Central Chapter Meeting

[MStanley]

Time for the August Central Chapter meeting.
Date: Tuesday 26 Aug
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Oyster Bar on Markham in Little Rock

I have been delaying posting waiting to get more information on the presentation. I have been promised by Arkansas Game and Fish that they will have a representative at the meeting to discuss river related topics.

Meeting starts at 7:30 but come early to eat, drink and meet old and new friends.

[Trismegistus]

This could be a long evening....

Also a good time to perhaps bring up expanding the number of access sites on the North Fork of the Cadron Creek. The AGF&C access sites on the lower Cadron were put in place to specifically support "float and boat fishing" and are quite popular with area fishermen. Albeit the upper Cadron isn't as conducive to fishing for most of the year -- unless you wade or hike the banks -- we really need better access -- at the very least one at Pinnacle Springs and Hartwick Mill bridges.

Additionally as we discuss the impact of Fayetteville Shale operations -- it'd be nice if the AGF&C targeted more money for roadside cleanups and restoration of illegal landfills in a number of our watersheds as well.

[Crane]

Darn! I really don't like it when I find myself in agreement with Tres, but here we are... together! We need to visit about getting access at Pinnacle Springs and about some spot above CCO. With the price of gas, a number of folks opted to forego the extra milage to western Arkansas and hit the Cardon this last week... Saturday, Cowper saved 250 miles by staying closer to home. BUT, we need to make sure we have appropriate access points. Saturday, it would have been really nice to add several miles above CCO. Some days... shorter days... it would be nice not to have to crawel over/under the gate at Pinnacle Springs to do the short run. Let's talk!!

[Trismegistus]

Darn!! Actually Larry and I are often on the same side of many of the issues regarding paddling we just don't ever let it be known. Thus for us to show our agreement publically must mean "we are serious". Attaining public "access at Pinnacle Springs and some spot above CCO" should be a rally call for the central chapter if not the entire ACC. This is a stream that is severely threatened by development, argriculture and the Fayetteville shale exploits and as much as I hate seeing humanity descend upon its waters -- improved public access for recreational use would likely prove advantageous in the long-term.

I will certainly offer my assistance to help make it all come true.

[Clif]

Another thought on the cleanup approach. I wonder if Seeco or Chesapeake would contribute equipment or resources to help. Who is in that area? Chesapeake is all over the tv telling us how good they are for AR. Both were big helps in post tornado situations. If they are given the PR, maybe they will come.

And should the 124 access be secured in some way? Or maybe one step at a time?

[Trismegistus]

Great idea Clif! I'm not a big fan of Seeco or Chesapeake but I believe both firms would welcome the opportunity to contribute as they'd love nothing more than to "paint on a green face" and what a better way than to assist in cleaning our waterways.

[Lifejacket]

AGFC should have plenty of money from their signing bonus, not to mention the royalties that will come from gas in "Wildlife Management and Conservation Areas". Not to mention the TWENTY SIX MILLION they will collect this year from the 1/8 cent sales tax. Maybe someone should mention giving some to ADEQ for constant monitoring of practices in these areas. I have already talked to my state senator about how the public is going to get this money from or put to the best use by the AGFC. Hope everyone else has too.

Just my 2 cents

[scott yarbrough]

AGFC should have plenty of money from their signing bonus, not to mention the royalties that will come from gas in "Wildlife Management and Conservation Areas". Not to mention the TWENTY SIX MILLION they will collect this year from the 1/8 cent sales tax. Maybe someone should mention giving some to ADEQ for constant monitoring of practices in these areas. I have already talked to my state senator about how the public is going to get this money from or put to the best use by the AGFC. Hope everyone else has too.

Just my 2 cents

Now is the best time to ask. If they want to turn us down they will have to have a better excuse than "can't afford it".

[Crane]

This is the time to quietly visit with AGFC... not to get pushy or loud or noisy. I think we're all on the same page... so let's go forward with grace in friendship!!

[Trismegistus]

Darn! In agreement with Larry again. :)

[Lifejacket]

I am not saying that we should be pushy. I am still having a hard time with them allowing this. I do not mind so much the removal of natural gas, mostly concerned about the impact. I have a problem with the way the commission is set up, not a lot of checks and balances when our representatives and senators have no say in matters.

[Chester]

The two flat trailers with pumps we spotted Saturday on the Cadron, that were moved in between our Thursday and Saturday trip, were going full blast yesterday (Monday) as we paddled by.

[Trismegistus]

Blake came in complaining this weekend hoping there was something I could do about the pumps, the pipeline, and such. I assume as long as they don't take all the water and impact use of the water for folks downstream they are within their rights. Just glad the creek has a little water to share right now.

Things are really starting to get "ugly" -- they best keep stuffing money in folks' pockets. A lot of folks walking around these parts with their eyes closed and mouths sealed.

[MStanley]

I have a confirmation that a representative from the AGFC will be at the meeting tonight. We had a scheduling problem finding someone available tonight so his/her expertise may not be in the area discussed in this thread but I was advised the rep is a paddler so understands our issues.

I’m sure we will show the proper respect for our visitor so I can get more participation by AGFC in the future.

See you tonight.

[MStanley]

I have a confirmation that a representative from the AGFC will be at the meeting tonight. We had a scheduling problem finding someone available tonight so his/her expertise may not be in the area discussed in this thread but I was advised the rep is a paddler so understands our issues.

I’m sure we will show the proper respect for our visitor so I can get more participation by AGFC in the future.

See you tonight.