What's Up Now?

After an inadequate investigation into a report of possible leakage and concerns over a fracture in the rock under the waste storage structures at C&H hog factory, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued a draft Regulation 5 permit. If finalized, this permit will allow the continued existence of a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) on Big Creek, a major tributary of the Buffalo National River. The required 30 day public comment period is open now through March 17. There will be a public hearing in Jasper on March 7.

What can you do? Stay tuned and be prepared to submit your comments. Your Buffalo River Watershed Alliance (BRWA) has world class scientists and expert attorneys reviewing the draft documents and providing us with the basis for substantive comments. BRWA’s position is that, first and foremost, the permit should be denied and we will elaborate on reasons why in our comments which we will share with you in the coming weeks. Click here to see the Public Notice

A copy of the C&H Annual Report has been published. To read click here. The report reminds us that the fields surrounding the little town of Mt Judea receive 2,532,275 gallons of untreated hog wastes spread every year by "honey wagons". Fifteen fields are "above optimum" loading for phosphorus.

Of course, tourists come from far and wide to watch the spectacle and breathe the air -- oops, sorry, that should read "to see the Elk and float the Buffalo and breathe the fresh country air".

Please make plans to attend the upcoming fundraising events if they are near you, or donate via our website or by check, so that we can continue this important effort to protect the Buffalo. We are not going away. Our volunteer board greatly appreciates the ongoing support of our growing base of supporters. THANK YOU!

Crepuscular Sky Dance

In the shrubby fields and open woodlots along the Buffalo River, the America Woodcock has begun his twilight sky dance. An ancient aerial courtship display consisting of twittering from modified wing feathers, chirping vocal calls, and, upon landing, a distinctive nasal "peent". Click on the picture for more information and sample recordings. Better yet, go out at dusk to see and hear the real thing.

Two BRWA News Items

1. During the month of January over 250 new supporters signed up to joined our cause!. We continue to grow.

2. This week BRWA expanded our legal team with the addition of an environmental law firm with extensive CAFO experience.

Please go to DONATE now to contribute and become a part of our campaign.
If you would rather send a check, please make it payable to “Buffalo River
Watershed Alliance” and mail to:

Buffalo River Watershed Alliance
Box 101
Jasper, AR 72641.
Thank you for your continued support.
Buffalo River Watershed Alliance
buffalowatershed@gmail.com