Buffalo River Closure???

[Cowper]

Once you get below Ponca, I'm not aware of any private in-holdings on the Buffalo; all the access points are on NPS land. I would think that NPS personnel would want to consider the Buffalo as "navigable" because of other considerations that might bring, and would therefore leave the river open even if doors and fixed gates were locked. It's funny (not really), in Wash DC they decided that the soldiers who wanted to visit the War Memorial were engaged in a "demonstration" and were thus protected by their First Amendment rights. Having an escort of photo-op seeking Congressmen along for the ride probably further helped their chances of being left alone.

If it rains, maybe we should organize a "demonstration" march (/float). But we would be gambling; arresting scraggly looking boaters is going to be a whole lot easier than arresting World War II vets in wheelchairs. Unless the Governor or some high-level politicians want to join our "cause", I'm guessing it wouldn't go so well for us.

And I do feel a little guilty for worrying about my access for recreation, while others are going without meals because of this mess.

[Canoe_Codger]

Going without meals? Government employees who have been off work for four days and will get back pay for time off are missing meals? Or are we talking about the elk again? I say feed the elk.

[Chicago Bob]

It seems funny to me that the only folks working in the National Parks are those in Enforcement. Just what we need is Cops running The National Park Service. I would except they would close everything and then hunker down and defend it. BOB

[Canoe_Codger]

Actually. I read that of 91(?) employees, about 20 have been kept on. Dispatcher, enforcement and maintenance.

Buffalo National River has a total of 91 employees at the present time. Of these, only about 20 will remain on duty as essential for the shutdown, all others are furloughed. Non-furloughed employees include: dispatch, law enforcement, and maintenance. Furloughed employees include all administration, resources & education, and the remainder of the maintenance staff.

Law enforcement and emergency dispatch service will continue throughout the shutdown. During this period visitors are not permitted in the park, including hunters, hikers, and horseback riders. As soon as the park receives notice that the shutdown has been rescinded these restrictions will be lifted. Even if the shutdown is rescinded by the end of the week, the Steel Creek concert will be rescheduled to permit us to make the necessary plans for a safe and enjoyable event.

But I do note as well that veterans visiting the Cemetery at Normandy, Omaha Beach in France are being turned away. It has been closed too.

I'm sorry to be so crude, but it is political theater, trying to make Joe Sixpack feel the pain of the impass between political factions. And to be even more crass (if that is possible), one branch of government directs these faux cuts and has the wherewithall to end them, though not the will.

Michael

[hollohead]

Canoe codger you are simply being nice, and I will put it nice and simple, they are the Kings and we are the subjects. I wish I was not so ill, because I know several landowners with direct access into the park from their land and it would be fun to make a protest hike.

[Canoe_Codger]

Canoe codger you are simply being nice, and I will put it nice and simple, they are the Kings and we are the subjects. I wish I was not so ill, because I know several landowners with direct access into the park from their land and it would be fun to make a protest hike.

Ill? Get feeling better soon my friend.

I had visions (I blame the voices in my head, one of which asks if penguins have knees) of a protest float with the entourage wearing tuxedos and including at least one or more member of the legislature.

I would think that hard-won state navagable waterway laws would apply, but evidently not. I do understand the concessions folks being under threat of permit revocation though.

Michael
(I really do try to be nice, I really do)

FEED THE ELK!

[hollohead]

Thanks for the good thought CC, and speaking of concessionaires, at some point this will begin to affect my good friends at Lost Valley Canoe. Just hoping it's resolved soon.

[Canoe_Codger]

Thanks for the good thought CC, and speaking of concessionaires, at some point this will begin to affect my good friends at Lost Valley Canoe. Just hoping it's resolved soon.

Thankfully, as some other concessionares have noted to reporters, this has come at the end of the busy season, not in June when they are doing "make or break" business for the year. If anyone is being laid off with no hope of it being turned into a paid vacation, I suspect it is the employees of the concessions, not the Federal employees. Might just be a very good excuse for those of us who can, to give them some extra late season business this year. I'm sure that I am not the only one here who loves a late fall float, or has floated the Buffalo in snow and ice. It is truely a wonderland. And yes, the concessioners will still provide cabins, shuttles and good conversation even after most operations have been shut down for the season, Federales allowing.

Michael

PS- FYI, we also have a Buffalo RIver here just a bit South of I-40 and it is not Federal. I will be on the river this weekend with my sidekick now that I have fully recovered from my injuries (to my hand and my pride) on that river a couple of weeks ago.

[Deuce]

Michael, every MLK holiday weekend finds me on the Buffalo (the one in the Natural State). Come join me. Stars are brighter, coyotes louder, fires hotter and steaks tastier. Also usually manage to stick a smallie or two while I'm out there.

[ARzach]

And I do feel a little guilty for worrying about my access for recreation, while others are going without meals because of this mess.

Indeed!! This has been my perspective all week.



--Z

[happy happy happy]

So does this mean that my daughter and I can't walk off my land on to our land (your land) the Buffalo National River? Just to enjoy life.
Be safe, nose and toes up and swim strong!

[happy happy happy]

So does this mean that my daughter and I can't walk off my land on to our land (your land) the Buffalo National River? Just to enjoy life.
Be safe, nose and toes up and swim strong!

[happy happy happy]

So does this mean that my daughter and I can't walk off my land on to our land (your land) the Buffalo National River? Just to enjoy life.
Be safe, nose and toes up and swim strong!

[Cowper]

Happy,

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that is EXACTLY what it means.

On another note, CC, it is not the temporarily unemployed government workers that I was referring to as potentially having to go without meals. There have been a number of articles saying that if the shutdown goes on more than about a week, it will begin to impact many nonprofits like "Meals on Wheels" that provide services to those who need it. I believe most government workers will be stressed, but not go hungry. It is those who depend on some of these "non-essential" people that I'm worried about. Some of those folks don't have the option to just withdraw from savings, jump in the car, and head down to the local grocery store.

[Canoe_Codger]

I am personally more concerned about the children and adult cancer patients who are not getting their treatments because the CR bill passed by the house to fully fund NIH was rejected by the Senate and by the Executive branch. Make it hurt. This is a legacy issue for one pliticuian who has drawn a red line at any delay proposals (in spite of having himself granted delays and exemptions to constituants) and refuses to consider negotiations.

And with this, I apologize for even broaching the politics involved in this mess. This is not, by and large a political forum, but one based upon enjoyment of a common interest. So to quote Forest Gump, "That is all I have to say about that". And to suggest that we find open waters in our States that are not illegal to paddle.

Michael

(feed the elk!)