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Arkansas Agencies Balk At Blueway Designation

Fears among landowners that designating the White River as a National Blueway could lead to new regulations or land seizures has prompted three Arkansas agencies to dampen their support for the label.  

The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Waterways Commission said at a Wednesday legislative hearing that the Blueway designation could  hinder conservation work with landowners who don't want federal interference.  

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the Nature Conservancy and Ozark Water Watch expressed similar sentiments.  

Natural Resources Commission Executive Director Randy Young says he will ask the U.S. Interior Department to lift the designation, at least until landowners can be satisfied that their interests won't be harmed.