Two companies from Mountain Home, Arkansas (near both the White and Norfork rivers) have applied for permits to mine gravel from Crooked Creek near Yellville, AR. Crooked Creek is known as a premier smallmouth bass fishery and has been the subject of numerous fights over the years between fishermen and miners.
Gene Dunaway, president of the Friends of the North Fork and White Rivers, said his group is skeptical of the permits. Dunaway said he would oppose the permits if scientists determine it will harm the ecology of the stream or if it will damage the streambed.
"When you remove a lot of gravel, it creates a hole," Dunaway said. "That hole is going to fill up with something."
The two companies, Mountain Home Concrete and Guy King and Sons, say that the gravel and sand they plan to mine will help support the local building industry. The permits are currently open to public comment until August and concerned persons should contact The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. (Link to the article in the Baxter Bulletin)
No comments:
Post a Comment