A popular stop on the White River will continue to stay wild thanks to a local citizen’s recent purchase to preserve it.”The Narrows” is an island which stretches up to 7 acres when river levels are low and is half owned by the Corps of Engineers and the other half by private ownership. Local businessman, Mark Bertel, recently purchased the private half with the intention of keeping it public at a time when he feels continued development along the river is threatening the natural beauty of the area.
Matt Millner, a local river guide and owner of Rising River Guides, says places like The Narrows hold cultural significance to the long history of the river.
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Mark Bertel says childhood memories with his grandfather makes the island a special place for him.
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Millner says he stops for lunch at least 100 times a year at The Narrows and his clients really enjoy their time spent there.
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Vernon Arthur Bertel sends out a wave from the river
Bertel’s only plan for the island is to add a plaque commemorating his grandfather’s legacy on the river. He hopes that people continue working together to keep spaces like the island wild because in our busy, modern world our rivers are more than moving water.
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