Press Releases
Congressman Jason Smith Grills Park Service Official on ONSR Management ChangesSmith questioned the Park Service official and restated his opposition to proposed management changes in the Ozark Nation Scenic RiverwaysToday, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) grilled Victor Knox, Associate Director for Park Planning, Facilities and Land for the National Park Service over proposed management changes for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District. Smith pressed Knox over which officials in the Park Service have final authority of designating new management practices in ONSR. Smith also restated his opposition to any management changes in the ONSR. Click here to watch Smith question Victor Knox. Earlier this month, Smith filed 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 to fight 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 ### |