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 Map of state parks and historic sites in Missouri as of August 2008. (Source: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources) [Click to enlarge] |
 Map of CAFOs in Missouri as of July 2007. (Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources) [Click to enlarge] |
The details are difficult to see in the maps above, but the markers tell the story of how concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and state parks and historic sites are distributed. The map on the left comes from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site and shows the distribution of CAFOs as of July 2007. The map on the right comes from the DNR's state parks division and shows the locations of state parks, historic sites and back country areas as of August 2008. CAFOs are key contributors to the state's agriculture economy. Parks and historic sites anchor the state's culture and are important to the growing tourism industry. Proponents of each have been at odds for some time over proximity issues -- how close to parks can CAFOs operate without disrupting the flow of visitors. The issue is being played out in Saline County in the conflict between CAFO operator Dennis Gessling, who proposed a small CAFO two miles from the village of Arrow Rock, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Arrow Rock State Historic Site. A Cole County judge ruled Monday, Aug. 25, in favor of anti-CAFO organizations who filed suit against the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, arguing that DNR's approval of Gessling's CAFO construction permit violated the department's obligation to protect state parks. In her ruling, Judge Patricia Joyce established a 15-mile buffer zone around Arrow Rock where CAFOs are not allowed to operate. DNR Director Doyle Childers has vowed to appeal the decision. (Contributed graphics)
If you don't like the pork industry being vertically integrated, where were you when it happened. That ship has long since sailed. The only people that raise a "few hogs" at a time drive horse and buggies to town and don't have electricity or running water in their houses. Do you really expect farmers to stay stuck in the 1930s, while the rest of America lives in the 21st century?
Wow! I just discovered Arrow Rock and absolutely love it. I would be perfectly happy to live there. I met a lot of very interesting people and I didn't notice a "snooty" one in the bunch. I also didn't feel that I wasn't welcome. Not sure where "basketweaverville" is that "curiousintown" is talking about but if he/she is talking about the talented artistic people of Arrow Rock and the surrounding area I guess "curiosintown" appreciates pigs more. No offense, I love pigs too, but I prefer to raise a few at a time, instead of a few hundred or thousand and I sure as heck would not want to live close to a farm that did. Been there, done that.
"Fresh Air" hit the nail on the head. Don't blame the judge (I've already heard the term 'activist judge who writes her own laws' used) or the people of Arrow Rock. The blame lies with Doyle Childers and the DNR attorney who missed the deadline for responding to the suit. Regardless of whether Sen. Stouffer is correct about the inaccuracy of the 'findings of fact', the right or wrong of the allegations become immaterial when the respondent in a lawsuit fails to respond. At that point, the judge has no option but to make a decision based on the only information filed. And those 'findings of fact' are only based on one side's viewpoint. This is required by state statute which ties the judge's hands.
Farmers should be calling Gov. Blunt's office and demanding the termination of both Childers and the DNR attorney for botching this very important lawsuit. Unfortunately, this is just another example of what happens when cronyism determines who is appointed to positions rather than qualifications. Such is the case with DNR.
I was very happy to hear the ruling. I live near a CAFO now, one which as grown in size since we purchased our home and even over two miles away most days we notice an odor. Why should we allow a CAFO to kill a small town community? Most make their livelyhood catering to tourists, what tourist wants to deal with this smell while browsing stores, checking out the local historical sites and playing in the park?
I say BRAVO!!!!!!! It's just one time when the "little guy" actually wins. And why should the citizens of Arrow Rock and who they are come into play here at all? Every town has it's good and it's bad.
From a non Arrow Rock resident.
Most of us will, thankfully, never be in the same situation as you snootie Arrow Rock types. If all of you had to be hungry for a while, maybe you would then be thankful for what you have and use your money for good instead of harm.
This CAFO fight has been going on since January of 2007. You would think that the DNR and Doyle Childers would of made sure to be there on time to fight for their side. Missing a deadline is no ones fault but their own. The outcome may have been alot different. Everyone is entitled to their "day in court" and with every case there is one side that is not pleased with the outcome. If everyone wants to be angry with the Arrow Rock residents just remember that you need to put the blame on the DNR and Doyle Childers for not doing their job. Also, all of this name calling some of you have been doing to the people of Arrow Rock... grow up. You never know when you could be in this same situation.
This is honestly does not make any sense! Arrow Rock residents need to get a grip and move on! This is rural Saline county we are talking about...did I mention RURAL, not URBAN. Mr. Weekender, go back to the city where you fit better, you are not much welcome anywhere other than basketweaverville.