Back the Buffalo

As readers of this space know all too well, as with many, I am an unapologetic (some say fervent) supporter of protecting and preserving our country’s first national river.

The spectacular Buffalo flows 150 scenic miles through God’s country. This one-and-only stream is a treasure USA Today calls our state’s greatest attraction that draws nearly 2 million visitors annually who leave behind about $78 million that supports the local and state economy.

Two coming public events will allow supporters to express their devotion. More on that below. First, valued readers, allow me yet another semi-rant.

To have needlessly threatened such a treasure due to our state’s unfathomable malfeasance and negligence has been and remains a news story of national significance. At the same time, I also strongly support our state’s farms and those who labor daily, making a living to provide our food. They are such a valuable part of many successes our state has enjoyed, as well as its heritage.

In light of the lobbyists’ spin in pushing their own political interests, I often find it necessary to repeat my admiration and respect for those who farm. And of course they require the property and resources necessary to earn their living.

My only problem stems from science and experience, both of which have proved how the enormous amounts of waste from factory farms mislocated in sensitive watersheds can turn once beautiful rivers and streams into virtual dead zones. A simple Internet check of “concentrated animal feeding operations and water contamination” proves just how true and serious a problem this has become.

In the case of the C& H Hog Farms operating at Mount Judea with some 6,500 swine in our Buffalo National River watershed, my concern never has been with the owner/operators. I’ll repeat just for clarity: Never.

Rather, I fault the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (cough) for ever allowing a good Newton County family to so quickly and conveniently set up shop five years ago in such a sacred and dangerously inappropriate region.

This department’s administrators in 2012 also approved the factory’s location without insisting first and foremost on a geologic study from its own staff of geologists.

It is indeed hard to believe, but not a single crucial geologic survey was required in this karst-riddled region before the agency issued the then-Cargill-supported factory a general operating permit.

Cargill sold its pork interests to Brazil’s JBS (the world’s largest meat packers), whose leaders have fallen under criminal investigation and charges of public corruption.

C&H’s request for a revised operating permit was denied in January primarily for insufficient subsurface water-flow studies and matters of waste lagoon safety. But it continues spreading tons of raw waste under its expired original permit while appealing the denial.

So it’s an appropriate period for reflection and discussion. And that’s just what’s planned for this Saturday, where any interested citizens can gather between 6 and 8 p.m. at Fayetteville’s Mount Sequoya Conference Center, 150 N. Skyline Drive.

The forum will feature local and national experts explaining the purely scientific effects of factory farming on the state and nation’s environment. (That’s as opposed to the political spin and blather usually offered by obvious special interests.)

“Nowhere is this rapid, negative change more obvious and more destructive than the creation of massive … CAFOs now polluting communities across the nation. Air quality is ruined. Well water is contaminated. Waterways are impaired. And the quality of life for America’s rural residents is put at risk for long-term harm,” say leaders of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance and the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project, who are sponsoring the evening.

“Right now, this threat is growing for the Buffalo National River. Moves are being made in Little Rock that would jeopardize the health and safety of America’s ‘First National River’—and the communities and economies of the residents who call the Buffalo their home,” they add.

If you appreciate the river and music, 13 groups will spend the afternoon and evening of April 22 celebrating the Buffalo River and speaking on her behalf at the Revolution Music Room on President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock.

To their credit, every musician has donated their time to the public event.

So, for those looking for ways to support the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance (and I’ve seen there are thousands of you), mark it on your calendar as one good way to show your concern for a donation while enjoying a continuous stream of live music from 2 to 8:30 p.m.

Because the alliance operates on donations (unlike the deep pockets of special interests, believe it or not, to keep at least one hog factory in the Buffalo watershed) those who can’t make either event yet want to help protect and preserve the river can send a tax-deductible contribution to the BRWA, P.O. Box 101, Jasper, Ark. 72641.