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Press Releases: Senator Blunt Fights To Protect Missouri Sportsmen In Ozark National Scenic Riverways

For Immediate Release
July 8, 2014

Contact: Press Office, (202) 224-1403

Senator Blunt Fights To Protect Missouri Sportsmen In Ozark National Scenic Riverways


WASHINGTON, D.C.
– U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) filed an amendment this week to the “Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2014” to preserve the current National Park Service (NPS) regulations and protect Missouri sportsmen’s right to use motorized vessels in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR). Click here to read the amendment.

“Congress created the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1964 for conservation and public recreational use. These are key drivers for the regional economy, and the National Park Service should not restrict access to public lands and rivers. This amendment would ensure that sportsmen, fishermen, residents, and tourists continue to enjoy Southeast Missouri’s natural resources,” said Blunt.

In November 2013, the NPS released a draft General Management Plan (GMP), which would, among other things, close down certain areas of the park to motorized vessels and limit the horsepower of vessels in other areas. U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) introduced the same amendment in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it was approved by voice vote and included in the “Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act.”

 

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