Neches National Wild and Scenic River
by John Bartos
During the June monthly HCC meeting, John Bartos discussed the letter the Conservation Committee wanted to
send regarding asking for a study to make the Neches River a National
Wild and Scenic River.
Here is the background story on that letter. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson introduced a bill to study the Neches
River as a Wild and Scenic River (S. 2324, the Neches Wild and Scenic River Study Act). The Houston Canoe Club appreciates the unique character of the
Neches and it's ecological, historical and recreational importance.
The Texas Forestry Association has distributed a resolution opposing this study and sent it to congressional and state leaders. (Why would they
oppose a study?) To counter that, the HCC and numerous other environmental
organizations are distributing resolutions of support for such a study and
for preserving the Neches River.
If any individual members are so inclined,
your letters or calls to your congress member or Senator Cornyn may be
helpful.
Fax a letter to Senator Cornyn at 202-228-2856,
OR
Email Senator Cornyn with this contact form,
OR
Leave a message with his staff at 202-224-2934.
The Texas Conservation Alliance is taking one of the lead roles in this
effort. See more info at www.tcatexas.org.
The HCC approved sending the following letter:
Whereas, the Neches River is a significant economic asset to the
Texas Forest Country of East Texas, supporting the timber, hunting,
fishing, tourism, and recreation industries, and;
Whereas, the Neches River played a significant role in Texas history, and;
Whereas, the Neches River is the major corridor for waterfowl and
songbird migration in the North American Central Flyway and features
some of the best remaining wildlife habitat in Texas or the
southeastern United States, and;
Whereas, designating the upper Neches River as a National Wild and
Scenic River would highlight the region as a tourist destination,
leading to economic growth, and;
Whereas, designating the upper Neches River as a National Wild and
Scenic River would prevent damming of the river, protecting landowners
along the river, and;
Whereas, a study of the upper Neches River as a National Wild and
Scenic River would resolve questions that have been asked about the
consequences of designating the river as Wild and Scenic, and;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Houston Canoe Club supports
congressional authorization of a study of the upper Neches River for
its potential as a National Wild and Scenic River.
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Conservation officer,
John Bartos
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