News Release

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Seeks Public Feedback on Waymeyer, Chilton Creek and Pin Oak Areas

Date: March 1, 2018
Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

Van Buren, MO – Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking initial public comments to aid with preparing a range of alternative actions to be considered for the maintenance, rehabilitation and management of the Waymeyer, Chilton Creek, and Pin Oak locations of the park. The National Park Service (NPS) will develop a range of actions that will be consistent with the zoning concepts of the 2015 General Management Plan, and will also define specific resource conditions, visitor experiences, visitor capacity, recreational activities, and any development for this area. 

 

These areas are located on the Current River approximately six miles upstream from Van Buren, Missouri. The park maintains two semi-developed sites which provide access to the Current River in the area – Waymeyer Landing for non-motorized watercraft, and Chilton Creek Boat ramp for motorized boats. The Waymeyer site is a designated access point for commercial outfitters, contractors to the NPS who provide rentals and shuttle service to the visiting public. The Waymeyer site is also used by visitors launching privately owned non-motorized watercraft. While designed for motorized boats, the Chilton Creek Boat Ramp is also sometimes used by non-motorized watercraft which can create conflicts among users.  

 

Because these facilities are located close to the river they are subject to seasonal flooding and the shifting of the river. The record flooding that occurred in the spring of 2017 resulted in significant damage and the closing of the Pin Oak campground. The gravel bar at Waymeyer access has been reduced in size over the past decade through seasonal flooding. Elk viewing in the adjacent fields is becoming more popular and attracts more visitors to the area.

 

A 30-day public comment period about this area began February 28, 2018. Public input is being solicited to help define any issues to be addressed in formulating the desired management actions in an upcoming planning document. Public comments received during this 30-day “scoping” period will be used to develop the alternatives. When the alternative actions are developed and released for review, the public will be encouraged to comment.  

 

Public comment will be accepted through March 30, 2018, and may be submitted online at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website, http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ozar, or sent to: 

 

Superintendent – Waymeyer, Chilton Creek and Pin Oak Campground

Ozarks National Scenic Riverways 

P.O. Box 490 

Van Buren, MO 63965 

 

Commenters should be aware that their comments, including names and home addresses, are considered public information and may be released to the public. However, individual commenters may request that their name and home address be withheld from public release by stating this in their comment letter.

 

For more information about the Riverways, call [phone]; visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

 

-NPS-

 

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