"Who hears the rippling of rivers will not utterly despair of anything." Henry David Thoreau
"This in not a debate about the Blue River's beauty, but its survival." Steve Boggs, Durant Daily Democrat
"The day could come when there is no longer any river worth fighting for." Ray Lokey, The Capital Democrat
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Blue River is truly a jewel of southern Oklahoma. You can read more about it in a reprinted article written by Ron Stahl, Discover Oklahoma, by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
CPASA has sought state protection of the Blue River through legislation that would designate the Blue as a scenic river, only to see the bills die in committee.
Scenic River designation is supported by many individuals and entities in the state and around the country. Others oppose the idea.
Opposition has come primarily from those people who believe, wrongly, that the designation will infringe on property rights. The fact is that scenic river designation does not allow access to private property unless purchased by the State through private treaty. Furthermore, the State is specifically prohibited from using eminent domain to take property along scenic rivers.
Nevertheless, opposition from organizations such as the Farm Bureau has been strong enough to kill the bills introduced so far.
Here are some of the benefits of scenic river designation:
- The river is preserved in its natural scenic state: stream flow is preserved, pollution and littering are stopped and dams or related projects are prevented except as authorized by the legislature.
- Scenic river status can help everyone to enjoy the river.
- Farmers and ranchers and other landowners who want to improve land used for crops and grazing can receive educational and financial assistance provided by the Scenic Rivers Commission.
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