ARK.

Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, Longworth House, Office Building, Washington, D.C. GENTLEMEN: I spent half of my life in service trying to help keep this country free of all sorts of "isms", and just keeping it free for all the so called wheels to play and make their money. Now that I am no longer useful, being 60% disabled they plan to dispossess me of my small farm, where I can raise enough to eat to supplement my meager retirement of $180.00 a month.

Where else could I live and do this? I'll bear arms again to keep my land right here in Arkansas-if the need arises.

FRED H. BRUNSON, SSgt. U.S.A.F. (Retired).

WAYTON, ARK., October 16, 1971.

Hon. Roy A. TAYLOR,

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SIR: I respectfully request that this letter be read at the hearings on the Buffalo National River Project.

Nationalizing the Buffalo River would, in my opinion, be a mistake of colossal proportions, and one which would be embarrassing to the Federal Government and sponsors of the project far into the indefinite future, meaning at whatever time this mistake might be corrected.

This costly project would ruin the river for local residents, who have used it for generations for sport and recreation-and have conducted their private stewardship with pride and respect and the care due a local landmark of such importance.

There has never been any feeling on the part of citizens of the Buffalo River area against peaceful and law-abiding citizens from other districts and states coming in and camping along the Buffalo, or otherwise using it for wholesome recreation.

It is understandable that the Federal Government has leaned over backwards to avoid recognizing that there is now a small percentage but sizable numbers of people in this country who are out to wreak havoc against the people and revolution against the government. This was apparently government policy because of the democratic nature of our governmental institutions. Now, however, it should be recognized that this group exists and that they are threat to peaceful use of such projects as a Buffalo National River.

A National River would draw thousands of dissidents, drug users, and generally lawless elements to this peaceful district. The recent record of crime in the National Parks speaks for itself and is a portent of what would come in the Nationalized Buffalo River.

The only possible advantage to the community that promoters of this project could offer to the citizens would be a belief that business would benefit in towns and cities along the nationalized portion of the river. A great surprise awaits anyone who believes thusly, I am sure. The introduction of lawless elements into a community destroys business rather than influencing a wholesome business increase.

Besides the objections mentioned above, the ecological damage to the river area would be great, there would be a loss of property values to the citizens not only close to but at a distance from the river, and higher taxes to local residents due to loss of revenues from the dispossessed along the nationalized area.

I think it would make a good though small start toward realizing government economies to simply abandon the Buffalo River Project and save the many millions involved.

Government stewardship of national park areas is not always all that is to be desired. I have in mind Yellowstone Park where in 1969 I found Old Faithful Inn and the rental cottages surrounding it to be in very poor condition. I understand the government leases this facility to an operator, and I presume concessions might be leased in a Buffalo National River area which, if similarly neglected, would likely result in an unsavory situation, annoying to visitors and nearby residents alike.

I might add that Old Faithful was a bedlam of odd-ball characters who looked as if they could have enjoyed their outing in some city dump just as well. Having visited Old Faithful Lodge as a teen-ager myself, when all the people enjoying the Lodge and the Park were considerate of one another and contributed to each other's enjoyment, I could not help but notice the unbelievably strong contrast between the present habitues and the past devotees.

Park Rangers and personnel in several national parks have already been in pitched combat with lawless elements in the parks who are, if they are arrested, treated with a permissiveness that if allowed to continue will only aggravate a very bad situation. It is horrible to contemplate that a government that governs for the good of all could permit the possibility of lawless undesirables repeating their abominable conduct in the naturally beautiful Buffalo River country. To do so would constitute, I believe, a breach of faith with responsible American Citizens, not only in the Buffalo River community, but with Americans everywhere who, I am sure, would prefer to enjoy the idyllic Buffalo just as it is today and has been for centuries.

Yours very truly,

MILTON EMERSON STOLBERG.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., October 27, 1971.

Hon. Roy A. TAYLOR,

Chairman, National Parks and Recreation Subcommittee Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SIR: As a student and a citizen, I am writing to give my full support for the proposed Buffalo National Park.

Now is the time to preserve our country's natural resources for the future generations. Tomorrow may be too late. The Buffalo River area is beautiful and should be saved now. Please encourage the United States Congress to appropriate funds to go for the preservation of this great river.

Sincerely,

Hon. ROY A. TAYLOR,

JOSEPH P. THOMPSON. PRUITT, ARK., October 7, 1971.

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR MR. TAYLOR: I have been asked to write and express the views of myself and some of my neighbors on the Buffalo National River Bill. This is fitting as we, who live in the river, are the ones most affected by the bill.

Proponents of the bill will say that our interest is selfish. This is most certainly true for this is our home and our livelihood depends on the cattle on these hills. So, our interest is the proud selfishness of the land owner who loves the

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