Arkansas Wild by Arkansas Times

July/August 2011

BIG BUSINESS Plus, meet three of Arkansas' Top Anglers — Also —

FLOODS & DUCKS

What does recent flooding mean for this year's fall flight?

TRAVEL ARKANSAS

A FEW TRIP IDEAS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

Geocachers! CACHE OF THE MONTH from the ARKANSAS DEPT. OF PARKS AND TOURISM pg. 48

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July/August 2011 ď&#x201A;§ Arkansas Wild | 3

Table of CONTENTS 8

Floods & ducks

By Andi Cooper, Ducks Unlimited

Big business

Travel Arkansas

Extreme outdoor adventure: Rock Climbing

The bridge that shouldn't have been built

A family affair

Making waves in the natural state

Worth A thousand words

calendar of events

news briefs

By Dena Woerner

By Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

By Emily Griffin

By Kat Robinson and Grav Weldon

By Paige Hunter Parham

The photography of A.C. "Chuck" Haralson

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CONTRIBUTORS Kat Robinson is a food

Paige hunter parham was born

and raised in Arkansas and graduated from the Andi cooper is a native University of Arkansas at Little Rock. As a child, she Mississippian and has and her brother spent the a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University long Arkansas summers riding four-wheelers and in Wildlife and Fisheries cutting trails in the forests Science. Cooper currently holds a position with on their grandparents’ land, boating and camping Ducks Unlimited’s Southat DeGray Lake, and ern Region in Ridgeland, MS as a Communications digging for treasure in Murfreesboro. Today, Paige Specialist. While she’s not enjoys hiking, fishing and working, Cooper enjoys climbing mountains with bird watching, deer hunting, outdoor photography, her daughter Cassidy, who she credits for renewing woodburning, camping, and wandering the woods her wonder at the beauty of the Natural State. with dogs, Jake and Ziva.

PHOTO BY CHRISTY HOLLINGSHEAD

and travel writer based in Little Rock. She writes Tie Dye Travels, her syndicated personal blog. She also writes Eat Arkansas, the blog for food lovers for the Arkansas Times. Kat appears bi-weekly on the Dave Elswick Show on KARN Newsradio 102.89fm and monthly on KARK 4 News at Noon. She’s also a hamburger corresondant for Serious Eats, a travel and chef profile writer for 2njoy Magazine and a contributor to Lonely Planet and Food Network Magazine. She is the 2011 recipient of the Henry Award for Media Support from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. In her spare time, she just manages to keep up with her daughter Hunter with the help of her husband, Paul.

This issue of Arkansas Wild is jam packed with all sorts of outdoor news. Take the time to read our cover story on the FLW Outdoors tournament trail, and read a little about some of Arkansas’ top fishermen. Looking for something to get out and do? We’ve covered that too! Get some great travel ideas on page 18, learn how to play on the lakes on page 38, and take an extreme outdoor adventure on page 24. No matter what interests you about the outdoors in Arkansas, you can find it within the pages of this issue! I hope you enjoy this issue of Arkansas Wild. Over the years we have worked to bring our readers features on the outdoors from every angle. From hunting and fishing to hiking and biking, Arkansas Wild has featured it all!

Grav weldon is a photojournalist with a penchant for catching the strange and absurd. His work has appeared in several local and regional publications, including 2njoy Magazine, Deep South Magazine, Serious Eats and Lonely Planet. He is an adjunct instructor at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith wher he teaches 3-D animation. When not working for the university or on assignment, Grav photographs life in rural Arkansas and constructs abstract 3-D computer generated artistic images.

dena woerner is the Tourism Division Communications Manager for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. She leads tourism social networking efforts and oversees editing, research, writing and photography for Arkansas tourism publications and Arkansas.com. In addition, Woerner teaches Hospitality and Tourism Management courses for Pulaski Technical College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communication from Purdue University, and a certification in Tourism Crisis Management from the University of Florida.

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a.c. “chuck” Haralson is chief

photographer for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. A 32-year veteran of the department, Haralson travels the state capturing images of Arkansas’s scenic natural beauty fnd travel attractions. His work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic Dsicovery, Better Homes and Gardens, Women’s Day, Camping Life, and Backpaker, and in major newspapers including the New York Times, Chicago Tirbune and the Los Angeles Times. He’s now the proud grandfather of one-year-old grandson Wyatt.

I also hope that you will take the time to become a fan of Arkansas Wild on Facebook (facebook.com/arkansaswild). Our fans can find links to important (and just plain interesting) outdoor information, news, post photos, and more! Now get out and go “wild!”

Heather Baker Publisher heatherbaker@arktimes.com

Heather Baker Publisher hbaker@arktimes.com

Editorial

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Emily Griffin Editor emily@arktimes.com BRYAN MOATS Editorial/Creative Art Director

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Office Staff Weldon Wilson Controller Robert Curfman IT Director Linda Phillips Billing/Collections Angie Fambrough Office Manager Anitra Hickman Circulation Director 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2011 Arkansas Wild July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 7

Many people think water on the landscape equals good habitat for ducks, but anyone that actively manages habitat for waterfowl knows itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not nearly so simple. by Andi Cooper

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he April-June flooding along the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries greatly impacted many homes, businesses and farm lands, but what does that mean for this year’s fall flight? Historically, mallards wintering in the Delta depended primarily on acorns and other natural seeds and aquatic invertebrates found in extensive hardwood bottomlands to meet their nutritional needs. As red oak, acorn-producing forests were cleared, mallards and other waterfowl began feeding in croplands, especially soybean and rice fields. Although mallards have adapted to the loss of more than 80 percent of the forested wetlands in the Delta, their physiological condition, winter survival and spring reproduction depend upon continued fall and winter flooding and food availability in agricultural and natural wetlands in the Delta. Waterfowl survival and body condition tend to increase when extensive flooding occurs in winter, but how does spring flooding affect their wintering habitat? Wildlife biologists ar e certain about one thing regarding the impacts of flooding on wildlife and their habitats. Impacts depend on the timing, depth and duration of the flooding. How well vegetation, and therefore food resources, fair is dependent on how long floodwaters stay over their roots. Different plants have varying tolerance levels for flooding, and most of the native vegetation

within floodplains is adapted to endure this type of inundation periodically. The timing of this spring flood could make it particularly impactful to species of trees and other plants that are more susceptible to drowning, damage and disease during the growing season. On the other hand, all the nutrient-rich sediment deposited during the flood provides vegetation with new resources once the water goes down.

Agricultural Lands Winter flooded croplands can provide important forage and habitat for wintering waterfowl. Unfortunately for waterfowl and producers, much of the croplands in the Delta were flooded during planting time. More than a million acres of croplands in Arkansas alone were flooded. If the water goes down in time for farmers to plant a late crop, waterfowl may still find ample forage this fall. “Continued flooding of agricultural lands in many areas will lead to later planting and harvest of waterfowl-friendly crops like rice, which in turn could actually increase food availability for waterfowl when they arrive this fall,” Luke Naylor, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl program coordinator, said. Many Arkansas producers are dealing with the third consecutive year of flooding on their lands. Farmers with flood prone lands may want to consider an alternative use for these acres. Through USDA programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program and

Conservation Reserve Program, farmers can retire regularly flooded croplands and still receive income. Converting croplands to wildlife habitats will prevent producers from dealing with lost crops while providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl. “These programs can create wildlife habitat on the farm, along with providing supplemental farm income from yearly conservation rental payments, easement payments and special incentive payments,” David Long, AGFC private lands coordinator/ agricultural liaison, said. “With the right conservation plan design to establish premium wildlife habitat conditions, future alternative farm income through leasing the hunting rights can also be achieved, or can provide new hunting andrecreational opportunities for farm families and friends.”

Moist-soil Resources Although croplands are important foraging habitats, agricultural seeds do not provide a nutritionally complete diet for waterfowl. Alternatively, managed moist-soil areas are natural wetlands with a wide variety of plant species usually dominated by grasses and sedges that produce lots of seeds and tubers. Moist-soil wetlands harbor diverse aquatic invertebrate communities. Scientists determined that managed moistsoil areas in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley average more than 12 times greater duck foraging potential than harvested rice fields in their region. July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 9

“The effects of the flood for waterfowl likely will be mixed,” Naylor said. “Extensive flooding may negatively impact food production for wintering waterfowl by shifting and shortening the growing season in habitats such as moist-soil wetlands managed by AGFC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners.” Two of the most important things to consider when managing moist-soil units are the timing of the annual drawdown and the number of years since soil disturbance (such as disking). Total seed production from grasses and sedges is generally greater

when moist-toil units are drained early to mid-growing season. Unfortunately, this year’s flooding meant that many areas were inundated during this time. But this year’s loss may be next year’s gain. If moist-soil units stay wet and a tractor can’t get to them until late summer or fall, research has shown that soil disturbance at this time prepares the site and promotes most-soil vegetation for the next growing season.

Bottomland Hardwood Forests Periodic spring flooding should have minimal impacts on bottomland hardwood stands

as they are adapted to such occurrences. However, prolonged or frequently repeated annual flooding in winter and into spring often causes changes in the forest type. In such stands, regeneration by desirable, mast-producing oaks is generally reduced, and mature trees eventually may be replaced by more water-tolerant species such as willow, bald cypress, green ash, red maple, water locust and overcup oak. “Habitat impacts in the extensive acreage of bottomland hardwood wetlands in the state are difficult to predict,” Naylor said. “However, if water ceases to flow but remains standing in forested impoundments and

Fish

How Floods Effect Other Wildlife Courtesy of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Turkeys

The already stressed turkey population of eastern Arkansas is sure to take a heavy hit as the floods arrived with nesting season. The nests are gone. Turkeys often re-nest if the first attempt is destroyed, but biologists tell us the number of eggs laid on the second attempt is smaller. With the floodwaters likely to be around for weeks still, those second nesting attempts diminish in likelihood. Adult turkeys can fly out of the way of floods, perhaps resting in trees here and there, but it could be quite a while before they return to home territory. Nesting in dry but strange country isn’t likely, biologists say.

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Deer

Dick Baxter, AGFC Deer Program coordinator, said, “The high flood waters will likely lead to poor fawn recruitment in some areas of eastern Arkansas this year. Deer populations have adapted to deal with adverse weather or habitat conditions, and poor recruitment this year should not have long-term effects on the population. Deer populations are resilient and will respond quickly to favorable habitat and weather conditions. “The rut in eastern Arkansas is typically the latest in the state; this means that fawns are born later in the Delta than other parts of Arkansas. The gestation period for white-tailed deer is about 200 days, and parturition (birthing) dates range from late May to mid-July in the Delta.”

Mark Oliver, AGFC chief of fisheries, said, “The flooding may not hurt fish all that much. The spring spawn is over for the most part. The little fry (newly hatched fish) are swimming around, and they have plenty to eat with all the nutrients coming in from the floods.” Oliver said smallmouth bass generally do not do well in flood conditions, but in Arkansas the smallmouth are mostly found in hill country, not in the lowlands and the Mississippi River regions where the flooding is prevalent. The continued high water probably has more effect on fishermen than on fish. Many access areas and traditional boat-launching sites are unusable. Roads to some lakes and streams may be flooded. With the Mississippi River water come fish, silt and debris. For many of those oxbow lakes, the effect is recharging them with new fish – game fish and rough fish. Past floods have shown that it’s not unusual for these oxbows to wind up with alligator gar, flathead catfish and blue catfish, in addition to buffalo, carp and even sturgeon.

PHOTO BY DUCKS UNLIMITED

Flooding along the Mississippi River and its tributaries like the White River seen here encroaching on Highway 63 near Hoxie may cause more problems for the human inhabitants of the Delta than for the wildlife adapted to this natural cycle.

PHOTO BY DUCKS UNLIMITED

temperatures rise, we could see red oak mortality and decreased acorn production, both of which would reduce subsequent resource availability for waterfowl.”

Come Home To Moose Head Lodge…

If brakes and shrub-scrub sloughs naturally dry or are drained in the summer (mid-June to early July), they can produce good natural waterfowl food plants such as grasses, sedges, smartweeds and duck potato. You can also seed mudflats of these drawn-down wetlands with commercially available millets. There are a few bright sides to this situation. Keep in mind that this is a semi-regular occurrence and the wildlife and most of the vegetation in inundated areas are adapted to it.

What Will It Mean for Duck Hunters? The largest difficulties from flooding are likely to occur on the human side of the waterfowling equation. Many hunting clubs, cabins and blinds were inundated by the rising waters along the Mississippi, White, Black and other rivers. Damage to facilities will impact clubs’ abilities to house hunters this fall as well as their opportunities to manage habitats. If the fall habitat in the Delta fails to meet the needs of waterfowl, it will likely impact hunters more than ducks. Waterfowl will wing their way to whatever habitat is available, so hunters might find redistribution of birds outside “traditional” areas. “Ducks might not be in the river bottoms long if the food resources they need are not there, much like we saw two years ago when the river bottoms were flooded too deep for waterfowl to exploit. In that year we saw ducks in some very untraditional spots,” Mike Checkett, DU biologist and Arkansas hunter, said. Andi Cooper is the Communications Specialist for Ducks Unlimited Southern Region.

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The sun breaks the horizon over an Arkansas lake; its beams dance off of fiberglass vessels and polarized lenses. The serenity of the morning is suddenly broken by the sound of a loud speaker:

Boat one! Boat two!

Right: Scott Suggs of Bryant reels one in during the FLW Outdoors Tournament on Beaver Lake. 12 | Arkansas Wild ď&#x201A;§ July/August 2011

PHOTO BY FLW OUTDOORS

...followed by the lug, lug, lug of the engines as they move through the no wake zone. Next, the ROAR of engines fills the air as the contestants race to a sweet spot that will provide the winning catch. This is how the day begins on the morning of an exciting FLW Outdoors bass tournament.

BIG Business FLW Outdoors Tournament by Dena woerner

PHOTO BY FLW OUTDOORS

ishing is big business. According to Trisha Blake, president of the marketing division for FLW Outdoors, fifty-five million fishing licenses are sold each year and despite the slow economy, license sales are up 11%. People are choosing to stay close to home and take advantage of outdoor activities like camping and fishing. And fishing is not only a participation sport—it’s a spectator sport. The FLW Outdoors Tournament series is one of the top venues for fans who want to watch the pros reel them in. In the world of spectator sports, fishing is gaining in the ranks of NASCAR. Even during the current economic recession, the FLW Outdoors has been fortunate to have 62 top sponsors including Chevrolet and Walmart. In 1996, Irwin L. Jacobs purchased a bass tournament organization in Gilbertsville, Kentucky. He pictured a complete hierarchy of tournament circuits that would accommodate everyone from beginners to fulltime touring professionals. Jacobs proceeded to sign major corporate sponsors and don the little tournament FLW Outdoors, after the founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood. He succeeded by creating an all encompassing, multi-faceted organization. FLW Outdoors is a national sports property, a media powerhouse and a tournament series. In addition to live tournaments, FLW offers Fantasy fishing sports. These Fantasy tournaments currently have players

in 45 countries vying for $500,000 in cash and prizes. Each year, FLW Outdoors runs 191 events from coast to coast including college, qualifying and grass roots tournaments. This includes retail events, expos, and of course, competitive bass wrangling! The event becomes a community activity. In the days preceding and during the tournament, events will take place at Chevrolet dealerships and Walmart parking lots. Many anglers spend their day off doing hospital visits, building homes for charity, and speaking at fishing expos and educational seminars. Fishing expos offer interactive activities. Visitors can gather product samples, talk to the pros and learn the “how-tos” of big time fishing. “It’s fun for the whole family. It’s not a male dominated event. It is very family focused,” described Blake. Arkansas has seen many FLW Outdoors tournaments. An FLW Tour Major is held on Beaver Lake near Rogers. Beaver Lake, (28,370-acres) completed in 1966 is nestled high in the Ozark Mountains. The lake is the first of the impoundments created in Arkansas and Missouri along the lengthy White River system. It is a prime bass fishery and is sought out by anglers across the country. Traditionally, this tournament is held in late April or early May,

3 Arkansas Anglers

Ron Shuffield

Bismarck, AR DOB: June 27, 1956 Years on Tour: 5 2010 AOY: 4th 2010 Earnings: $87,453 Career Earnings: $1,437,014 Largest Day’s Catch: 21 lbs, 9 oz (2010, Lake Guntersville, FLW Tour) Forrest Wood Cups: 4 FLW Tour Top-10s: 4 Ron Shuffield, a Bismarck native, has been fishing bass tournaments since the mid-1980’s, he has qualified for four consecutive Forrest Wood Cups since 2007. Shuffield finished 3rd at the Beaver Lake Open in March. His son Spencer currently fishes the FLW Tour as a co-angler. Photo by FLW Outdoors July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 13

3 Arkansas Anglers

Greg Bohannan

Rogers, AR DOB: Sept. 25, 1971 Years on Tour: 4 2010 Earnings: $31,773 Career Earnings: $408,761 Largest Day’s Catch: 20 lbs, 6 oz (2008, Table Rock Lake, EverStart Series Championship) Forrest Wood Cups: 3 FLW Tour top-10s: 2 EverStart Series Championships: 4 Everstart Series Championship Top-10s: 2 EverStart wins: 1 EverStart top-10s: 3 BFL wins: 2 BFL top-10s: 5 Greg Bohannan has been fishing in bass tournaments since he was 16 years old, however, he didn’t qualify for the World Championship until 2008. He left his position as a Tyson Plant Manager to begin fishing full time in 2007. He has made the championship all four years he has been on the tour. Greg enjoys the Beaver Lake tournament. “One of the things that makes it such a great tournament is the phenomenal turnout. It’s even better because it’s my home lake,” said Bohannan. He finished 41st in Rogers which earned him a $10,000 prize. Photo by FLW Outdoors

however this year organizers planned for an earlier date of March 3 – 6. Each morning boats took off from Prairie Creek Park on beautiful Beaver Lake. The first two days of the tournament, spectators gathered at the park for daily weigh-ins with larger and larger crowds turning out at the John Q. Hammonds Center for the final two weigh-ins. Chevy pro Bryan Thrift of Shelby, North Carolina, reeled in the first place finish receiving $125,000 at the Walmart FLW Tour. Stacey King of Reeds Spring, Missouri, earned $35,000 in second place followed by Bismarck, Arkansas, native and EverStart pro, Ron Shuffield, who took home a $30,000 third place finish. Another Arkansas native, 20-year-old co-angler Keeton Blaylock won the Walmart Open event on Beaver Lake with a threeday total of 23 pounds, 6 ounces. Ironically, his brother Stetson won the same title three years ago. Blaylock took home $20,000 for his win. “Anglers experienced the largest weights ever reeled in at this

tournament is very important to the hotel, and the area. The hotel hosts all of the FLW staff and many exhibitors and sponsors during the weeklong event. The weekend angler weigh-ins and Fun Zone are held in the John Q. Hammons Center. The tournament generates over $100,000 in revenue for the hotel and close to $1 million in economic impact for the area overall.” Allyson Dyer, director of the Rogers Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “We are always happy to host the Walmart FLW Tour on Beaver Lake; it is a well run event that brings national attention to the great fishing in Rogers.” Walmart is the title sponsor and has been for 15 years, with a oneyear hiatus in 2010. It doesn’t hurt that this outstanding fishery is in Walmart’s backyard. Blake added that FLW Outdoors has had a successful and long-term partnership with Arkansas is a top venue for the FLW because of the incredible support from the state. “It offers top-notch fisheries. And, it’s [Beaver Lake] in Walmart’s back yard; it offers great facilities, and is

“Anglers experienced the largest weights ever reeled in at this tournament. This is because during early spring, the fish are in pre-spawn mode. tournament,” said Jeff McCoy, director of public relations and communications for FLW Outdoors. “This is because during early spring, the fish are in pre-spawn mode.” They choose to bring the tournament back to Beaver Lake year after year because of the great community and the great fishery. “The locals really support the event, turning out large crowds—not to mention the top notch lodging and convention facilities we have with the Embassy Suites and John Q. Hammonds Center,” continued McCoy. Scott Beal, director of sales for the Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas Hotel, Spa & Convention Center in Rogers said that the “FLW

‘almost home’ for anglers that return year after year.” Along with several FLW qualifying tournaments, Arkansas has played host to the grand daddy of them all… the FLW World Cup. Lake Ouachita, located in Hot Springs was home to the 2007 World Cup that proved to be one of the most exciting moments in bass fishing. According to Steve Arrison, executive director of the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, close to 62,000 fans turned out for the 2007 tournament to watch Bryant, Arkansas native Scott Suggs become the first bass fisherman to reel in a $1 Million dollar prize! The FLW World Cup is the super

14 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

Spa City.

Fish City.

Bike City. Fun City. Hot Springs has so many great things to do all year long, we don’t care what you call us. Just call 1-888-SPA-CITY or visit hotsprings.org to plan your trip to America’s First Resort.

AW/11 July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 15

HSAP 17966 AR Wild.indd (tc) 1

6/13/11 1:16 PM

bowl of FLW bass fishing. It is the final stop for the top bass angler. The FLW bass tournament consists of a series of qualifying circuits that allow fishermen to advance to the next level of competition—each offering bigger and bigger payouts. Winners of six tournament series go on to battle anglers for the envied Forrest L Wood Cup. The Walmart FLW Tour also sends its top 30 pros and co-anglers from the 2011 FLW Tour majors. The top 10 pros & coanglers from each of the 2010 FLW series Eastern and Western divisions will join the four divisional winners of the EverStart Series plus the 2010 EverStart Series champion.

miles. For anglers, Lake Ouachita is well known for its prolific fishing opportunities and consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for largemouth bass fishing.

After grappling with over 34,000 anglers, the All-American champion of the Walmart Bass Fishing League wins their spot in the race for the cup. Likewise, the Bass Federation champion prevails over 20,000 anglers to receive his title and subsequently a spot in the Cup. Finally, the 2010 National Guard FLW College Fishing champion is added to the ballot.

The tournament makes a profound contribution to local communities. According to Jeff McCoy, tournament organizers are conservative with estimations. They foresee the economic impact of the FLW World Cup on Hot Springs to be $20 - $25 million.

Anglers getting ready to take off at the FLW Outdoors Tournament on Beaver Lake.

Arkansas Anglers

Hot Springs was chosen because of the great fishery, facilities and community. “I can’t say enough about Hot Springs. We get back to that location as often as we can,” said Blake. “We are excited to be hosting the 2011 FLW World Cup. We have such a great history with the tournament. We are expecting larger crowds than 2007 and are hoping for another Arkansas win,” said Steve Arrison.

Scott Suggs

Bryant, AR DOB: May 27, 1966 Years on Tour: 6 2010 AOY: 10th 2010 Earnings: $85,925 Career Earnings: $1,582,794 Largest Day’s Catch: 24 lbs, 7 oz (2005, Wheeler Lake, FLW Tour) Forrest Wood Cups: 4 Cup wins: 1 Cup top-10s: 2 FLW Tour Top-10s: 5 FLW Series Top-10s: 1

The 2011 the Forrest Wood Cup Expo will be held Friday, Aug. 12, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 13 & 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Summit Arena located in downtown Hot Springs. Expo activities include a “Meet the Pros” event, free samples from sponsors, Ranger Boat simulator rides, a casting pond, interactive games, the Walmart Kid’s Zone and the Zebco trout pond. Tournament take-offs will take place at Brady Mountain Resort & Marina. Daily weigh-ins begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Summit Arena in downtown Hot Springs.

PHOTO BY FLW OUTDOORS

In August, Lake Ouachita and Hot Springs will once again host the prestigious tournament. The event is made for television and airs in over 500 million households in 123 countries. Lake Ouachita, the largest lake (40,100 acres) located entirely within Arkansas boarders, is renowned for its scenic beauty and clear waters. It was created when Blakely Mountain Dam impounded the waters of the Ouachita River near Hot Springs. The lake is virtually surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and has one of Arkansas's most pristine shorelines at some 970

Scott Suggs has been fishing on the tour since 2005. The first $1 Million prize was taken by the Bryant native in 2007. What’s even more exciting for Arkansans is that Suggs won the cup in Hot Springs, on Lake Ouachita. This was his first win at tour level—and it happened in his home state. Suggs described the moment as one of the best experiences of his life. While winning a $1 Million payout was exciting, being cheered on by a home crowd was exhilarating. As that 2007 tournament progressed, more and more fans came out to watch Scott reel in pound after pound of fish. “There were over 100 boats following me and watching me fish. There were boats lining both sides of us and people were screaming and cheering,” described Suggs. He noted that he would probably never experience anything like that again. He added, “I’ve fished a lot of tournaments but nothing has ever compared to the way it was in Hot Springs.” To read more about Scott, visit Scottsuggsfishing.com. Photo by FLW Outdoors

16 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

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Mountain tower, hot springs

St. Elizabeth's catholic church, eureka springs

garlan woodland garden, hot springs

River market, little rock

William J. Clinton presidential library, little rock

Four great Arkansas getaways that put The anxiety of planning and gas prices to rest.

Story and photos by the Arkansas department of parks and tourism

he family vacation. A getaway from the daily grind isn’t just a luxury, it’s our right. However, Americans are working longer hours and taking less of their hard-earned vacation time. People are pulled in many directions and it’s hard to find the time to take a vacation. And when they do, the task of planning a seven day vacation is almost as exhausting as not traveling at all. Time isn’t the only thing standing in the way of the family vacation, higher gas prices are weighing heavily on the minds of would-be travelers. If this sounds like you, here’s a bit of good news. Travel in Arkansas is affordable and adventurous—it’s the perfect destination. Arkansas offers lakes, rivers, hiking and biking trails, numerous parks and museums—and the world’s only public diamond mine (Crater of Diamonds State Park) where you get to keep what you find. Planning a traditional vacation or a shorter staycation is easy with a little help from your friends at Arkansas tourism. Arkansas.com provides Hot Deals and Packages, sample itineraries, a trip planner and even a gas calculator to make planning your getaway a breeze.

Here are four trip ideas for your summer travel. Eureka Springs

Two-Day Tour Eureka Springs is Victorian splendor at its best. It boasts excellent shopping, dining and sightseeing

18 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

opportunities. The town offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from historic hotels and restored Victorian homes to cabins and cottages, with an ample selection of prices, styles, and amenities.

Day 1 • Head to downtown Eureka

Springs, the entire area of which is on the National Register of Historic Places. • Take a historical tour of the city aboard the Eureka Springs Trolley. This is a great way to acclimate yourself to your surroundings, and view the town’s beautiful Victorian architecture.

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• Attend America’s #1 outdoor

religious drama, the Great Passion Play. The story of Jesus’ last days on earth, this live drama is staged in an outdoor amphitheater from late April through late October, nightly except Mondays and Thursdays.

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Day 2 • If you aren’t already staying at

one of Eureka Spring’s haunted hotels, like the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa or the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, stop by and sign up for a ghost tour or get pampered at one of their relaxing spas. • Visit Thorncrown Chapel, a non-denominational chapel located just west of Eureka Springs. Designed by nationallyrecognized Arkansas architect, E. Fay Jones, it has been called by Time Magazine "one of the most popular and widely publicized of new American buildings." • At Blue Spring Heritage Center, historic Blue Spring, a stop on the Trail of Tears, pours 38 million gallons of water each day into its trout stocked lagoon. View the historic film, stroll the garden paths and visit the bluff shelter on the National Register. • Discover unique restaurants and venues for live music shows to round out your night. • Spend the morning enjoying funky and quirky shops, art galleries, museums, and dining in the downtown area.

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Two-Day Tour Tour downtown Little Rock, visit art galleries, and shop in the diverse and eclectic Little Rock River Market. Explore the city's present and past at the various museums and historic sites.

Day 1 • The Old State House Museum

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built in 1836, served as the state's original capitol until 1911 and was the seat of both the Confederate and Unionists governments in Arkansas during the Civil War. It is now a museum of Arkansas history featuring permanent and changing exhibits and restored legislative chambers. • Four blocks east is Little Rock’s River Market District. Numerous restaurants, bars, galleries and shops along with the Arkansas Museum of Discovery and the Central Arkansas Library are all found here. The museum features high energy interactive exhibits, while the library offers computer access and comfortable spaces for reading. • Keep heading east to get a look at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District, the Clinton Library houses the largest

River market, little rock

archival collection in American Presidential history. • Two blocks to the southeast of the Little Rock River Market District is the Historic Arkansas Museum where the state’s oldest neighborhood is preserved, comprised of four original Little Rock dwellings. Also on site is a center celebrating Arkansas's cultural and material heritage with full-scale galleries and interactive exhibits. • Explore the great outdoors and the beauty of The Natural State

by heading west via La Harpe Blvd., Cantrell Road and Ark. 10 to Ark. 300. Here you’ll find Pinnacle Mountain State Park, an oasis in the bustling west Little Rock area. Take in the view of the Arkansas River, walk along one of the trails or, if you’re ambitious, climb to the top of the mountain for an incredible view of the Arkansas River Valley. • Head back downtown where the River Market District offers nighttime entertainment with several restaurants and bars featuring live music and karaoke.

Day 2 • Take off for a day of shopping

and “parking” by traveling southeast via I-40, I-440 and U.S. 165 toward the small farming community of Scott where the “Old South” feel prevails. Take a quick detour off U.S. 165 onto Alexander Road (by Scott School) where the Scott Plantation Settlement is

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located. Various buildings from the surrounding area have been reassembled here, depicting a typical Arkansas plantation. Turn right onto Walkers Corner Road which takes you back to U.S. 165. Go across the highway and you’ll be at the Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park (Ark. 161), where exhibits and programs interpret the history of cotton agriculture from 1836 through World War II, when agricultural practices quickly became mechanized. • Leave the museum and go south on Ark. 161 for a short distance until you encounter an Arkansas Legend. Cotham’s Country Store and Restaurant -- "Where the Elite Meet to Eat" – is an old general store and museum known for its famous "hubcap burger." • After lunch continue south on U.S. 165 where you’ll pass Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park. This National Historic Landmark preserves

and interprets the state's tallest Native American mounds and includes a visitor center with exhibits. Park interpreters lead site tours along two trails: the 3/4 mile barrier-free trail and the 1.6 mile turf trail. • If you’re a serious shopper, you might want to bypass the park and head straight to the booming metropolis of Keo (population 235). You’ll find Morris Antiques, one of the South’s largest antique dealers. Other shops include Old Gin Antiques, Goodbar’s Antique Lamps, and Lisa’s of Keo. After shopping, drop in at Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets, housed in an old apothecary shop, before heading back to Little Rock. Decadent homemade desserts are the star attraction here, whether it’s a piece of pie or cake or a wonderful ice cream concoction.

Hot Springs Two-Day Tour Hot Springs has long been and remains Arkansas's top tourist destination, and for good reason. Its attractions include Hot Springs National Park with its famed Bath House Row and thermal baths, live and simulcast Thoroughbred racing, Magic Springs/Crystal Falls theme and water parks, the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens, a renowned arts community, and the Mid-America Science Museum. Shopping opportunities, including antiques, abound in the Spa City, as do options for lodging.

Day 1 • The Arlington Hotel’s charms

include an on-premise bath house that provides thermal bathing in the naturally heated waters as well as massages, a mountainside

July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 21

hot tub, twin heated swimming pools, restaurants and a lobby bar backed by a large jungle-motif mural. Reservations should be made in advance for baths and massages. • Immediately south of the Arlington, the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park stands on the east side of Central Ave. The Fordyce Bathhouse is home to the park’s visitors center, where a film and exhibits tell the story of the geological wonder of the springs and the history of the town. The Buckstaff Bath House offers thermal bathing and massages on the Row. Be sure to visit the mountainside cascade spring located just east of the Arlington. The historic Quapaw Baths and Spa has been renovated and reopened as a complete spa facility, featuring the town's famous thermal waters. • Stroll along downtown Central Ave. to visit quality art galleries, enjoy fantastic dining and fun shopping. Or, experience an exceptional view of the whole town and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains from the park’s Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Garvan Woodland Gardens. The Garden of the Pine Wind features stream courses, waterfalls, Asianinspired stone bridges and native and Asian plantings. • Swing back into downtown Hot Springs and spend the afternoon with notorious gangsters. The Gangster Museum of America, located on Central Ave., will take you back to the famous spa town’s gangster past. It reveals a slice of history that up until now has mostly been stuff of legend. The museum highlights the stories of mobsters Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, Bugs Moran and Frank Costello who were known to vacation in The Spa City. Texarkana

Two-Day Getaway Texarkana, founded in 1873, is a good target for historical buffs who want a little “buffing” as well. The town is really a twin city as State Line Avenue joins Texarkana, Ark. with Texarkana, Texas. For a relaxing getaway, call the girls and enjoy this double city for a double day.

Day 1 • Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast

Arlington hotel, hot springs

Day 2 • After breakfast and a leisurely

departure from the hotel, follow Central Ave. south to its intersection with the U.S. 270 Bypass. Take U.S. 270 east to its first exit at Ark. 128 (Carpenter Dam Road). Take 128 to Arkridge Road and turn right, proceeding to

22 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

at the beautifully restored 1895 Victorian Queen Anne GarrisonMcLain House (next to The Wadley House), then pick up a Discover Texarkana Driving Tour CD at the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce to guide you on a special cultural adventure. Or, if you like to walk, pick up a State Line Avenue Walking Tour Guide. The latter takes about an hour, but is an engaging look at how the past is interwoven with the present. • Relax at the Sanctuary Medical Spa before enjoying a first class dinner at a fine dining restaurant like Timothy’s before checking into the historic Wadley House (1895 Victorian Queen Anne) or

a luxury suite at one of the major hotels for the evening. If nightlife is on your menu, there’s a large choice of clubs and entertainment on both sides of town.

Day 2 • Start off the day with a photo

standing in two states at Photographer’s Island in front of the 1933 Post Office/Federal Courthouse on State Line Avenue before going over to Main Street to enjoy a free tour of the exquisite, historically restored 1924 Perot Theatre (call to see if there’s a national or international performance) and the equally stunning 1909 adaptively restored Regional Arts Center with its nationally touring art exhibits. • Visit the unrivaled 22-sided Ace of Clubs House (1885) and the Museum of Regional History (Texarkana’s oldest building-1879) with its professionally designed displays tracing Texarkana’s history from the Caddo Indians to the present. • The Antique Car Museum offers a charming look into transportation of the past (by prior reservation, but free), or visit the many historic downtown churches, antique shops, and additional sights found only in Texarkana AR-TX. After a full day of touring, stop at Merfeld’s Bread Company across from the Post Office in still another turnof-the-century building for a taste of their famous breads and bagels. Of course these are just a few suggestions.

There is much, much more to see and do in The Natural State from nature trails, to lakes and fishing, to the Blues of the Arkansas Delta, to wine country. Visit Arkansas.com or family-weekendgetaways.com for more trip ideas, money saving Hot Deals & Packages and to order your free Vacation Planning Kit. Enjoy traveling Arkansas this summer and exercise your right to your family vacation!

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Extreme Outdoor Adventure:

Rock Climbing by Emily griffin

There are several different types of climbing methods including: mountaineering, ice climbing, bouldering, indoor climbing, and rock climbing, Arkansas’ most popular form. Each method poses a different kind of challenge, excitement and adrenaline rush.

For many years, rock climbing was seen as part of mountaineering, where mountaineers would climb routes to prepare themselves for a climbing expedition. It served as a form of training in order to improve their climbing skills. Beginning in the 1920s rock climbing gradually became known as a sport in its own right, consisting of shorter, more challenging climbs. Knowing that rock climbing as an outdoor sport could be really dangerous; safety and protection were greatly considered. Specific techniques and gear were developed as the routes became harder and more challenging to climbers.

PHOTO BY ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

n recent years, more and more people are discovering the joys of climbing— whether as a sport or as a form of recreation.

As with all other outdoor activities, learning is a continuous process. You will learn the finer points as you gain experience.

24 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

If you are interested in learning to rock climb, reading informative articles, and talking with other climbers will help you understand what rock climbing is all about. Many climbers appreciate the benefits of climbing, whether it is the full-body workout, a sense of community among other climbers, or the thrill of competition.

There are many places to climb in Arkansas. A favorite among avid climbers is Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, pictured above.

Getting Started

Reaching the top of a climb gives climbers a feeling of accomplishment—a feeling of victory. Climbing in Arkansas holds its own rewards. From every corner of the state people can appreciate Arkansas’ natural beauty.

Two people are needed to rock climb: a climber and a belayer. One end of the rope is connected to the climber and the other end is connected to the belayer. As a rock climber begins ascending a piece of rock, the belayer feeds rope through the belaying device as needed for the climber. The climber will place their own protection along the climb to ensure their safety. This is done by placing nuts and hexes into a crack in the rock’s wall.

Safety Climbing is challenging and taking on the challenge can be very rewarding. However, rock climbing is a dangerous sport, even when you’ve done everything possible to ensure your safety. Climbing on an indoor rock wall will help give you an idea of what it takes to rock climb. Other safety steps to consider are: check your knots and harness buckles; inspect your gear and replace when needed; know your climbing partners and their habits; check your belay; keep an eye on the weather; always double check your rappel system. Equipment You need several pieces of equipment in rock climbing. It is important to know the proper uses of your gear since this can help in ensuring your safety. Determine what you need in your climb, understand the features and use of each tool or device, and learn when to use it.

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The essential basic equipment every climber needs to have at all times includes climbing shoes, a harness, a belay kit, a helmet, a chalk bag and chalk, and a climbing rope. Other equipment may be added to your equipment list based on where you are going to climb and which route you take. When looking for climbing shoes

“The best climber is the one having the most fun.” – Alex Lowe comfort and fit are the most important aspects. These shoes should fit securely on your foot. The soles are thinner than that of a traditional shoe allowing climbers to feel the rock beneath them. A harness, used to attach the rope to the climber, should match your body

shape. Since you will be putting a lot of trust into this piece of equipment it is important to try many different harnesses before you settle on one. The harness shouldn’t weigh too much. A belay device is a mechanical tool used to hold the rope of a climber by applying enough friction to it. Should the climber fall, the use of a belay device makes it possible to hold the fall. Do not attempt to us a belay device without adequate training to avoid accidents or injuries. Climbers use chalk to keep their hands dry and to increase friction between their hands and the rock. A chalk back should be durable and easy to get your hand in and out of. Your helmet should be durable and ventilated, and your rope should be made for climbing. Not all ropes are created equal! Look for a dynamic rope, meaning a rope with elasticity. Dynamic ropes reduce force during fall.

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CENTER S

26 | Arkansas Wild ď&#x201A;§ July/August 2011

R SPREAD

July/August 2011 ď&#x201A;§ Arkansas Wild | 27

Climbing shops: Packrat in Fayetteville (479) 521-6340 packrat.biz Take a Hike in Little Rock (501) 227-8096 Lewis and Clark Outfitters in Springdale (479) 756-1344 The Woodsman in Ft. Smith (479) 452-3559

WHERE TO

CLIMB

Arkansas climbing is fun for both beginners and advanced climbers. It’s no surprise that the rocky hills in Northwest Arkansas make for great rock climbing. Some of Arkansas’ crags attract climbers from across the world. Below is a listing and description of a few popular climbing destinations. Pinnacle Mountain State Park Pinnacle Mountain State Park, just west of Little Rock, boasts 1,980-acres of scenic beauty and a wide diversity of wildlife habitats, minutes from the city. The 1,011foot peak, the park's dominant natural feature and namesake, has several faces suitable for technical climbing. A number of routes, ranging in difficulty up to 5.8, have been mapped on the south and east faces by local climbing clubs. Helmet use is required. Use of permanent attachments (pitons and other bolting devices) is prohibited, as is rappelling. You can pick up your climbing maps and the mandatory climbing permit at the state park visitor center. This free permit must be signed before you climb. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Situated on a 350-acre sprawl in Jasper, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is set up as a dude ranch catering to vacationing families and has even been named one of the best climbing areas east of the Rockies. With over 150 routes it’s hard to keep a climber away. The ranch offers many routes for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. They even have guides to help you along. For more information, visit gohcr.com. Sam's Throne In the 1820s, Sam Davis, in search of his sister who he claimed had been kidnapped by Indians, climbed on top on a sandstone outcrop and preached fiery sermons to the hardscrabble settlers who lived below. Besides spewing damnation,

28 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

Davis claimed to have a hoard of gold stashed on the summit of his rock, and built a log blockade across the formation's walk up to keep out would-be thieves. He also said he'd live for 1,000 years. Far as anyone can tell, Davis isn't around anymore, but his rock, now known as Sam's Throne, still has a following. The Throne itself, a sandstone caprock up to half a rope high, has some 70 established lines. Given its long history, which may include the region's first technical route 30 years ago, it's considered a traditional bastion. Even today, the majority of routes are gear protected, and bolts are few and far between. The Atoka sandstone caprock that forms the cliffs at Sam’s Throne encircles about a three miles area. Climbs range from 60 feet to 75 feet pitches and has some 70 established lines, and over 500 routes. To get to Sam’s Throne start in Mt. Judea and turn south on Arkansas State Highway 123. For more information about Sam’s Throne, visit arkansas.com. Mount Magazine State Park About two hours south of Sam's Throne, just south of Interstate 40, lies the easy-to-overlook crag of Mount Magazine. Mount Magazine, Arkansas's 2,753-foot highpoint, is the state parks system's most dramatic location for technical climbing. This flat-topped mountain, with its rugged bluffs, deep canyons and natural diversity, is the highest relief between the Rockies and the Appalachians. Traditional and sport climbing, as well as rappelling, are allowed in a designated area on the mountain's south bluff overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley. This 1,500-foot wide stretch of sandstone boasts over 100 routes up to 80 feet high, ranging from 5.5 to 5.12c in difficulty, with plenty in the 5.10 and under range. Climbers are required to register at the state park visitor center.

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The Cotter Bridge has become one of the most famous sights in the Arkansas Ozarks, spanning the White River with beautiful rainbow arches. But if a county judge hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taken action, it might not have been built.

30 | Arkansas Wild ď&#x201A;§ July/August 2011

The Bridge That shouldn’t have been built. by kat robinson — photos by grav weldon The Cotter Bridge across the White River is a stunning, beautiful affair, a Rainbow Arch bridge with five arches and an aqueduct that takes Highway 62’s business route high across the river at a point historically known for flooding. However, if it wasn’t for a county judge’s actions, the dang thing might never have been built. A little history for you. Used to be, the only way to cross the river around those parts was by ferry. However, the White River was a pretty untamed beast. It tended to flood often, making ferry travel unviable. To get over, you had to head 100 miles north up to Branson to make the crossing. That just wasn’t going to do. Now, back in 1905, the town of Cotter was incorporated, some 1,400 lots created and sold by the Red Bud Realty Corporation. The Missouri Pacific Railroad put a rail bridge across at that point (previously known as Lake’s Ferry) and railroad

bridge across the river at Cotter… but there just weren’t funds to get it going. Money was always going to be a point of contention, it seems. Took until 1926 for anything to really start happening as far as bridgebuilding goes. That’s when two private companies came forward and proposed to build between them three toll bridges to cross the White River in the area. They bought out three of the ferries where those bridges were going to be put. That went over like a ton of bricks. Arkansawyers by our very nature have a low opinion of toll roads, bridges and the like. We just don’t have them around these parts. It’s not just how we feel today — it’s how we felt back then. Want proof? Here’s part of an editorial that appeared in the Cotter Record on February 11th, 1927: “No truer statement was ever made than that ‘Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty,’ and its truth is brought home forcibly to the people

Ruthven allegedly took that report back home with him to Cotter. He mailed it to the Highway Commission since it was the right thing to do… twenty years later. employees began filling up the town. I suppose technically folks could cross the river on the rail bridge — but it wasn’t a really feasible way of doing things, right? Folks wanted a bridge. There was no denying that. Dr. J Morrow and the Honorable J.C. Floyd introduced a measure back in 1912 to secure a

of Baxter and Marion counties by the attempted grab of toll bridge franchises at Denton ferry on White river and the ferries on North Fork. The construction of such bridges by private individuals, companies or corporations would in effect erect a wall about Baxter and Marion counties to the serious injury of North Arkansas, the state as a whole and July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 31

the country at large… a toll bridge at best is not desirable, and under such a sweeping unlimited franchise… is a positive menace, a crime… Black river is cursed with such a bridge and efforts are being made to do away with the nuisance.” So, how’d that end up? Turns out, there was no need to go after those companies anyway, thanks to a ruling by Congress in January 1928 that upheld the Highway Commission’s contention that it, not county courts or anyone else, had the authority to build toll bridges -- as long as those bridges were made free bridges once the cost of building them had been paid off.

issue bonds and construct and operate a toll bridge over the White River -Hey, wait a minute. A toll bridge? Seriously? Yes, a toll bridge. Seems that while private companies couldn’t get away with doing it on a state highway, the state could. Well, there you go.

Judge Ruthven went down to Little Rock and was present when the Highway Commission was to review the reports. Somehow, the report on Cotter disappeared out of that stack of studies. The Commission figured it must have been an oversight, approved all the studies and commissioned the bridges. Ruthven allegedly took that report back home with him to Cotter. He mailed it to the Highway Commission since it was the right thing to do… twenty years later. Sly, eh? So… after the U.S. Senate passed a bill granting the Highway Commission to 32 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

But while Baxter and Marion County residents were glad they finally had a bridge, they didn’t want to use it -- not and have to pay a toll. Though Baxter County refused to renew the license of Joe McCracken, the Cotter ferry operator -- Marion County granted him one, and he kept running it. And people kept using it. The bridge wasn’t getting paid for and the state didn’t like that. So how did the problem get fixed? Easy. In July 1931 the state gave McCracken $250 to not only stop ferrying people but to destroy the ferry. Instantly there was an upswing in people using that bridge!

What does this have to do with a county judge or the bridge itself? (Hang in there, I’m getting to the point.) Before that official ruling, the state Highway Department had obtained federal government approval to build nine toll bridges in Arkansas. County Judge R. M. Ruthven wanted Cotter to be on that list of proposed sites. Problem was, there wasn’t enough traffic to make that bridge feasible. Indeed -- a feasibility study including a traffic count was a requirement for each and every site before they could be approved. That study on Cotter was done in June 1928, and it came back that no, there wasn’t enough traffic to justify a bridge there.

completed on November 1, 1930, six months ahead of schedule. It was dedicated on the 11th of that month. Between three and four thousand people turned out for the party. It was a heck of a celebration.

The Cotter Bridge, recently renovated, has become a landmark in the Ozark landscape. May of 1929, Frank Marsh of the Marsh Engineering Company in Des Moines, IA came down and surveyed and measured where the bridge would go. Two months later plans were approved. Bids were submitted, one accepted, all rejected when the plans were changed and the submission process started all over again. Still, by October of that year the Bateman Contracting Company out of Nashville already had workers on site. By November the materials to build the bridge were coming in and locals were being hired to help construct it, and by December piers were being set in the river. The White River, which had been so unruly over the past several years, cooperated for once, not flooding or arguing with the men so steadily working on the bridge from a cableway above. Folks had expected the weather and the water to be uncooperative and had planned for down days. Instead, the bridge was

So, there you go. The Cotter Bridge was officially renamed the R. M. Ruthven Bridge in December 1976, though few call it that. It was dedicated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in October 1986. A decade ago, a new bridge was opened north of Cotter… a four lane plain Jane featureless bridge that carries four lanes of US 62/412 across the White River. Originally the Cotter Bridge was going to be replaced, but there was an outcry to save this landmark of the Ozark landscape and it was saved. It was renovated and reopened in 2004, outfitted with new lights to shine at night. It’s still a regal beauty, and if you’re in the area you might want to go check it out. To get there from the west, you’ll take a right off US Highway 62/412 just east of Flippin. From the east, it’s a left-hand turn onto US 62B right before you get to the White River, right on the west side of Gassville. There’s a lookout point on the Gassville side where you can see both the Cotter Bridge and the MoPac Railroad Bridge next to it. Take your camera.

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BAIT

A family affair by kat robinson — photos by grav weldon

im and Tammy Partin run the 101 Grocery and Bait Shop in Gamaliel. They get up early every morning and work every night to provide drinks, grocery items, bait and pizza to the folks who live nearby. They’re not from around here. The Partins are from Fort Wayne, IN. Tammy was an accountant, Tim was a garbage collector. They came down here on vacation a while back and tried out the fishing at Lake Norfork and fell in love. They met Frank Schubert, the former owner of the 101 -- a Chicagoan who’d purchased the place from its previous owners nearly six years before. When he decided to move on six years ago, he sold the place to the Partin family and it’s been theirs ever since.

The Partins have a real sense of humor. It’s reflected on the sign out front, which advertises “Naked Minnows.” Tammy didn’t miss a beat when I asked. “Our minnows have no clothes on.” Their son Travis was 15 and their daughter Tracie was 11 when they made the move. Travis now works at Ranger Boats over in Flippin while Tracie is still in high school. “But they help us out. There’s always one of us here,” Tim told 34 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

Lake Ouachita State Park

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me. “We just live out back of here so that makes it easy.” The Partins loves to fish and hunt, and they see a lot of different sorts of game and fish come through their store. Tim has a box of photos he and Tammy have taken of folks who have been through. Every sort of fish -- walleye, trout, crappie, bass, striper, you name it -- are in those photos, along with people showing off their trophy deer, turkey and boar. The grocery itself started in 1947, a tiny building that now comprises the center of the long facility. The bait shop on the north end used to be an ice house; the pizza station on the south end used to be an ice cream stand. Between those ends you can find everything from soda to soup to sandwich makings, household items and novelty gags. The Partins have a real sense of humor. It’s reflected on the sign out front, which advertises “Naked Minnows.” Tammy didn’t miss a beat when I asked. “Our minnows have no clothes on.” They offer lots of things to folks passing by -- maps of the lakes, guide referrals for those who need them. They can pick up the phone and get you a place to stay and they know where to send you for dinner if you had a rough day on the water. The store never closes for the holidays. “We’re here every day, five in the morning to ten at night, even on Christmas,” Tim told me. “We never take vacations, because we’re always on vacation here.” 101 Grocery and Bait 3287 Highway 101 Gamaliel, AR 72537 (866) 746-5596 101groceryandbait.com From Top: 101 Grocery as it is today, inside 101 Grocery, Tim Partin 36 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

Good water does not happen by accident! Central Arkansas Water and the Watershed Management Staff want you to get out and enjoy one of Central Arkansas’s most treasured resources this summer… Lake Maumelle! Go sailing, take your kayak for a spin or do a little fishing. Bring a backpack and take a day hike through the Ouachita National Recreation Trail or stretch your legs for a short jaunt on the Farkleberry Trail. Pack a picnic, take in the view and enjoy the wildlife but remember to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, this is our drinking water.

Clean water adds to quality of life. For more information on Lake Maumelle and the Watershed Management program, check us out online at www.carkw.com under the public information tag. Photo: ArkAnsAs DePArtment of PArks AnD tourism

July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 37

PHOTO BY ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Tubing at Lake Ouachita

Making waves in the

natural state By paige hunter parham

The Natural State is home to more than 50 rivers and hundreds of lakes, making it the perfect place to take up a recreational water sport like skiing, wake boarding, or tubing. Whether you own a boat or choose to rent one, if you have a taste for adventure it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy checking out some of the following aquatic activities! 38 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

Waterskiing

Waterskiing was invented on a summer day in 1922 by an eighteenyear-old Minnesota teenager named Ralph Samuelson. He was inspired by snow skiing and had the idea that it could probably be done in water as well as on land. Samuelson was also the first person to attempt and complete the first ski jump. Because skiing can be enjoyed by people of all ages, it is a very popular sport. It’s possible to ski behind most types of power boats – from party barges to jet boats – making this sport a popular option for all types of boaters. Waterskiing does not require a great deal of extra equipment, all that is necessary is a boat, skis, a tow rope, and a life jacket. Besides the driver of the boat and the skier, it is essential to have a third person on the boat. This

person is known as the spotter, and they will need to watch the skier closely and let the driver know if the skier falls. The spotter and the skier can communicate through hand signals, which are a common way for those participating in water sports to convey information to one another.

PHOTO BY ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Most skiers learn on two skis, and then gradually work their way up to slalom skiing – which is where both feet are placed on one ski. Slalom can be learned either by starting on two skis and dropping one off after the skier has stood up, or the skier can start off in the water with just one ski. Slalom skiing is much faster than skiing on two skis, and it can be quite difficult to learn. Although it’s not as popular as newer watersports, skiing can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages and physical abilities, and will probably be a popular sport for many more years.

Jet Skiing

If you’re looking for a more independent way to speed around the lake or river, jet skiing might be just the sport you’re looking for. A jet ski is a personal watercraft which can usually hold from 1-3 passengers. There are two distinct types of jet skis – one type has seats for the riders, and the other requires passengers to stand up. The sitdown models are by far the more popular of the two. Jet skis do not require a great deal of training to learn to drive, which makes them a very popular activity for families spending a day at the lake. At many lakes in Arkansas, there are marinas and vendors that offer jet ski rentals for around $75-$100 an hour. These rental places also often have other types of water sports equipment available for rent, which make them a great way to try out various sports before you put down several thousands of dollars to purchase a large piece of equipment such as a jet ski or a wake board. For jet skiing, the only piece of safety equipment that is necessary is a life jacket. Most personal watercrafts come equipped with a “dead man’s switch” attached to a lanyard,

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Skiing at DeGray Lake

which will cut off the motor if the passenger falls off the vehicle while riding. This will prevent the craft from leaving a rider stranded in the event of a crash or similar problem. Jet skis are generally considered to be safe for children to ride with an adult driver, as long as all passengers wear the required floatation vests.

Tubing

Before they learn to ski or wake board, most children have their first taste of being pulled behind a speeding boat on a specially designed inflatable tube meant to carry passengers. These tubes can hold as few as one passenger or as many as six. There is very little skill required for tubing, which is why it is such a popular choice for families with children. As with other water sports, a safety vest is required, as well as a rope. Tubes are usually equipped with a place to attach the rope to the tube, so all that is required of the rider is to hold on tight! Tubes are often available for rent for as low as $25 per day, which can turn an ordinary day on the lake into a squealing, splashing adventure!

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is perhaps the

40 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

most popular of the surface water sports. It combines the thrills of waterskiing with the techniques of snowboarding and surfing. Wakeboards are generally made of a buoyant core overlaid with fiberglass, with bindings and fins attached. There are a variety of configurations of fins and hardware, and most boards can be customized according to the preferences of the rider. For wakeboarding, boats are usually equipped with a wakeboard tower, which positions the rope’s “tow point” about 7 feet off of the water’s surface. This allows for a larger wake to be produced for a more effective ride. Wakeboarders can move in and out of the wake, perform jumps, or do advanced tricks like flips. Wakeboarding requires a special type of boat, which should have a wakeboard tower on the back; a board, a rope, and a lifejacket. It is generally done on lakes to allow the boat to create the wake for the rider. Like all watersports, there should be a person who is neither the driver of the boat nor the wakeboarder to provide supervision of the rider and communication between the driver and rider.

More Information There are lots of options for cooling off with water sports on Arkansas’ lakes and rivers, even beyond what we’ve covered here. Most lakes will have a marina on site with a rental outlet for these types of equipment, be sure to check out agfc.com for boating safety regulations and guidelines to ensure that everyone stays safe. Their full boating safety handbook, which includes a chapter on personal watercrafts, is available at boat-ed.com/ar/ ar_specific_images/pdfs/ ar_handbook_entire.pdf

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Worth a Thousand Words: The Photography of

A.C. “Chuck” Haralson For years Arkansans have viewed the state through A.C. “Chuck” Haralson’s eyes. The very talented photographer is the Arkansas State Parks and Tourism Chief Photographer and for more than 30 years Haralson has captured the beauty of The Natural State. On these pages, Arkansas Wild presents a selection of his pictures taken during summer around the state. Clockwise from Top Left: Catching some afternoon sun

on the Lake Ouachita Party Barge, scenic Ponca, sunset at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, bounty from the Fayetteville Farmer's Market, Petit Jean State Park.

July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 43

aura photographer, hypnotists, intuitive readings, essential oils, books, jewelry, fee and paid lectures, door prizes every hour. Admission: $5. Event place: North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow Street. For more information, contact Sharlette Pumphrey at 501-955-2063.

FEATHERED FLYERS WEEKEND

July 30 thru 31: It’s all for the birds! Programs this weekend feature our feathered friends, including hummingbirds, raptors, waterfowl, backyard birds, and more! Contact the park for a detailed program schedule at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 501-8685806.

PURPLE MARTIN AWARENESS WEEKEND

Calenda r

Events

PHOTO BY GRAV WELDON

Hope Watermelon Festival

28TH ANNUAL ALTUS GRAPE FESTIVAL

July 29 thru 30: This small town festival celebrates the state’s wine region with grape stomping, wine tastings, a Bacchus look-alike contest and a juried arts and crafts show. Not to be missed—Friday night’s celebrity grape stomping, with well-known names from around the state participating in a good old-fashioned grape stomp. Kids will enjoy the inflatables and the playground while parents can sample wines from four of the state’s best known wineries. Admission is free; there is a fee for wine tasting. The event will take place in Altus City Park. For more information, call 479-468-4684.

HUMMINGBIRD VIEWING

July 30: What are those fast-moving birds the size of big bugs? Join us as we explore the world of hummingbirds and watch them feed at the Pinnacle Mountain visitor center feeders. Event time: 8:30-11 a.m. After viewing, learn more about amazing hummingbird adaptations, how to attract them to your yard, and what to feed them. Don’t miss this amazing treat! Admission: FREE. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

44 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

25TH ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CARDBOARD BOAT RACES

July 30: An event that you’ll see nowhere else, the annual boat races features teams from all over the state (and outside the state) competing to see who can paddle through a course the fastest on their boats. The catch—the boats are made of nothing more than duct tape and cardboard. Part of the fun is watching the sea-worthiness of each boat and whether or not they capsize. Hundreds will flock to watch from the beach while hundreds more will watch from boats along the route on Greers Ferry Lake. Bring your sunscreen and your umbrella—there’s no shade, but you’ll be entertained for hours. The event will take place at the Damsite Recreation Area in Heber Springs. For more information, visit heber-springs.com.

BODY, MIND, & SOUL EXPO

July 30 thru 31: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wouldn’t it be great, if you could go to one place to revitalize your body, stimulate your mind, and pamper your soul? Experience firsthand, many types of alternative healing. Exhibitors consist of foot reflexologist, chair massage,

July 30 thru 31: Experience one of the most remarkable gatherings of purple martins in the United States. This weekend we will have programs to help you identify these large swallows and show you how you can help protect them by putting up martin houses. At sunset, we will take a lake tour out to Bird Island to view 25,000 to 50,000 purple martins as they come in to roost on this tiny island. They’re only here for a few weeks each year, so don’t miss your opportunity to see this spectacular display. Space is limited on the tours, so make reservations early by calling the park. Admission: TBA. For more information or to make reservations, call the Lake Ouachita State Park at 501767-9366.

COMMUNITY-WIDE FISH FRY WITH CHICKEN STRIPS AND BAKE SALE

August 5: This event will take place at Grand Prairie Evangelical Methodist Church located at 1104 East 21st. Street, Stuttgart, AR. Eat-in or Carry-out available. We will start serving at 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tickets are $11. For more information contact Hal Lovett 870-672-1737.

METEOR SHOWER MANIA

August 11: View shooting stars form the middle of Lake Maumelle! Join a park interpreter on this guided cruise to learn about stars and constellations then watch a slice of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Advance payment is required. Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Meeting place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. Event time: 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

35TH ANNUAL HOPE WATERMELON FESTIVAL

August 11 thru 13: The home of the state’s largest watermelons spends three days celebrating the famed fruit with seed spitting contests, watermelon eating contests, miniature tractor races and a host of vendors. You’ll find everything

from quilts to jelly, woodworking crafts and children’s clothes among the vendors -- along with delicacies such as pickle juice and fried gator on a stick. Melon is a dollar a slice and sells throughout the festival until it’s all gone. The event will take place at Fair Park in Hope. For more information, visit hopechamperofcommerce.com.

and the annual watermelon feast (usually held at 4 p.m. on Saturday) where local melon growers serve up the prime of their crop to a line of patient attendees -ice cold and utterly free. Bring your wet wipes. The event will take place at Cave City City Park. For more information, visit cavecityarkansas.com.

“METEOR SHOWER MANIA” CRUISE

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES: CALL OF THE WILD AT JHARVNC

August 12: View shooting stars from the middle of Lake Maumelle (if the sky and clouds cooperate)! Join a park interpreter on this guided cruise to learn about stars and constellations then watch a bit of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Advance payment is required. Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Everyone will meet at Jolly Roger’s Marina. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

32ND ANNUAL CAVE CITY WATERMELON FESTIVAL

August 12 thru 13: The sweetest watermelons in Arkansas are found in and around Cave City, deemed an agricultural wonder for the highest sugared watermelons found in the world (this is a matter of some debate, but usually Cave City wins). For two days musicians entertain a crowd that absorbs family fun such as an antique car show, dunking booths, a parade and pancake breakfast

August 16: The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith invites you to join us every third Tuesday of the month for Outdoor Experiences – designed to sharpen your outdoor skills and interest in all things outdoors. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is located at 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith. Event time: 7 p.m. Call of the Wild: Expert caller Ralph Duren will be sharing over 100 calls of the wild with his mouth. This is a humorously entertaining FREE program for the whole family. Don’t miss out on a few laughs. For more information, call 479-452-3993.

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August 20: This is a family-friendly event. There will be door prizes, drawings, silent auction, and live auction. There will be a prime rib dinner. Happy Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. The

event will last until 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mike Harp at 903826-1031.

18TH ANNUAL END OF SUMMER HANG-GLIDER FLY-IN

August 20 thru 21: Join the Central Arkansas Mountain Pilots (C.AM.P.) at Sunrise Point this weekend to watch and learn as they hang glide throughout the weekend. Due to the sport’s high dependence on weather and wind, no times will be announced for the flying; however, weather and wind permitting, the pilots fly throughout Saturday and Sunday beginning in the afternoon. Admission: FREE. For more information, call Mount Nebo State Park office at 479-229-3655.

GEOCACHING WEEKEND

August 27 thru 28: Let us immerse you and your family into the world of geocaching. Throughout the weekend, our scheduled programs and activities will be designed to help you learn about Arkansas State Park’s geocache tour and geocaches found right in our park. This is a great weekend for introducing geocaching to people who are interested, but don’t know how to get started. Admission: TBA. For more information, call Pinnacle Mountain State Park at 501-868-5806.

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WHITE RIVER DAYS

September 2 thru 5: Celebrate the history of the White River! This weekend’s events focus on the ecology, history, and prehistory of this beautiful area. Depending on the water level, join us for the annual canoe/kayak float. Event location: Bull Shoals. Admission is FREE except for lake and river cruises. For more information, call 870-445-3629.

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND

September 2: The Charlie Daniels Band have been fusing hardcore country with hard-edged Southern rock, boogie and blues. Since releasing the classic song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in 1979, The Charlie Daniels Band has been considered to be country music royalty. Concert will take place at AMP at NWA Mall. For ticket information visit waltonartscenter.org/calendar.

28TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE & CLASSIC CAR SHOW

September 3: Enter your pre-1990 car or truck, or come just to wander around and admire these classics! The gates open at 9 a.m. and judging starts at 11 a.m. Prizes for "Longest Distance Traveled," "People's Choice," and "Best of Show." Dash plaques are available for the first 50 entries. This is a MAACC event. The show will take place in Mammoth Spring State Park. For more information, call 870-625-7364.

6TH ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

September 8 thru 10: Join the fun with top name entertainment, bike show, parade 46 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

through historic downtown Hot Springs, rides, and plenty of vendors. Touted as one of the largest motorcycle shows in Central Arkansas with self-guided rides; field events and kids' events. The event will take place in downtown Hot Springs. For more information, visit thehotspringsrally. com or call 501-321-2835.

2011 OUTDOOR EXPO

September 9 thru 11: This event will be a combination of vendors, activities and programs designed to educate and equip guests interested in outdoor activities. This year will be highlighted by, but not limited to, boating, hunting, fishing, and a fishing tournament. The event will also include a free fishing derby to be held on Saturday morning. The show will be at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. For more information, visit degray.com or call 501-865-5810.

16TH ANNUAL ARKANSAS HOT AIR BALLOON STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

September 9 thru 11: The Festival kicks off Friday evening with over 20 balloons tethered to the ground for the exciting balloon glow. The event will continue through Sunday with several Balloon Race Competitions for all to enjoy. Experience the "Hot Air Balloon Adventure" with us! The event will take place at North Arkansas College South Campus in Harrison. Admission is FREE and tethered balloon rides are $5. For more information, visit arkansasbaloonfest. com or call 870-741-2659.

GASTON’S SEPTEMBER FLY FISHING SCHOOL

September 10 thru 11: Our goal is to

provide you with the very best instruction and quality education. Frank Saksa has developed many new techniques for catching fish here on the White River, ones that will make you a much better fly fisherman, no matter what you fly fish for. The event will take place at Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview. For more information, visit gastons.com/school.php or call 870-431-5202.

HOOK, LINE AND SINKER DERBY

September 10: Celebrate National Hunting & Fishing Day a little early with a free fishing derby. Golf Course Pond #7 will be stocked with catfish for you to reel in. There are no age restrictions on the fishing, but participants age 16 and over must have a fishing license. Bring your own bait and tackle. One fishing pole per person. You may also want to bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. The event is co-sponsored by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and will take place on Golf Course Pond #7 in DeGray Lake Resort State Park. For more information, visit degray.com or call 501-865-5810.

13TH ANNUAL SOUTHARK OUTDOOR EXPO

September 10: Patriotic event, dedicated to the 3,000 people who perished in the terrorist attack of 9/11/2001 and in honor of all U.S. Armed Service personnel. An unveiling of a beam from the World Trade Center that was destroyed, the only one in a 500 mile radius will take place, plus family fun and activities for sports enthusiasts, vendors and exhibitors and rib cookoff. Admission is FREE! The event will

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take place in the El Dorado Conference Center. For more information, visit southark.edu/expo or call 870-864-7130.

BUTTERFLY HOUSE

September 11 thru 25: Visitors will enjoy strolling through the butterfly enclosure, surrounded by many species of Arkansas native butterflies and plants at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. For more information, visit bgozarks.org or call 479-750-2620.

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GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO

September 17: Join us for the first annual hunting, fishing and camping expo! There will be door prizes, demonstrations, and activities for kids, concessions, information and products for all your outdoor needs. Try your hand at archery or skeet shooting! Learn to tie your own fly fishing lures! Come see the latest boats and ATVs! Who knows? Maybe you will win one! The event will take place at the City Event Center in Greenbrier and tickets are $5 for adults. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE! For more information, call 501-679-6362.

SOUTHFORK RIVER REGULATORS 6TH ANNUAL GUN & KNIFE SHOW

September 17 thru 18: Buy, sell and trade guns and knives at the 6th Annual Southfork Regulators Gun and Knife Show. The event will take place at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem. For more information, call 870-371-0507.

ARKANSAS BLACK BEAR CLASSIC

September 24: Celebrating the Arkansas Black Bear. Music, food, gun and knife show, skeet and/or archery shoot, Geocaching tournament, bouncy houses, booths, vendors, climbing wall, etc. Lots of fun for the whole family! This event will appeal to both hunters and conservationists! The event will take place just a few miles from Greers Ferry Lake at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds in Clinton. Tickets are $3 for ages 14 and up. Children under 14 are admitted FREE! For more information, call 501-745-7004.

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12TH ANNUAL BIKES, BLUES & BBQ

September 28 thru October 1: Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the largest nonprofit, family-friendly motorcycle rally in the country, offering the best motorcycle riding, blues music and barbecue. The fall festival draws an estimated 400,000 people with an economic impact of $35-$50 million for the state. The 2011 rally will take place along Dickson Street in Fayetteville. For more information, visit bikesbluesandbbq. org or call 479-684-2745.

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news briefs Kayle Browning wins national trapshooting title

She focused, and she broke 23 of 25 targets in the final round to jump into first place, take the title and earn a berth in the 2011 Pan American Games. In the recent USA Shooting Open at Colorado Springs, Colo., Browning, 18, set a record, breaking 254 targets of a possible 275. Her competitors in the six-shooter finals were a girl a year younger and veterans all the way to 48 years old, including Olympic shooters and national champions.

KAYLE BROWNING

Arkansas game & fish commission

WOOSTER – Kayle Browning stood on the firing line, shotgun ready, knowing she had an uphill climb to win the women’s national trapshooting championship.

"This summer I have the Junior Olympics coming up at Colorado Springs," she said. "Then there is the first Olympic trial in September at Kerrville, Texas." The second Olympic trial will be in February, with both totaling 600 targets. Only one shooter, the overall winner, will go to the Olympics in London. Browning is one of two Arkansans who have nailed down spots for the Pan American Games. University of Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher D.J. Baxendale is the other. The Pan American Games will be Oct. 14-30 at Guadalajara, Mexico. Activities with a shotgun have been in Browning’s life since she was a youngster. Her father, Tommy Browning, has long been a competitive shooter, with much of his work in sporting clays. He has taught 48 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

FLW Outdoors

Browning lives at Wooster, west of Greenbrier and north of Conway. She graduated from Greenbrier High School last year, attended the University of Central Arkansas for two semesters, aiming at a major in nursing. Now she is looking at a year off from college to concentrate on trapshooting, including a try for the 2012 Olympics.

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Kayle and helped with the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In that program, directed by Chuck Woodson, Kayle Browning competed for Greenbrier High School. Kayle’s mother is Tammy Browning.

Browning won the Junior Olympics trapshooting in 2009, repeated in 2010 and took the silver medal for second place in the 2008 Open.

She was no stranger to the national trapshooting competition, and she was well acquainted with most of the others in the event that she won. Her name is going on a permanent plaque at Colorado Springs.

Conditions were rough for this year’s Open championship – wind, hail which caused a delay, and rain. In the finals, wind gusted from 30 to 45 mph, an added handicap for shotgunners dealing with the international bunker style of shooting. Targets are thrown from one of 15 different stations at speeds ranging from 60 to 80 mph.

Browning has recently done work in a new field—television. She has co-hosted a segment on sporting clays with Mark McGraw, brother of singer Tim McGraw, for a web television production, and handled the webcast work at the recent Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports championships at Delta Conference Center at Tillar in southeastern Arkansas. "But I had rather be shooting than talking about it," Browning said.

Wildwood Park’s Asian Woodland Garden Awarded 2011 Arkansas Garden of the Year

Pulaski County Master Gardeners Honored For Work

LITTLE ROCK — Wildwood Park for the Arts is pleased to announce that the Park’s Asian Garden has been selected as the 2011 Arkansas Master Gardener 'Project of the Year'. The award was announced Saturday at the Master Gardener’s annual state convention in Harrison. “Hacking the garden out of briarinfested and boggy wasteland was a challenge,” said Dr. Tom Bruce, chair of Wildwoods’ Master Gardener team. “It was amply rewarding to see the mix of Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian flavors emerge into a charming woodland retreat.” Dr. Bruce, along with other Master Gardeners, accepted the plaque on behalf of the Wildwood Master Gardener team.

The remaining top 10 anglers: 2nd: Adam Wright, Benton, Ark., five bass, 18-9, $1,623 3rd: Dennis Bean, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 17-8, $1,082 4th: Zach King, Clarksville, Ark., five bass, 16-13, $758 plus $1,000 Evinrude bonus 5th: Alan Hilborn, Benton, Ark., five bass, 16-9, $649 6th: Huey Applegate, Jessieville, Ark., five bass, 15-15, $595 7th: Robert Stevens, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 15-13, $541 8th: Kyle Landers, Benton, Ark., five bass, 15-11, $487 9th: Kyle Henderson, Sheridan, Ark., five bass, 14-10, $433 10th: Kerry Milner, Bono, Ark., five bass, 14-8, $379 Keith Lambert of Benton caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 14 ounces on June 11 to win $1,623 in the Co-angler Division. He was using a red bug colored worm in Piney Creek to catch his limit.

of the Month from ARKANSAS DEPT. OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Arkansas’s Great River Road Challenge Cache N 34° 26.540 W 091° 13.194

Only one of Pulaski County’s 25 Continued on page 50

Hilton Wins Walmart Bass Fishing League Arkie Division on Lake Dardanelle RUSSELLVILLE—Boater Josh Hilton of Clarksville caught a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 2 ounces on June 11 to win $3,247 in the Walmart BFL Arkie Division tournament on Lake Dardanelle. Hilton was fishing ledges in Piney Creek and the river with a 10-inch red shad worm to catch his limit.

Geocache

The remaining top 10 co-anglers: 2nd: Daniel Lovin, Little Rock, Ark., five bass, 14-11, $812 3rd: Burl Garrett, Benton, Ark., five bass, 13-8, $541 4th: Robert Percy, Hot Springs National Park, Ark., five bass, 13-4, $379 5th: Chris George, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 12-6, $325 6th: Leon Stone, Delight, Ark., four bass, 11-10, $298 7th: Luke Middleton, Batesville, Ark., four bass, 11-7, $271 8th: Kevin Holmes, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 11-3, $230 9th: Daimon Mitchell, Little Rock, Ark., four bass, 11-3, $230 10th: Buck Quick, North Little Rock, Ark., four bass, 10-9, $189 The next BFL Arkie Division tournament is scheduled for Sept. 24-25 on Beaver Lake in Rogers. After the fifth Arkie Division tournament is complete, the top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers based on point standings will qualify for the Oct. 13-15 Regional Championship on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, AL. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger 198VX with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Yamaha outboard and a Chevy pick-up, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger 198VX.

This featured cache is aptly named the Arkansas’s Great River Road Challenge Cache. It’s considered a mystery/puzzle cache because only cachers who meet certain requirements are “allowed” to log the find. Located in historic Crocketts Bluff, this hidden “treasure” may only be logged by those who have successfully found at least 75 of the Arkansas Great River Road on Geocaching.com. Cache hunters who find the 75 caches bookmark the successful finds on their Geocaching.com profile. This cache was placed in appreciation of those who have been supportive of the Arkansas Great River Road caches. Through July 30, each cacher who is successful in meeting the challenge cache requirements will be in the running for several special gifts from Arkansas Parks and Tourism. The Arkansas Great River Road geocaches are placed in the 10 counties in the Arkansas Delta that are located along the scenic byway. In 2008, 10 caches were placed in the 10 counties as part of the 10-state celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Because of the success of the program, additional caches have been placed over the past three years. In April, the Arkansas Great River Road Power Trail, a series of 120 caches in Chicot and Desha Counties in south Arkansas, was unveiled. Now, these Great River Road caches in the Arkasnas Delta number over 150 and offer caches the chance to discover the scenic beauty and historic sites of the Arkansas Delta. For more information on the Arkansas’s Great River Road Challenge Cache, log on to Geocaching.com/seek and search by GC code for GC2XVKB. For questions, email DeltaTraveler@gmail.com.

Get out there and get geocaching! For more information visit arkansas.com/geocache

July/August 2011  Arkansas Wild | 49

news briefs White-nose syndrome not detected in Arkansas LITTLE ROCK — Officials from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and the U.S. Forest Service have completed monitoring surveys for white-nose syndrome, a disease that affects many species of bats, and have not identified it in any monitored caves in Arkansas. White-nose syndrome is responsible for killing more than one million bats in the northeastern United States since it was first identified in 2006.

The effects of the disease wake hibernating bats during a time of the year when insects are scarce, resulting in starvation.

"Winter is the time of year when white nose is most easily detected," said Blake Sasse, AGFC wildlife biologist. "The effects of the disease wake hibernating bats during a time of the year when insects are scarce, resulting in starvation. Dead bats can be found at the mouths of caves or other hibernacula."

discovered, it has been confirmed in 16 states and is suspected in three others. Three of those states, Oklahoma, Missouri and Tennessee, border Arkansas, but white-nose syndrome has only been confirmed from Tennessee.

Since white-nose syndrome was Continued from page 49 Master Gardener projects is selected to participate in the statewide competition. The Garden was praised by the Review Committee because of its natural beauty in a tranquil setting, the serious commitment to public education, and the overall value of the garden to the community. Over 60,000 people have visited the Garden since a Master Gardener team began construction on the grounds in 2008. Beginning more than 10 years ago with a concept of P. Allen Smith, Wildwood’s Asian Woodland Garden blends Oriental influences in an Ouachita mountain setting. Major horticultural holdings in the Garden include an array of Japanese maples, camellias, ferns, azaleas, Kousa dogwoods, flowering ginger, hydrangeas, bamboo, and an orchard of double-flowering Kwanzan cherry trees. The Dodi Tea House and its famed etchings of Chinese flowers, plus the Nabucco Waterfall which empties into a Zen lake, serve as anchors for the garden’s unique plants and sculptured walkways. The Garden is handicap accessible via an elevated Chinese-style boardwalk. 50 | Arkansas Wild  July/August 2011

"We’re glad that white-nose syndrome has not been identified in

Due to donations and the generous contribution of time and energy of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners, Wildwood’s Asian Woodland Garden is open daily, free of admission. To schedule a tour for your group call 501.821.7275 or visit www.wildwoodpark.org. For more information about donation and sponsorship opportunities at Wildwood, a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization, contact Leslie at 501.821.7275.

Outdoors workshop designed for women begins in September

LITTLE ROCK – Are you a woman who wants to improve your outdoor skills or learn new ones? The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking for participants to attend the 2011 Arkansas Becoming an OutdoorsWoman workshop in September. BOW is an outdoor skills workshop just for women. Participants will be provided a non-threatening atmosphere where women can have fun learning skills that will enhance their enjoyment of Arkansas outdoors. The workshop focuses on learning

any caves on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests," said Judith Henry, Forest Supervisor. "We plan to remain vigilant when it comes to doing everything we can to reduce the chance for the disease to move into caves we manage." All caves on AGFC-owned property have been closed to public access because the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome can be spread on clothing and caving equipment. All caves and mines in the Ouachita National Forest have been closed to public access. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest also has closed all caves and mines, except Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View, a popular show cave. Strict white-nose syndrome protocols are being followed at Blanchard Springs Caverns to prevent the introduction of the fungus that causes whitenose syndrome.

outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing but includes other outdoor pursuits as well. Sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, BOW offers instruction in more than three dozen outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, fly-tying, archery, boating, birding, outdoor photography, Dutch oven cooking, scuba diving and shooting sports. BOW instructors provide basic and advanced instruction that is uniquely tailored to each participant’s individual ability – a key reason the participants enjoy learning so much in a short time. The $225 registration fee includes all food, lodging, equipment and supplies. Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with numerous amenities, including a pool, tennis courts, hiking trails and a wellstocked lake. Registration information, as well as information about all the classes is available on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website at agfc. com/bow. For more information, contact Arlene Green at 501-831-1504.

July/August 2011 ď&#x201A;§ Arkansas Wild | 51

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