Cadron Creek Outfitter's Access To Close

[Crane]

This was just posted on the Club Information page. It probably needs to be here, for your information:

Cadron Creek Access
For some ten years now I have tried to maintain open access at what is known as Cadron Creek Outfitters but it has proven to be a trying endeavor -- mostly due to repeated vandalism, injury to land, flora and fauna, removal of historical artifacts, trash and debris left behind and general maintenance. I have tried a number of things to help bring things under control -- on-site manager, gate controlled access, camera surveillance, law enforcement, etc. -- none of which have yielded a fully satisfactory outcome. I am sad to report that the expense and aggravation of maintaining open access has now exceeded my tolerance threshold. Effective October 1 CCO will be closed for seasonal maintenance with no current plans to open back up in the coming year.

Albeit the ACC has been very supportive and generally respectful and kind users of CCO and our other properties on the creek I have no effective way to restrain access from one group without restraining access to all as gate codes and access cards are too easily shared. Moreover it seems that those tenants that I can best rely upon to oversee the property are not really interested in serving as on-site police. It is difficult enough to keep the grounds maintained without the added burden of serving the interests of the paddling community.

Many of the existing access cards will expire and all existing gate codes will all be changed at the end of the year. Thereafter access at CCO (and Batesville Mountain and River Camp) will only be obtained via reservation. Those who access cards expire later in 2009 can continue to use their cards with the understanding that the cards are solely for their personal use until they expire. I regret this closure and will work with the ACC and its officers as may be so desired to secure a "workable solution" to maintain open access -- or to acquire and/or improve alternative access sites.

As the Pinnacle Springs run has developed into one of the most popular runs -- albeit it sure is nice to see the renewed interest in SFLR -- I hope you will join me and others in petitioning the state -- and specifically the AGFC -- to consider the development of public access sites at Pinnacle Springs and Hartwick Mill bridges (and perhaps even at the Highway 124 and 610 bridges). I believe we are all in agreement that the exceptional beauty and adventure the upper Cadron offers to paddlers merits the need for long-term public access.

Thank-you for your consideration and past patronage and support,
John Svendsen
_________________
Cadron Boy

[Clif]

I say thank you for the efforts, money, blood, sweat and tears in that "For some ten years now."

[okieboater]

Hi John,

I have never run the Cadron due to the distance from Tulsa.

But, just from reading the msg board, I know the Cadron is a very fun place for "locals" to run.

I commend you for your efforts to take care of this resource.

Sad that the general public trashes out our rivers. I work out a lot on a little known Corps of Engineers Lake (Heyburn Lake down old 66 hiway). It is a typical muddy most of the time OK lake. But, the Corps have developed several launch areas. One has a gate with a seasonal camp host. only open when the camp host is there. It stays pretty nice and clean. There are several other open boat launch, picnic, self register camp spots. The Corps Ranger does patrol by but not much. I work out from this site a lot. Even tho I see a couple come by about ever day to pick up trash, mostly the area is a dump. Lots of beer cans and just general trash blowing around even tho there is a trash metal dumpster. People have busted up concrete tables, chopped the boards off the cook tables, hacked on living trees and it just makes me wonder about the general public.

It is really sad to see areas closed, but I understand the reasons.


Dave Reid

[bmartin]

'Tis a sad sad message. I have always apprreciated the CCO but now that it will no longer be I know that I will miss it. Funny how you do not usually fully appreciate the value of something until it was taken away. It sounds like you wrestled with the decision and understand the realities you have to consider. If there is anything I or ACC could do to open it up again some day you know how to rally the troops over here.

[Cowper]

Nah - I think we did appreciate this one even before it was gone, and I know I always felt safer leaving my vehicle there on private property, compared to any other access point (even if you did have to watch which tree you parked under...)

But I've always recognized that as a private property access, it was subject to loss at any time, just like Helton's Farm on Big Piney. As suggested above, we need to work with AG&F on some more public access points for this stretch of river - I think we now have a new "top priority" stream for our future discussions with AG&F. While there are certainly a host of more difficult or more remote streams to paddle in Arkansas, trips to Cadron bring something extra to the table, forming an excellent training ground for the many college students and others in Conway/Little Rock, while reducing our carbon footprint as much as is practical with it's "close by" location. The fact that AG&F already has two access points might also be a selling point.

John isn't the first landowner who had to at some point just "throw in the towel" when everyone didn't show the required level of respect for the property.

[turboturtle]

John, I would like to express my thanks to you and the Elliots before you, for the fifteen years of access to my favorite class two creek. It is a shame indeed that closure is the best method of maintaining the beauty that surrounds this most beautiful of creekside properties.
Most of us understand the adversities undertaken in this type of venture. Without a doubt, we will miss the access to one of the most credible and influencial paddling destinations in our fare state. I hope you might consider a Porterfields style of access some day. Require a BIG deposit for small club and family afairs. Get your deposit back after the place is cleaned up. Make the area where Howards "modular" home is an RV camp area or show and vendor area for an event. Building a small shelter for dry hilltop cooking could be something to consider. And I'm sure everyone will agree that the lower camp area remain as primitive as it is.
I could carry on with tales of the creek, but i'll take a pass on that. I do think access in other locations needs to be brought up with AGFC. If only more cohesiveness existed between the state agencies and the populus. Bob

[RomanLA]

I think we now have a new "top priority" stream for our future discussions with AG&F.

I definitely agree. I was planning on spending some time camping there this fall/winter. It's really a blessing to have a stream that runs so reliably when most of the country isn't getting to paddle. I was really impressed with the CCO setup last year. I'm sorry to see it close.

[Richard]

From day one, I have been impressed with John's giving and forgiving. His concern for the environment and his stewardship of the land. I echo the thanks expressed here, and John there are countless others who may not post here who have had their lives enriched by your efforts. Thank you for all that you have done.

[JTarver]

A big thanks from me as well John. Cadron was the creek on which I really cut my whitewater teeth...and learned to surf. It's been a great run and I' like the others stated before me, am sorry to see it come to an end, but also understand why. I also agree about working with AGFC on access, and anything I can do to help I will surely do. Hope to see you guys on the river soon, and peace be with you. Thank you again for being such a good steward over the years, and for working with and for all of your fellow paddlers.

Joe

[Crane]

From this thread it would seem we have consensus that Helton's Farm area and CCO areas are the highest priority for discussions with Game & Fish right now. While there are many other desirable access points that we could put on the list, which others seem to be reeeeallllly important to us, and why??