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STATEMENT OF HON. DALE BUMPERS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS

I appreciate the opportunity of presenting my comments on the proposed Buffalo National River to this distinguished committee.

This project has important national significance. The Buffalo River in Arkansas includes natural attractions of outstanding scenic value. Today it can still be preserved in near its natural state.

The opportunities left to us to preserve such a resource for future generations are rare indeed, and, I think this particular opportunity is unequaled today in the central portion of the United States. The victims of the Buffalo River will be adequately described by other witnesses appearing before this committee. The entire nation will be the benefactor if this beautiful free-flowing stream can be preserved.

The State of Arkansas alone does not have the financial resources to preserve and protect the Buffalo River. The only feasible plan is a federal project as proposed in the legislation before this committee. Without action by the Congress in the very near future the opportunity will be lost.

There are some things that the State of Arkansas can do to assist the federal government in bringing the Buffalo National River into existence and in helping to assure the success of the project. These things we will do willingly and enthusiastically.

The proposed acquisition area for the project includes two of our State Parks the Buffalo River State Park and Lost Valley State Park . . . including a total of 2400 acres. We in Arkansas will convey these lands to the National Park Service without cost if the Buffalo National Rivert project is approved and funded with the understanding that the State will be compensated for improvements. Official action to accomplish this was taken by the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission on August 20, 1971, and the commission's action has my complete support.

Another 1500 acres of land needed for the Buffalo National River is owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This commission, in session on July 19-20, 1971, voted to donate any of these lands that might be involved to the National Park Service. This action, too, has my enthusiastic support.

I believe that the willingness of the State of Arkansas to convey to the National Park Service these State Parks lands and Game and Fish Commission lands is tangible evidence of our desire to assist to the extent of our abilities. It should provide assurance that we will continue to work and cooperate to make the project successful once it is established.

I think it is important for the members of this committee to know that the State of Arkansas is taking aggressive action of its own to provide additional recreational opportunities for our citizens and our visitors. The 1971 General Assembly, at my request, accomplished the following:

1. Established the Department of Parks and Tourism as one of 13 major departments of state government in the reorganization of the executive branch of our state government.

2. Approved a $22.5 million capital improvements program for our State Parks of which nearly $12 million is programmed for fiscal 1971-72.

3. Appropriated $1,232,000 from dedicated revenues and $2,516,000 from general revenues of the State to help finance the State's direct contribution for parks improvements.

4. Nearly doubled the operating budget for our State Parks System, appropriating from general revenues $1,295,000 for 1971-72 compared with $712,538 for the previous fiscal year.

In addition, a few days ago on October 21, we sold $3.5 million in Department of Parks and Tourism Revenue Bonds to help finance the State Parks improvements which will include at least three fine new parks.

Gentlemen, we in Arkansas are doing all we can to provide the recreational opportunities which are so much in demand by the citizens of all states.

The Buffalo National River, the greatest opportunity of all, is a most appropriate federal project and indeed must be such if it is to be accomplished. In all probability, the present Congress has the last opportunity to save and preserve the Buffalo River for all Americans. I respectfully urge your favorable action.

STATEMENT OF WILLIAM E. HENDERSON, DIRECTOR OF THE ARKANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

I am William E. Henderson of Lttile Rock, Arkansas and I am Director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. This department includes the State Parks Division, the Tourism Division and the History Division.

I wish to strongly endorse legislation before this committee to make the Buffalo River in Arkansas a national river under the ownership and management of the National Park Service.

The Buffalo River has the qualities to merit this designation as will be presented to the committee by specialists with the National Park Service and other witnesses. The national river will be an outstanding natural resources of national importance.

We in the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism recognize, too, the great value of this project as a tourist attraction for our State. We are dedicated to building our travel industry as a means to enhance the economic wellbeing of Arkansas and its inhabitants. The Buffalo National River is located in the same general area with two other significant projects now under development, the Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Culture Center both located near Mountain View, Arkansas. The three projects would have the ideal proximity of location to attract tourists from long distances, thus providing economic growth through tourism to an area of our State badly in need of such development.

The Department of Parks and Tourism has a close working relationship with the National Park Service. We can pledge to the Congress our complete cooperation in the transfer of State Parks properties at Buffalo River State Park and Lost Valley State Park from the State to the federal government and in the development of the national river.

We can assure the committee, also, that the Tourism Division of our department will through its various advertising and promotional programs call national attention to the Buffalo National River.

Thank you for the opportunity to present this statement to the committee.

STATEMENT OF JIMMY DRIFTWOOD, CHAIRMAN, STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION

I am Jimmy Driftwood of Timbo, Arkansas. I am a farmer and an entertainer. I appear here today in my position as chairman of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission of the State of Arkansas. This commission has jurisdiction over the State Parks system of our State.

The State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission supports legislation to create the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. We will cooperate with officials of the National Park Service in developing the project and do whatever we can to assure the success of the project.

Two of our State Parks are in the proposed acquisition area for the national river. It is our understanding that it is the usual policy for such public lands to be donated to the federal government for a development such as the Buffalo National River.

With this in mind and to demonstrate our support and cooperation, the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission has taken official action to convey these lands, consisting of 2,150 acres in Buffalo River State Park near Yellville, Arkansas and 240 acres in Lost Valley State Park near Ponca, Arkansas to the National Park Service, subject to being reimbursed for the appraised value of improvement in the two parks.

Our request for compensation for improvements does not indicate that we wish to be limiting in our participation within our abilities. However, there are good and sound reasons having to do with the funding of a substantial parks improvements program, partly through the issuance of revenue bonds, for including this requirement. Also, we have planned a $750,000 improvements program at Buffalo River State Park which we will want to implement if there should be an undue delay in the national river project.

I want to state for the committee that I was born and raised in the area near the Buffalo River. I have enjoyed this river all my life and I saw to it that my sons had the same opportunity. I want very much to see the river preserved so that future generations may have the same privilege.

Thank you for allowing me to present the position of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission.

STATEMENT OF LLOYD E. SURLES, STATE PARKS DIRECTOR OF ARKANSAS

I am Lloyd E. Surles, Director of the State Parks Division of the Department of Parks and Tourism. I am a resident of North Little Rock, Arkansas.

We are rapidly approaching the 21st century. As we enter this exciting and uncertain area, we must take positive and decisive actions along the way. Actions in the natural resource field could become some of the most important that we can take. Preservation of natural resources now can only mean a better environment in the future. The preservation of the Buffalo River in Arkansas is no exception.

Illustration of the need for the National River may best be shown by the demands already placed on it, more especially on the Buffalo River State Park. The State operates and maintains a 2150 acre park in the lower reaches of the river. This is a relatively small park as compared to the concept of the national river. It is comprised of a variety of facilities including modern and rustic cabins, 100 campsites, a small dining room, and park headquarters. The park, with its relatively few facilities was second in visitation in our state park system. Approximately 800,000 people visited the park this past season. This is an increase of about 25% over the prior season.

The visitation increase was due to three things. One, there is a booming sport that this river can supply and that is floating and float fishing. The Buffalo River can supply this activity well for the most avid river runner and for the leisure fishermen. The second is the naturalist program that was offered by the state park system. In this program we emphasized the importance of the National River and its relation to protection of the watershed. This program was so popular that a local night club owner complained to his local officials that we were ruining his business. I only point this out to illustrate the demand for the river and related park activities. The third reason for increased visitation is that all of North Arkansas is becoming a tremendous tourist attraction. Without a means of protection and management impact may soon cause damage to the resources of the area. Along with the demand for the National River, I feel it is also necessary to point out some of the damages being done to the river right now. Land is being purchased up and down the river for housing developments. As this occurs, land prices will necessarily accelerate. The watershed is being destroyed by pesticide and insecticides. Timber is being harvested in the watershed areas, resulting in rapid runoff of waters.

The demand for a Buffalo National River and the need for its protection leads me to urge this committee to take positive and decisive action to preserve it as a birthright to our future generations. Its protection now will insure its giving enjoyment in the future.

STATEMENT OF THE ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION, SUBMITTED BY RICHARD W. BROACH, FOR ANDREW H. HULSEY, DIRECTOR

Mr. Chairman, the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission is most appreciative of this opportunity to comment on and renew our support for the legislation which would establish a Buffalo National River in our state.

The Commission, as you know, has agreed to give some 1500 acres of game management land-paid for by money from the sale of resident hunting and fishing licenses to the National Park Service for inclusion in the proposed Buffalo National River. The decision to donate this land was based upon the paragraph, on page 21 of a U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service document of 1968 entitled, "Proposed Buffalo National River," Arkansas, which states that:

"Hunting and fishing would be permitted and regulated under the laws of the state of Arkansas and the Federal Migratory Waterfowl Act. Public safety and good wildlife management would require restriction of hunting in some areas. Management would be directed mainly at improving deer and squirrel hunting. Wild turkey populations would also be encouraged wherever possible”.

The Buffalo River is a unique mountain stream offering dramatic natural beauty in a remote area of the Ozark plateau.

In the Buffalo River basin, on lands to be included in the proposed National River, are waterfalls, gorges and canyons of outstanding scenic value, limestone caverns, overhanging bluffs and natural bridges. It is the only river in the central United States which possesses so many spectacular natural attractions.

The river itself provides the opportunity for excellent smallmouth bass fishing. With the construction of many impoundments on streams throughout the nation, a diversity of recreational opportunity and esthetic quality has been lost. It is extremely important that this last chance to preserve the unspoiled Buffalo River not be lost to agricultural or grazing activity, or the still not impossible spectre of another flood control dam.

At this time, spraying with defoliants and land clearing activities are underway, which emphasize the urgency of protecting this rare resource embodied in the Buffalo River Basin.

The river is within a single driving day of the large and growing cities of Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Shreveport, Little, Rock, Jackson, Mississippi, Memphis, Nashville and St. Louis.

It is important that with our growing population and more leisure time for our citizens, natural areas of high quality be available for outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing, photography, camping, fishing, floating, hiking, birdwatching and nature study.

We feel that the Buffalo River would be a significant addition to the National Park System, and by this testimony we reaffirm our support of the proposal for National River status for the Buffalo.

The efforts of the Congress to make the Buffalo National River a reality for our state and the United States are very much appreciated by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.

STATEMENT OF TROYT B. YORK, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, STATE OF ARKANSAS

The Buffalo River in Arkansas is one of the last and most significant freeflowing and relatively unaltered streams in the Ozarks Region, since most of the rivers transecting this scenic region have been impounded or otherwise altered. It is a river of exceptional beauty, of clear water, deep quiet pools, rushing rapids and multi-colored cliffs.

The Buffalo has been called one of the nation's last significant rivers. Many thousands of people have enjoyed the beauty, serenity and unique recreational potentials which are available along the Buffalo, and their numbers are increasing at a rapid rate. They come to experience the white-water conoeing, wildlands camping, and other unique outdoor recreation, and seek escape from the pressures of civilization in a region where lake facilities are abundant on the many large impoundments which have inundated other Ozark streams. As a free-flowing stream, the Buffalo contributes much to the recreational diversity sought by the thousands of people who visit this region.

At this time, your Committee has under consideration legislation which provides for establishment of Buffalo National River in Arkansas. This legislation would not only protect a unique and beautiful river and region along with its significant historical and recreation values, but in addition, would provide large economic benefits in an area where human populations have steadily decreased, and where the greatest opportunity for economic enhancement relates to the outdoor recreation needs of the State and Nation.

The University of Arkansas has made a thorough study of benefits which would be derived from the establishment of this National River. In their initial report it was observed that 15 million people live within a days drive of this stream, and that 1.7 million visitors would visit this region if it is protected and properly managed in accordance with plans developed by the National Parks Service. They also note that 3,500 new jobs would be created with a $5,000,000 increase in private investments and $17,000,000 added to personal income in this area. There would also be large expenditures of funds for purchase and development of lands and facilities along the Buffalo. These developments will bring major economic benefits to a depressed region. It must be observed, however, that it is essential to preserve the natural qualities of the river to achieve these benefits if they are to be realized.

Enhancement of these economic potentials is of the utmost importance, and National River status for the Buffalo will serve to protect those qualities which are most significant. But in addition to this potential, there is a concern for the protection of the beauty, history and intangible values of natural areas and landscapes. This concern necessitates perpetuation of environments which appeal to our sense of esthetic values and provides these elements of quality and

diversity. To keep these qualities, its inherent and natural beauty must be protected, and House Bill 8382 will give this necessary protection.

At this time our greatest concern is that haphazard private developments (which are in progress) will desecrate the beauty and natural features of this river and thereby destroy those characteristics which make it a National Treasure. We believe passage of this legislation will be a most important contribution to the welfare of the people of Arkansas and the nation and a credit to this Congress and the Administration. Therefore, the Arkansas Department of Planning wishes to give House Bill 8382, which would establish Buffalo National River in Arkansas, the fullest possible support and to concur with those citizens and organizations who are dedicated to the preservation of this great natural

resource.

Mr. HENDERSON. Thank you, sir.

The opening of the Governor's statement he says that he appreciates the opportunity of presenting his views on the Buffalo National River to this committee.

I would like to mention the points here that I think are most pertinent and quote from the Governor's letter for just a moment if I

may.

This project has important national significance. The Buffalo River in Arkansas includes natural attractions of outstanding scenic value. Today it can still be preserved in near its natural state.

The opportunities left to us to preserve such a resource for future generations are rare indeed, and I think, this particular opportunity is unequaled today in the central portion of the United States. The virtues of the Buffalo River will be adequately described by other witnesses appearing before this committee. The entire nation will be the benefactor if this beautiful free-flowing stream can be preserved.

The State of Arkansas alone does not have the financial resources to preserve and protect the Buffalo River. The only feasible plan is a Federal project as proposed in the legislation before this committee. Without action by the Congress in the very near future the opportunity will be lost.

There are some things that the State of Arkansas can do to assist the federal government in bringing the Buffalo National River into existence and in helping to assure the success of the project. These things we will do willingly and enthusiastically.

The proposed acquisition area for the project includes two of our State Parks the Buffalo River State Park and Lost Valley State Park-including a total of 2400 acres. We in Arkansas will convey these lands to the National Park Service without cost if the Buffalo National River project is approved and funded with the understanding that the State will be compensated for improvements. Official action to accomplish this was taken by the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission on August 20, 1971, and the commission's action action has my complete support.

Another 1500 acres of land needed for the Buffalo National River is owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This Commission, in session on July 19-20, 1971, voted to donate any of these lands that might be involved to the National Park Service. This action, too, has my enthusiastic support.

I believe that the willingness of the State of Arkansas to convey to the National Park Service these State Parks lands and Game and Fish Commission lands is tangible evidence of our desire to assist to the extent of our abilities. It should provide assurance that we will continue to work and cooperate to make the project successful once it is established.

Gentlemen, the remainder of the Governor's statement points out what points under his leadership the government of Arkansas is moving forward in accelerated program to provide recreation opportunities at the State level.

We have during the past legislation, had approved a $221 million State parks program and considerable funds were appropriated for the funding of the State portion of this as outlines in the Governor's prepared statement. And then just last week, on October 21, the

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