Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) will file legislation to remove the Ozark National Scenic Riverways from federal control and give the park to the state of Missouri. Smith decided to file the legislation after an uproar of concerns from his constituents over proposed new management practices in the park.

“My constituents have real concerns with proposed management changes to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Washington bureaucrats and big city environmentalists might not see anything wrong with limiting access to the park, but the folks I represent are adamantly opposed to more federal regulations,” said Smith. “My bill seeks to remove the riverways from federal control and give control of the park to the state of Missouri. Let me be clear, my constituents and I will continue fighting any attempts to designate new wilderness areas in the ONSR, close walking and horse trails, limit hunting, fishing, trapping, gigging, close access points, ban camping, restrict boat motor horsepower or other recreational activities in the park. This legislation is a direct response to my constituents’ concerns. We will keep fighting against Washington’s attempts to control Missouri’s lands and rivers.”

Click HERE to view of copy of Smith’s bill to remove the
Ozark National Scenic Riverways from federal control.

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