Pine Mountain

[Greg Parker]

Listed in Friday's Demozette are appropriations in the spending bill that include 478 thousand for a study of construction of Pine Mountain lake your tax dollars at work.

[gannon311]

is this the pine mt near damascus

[coolhand]

was wondering the same thing.

[panicman]

I assume they are talking about damming lee creek. It was called the pine mountain dam.

[Cowper]

You can find several good discussions if you search on the word "dam", but here's one in particular that discusses the issue and the politics of it at some length:
http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/vie ... dam#p52348" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The specific "call for letters" is now dated, but, I can't see that it would ever do harm to contact the same politicians listed and let them know where you stand on the issue.

Bottom line, the folks behind this project are very determined, and even though the project doesn't pass several very simple tests which could be summed up with, "there are cheaper and better alternatives", it seems they are making another run to get what they want, possibly now using the weak economy and government willingness to fund public works projects to get a another chance they don't, IMHO, deserve.

[Zen B.]

Here's a bunch of Lee Creek photos taken last fall. (Also includes Rudy, Mountainburg, White Rock, etc.) Feel free to use 'em in the effort to save Lee Creek. -Zen

http://travel.webshots.com/album/570465110JBMriN

[George Locke]

Thanks Zen-I can see my house from here!!! #76 and #69 is just upstream. The axis of the proposed dam is about 60 yards to the west or downstream from those photos. I attended the last RVRWD meeting and the question was asked about stimulus money going into this project. David Manns, the RVRWD lobbyist, was present and he stated that only approved projects can get funds. The money that was appropriated is for the EIS. They have recently spent about 600,000$ on ongoing archealogical and survey projects and are tapped out until this 458000 comes through . That will still leave them about 2.5 million short of completing the EIS in 2007 dollars. I sat next to David and asked if he felt guilty taking money for a project that would never get completed. He is an amiable fellow predisposed to his lobbyist ways but his answer in front of the whole board of RVRWD surprised me. He said +-"It might well not be Lee Creek. The EIS will be looking at all alternatives- My job is to help them get money." I've heard him say this on speaker phone as well but I've never seen anyone on the RVRWD board listen. Next RVRWD meeting is this Monday, March 16 at the Van Buren Utilities Office 2806 Bryan Rd. They will have a big pizza spread financed by all those in Crawford Cty on public water as well as the HW 71 Water Users. Your fity cents a month fee at work. Come on by. I plan to be there but I'm not usually hungry. Geo.

[Karla]

I have never paddled Lee Creek but that is on my must do list. Next time a group is heading that way I want to go. Those pictures are so beautiful. Can only imagine what being on that beautiful creek would be like. Maybe we need 350 kayaks and canoes and rafts to prove our point. Keep Lee running free.

Karla

[DeBo]

First I want to send out a HUGH thanks to George for taking the onerous job of keeping up with the RVRWD. Their single mindedness knows no bounds. They will not listen to their own lobbiest or even their own attorney. It is unlikely now that stimulus money will go to this boondoggle but we must be ever vigilant. They will use any means they can to get Pine Mountain Dam.

[Karla]

I'm In!! We surely have that many people to paddle and call the news channels to broadcast it.

Karla

[Lifejacket]

I normally avoid these issues, but earlier this year I got on lee from the highway bridge to take-out and all I can say is awesome! Just let me know when we need to show up at meets with boats on top.

[jmdauf]

How about the historical and archeological significance of the Bell route of the Trail of Tears. The dam would flood a known campsite and crossing north of Natural Dam, which would hopefully contribute to the dam's demise - but still the region seems to ignore this as well, (as long as the money keeps coming in?
well,
mitch

[JTarver]

Count me in for a rally!!! I love Lee Creek, it's just gorgeous! I will do whatever I can to help keep it free.

Karla, you should definately make the pilgrimage to Lee. You'd love it. Fantastic geology, waterfalls coming in from the sides down the run..it's such a great place.
Well worth the drive. I hit it any chance I get.

Joe

[Lupe]

A rally? 350 canoes and kayaks? Media coverage?

Well, what do you know!?! There just happens to be a rally fitting EXACTLY that description on April 26th, called PADDLE FOR THE PLANET!

http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/vie ... =1&t=11093

You can "paddle" for any cause you want, but it would be great to see a nice display of "KEEP LEE FREE" stickers on the boats out there, and hopefully quite a few folks will mention Lee Creek as a reason for getting out there on April 26 to be seen and heard!

If you haven't already done so, print a form off and fax it in to Jeremy or drop your registration off at OOO!!! Be seen! Be heard! Be counted!

[Karla]

Heather,
I plan to be at Paddle for the Planet. Just got to sit down and put in my enrollment online. Gary and I should be there. Only thing that would keep me from paddling myself is I injured my right upper arm/shoulder last Sunday when I fell on a parking lot. I see the doc tomorrow to get MRI results and hope I heal up quickly. Can't stand seeing all the rivers rising and me not able to paddle them right now. I also signed up for whitewater school, I hope I will be well by then for sure. I may have to ride tandem with someone if not, or rafting.

Karla