The Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) is a national park that contains two of the best recreational rivers in our state, the Jacks Fork and the Current. Every year, thousands of citizens flock to our area to float, canoe, fish and camp. These tourists bring in valuable revenue for local businesses and are an important part of our region’s economy. More than that, though, they represent a collective trait of most Missourians—our deep love and respect for the natural beauty of the state we call home.

Last year, the National Parks Service announced it would re-evaluate the management plan for ONSR. For years, the area was regulated under the current management plan, which was implemented in the late 1980s. This plan protected our waterways without imposing unnecessary regulations on citizens and businesses that use the park.

That might not be the case for long, though. The Parks Service is proposing four management plans for the area:  Alternative A, Alternative B, Alternative C, and the No Action Alternative.

Of these, the No Action Alternative grants Missourians the most freedom in using and enjoying the ONSR. The other plans would eliminate equestrian trails, put restrictions on the allowed horsepower of boats on the rivers, and severely limit where and how the public can use this park. In turn, businesses would be devastated. 

Earlier this week, nearly 400 citizens gathered at a public meeting in Van Buren to comment on the National Parks Service’s new plans for the ONSR. The message those involved constituents sent was clear:  Do not restrict access to these areas.

I’m hopeful the federal agency listens to the public outcry and chooses to keep our current management plan in place. If you have not already, I urge to you contact the National Park Service and tell them how you feel. You can do that by clicking here or visiting www.parkplanning.nps.gov/ozar. Public comment is accepted until Feb. 7.

At the Capitol this week, the Education Committee, of which I’m vice chairman, began considering the handful of bills filed this year to address the student transfer problem. The state law has caused utter chaos in the St. Louis region, as students from unaccredited districts flooded into nearby accredited schools. Dealing with this issue is one of our highest priorities this year. On Tuesday, we heard testimony on legislation filed by a coalition of St. Louis senators determined to find a solution to this problem before it engulfs more districts in our state. I expect us to debate these measures extensively in the coming weeks.

Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Russell delivered the annual State of the Judiciary on Wednesday morning in the House chamber. This annual speech highlights the goals and recommendations of the judicial branch. During the address, Chief Justice Russell applauded our work on revising our criminal statutes, something that hasn’t been done since the 1970s. The more than 1,000-page bill dealing with those changes was heard just this week in the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

This session, I’m sponsoring Senate Bill 642, which would close a loophole in surface mining regulations. Currently, companies looking to operate a surface mine must contact any landowner with real property that directly touches the border or is adjacent to the proposed mining area. My legislation would require proposed surface mining operations to contact all landowners within a half-mile. This guarantees that all citizens in the area are aware of what’s taking place.

I was honored to sponsor local resident Dr. Bryan Chapman in his appointment to the Missouri Dental Board during the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing on Wednesday. Mr. Chapman’s extensive experience will make him a valuable asset to the board. I’m sure he’ll represent Southeast Missouri well in his new role. I wish him the best of luck.

Certified Public Accountant John Crouch visited my office this week during the annual CPA Day at the Capitol. I also met with Leadership Academy employees from Mineral Area College and Jefferson College. As always, it was a pleasure to visit with folks from back home. If you come to the Capitol, please contact my office to arrange a meeting. 

Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2014

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