Project Profile: Restore Tyler Bend Boat Launch in Buffalo National River

Visitors enjoy a day on the river near Tyler Bend.

T. Fondriest

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Recreation | FY22 - 24 $1,067,000

The National Park Service will increase visitor access to Tyler Bend at Buffalo National River by restoring the landscape surrounding the launch area, removing and relocating critical wastewater infrastructure, and restoring natural processes that benefit critical habitat for federally listed wildlife. The Tyler Bend River access road and boat launch serve as the primary boater access to the river in the Tyler Bend visitor use area, a highly visited area within the park. This project consists of building a 500-foot-long road segment to connect the existing road with the parking area in a one-way loop. A 1,010 square foot restroom that was constructed in the river flood plain will be removed and the associated sewer lift station will be relocated outside the river flood plain.

Why? Improvements will increase visitor satisfaction to an area that services approximately 220,000 visitors annually. It will reduce staff time in monitoring and directing boat traffic, reduce the risk of vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and enhance concessioner efficiency by eliminating a choke point for traffic loading and unloading canoes near the launch.

What Else? This project removes damaged park infrastructure out of the river corridor, relocates critical wastewater components, and restores natural processes while enhancing critical habitat for the federally listed Rabbitsfoot mussel. The realigned launch incorporates modern design and construction practices to ensure human waste, sediment, and contaminant impacts are minimal while also increasing recreational opportunities to a more diverse user group.

About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.