Special report to members of STIR

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission adopted rules revisions covering election procedures, licensing and use permits, and protection of natural resources at its meeting Tuesday, March 17 in Tahlequah.

The most discussed rule change and the only one to attract much public comment requires the use of ice chests that are secured or are capable of being secured in order to prevent the contents from spilling into the river. Originally proposed as only requiring ice chests to be secured, the rule now requires that ice chests be capable of being secured in order to prevent littering. Previously the commission adopted a requirement that ice chests not be larger than 50-quart capacity.

By changing the language to include the wording “capable of being secured”, commissioners felt that OSRC rangers would have more discretionary powers of enforcement. Rangers now will be able to issue a verbal warning, a written warning, or a citation. OSRC rules violations such as littering bring a $50 fine and $240 court costs. The high court cost concerned commissioners who voted 8-2 in favor of the revised anti trashing rule.

A signage and public education campaign will accompany the latest effort to control litter on scenic rivers governed by the OSRC; the Illinois, Flint Creek, and Barren Fork Creek. An existing rule requires float outfitters to provide customers with trash bags. However, many careless visitors to the Illinois River merely put their trash on the bottom of rafts and canoes. That trash often goes into the water of is left on the shore. Commissioners expressed an interest in a new rule that would require the public to use the trash bags provided.

One other notable rule change adds additional recreation areas where consumption of alcohol including 3.2 beer is not permitted. Those areas are Highway 412 Flint Creek access area, Carnes Ford East of Watts, Oklahoma, and Lake Francis Dam access area. Areas already prohibiting alcohol are Highway 62 access area outside of Tahlequah, Todd access area, and Round Hollow.

The next OSRC meeting is April 21, 5:30 PM at the Armory Municipal Center in Tahlequah.

Remember to keep up with scenic river news at www.illinoisriver.org

Renew your STIR membership, join, or donate on line at www.illinoisriver.org

STIRSave the Illinois River, Inc.

24369 E 757 Rd. Tahlequah, OK 74464-1949 (918) 456-3407

http://www.illinoisriver.org info@illinoisriver.org