CAFO opponents file suit against DNR, Childers

As promised earlier this year, a group opposed to the development of a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) near Arrow Rock has filed suit, seeking to block construction of the facility.

Kathy Borgman, executive director of the Friends of Arrow Rock, said the Friends of Arrow Rock, the Missouri Parks Association and the village of Arrow Rock filed suit Thursday, Oct. 11, against the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Director Doyle Childers.

Whitney Kerr, spokesman for Citizens to Protect State Parks and Historic Sites, announced at a July 20 public meeting in Marshall that people opposed to Arrow Rock farmer Dennis Gessling's proposed CAFO would file suit in an attempt to block the project if it received a permit from DNR.

DNR announced Aug. 31 that it had granted the permit, noting that Gessling's application followed applicable state regulations.

DNR officials have said they do not have the authority to deny a permit to anyone who meets established guidelines.

The suit filed Thursday in Cole County circuit court asks that the DNR be forced to revoke Gessling's permit because the hog operation would threaten the health and livelihood of the people of Arrow Rock.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net