Changes at the State level will be slow to come. However, County government through the Quorum Court has the authority to pass and enforce ordinances and regulations that could stop this kind of destruction, IF they were willing to act. Our current approach is to work with ADEQ to secure compliance with existing laws, educate the public and elected officials and work with the counties to pass ordinances that reflect the will of the people. Baxter County has already begun by passing an ordinance that requires erosion control measures are in place before large scale clearing begins. A protected "buffer zone" along all our streams would be a great idea.
If we do not have the time or money or political will to stop the destruction of our streams now, where will we find the time, energy and money to restore them after they are gone? LET'S STOP IT AT THE SOURCE!
As you know, we believe that citizens should have a voice in policy decisions that determine the future of our rivers and we hope you agree. Please join us with your voice if you are concerned about these issues.
You can sign up to stay informed at FNFWR site (join FNFWR here). We invite you to join Friends as a dues paying member, but welcome you to sign up just to stay informed by email. Be sure and choose “Friends of Mill and Piney Creek” in the Stream Team list, so you can get updated information that is relevant to this area. You can contact FoMPC directly at P.O. Box 510, Calico Rock, AR 72519 or call 870-297-3479.
Please consider participating in our Watershed Defense Fund, which is dedicated specifically to raising money for experts and expenses to support efforts to address watershed issues. This fund is currently dedicated to addressing the issues we face in the Mill/Piney watershed.
What can I do to help?
- Learn about this issue and talk to your friends and neighbors to alert them to the situation and raise awareness. Very few people know this is happening RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW.
- Ask your government officials (city, county and state) about their views on sand mining and listen closely to what they say. You may be able to share some information with them.
Let’s work together to find a way to do what is best for our county, our economy AND our rivers – a way to preserve the natural resources of our home.
We suggest contacting the following people and letting them know that you want adequate laws and funding to assure our streams and property are not damaged in the future.
The Honorable David Sherrell
County Judge, Izard County
P.O. Box 327
Melbourne, AR 72556
870-368-7228
Fax: 870-368-4118
Senator Paul Miller
P.O. Box 488
Melbourne, AR 72556
Ph. 870-368-7329
Fax: 870-368-4605
Representative Eddie Cooper
P.O. Box 1
Melbourne, AR 72556
(870) 368-4409
Mr. Steve Drown
ADEQ Water Division Chief
5301 Northshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118-5317
drown@adeq.state.ar.us