Opinion: Turning federal recognition from highways to blueways

I was in Little Rock, Ark., for the making of history on Jan. 9. The White River and its entire basin was designated as a “National Blueway,” only the second watershed in the nation to receive such recognition behind the Connecticut River.

Established in May 2012 by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the National Blueways System places national emphasis on the value of an approach to river conservation that considers all the activities and uses within the watershed and the effectiveness of local partner collaboration for project planning and delivery. National Blueways are chosen because they are nationally significant and highly valued for their recreational, economic, cultural and ecological assets.

The National Blueways System was created to conserve natural amenities, enhance recreational opportunities, and foster sustainable economic activities within significant river systems across the country. The system is part of the larger America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to establish a community-driven conservation and recreation agenda for the 21st century. Blueways are extremely important resources for filtration of fresh water supplies, conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat, sustainable economic activities and outdoor recreational outlets for millions of Americans.

A National Blueway designation doesn’t establish any new protections for a watershed, but it does open doors to federal support for local and regional conservation, recreation and restoration projects. In the case of the White River, the designation can improve coordination between local or regional communities and organizations and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the departments of Interior and Agriculture.

More than 26 stakeholder groups came together to nominate the White River for this designation.

The question I have been asked many times already is, “What does this mean, especially for the Upper White River Basin in Missouri and Arkansas?” Although it is too early in the process to know for sure, my take is that it vastly improves the lines of communications between local grassroots organizations and the federal agencies, thereby increasing our chances for projects and funding.

—David Casaletto, Executive Director, Ozarks Water Watch[[In-content Ad]]