The Arkansas State Library has distributed its 2021 GEMS poster of its selection of the best book of the year. The OSF trees book is included. This poster is distributed to more than 1,000 schools and libraries in Arkansas, and the poster and the books represent the state at the National Book Fair at the Smithsonian Institute.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo National River and 60th anniversary of the Ozark Society, the Ozark Society plans to conduct a float trip from Highway 65 to the White River, from June 13 – June 18, 2022. There will be several groups of about 15 persons per group. Each group will have a common kitchen and food. Participants will need to provide their personal gear and boat. The boat must be capable of carrying some group gear. The cost for this trip is $150 per person, not including vehicle shuttle cost, boat, or personal gear. Shuttles will cost $100 per vehicle and boat fee is $6. As an alternative, Alan Nye will lead a group wherein each participant will provide his/her own food. The cost for this trip is $60 per person, not including vehicle shuttle cost, boat, or personal gear. Trip participants can shuttle their own vehicles or call Wild Bill Outfitters at 870-449-6235, to arrange a car shuttle from Highway 65 (Grinder’s Ferry) to Riley’s Station on the White River. The cost of the shuttle is $180 per vehicle, and remember to identify yourself as a participant in the Ozark Society float when you book [...]
It is with deep sadness we want to let the Ozark Society members know that Bob McKinney passed away this afternoon after months of complicated health issues. He was one of those human beings that was full of mischief, a trickster, a gourmet cook, and above all, a planner of great trips, especially France and Italy. Bob was a leader in the OS for many years, back in the 70s and 80s. He was President of the Pulaski Chapter, 2nd Vice President of the Ozark Society, lead many adventurous outings - a Grand Canyon float trip back in 1973 (53 people on 3 huge rafts) for a week; Bob organized and lead two canoe trips for the OS, to the Nantahala and Chattooga Rivers in the late 70s. Everyone survived! He was also a dedicated runner and led many "Hash House Harriers" distance runs in the U.S. and Europe. Bob was an electrical engineer working for Southwestern Bell and AT&T until retirement. He also worked in Iran, China and was an ardent traveler throughout Europe and the U.S.
The reroute at Little Rocky Creek was approved right before Thanksgiving so that construction will be the primary focus for the spring work session which is scheduled for March 26-April 2. We'll be camping at Tyler Bend, as usual, but will be following a pandemic protocol like we did for the Fall '20 work session. Whether you join us for a day, the weekend, or the whole week, there is a wide variety of work to be done so there's something for everyone. Contact me at mereed@runbox.com for additional information. Michael Reed, Buffalo River Trail Coordinator
Middle Fork of the Salmon River - July 29-August 3. 2021 OS Members can participate in a 100-mile trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho from July 29-August 3rd, 2021 with Aggipah River Trips. We have until January 1, 2021 to fill this 24-person trip, after which Aggipah will open the trip to others. For those riding with Aggipah the on-river cost is $2399 per person. For those riding in a private boat the on-river cost is $1686.50 per person. A 25% deposit ($600 or $422) is required before January 1st to hold the reservation. More information on the trip and the address to send your deposit is: Aggipah River Trips PO Box 425 Salmon, Idaho 83467 Bill Bernt www.aggipah.com 208-756-4167 bill@aggipah.com Feel free to contact Stewart Noland at 501-831-8809 or stewartnoland51@aol.com with questions as well since he plans to participate in the trip and will help coordinate off-river logistics such as pre-trip lodging and vehicle shuttles.
From President David Peterson: The Ozark Society wants everyone to stay strong and healthy and we recommend people follow all State and Federal guidelines for limiting contact at this time. Most of our group activities are being postponed for now but it is still okay for each of us to walk outdoors. In fact it is a great way to get exercise and boost your mood and maybe your immune system!
We want to thank Loring Bullard and Dan Chiles for all their efforts to revive the Schoolcraft Chapter of Springfield MO. It now has 23 members and counting. In honor of their work, Fred Paillet, OS Education Chair, has a story about Henry Schoolcraft, their namesake. Fred’s Story: The legacy of one of the earliest Ozark explorers is chronicled by a modern annotated edition of Henry Schoolcraft’s winter trip across the broad divide between the Missouri and Arkansas rivers in: Rude Pursuits and Rugged Peaks – Schoolcraft’s Ozark Journal 1818-1819, Henry R. Schoolcraft and Milton D. Rafferty, 1996, 170 p. The book contains the original journal with annotations and maps, plus a biographical sketch of Schoolcraft and his career. The journey takes about three months and was made in early winter (November through January). The route is over the headwater tributaries of the Meramec River, across the headwaters of the Current River to follow down the North Fork of the White River. Then, down the White to the Black River, going up to cross over into the St. Francis River on the way back to the Meramec drainage. Rather mild weather at the beginning and streamflow so reduced that a [...]
We are pleased to announce that the Schoolcraft Chapter in the Springfield Missouri area is renewing its mission and will be meeting soon. Here is an article by Andy Ostmeyer from the Joplin Globe on the details: Andy Ostmeyer: Battles with CAFOs spark new interest in Ozark Society Battles with CAFOs spark new interest in Ozark Society A fight over a large hog farm on a tributary of the Buffalo River in Arkansas has become a catalyst for a new round of conservation action, including in the Ozark Society. Sixty years ago, efforts to protect the Buffalo River in Arkansas launched the Ozark Society, which led the fight to save the river. A more recent fight to protect the river has sparked new interest in the Ozark Society. A dormant chapter of the Ozark Society in southern Missouri is being revived. It’s a good sign for Ozark rivers and our public lands. This timing is no coincidence, either, but the latest proof of a pattern that repeats throughout the Ozarks as surely as our rhythm of hill and hollow. I’ve seen it happen time and again: Residents, busy with their lives and trusting politicians and regulators to protect their water, air, [...]
Ozark Forest Forensics: The Science Behind the Scenery in Our Regional Forests By Frederick Paillet and Steven Stephenson This book interprets our natural surroundings in a way that enhances a simple walk in the scenic deciduous woodlands of the Ozark Mountain region. Explanations go beyond trees and their habitat to include other diverse subjects: the leaf litter beneath a hiker’s feet, strategies used by wildflowers for pollination and seed dispersal, diseases that can ravage our forests, and forces active in the landscape that impact conservation efforts. Simplified line drawings demonstrate specific points of interest in a way that visually cluttered photographs cannot do. Includes: 163 line drawings, a list of species used in the text, a glossary, and a reading list. $24.95 Order it now using our Book Order Form or by contacting Emily Roberts at outreach@ozarksociety.net.
Below is the statement of the BNR proposal for use of the Tyler Bend trails to mountain biking. There is an open comment period until November 6th and you can comment at this site: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=119&projectID=61303&documentID=91222 Tyler Bend Trails Plan / EA Buffalo National River » Tyler Bend Trails Plan / EA » Document List Buffalo National River proposes to make improvements to the trail system at Tyler Bend, to allow more and different types of use. This would include improving the accessibility of some trails, and opening others to mountain biking. The purposes of modifying trails at Tyler Bend is to enhance trail sustainability; expand recreational opportunities for visitors in the park; increase visitor use of the established trail system and campgrounds; and to promote the health and well-being of visitors to Buffalo National River. The park has received multiple requests to include cycling opportunities as a new form of recreation at Buffalo National River. In response to these requests, the park is evaluating the feasibility of converting some hiking trails within the Tyler Bend area (outside of the designated wilderness) to include the use of bicycles. In addition to this planning document, a special rule would be required to allow [...]
