Article in SWT Record on some changes in the Cossatot area

[panicman]

hanges Coming To Cossatot Wild & Scenic River
By Pam Cloud
Times Record • pcloud@swtimes.com
Friday, August 21, 2009 9:48 AM CDT
River and camping enthusiasts in Polk County will notice a few changes along the Cossatot Wild & Scenic River.

Forest officials have implemented initial conservation measures in six dispersed camping sites along the river, which is a favorite for whitewater rafting in the state.
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Jim Zornes, district ranger, said the measures are designed to aid in restoring the heavily used areas.

“These particular camp sites are used a lot, and it’s really beginning to show in a number of ways,” Zornes said in a news release. “We’re seeing soil compaction, which inhibits the growth of vegetation and promotes runoff, and we’re seeing erosion directly along the river bank.”

The first step taken on the ground was placement of natural rock along access points into some of the dispersed camping sites so that motorized vehicles won’t continue to trample the areas, according to Zornes. Parking is available where the rocks have been placed and will only require a short walk from vehicles to the camping spots. The spots also are wheelchair-accessible.

Zornes said the decision to being restorative actions in the area began to take shape as forest managers began analysis on the Upper Cossatot River Watershed, part of the routine program of work of the district. The analysis quickly identified concerns at the sites and recommendations to stem further damage were shared with members of the public through the district’s public scoping process.

Other restorative actions to be taken include placement of rock cribbing and back fill in areas where stream bank stabilization is needed, placing rip-rap along the toes of slopes where vehicles are causing stream bank damage, depositing cobble stone in areas with existing erosion and exposed tree roots, construction of water bars to direct runoff, placing fill material along access routes to provide adequate drainage, and installation of permanent fire rings and lantern posts.

“We’re not just talking about water quality for scenic reasons or for purely human consumption, even though those are both critical for this river,” Zornes said. “But, we’ve also got a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery here that needs protecting and we’ve got a good population of the federally endangered leopard darter that calls the river home. Both of these species need cool, clean water to survive and thrive.”

Of the six sites where restoration work will begin soon, one will be permanently closed to motorized traffic because of its location within the Caney Creek Wilderness Area, Zornes said.

“We knew that campsite was really close to the wilderness boundary, but during this process, we discovered that it is actually within the boundary,” he added. “People are still welcome to camp there, but it is definitely only open to non-motorized traffic.”

Temporary signs have been posted at the areas explaining why rocks are blocking access points.

For information about the project or to volunteer, call the Mena Ranger District office at (479) 394-2382.

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[Bozman]

This is one of the projects that I spoke of at the Feb. Board of Directors meeting. The Forest Service has finally gotten going with the project, and so far it looks great......at lest compared to the way things had been going. There may still be a need for volunteers in early Sept. or when they notify me, to help spread gravel in tent pads, set fire rings, and place lantern posts. Who knows, the F.S. may do it all now that they have the momentum going. This project will not affect paddlers, except that it may keep you from having to dodge ATVs in the river bed....WHERE THEY DON'T BELONG. This project has been sponsored, or at least supported by the Cossatot River Watch Stream Team. As a paddler, this project benefits YOU, and can only make things better for all river users (except the illegal ones). I would ask, and strongly recommend that all of us as paddlers support this project. Once you see what has been done, you'll like it. That is if you travel up river far enough to see it, as it is approx. 12 miles above the Hwy. 246 bridge.
Thank you for your support. Brian Abbott aka Bozman
Cossatot River Watch.

[Butch Crain]

Kudos for giving kudos to the Forest Service.

[reedo]

Sorry to be off subject, but are you the same Brian Abbott that went to UCA with Neal Pludre, Eric Fritts, Trip, ect...????

[Bozman]

What ??, you mean there are two of us ? I'm not sure that Arkansas is big enough for two of us. No, that was not me. I went to school at AR Tech....way back in the stone age. Even though it was the stone age we floated the Piney in dugout canoes made from logs, as stones don't float well. Back in those days, however, we spent more time drinking , and getting , than paddling.

[reedo]

yep two of you around I guess....and it sounds like you would've gotten along quite well