Local opponents were convincing and successful in that they elicited concern among fellow residents. Their intensive outreach activities served to put Steering Committee members and US MAB officials on the defensive. In general, opponents claimed that the OMAB would have had far-reaching, negative implications for property owners and resources users in the Ozarks. Opponents feared that the Biosphere Reserve would bring increased regulation and laws for private property and natural resource use. Also, opponents feared eminent domain land seizures as a consequence of a Biosphere Reserve.
Ozark citizens have a distinct individual and cultural identity linked to place.
They believe themselves to be independent and more capable of managing natural resources on an individual basis without outside intervention. Place is also an important factor in terms of site history. Opponent fears of increased regulation and land seizures were rooted in the social and political history of the Ozarks. Opponents often cited historical eminent domain takings and past resource management efforts as proof of negative consequences of a Biosphere Reserve in the Ozarks. This was an ominous historical foundation for the OMAB nomination effort.