Buffalo National River Seeks Public Input on Accessibility Plan

Buffalo River State Park has opened its draft accessibility plan for public comment. The plan aims to improve access for visitors with disabilities along the park’s 153 miles of the Ozark River.

The Self-Assessment and Transition Plan (SETP) will be available to the public from June 28 to July 31, 2024. It identifies specific barriers to accessibility in the park and proposes solutions for future improvements. These improvements would affect public structures, campgrounds, river access points, signage, and services, subject to the availability of funding and compliance with federal regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Superintendent Angela Boyers said, “Our goal is to provide recreational opportunities that everyone can enjoy. » This plan is part of the National Park Service’s (NPS) broader efforts to improve accessibility in its more than 420 national parks.

Buffalo National River, known for activities like kayaking, hiking and camping, strives to provide equal access to these experiences for visitors with disabilities. The SETP outlines steps to achieve this goal.

Park officials note that all comments submitted during the public review period may be made public, including personally identifiable information. While individuals may request that their personal information not be released, the park cannot guarantee compliance with such requests.

The draft SETP is available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BUFF_SETP. Park officials encourage all interested parties to review the plan and provide comments.

This accessibility initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve the visitor experience in national parks. Implementation of the SETP could influence how the Buffalo National River and potentially other national parks approach accessibility in the future.