Development concept plan : Pruitt : Buffalo National River, Arkansas

National Park Service. Denver Service Center

This Development Concept Plan , Pruitt , Buffalo National River addresses the following specific concerns for the development and use of Pruitt: Congestion already exists at the present floater put-in/take-out area. Not only is the area congested, but visitors exceed the capacity of the land. Overuse has created environmental degradation of the area (i.e., reduced grass, groundcover, and bank erosion) and management problems. Substantial seasonal activities occur in the use of the Pruitt area, such as floater put-in/take-out, swimming, and picnicking in the spring and early summer. Periodic flooding occurs on the lower floodplains, limiting the types of facilities that can be developed close to the river. Several commercial campgrounds, stores, and the popular amusement park (Dogpatch USA) are located within a few miles of Pruitt. Use and development must complement rather than compete with these privately owned enterprises. Developments need to be located within easy access of the river resource for visitor convenience, but they must be adequately screened by floodplain vegetation and landforms to visually enhance the floaters' experience. Although Buffalo National River has been designated as a recreational rivei—allowing appropriate facility development to support visitor use—development should be designed to permit protection and enhancement of the resource. Planning and development must consider hikers, campers, sportsmen, and day users, as well as floaters on the Buffalo River. Accessibility to and use of park facilities by physically and mentally handicapped visitors must be ensured in conformance with applicable provisions of the Design and Construction of Public Buildings to Accommodate the Physically Handicapped Act (P.L. 90-480, 82 Stat. 718) and other applicable laws and regulations. In conformance with Executive Order 120031, "Energy and Conservation Guidelines," buildings will be designed and constructed to be energy efficient. Consistent with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and other pertinent directives, the proposal includes an analysis of the anticipated impacts and a cost estimate for development.