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In this issue an update on our efforts to protect the Buffalo National River Watershed, a report on the Rapid Response Network, notices of up-coming events, a brief overview of what we have accomplished so far and a restatement of our mission.
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Photo by Don Nelms

What happened during the legislative session?

BRWA prepared for the legislative session in two ways.  First, we engaged WSG Consulting to help us better understand and negotiate the legislative process.   WSG turned out to be crucial to our successes and continues to be an invaluable resource. 
Second, we established the Rapid Response Network with a list of supporters who agreed to contact legislators and the governor on short notice.  The Network was also vital to our legislative wins. We were able to block a bad bill SB 550 and assist in the passage of what is now ACT 885.  
read more about how SB550 could be brought back to life and our thoughts on Act 885 here Legislative session continued
 
Throughout this newsletter and other communications we use acronyms and other  shorthand devices.

When we refer to our “coalition” we mean the Arkansas Canoe Club, Ozark Society, and National Parks and Conservation Association.

BRWA and “Alliance" refer to us (your organization) the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance
ADEQ = Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
FB= Farm Bureau
CAFO is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
C&H is the hog CAFO still operating in the watershed on an expired permit

Housekeeping note: Do not use "reply" to respond to this newsletter.  Instead use our email buffalowatershed@gmail.com
 
What about the moratorium on future Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the Buffalo watershed?

The current temporary moratorium on medium to large hog CAFOs in the watershed is in place until September 2020.  Obviously, the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance believes that a permanent moratorium is necessary.
Moratorium continued

 
What about legal action?

BRWA continues to pursue all pathways that might lead to the removal of the C&H Hog facility and to the establishment of a permanent moratorium in the Buffalo watershed.  Currently there are four cases before the courts involving C&H. Note that all of these appeals so far regard procedural issues and do not address the merits of the cases. In other words, they concern how the Commission and Circuit Court handle the permitting decisions but not the actual reasons for the denial of the permit.
The reality is that the legal process could take years to resolve.  None-the-less, we are fully committed to this pathway.
 
To learn more about the legal issues, visit the legal issues page on our website.
https://buffaloriveralliance.org/Legal-Issues

 
What has been accomplished in the six years since BRWA was formed (late winter of 2013)?

As a result of the federal lawsuit brought by BRWA and our coalition partners, environmental scrutiny of loan guarantees by the Small Business Administration and the Farm Services Agency have been strengthened.  This is a benefit to farm communities across the nation.
 
As a result of citizen pressure, public notification of permit applications for this liquid animal waste process has been greatly improved.
 
As a result of the siting of an industrial scale hog operation in the Buffalo River watershed, the public has become educated about this type of animal agriculture.
 
Under a new Director ADEQ appears to be more rigorous in examining permit applications.

 
Summary of the Buffalo National River Science Symposium

The National Park Service hosted a science symposium in Harrison on April 23.  BRWA attended the all day event.  Here is our summary:
The long-term data show that while the Buffalo is in better shape than many Arkansas rivers, it is impaired and endangered. Its water quality is worsening. 
We have lots to learn by conducting future scientific research, but we can begin to save the Buffalo by taking actions based on the existing scientific data. We know enough to start now.
More on Symposium
Farm Bureau
 
Readers of this newsletter may have seen a fact free Farm Bureau (FB) defense letter in the Democrat Gazette that repeats  FB's stock talking points, and admits that they are funding the defense of C&H hog operation. It should be noted that the letter  FB responded to was not submitted by BRWA. 
To set the record straight and to see a link to FB letter 
FB continued
 
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

 
Copyright © 2019 Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, All rights reserved.


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