Athens, Missouri

[Campjacksonboy]

For those of you that enjoyed Athens and took a dip in the Des Moines river at the last big Athens event, it looks like Athens and some other state parks are facing some issues with CAFO:

Everything from this CAFO in this case hogs, will contaminate the water
shed so making the lake and creeks cess pools. Also the smell will be
unbearable. Two, one on either side of Athens, are planned. A rally is planned for March 5th in Jeff City and we need numbers to attend this.

It seems some level heads in the State Legislature are working on a bill that would create a buffer around state parks. It seems that Athens is not the only site that will be effected by this move. Arrow Rock, Mark Twain and Roaring River will also be effected.
I'll add more information as it comes.
Frank Aufmuth

[Spinster]

Re: Athens, Missouri

Whew Frank!

I cannot imagine sitting downwind from a hog parlour in that heat.

Likely my bathing costume would just dissolve into threads....:o

But I also know I can't load up and go. If you come up with a way for us to sign a petition or something, please do tell more about that as well.

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: Athens, Missouri

For those of you who read this I am pasting a message I recieved from someone involved directly with the Athens Site.

We have a website http://www.BattleofAthens2.org/ and Arrow Rock State Historic site just launched theirs yesterday http://www.Protectparks.org/. These should give you both an idea of what's going on. The urgency of the situation w/the proposed hog confinement that threatens Battle of Athens park, comes down to the fact that this guy is 6mos. ahead of us. He could start construction this month! All others' efforts to halt these near parks or in the county in general may be too late here. So we're kind of on our own to halt the one near us(athens park). We're attempting to put/apply alot of pressure on him to get him to rethink it. The media blitz(stunt) could play a huge part in that. What a visual for TV cameras to see some of our re-enactors come out to "protect" the park, priod dress,guns and all, right in front of this guys house. If you don't feel comfortable carrying protest signs, we'll have plenty of plain clothes people there to do that. But the cameras will not doubt focus on the re-enactors. Date wise, time is of the essence. Knowing this Sat. wasn't enough time to oganize it, we're shooting for the following Sat, I believe that's Feb.17th. There's a good chance if we aren't able to stop him, the park could smell badly enough that no one will even want to come here anymore. It'd be great to get 8-10 re-enactors to help us out. We have received some donations and could help w/ gas for the trip. Let me know if that date works for you and please talk to others in your group to see if they could help us out too.
Thank you in advance.
Betty Halberstadt

If any of you are from Missouri this would be a good time to call your state Representative or Senator.
Sincerely,
Frank Aufmuth

[confederal]

Re: Athens, Missouri

Frank

How long are you guys going to be out there Sat.?? I have a doctor's appointment in Iowa City, and I would like to make it down.

Evan Isaacs

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Re: Athens, Missouri

Here is a website that the Friends of Athens has put together:
battleofathens2.org/

As I mentioned to the organizers of the rally I am not comfortable having re-enactors at the filming or holding protest signs. The park itself should be the reason why people would want to halt the construction of a hog lot. Just my opinion.





QUOTE=confederal;50088]Frank

How long are you guys going to be out there Sat.?? I have a doctor's appointment in Iowa City, and I would like to make it down.

Evan Isaacs[/QUOTE]

[Deborah Hyland]

Re: Athens, Missouri

I have to call a CW ball in Quincy on Saturday, but I have sent an email to my representative.

[Dan Hadley]

Re: Athens, Missouri

I have to call a CW ball in Quincy on Saturday, but I have sent an email to my representative.

As did I. Sent an e-mail to the MO state senator & representative from my district. Hope something good comes from it.

Dan Hadley

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Re: Athens, Missouri

Here is some good news regarding the Athens site. This was forwarded to me through the Friends of Athens.

>For Immediate Release:

For more information contact: Rep. Jeff Harris at (573) 751-9753
>
> >> Feb. 15, 2007
>
> >>
> >> Harris files bill to prohibit CAFOs near state parks, historic sites
> >> Measure would protect Arrow Rock State Historic site

>
> >> JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - House Minority Leader Jeff Harris will file a
> >> bill to prohibit concentrated animal feeding operations within five
> >> miles of any state park, state historic site or property listed on
> >> the National Register of Historic Places.
> >> Harris, D-Columbia, proposed the legislation in response to plans to
> >> open a 4,800-head pig operation two miles from the Arrow Rock State
> >> Historic Site in southeastern Saline County. Arrow Rock residents are
> >> overwhelmingly opposed to the project.
> >> "It is important to strike the appropriate balance and take measures
> >> to protect Missouri's state parks and historic sites from the
> >> negative impacts of having large animal feeding operations nearby,"
> >> Harris said. "Arrow Rock in particular is a jewel of our state. We
> >> must protect its historic value, as well as its economic value as a
> >> tourist attraction."
> >> Two other state parks and historic sites are also threatened by
> >> CAFOs. A large poultry operation is planned near Roaring River State
> >> Park in Barry County while a pig facility is proposed near the Battle
> >> of Athens State Historic Site in Clark County. Both projects face
> >> strong opposition from local residents.
>Emily Getzloff
>Boonville Daily News
>412 High Street
>PO Box 47
>Boonville, MO 65233

>(660) 882-5335
>fax: (660) 882-2256
>www.boonvillenews.com
>

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: Athens, Missouri

I got a very dismal message today from someone that works up in the area.
Evidently the legislation is being deferred to an investigation by the DNR. At the same time the CAFO moves forward.
Frank Aufmuth