Projects to Affect the Cache-Lower White River Wetlands

A partnership of federal, state and private conservation organizations are focusing on the Cache-Lower White River wetlands in Arkansas, the top natural warm-water fisheries in the United States and the leading wintering area for mallards in North America.

Oaks and other mast producing hardwoods of these wetlands thrive with the drying of the soil that occurs in summer followed by shallow flooding after the trees become dormant in the winter. Besides mallards, the area supports a thriving population of black bears, nesting and wintering bald eagles, several migratory songbirds of concern like the Cerulean warbler, Swainson's warbler, freshwater mussels, and a host of other wildlife species.

As a result, the Cache-Lower White River region has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Several water resource projects have the potential to alter the natural functions of these unique wetlands. The planning involves the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other groups.

The White River Navigation Project proposes a navigation channel from the mouth of the White River 254 miles upstream to Batesville, expanding the depth and width of the current channel and increasing capacity for the transportation of commercial and agricultural goods.

Construction of dikes along the river and channel dredging may isolate adjacent forested wetlands and reduce natural flooding. One alternative to land disposal that would prevent filling of adjacent wetlands is in-stream dumping, but this could impact fish and mussels and would require a network of dikes and wing darns that would alter the shape of the main channel.

Construction and operation of six large hydropower dams and reservoirs by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the upper White River and tributaries in the Ozark Mountains have caused more frequent and longer flooding in the growing season (especially June to September).

These dams have caused lower flows and less frequent flooding during winter and early spring when wintering ducks and spawning fish seek forested wetlands.

The Grand Prairie Irrigation Project is one of three agricultural irrigation projects that would withdraw water from the lower White River. This project is intended to offset declines in the alluvial aquifer (groundwater) in eastern Arkansas, which is used to supply water for farming operations. This aquifer has been severely depleted and is either unlikely to provide enough water to support current levels of rice irrigation or to recharge local wetlands.

Increased wintering waterfowl habitat on harvested rice fields flooded by the project's irrigation water could offset some habitat losses. Drained wetlands could be purchased and restored through the project, which also would reduce impact on waterfowl and other wildlife.

Montgomery Point Lock and Dam, currently under construction, is designed to keep navigable water on the White River during low water conditions on the Mississippi River, into which the White drains. The need for such a project results from narrowing the Mississippi River channel with wing dams to cause more efficient bottom scouring, thus draining water out of the lower White River and its associated wetlands.

The Great River Bridge and Interstate 69 are proposed to cross the Mississippi River near the mouths of the White and Arkansas rivers. Although these projects are south of the White River National Wildlife Refuge boundary, the bridges and associated miles of elevated roads would require clearing for right-of-way that could further fragment the White River ecosystem.

Conservationists have proposed an alternative crossing at Arkansas City, 15 miles to the south, that would reduce environmental impacts and be less expensive.

Arkansas Outdoors, May 12, 1999.