Joe Nix Remembers the Early Leaders of the Buffalo National River

It’s been 50 years!  Hard to believe that so much has changed.  I can’t help thinking about the large number of people who worked tirelessly to ensure some long-term security to the Buffalo.  Of course, Neil Compton led the charge. Harold Alexander provided a philosophical basis for protecting natural areas and free flowing streams.  Harold and Margaret Hedges lived it.  They carved out a place near Boxley which was a center for the movements.  Margaret kept a journal but it was lost in a fire that destroyed their home.  Joe and Maxine Clark served as editors of the “Ozark Society Bulletin” which held that organization together.  John Houston was a journalist who ultimately lost his job because he supported BNR.  Jane Stern provided strong support for saving the Buffalo in the Pine Bluff and Little Rock areas.  Ed and June Freeman were owners of the “Pine Bluff Commercial” which provided strong support for BNR through the writings of one of their reporters, Harry Pearson.

Everett Bowman worked to help build support for BNR in the Little Rock area.  Hubert and Mary Virginia Ferguson were very active in support of BNR and ultimately took up residence near Ponca.

Evangaline Archer was a charter member of the Ozark Society and was instrumental is getting national recognition for BNR.  She published a support letter for Buffalo in SCIENCE, an internationally recognized journal of science.  Rose Hogan served as Secretary of the Ozark Society and provided solid support for BNR.  Tom McRae kept political channels open for involvement of the State of Arkansas ultimately supporting BNR.  Ken Smith wrote “Buffalo River Country” which initiated much of the support for BNR.  Ken also provided communication avenues between the Ozark Society and the National Park Service.  H. Charles Johnson inspired many who learned to love the Buffalo.

Of course, I should mention J. William Fulbright, John L. McClellan, Wilber Mills, and John Paul Hammerschmit. George Fisher’s cartoons played a significant role in maintaining the image of BNR. Clayton Little of Bentonville helped a lot in early years of stream preservation.  David Pryor was also active in supporting BNR.

And, we must not forget Governor Orval Faubus. His letter rejecting the Corps of Engineers plan for two dams on the Buffalo will stand as one of the most important events which saved the it. Andrew Halsey guided Arkansas Game and Fish to support BNR.  Tom Foti, originally from Pine Bluff was also a strong supporter. The State Committee on Stream Preservation which was started by Governor Faubus, provided a lot of support through then Department of Planning (no longer in existence).

Of course, there were many others who were vital in saving the Buffalo.  I wish I had started this list while I still had a little memory.  Please forgive me for my omissions.  Needless to say, this group of people turned out to influence me, both personally and professionally.

The Ozark Society started out with a focus on the Buffalo River but it also played a role in helping protect other Arkansas rivers including, Mulberry, Big Piney, Kings, Spring, Lee Creek, Saline (eastern Saline), Illinois Bayou, Cossatot, Strawberry, and others.  I think much of its successes were fueled by trying to teach people to love our natural environment of free-flowing streams, wilderness areas, and that quiet places in the heart of each of us where we paused at one time and contemplated our place in nature.