By Sharon Reidel
Globe guest columnist
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and this administration are not going to be happy until all the farmers are out of business, all the land is covered with chicken houses and hog barns, and all the surface water is contaminated and the water wells are dry.
Newspapers in this state, and for that matter, all over the United States, are printing articles about what confined animal-feeding operations are doing to this country. We even have presidential candidates using the damage caused by CAFOs on their platform. There have been suggestions for a moratorium on all CAFOs.
Why do you think most of the local and state politicians still don’t get the picture? Could it be the money? This blatant disregard for the welfare of the majority, just to please a few large corporations, has got to stop before it is too late. To make matters worse, our tax dollars are subsidizing some of the largest CAFOs.
There are organizations in Missouri that have been working very hard over the last 10 years to stop the damage these CAFOs are causing. In the last two years, more organizations have raised their heads. It is sad to say, but these groups were not formed until the water, air, historical sites or state parks in their area were compromised.
Less than a year ago, I didn’t know what a CAFO was. Now I know so much, it scares me.
The new organization in Roaring River and Table Rock Lake areas is called Roaring River Parks Alliance.
Our mission statement is “to preserve, defend and protect Missouri’s historical sites, state parks and natural resources.”
If you would like to join this group, our next general meeting is Saturday, Dec. 1. It will be at the Eagle Rock Community Building on 86 Highway near the Route F intersection.
The meeting will be from 2 to 4 p.m. If you do not want to join, but are tired of reading about how the DNR has failed the citizens of this state, we can use your financial support. Your money is used only for legal fees and advertising. The members of RRPA donate all their time and personal expenses. Our opposition has unlimited funds. Please make checks payable to Roaring Riving Parks Alliance. Donations can be made to either Ruth Buchner, treasurer, HCR 81, P.O. Box 8913, Eagle Rock, MO 65641 or to Roaring River Parks Alliance, care of Security Bank of Southwest Missouri, P.O. Box 606, Cassville, MO 65625.
Sharon Reidel and her husband, Jim, live near a CAFO in Barry County.
