Buffalo National River's 40th anniversary event postponed due to weather.

It’s a trade-off for much needed rainfall, but the final event celebrating the creation of Buffalo National River in 1972 has been postponed. The slow-moving weather system is now predicted to target north central Arkansas with rain and heavy winds which would likely result in a non-event on Saturday. Fortunately, there was a well-attended open house at park headquarters in Harrison last Friday that drew people of all ages as well as congressional representatives to our displays of park staff and resources.

While any rain will be welcome, safety concerns remain high with regard to high winds and falling limbs and trees, flash floods in low-lying areas, and believe it or not, continued high fire danger. Up until the onset of the rains, conditions for fire remain elevated, and even following the storm it is likely that high fire danger conditions will quickly return to the region. What is badly needed is an extended period of slow rain: not the intense type of rainfall anticipated from Issac.

Buffalo National River is in the process of mobilizing its Type 3 Incident Command Team to prepare for any weather-related contingencies that may arise. Unsafe conditions and accidents should be reported to park dispatch at 888/692-1162.