KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Department of the Interior has dropped the White River from a new federal program that recognizes conservation and recreation efforts along waterways.

A public backlash preceded Wednesday's decision to rescind the National Blueway designation for the 700-plus-mile river that flows through southern Missouri and parts of Arkansas.

Groups on both side of the issue agree that it's the right thing to do. Opponents say the designation, given in January, could lead to new regulations or land seizures. And one-time backers say the controversy could make landowners resistant to voluntarily cooperating with conservation efforts.

The National Blueways System was created in 2012 and is part of President Barack Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative. The program is intended to promote outdoor recreation in national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands.

Read more in Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.