Arkansas Wild | March 2019

ARKANSAS WILD nature boy

governor asa hutchinson Protecting PRECIOUS SPACES

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4tostate parks visit right now!

MARCH 2019 ARKANSASWILD.COM ARKANSASWILD.COM | 1 9

more than just trout.

1777 river road | lakeview, arkansas 870-431-5202 | gastons@gastons.com gastons.com | lat 36 20’ 55” n | long 92 33’ 25” w

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NO MATTER WHERE YOUR TABLE IS, STOCK IT WITH QUALITY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1959!

Fill all your sporting good needs at Sportman’s Superstore located inside Edwards Food Giant, Harrisburg.

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MARCH 2019 ARKANSASWILD.COM

ON THE COVER: Hikers enjoy Cedar Falls At Petit Jean Mountain State Park near Morrilton.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism photo

18

SALT LIFE

Kayaking the Saline River

24

FOUR OF FIFTY-TWO

Four must-see state parks of Arkansas

32

STATE OF THE NATURAL STATE ADDRESS

Gov. Asa Hutchinson - The Wild Interview

34

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Conservation in Arkansas

DEPARTMENTS

10 TRACKS 12 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 14 TRIBE 16 ARKANSAS MADE 18 EXPLORE ARKANSAS 42 STAY AND PLAY 46 ARKANSAS NOTEBOOK 4 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

This page: Fishing on the Kings River is a highlight activity in Arkansas's wild spaces.

Photography by Aaron Copeland photo

SOARING PAST OTHER CAMPGROUNDS

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Book today to bike, hike, boat, and zip through our beautifully enhanced property.

The greatest outdoor destination is now even better. Catherine’s Landing has completed a massive expansion that adds even more amenities, lodging, and adventure!

KATHERINE DANIELS Publisher katherine@arktimes.com DWAIN HEBDA Editor dwain@arktimes.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com

CALL 501-262-2550 WEB rvcoutdoors.com/catherines-landing/ EMAIL catherineslanding@rvcoutdoors.com

LESA THOMAS Senior State Representative WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller

KAYAK AND MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS AND TOURS

ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager KATIE HASSELL Graphic Designer/Social Media

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MIKE SPAIN Advertising Art Director ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director LINDA PHILLIPS Administration ANITRA HICKMAN Circulation Director

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Arkansas Times Limited Partnership 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2019 Arkansas Wild

870-224-0565

CONTRIBUTORS

Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet

Save the Date August 24th, 2019

Dinner • Live & Silent Auction • Inductee Ceremony

State House Convention Center • Little Rock, Arkansas More information to follow (501)-223-6468 • agff@agff.org • www.agff.org

DREW HARRIS , a Jonesboro native, is an active fisherman, writer, photographer and all-around outdoor type. He loves nothing more than being outside and capturing the place he calls home, no matter the season.

Find him at drewharrisphotography.com.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BELLA VISTA | BENTONVILLE | BERRYVILLE | EUREKA SPRINGS | FAYETTEVILLE HOLIDAY ISLAND | HUNTSVILLE | ROGERS | SILOAM SPRINGS | SPRINGDALE

RICHARD LEDBETTER is a south-

Arkansas outdoorsman who has published a pair of historical novels, The Branch and the Vine and Witness Tree 1910.

NATURALLY FUN Hike our scenic Ozark mountains, paddle our sparkling rivers and lakes, and shred our 200+ miles of epic mountain bike trails!

APRILLE HANSON a freelancer whose

work has appeared in the Arkansas DemocratGazette, The Trucker newspaper, Truckload Authority magazine and the Arkansas Catholic newspaper. She lives in Conway with her husband and three fur-babies.

HIKING ADVENTURES

Plan your trip at NorthwestArkansas.org MOUNTAIN BIKING

WATER RECREATION

HORSEBACK RIDING

BOB ROBINSON enjoys all things

outdoors and is the author of three bicycle guidebooks, all of which can be purchased at spiritscreek.com.

This ad paid for with state and private regional association funds

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 7

A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY It’s been nearly 20 years since I first set awestruck eyes on the Natural State and the wonder of it still hasn’t worn off. It seemed then that around every corner and bend in the road was something worth seeing, a trail worth taking or a beckoning river or lake. It still does; even the sights I’ve seen time and again never fail to impress me. And, truth be told, I hope they always will.

I can remember clearly the amusement of Arkansas natives at my slacked jaw in the face of this natural majesty. They’d seen and experienced it so much they didn’t quite understand what a big deal it was to a northern-raised flatlander like me.

Yes, it’s a well-known fact of the human condition that the closer at hand something is, the less one appreciates it. And therein lies peril, friends. We can never adopt the attitude that clean rivers, fat trout and pristine vistas will always be here regardless of what we do or don’t do.

No one generation owns the outdoors for long, or at all, really. In truth, each generation tends it for the next and they for the next. It’s a sacred responsibility that makes us who we are as a people.

This issue of WILD is devoted to the mindset of conservation as mandate for anyone blessed enough to live here. We highlight some of the important work being accomplished in our state by leading conservation entities, both private and public. We show off some of our best spots, talk about the advancements we’ve made and highlight how far we still need to go.

It is gratifying beyond words to know the talent and resolve that exists in our conservation organizations and ordinary citizens working to protect and preserve the best of Arkansas’s outdoors. Every time you see a valley in bloom, feel small against a towering pine or refresh your soul by a whispering creek, offer a thought of thanks for the work they do. Or better yet, give ’em a call and find out how to get involved.

Here’s to warmer days, crystal nights and the wonder of it all. Get out there, soak it in, STAY WILD! Wander far, my friends.

Dwain Hebda Editor, Arkansas Wild

Correction In the January 2019 edition’s Champions of the Outdoors article, Jim Hinkle was incorrectly identified as being from Mountain Home.

Mr. Hinkle is a longtime resident of Mountain View.

8 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY: DREW HARRIS

FROM THE EDITOR

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 9

TRACKS

AGFF UNVEILS NEW DUCK STAMP ART The 2019-2020 duck stamp/ print art has been unveiled and for just the second time in the program’s history the artwork came from the hand of an Arkansan. The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation hosted the unveiling and luncheon Feb. 13 in Little Rock North Little Rock native Mike Marlar was selected as the artist for the work, titled “Mallards in the Timber: An Arkansas Family Tradition.” The artwork depicts a father and sons hunting in flooded green timber and will be used both on the duck stamp and released in high-quality art prints at locations around the state beginning later this year.

An avid outdoorsman who as a child forged a love of duck hunting in the White River National Refuge, Marlar continues to hunt from the family cabin near Holly Grove, along with his wife, Rhonda, sons Dean and James and daughter Anna.

The AGFF is the publishing source for the nation’s largest Duck Stamp Print Program. Now in its 38th year, the program has raised millions in support of the foundation’s work to help fund the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s conservation, outdoor recreation and youth education initiatives. The artwork will also appear on the annual waterfowl stamp, commonly known as the duck stamp, the required licensure of hunters over age 16 harvesting waterfowl in Arkansas.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR TRAIL CLEANUP LEND A HAND AT THESE OR OTHER CLEANUPS IN YOUR AREA: MARKS CEMETERY NATURE TRAIL AND PARK AREA

33.7573° N, 92.2382° W New Edinburg, AR Saturday, March 23 – 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Contact: Patricia McClellan at 901-606-4162 or pcmcclellan13@gmail.com Project to focus on clearing nature trails and picnic area as well as picking up trash on the approach road.

10 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

DAISY STATE PARK CLEANUP 34.2337° N, 93.7405° W 103 East Park, Kirby, AR Saturday April 6 – registration at 8:30 a.m.

Contact: 870-398-4487 Project to focus on the shoreline around the park, nature hiking trail, and the first 2.5 miles of the Bear Creek Cycle Trail. Lunch and all equipment will be provided.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension issued a reminder to hunters to protect themselves from potential exposure to Brucellosis, or Bang’s Disease, a bacterial zoonotic disease of feral hogs in the state.

Brucellosis is commonly transmitted via bare skin contact when butchering feral swine, by splashing of contaminated fluids into the eyes and by eating undercooked meat. Effects of the disease in humans include feverish night sweats, headache, weakness, painful joints, depression, weight loss, fatigue and liver dysfunction. Any organ or system can be affected, including the nervous system.

Feral hogs are regarded as pest animals in Arkansas.

Any hunter taking a wild hog should wear gloves and avoid eating, drinking or chewing tobacco when dressing or handling a carcass, wash and disinfect hands and equipment and cook meat to 160°F or until juices run clear.

YOUTH TURKEY HUNT IS APRIL 6-7

A special youth turkey hunt, open to hunters ages 6 to 15, will be held in Arkansas April 6 and 7, 2019. The hunt is in effect for Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 9A, 10 and 17. Eligible hunters who have completed hunter education must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older; those who have not completed hunter education must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.

The 2019 regular turkey season in Arkansas runs April 8 to 16 for Zones 1A, 4, 4A, 5A and 9A and April 8 to 23 for Zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17. For complete details, please consult the AGFC website at agfc.com/en/hunting/turkey/turkey-dates-limits.

@churcachiellne.cvej r This pl d. gets ol

COME FIND YOUR ARKANSAS Mount Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

NOTE TO HOG HUNTERS

arkansas.com/MyArkansas

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 11

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

EARLY STRIKE

Get a jump on the season with this prime fishing gear and be the envy of the lake. Find these products at your favorites sporting goods store or consult their websites for availability.

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5 12 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

6

1. AVX1880

Vexus Custom-contoured lines, precision-tuned performance and loads of advanced features add up to make Vexus an exciting newcomer in fishing boats.

Loaded with space and a dream to drive, the sleek, hand-built AVX1880 shows why the company is a force to be reckoned with. (vexusboats.com)

2. ANGLER JACKET & BIB

Carhartt Brave any element with Carhartt's jacket/bib combo featuring Rain Defender® water repellant, Storm Defender® waterproof breathable technology and FastDry® mesh. Plenty of pockets and cubbies provide room for your treasures. (carhartt.com)

3. ARUKU SHAD 75

Spro One of the only lipless crankbaits you’ll ever need, Spro’s lure runs nose-down through the water and on the bottom, giving it the appearance of a feeding baitfish, while its loud rattles and flashy colors beckon the big ones. It’s also noteworthy for running through thick cover without getting hung up, making sure your new favorite lure makes it home. (spro.com)

4. EXIST SPINNING REEL

Daiwa Built with state-of-the-art technology, Exist takes fishing to a whole new level. Light, durable and engineered with performance in mind, Daiwa delivers a reel with performance powerful gearing and smooth, accurate casts. (daiwa.com)

5. HYBRID TROUT WORM

South Bend Sporting Goods The only thing better than fishing an Arkansas trout stream is catching Arkansas trout. Count on South Bend’s hybrid trout worm to land you some keepers. Corn-scented with dualinjected laminated color, this baby provides unparalleled action in the water. (south-bend.com)

6. HYDROS FLY REEL

Orvis From the name synonymous with fly fishing comes a reel that delivers, cast after cast. The Orvis Hydros features an oversized arbor for hyper speed retrieval rates and a sealed drag and bearing system. That means you’ll spend more time fishing and less time cursing your gear. (orvis.com)

ARKANSAS WILD contact us with editorial ideas, photography or advertising.

Contact Katherine Daniels at katherine@arktimes.com ARKANSASWILD.COM | 13

TRIBE

ALL IN THE FAMILY

BY APRILLE HANSON

With a little advance planning, kids of any age can enjoy camping with their family and develop a love of the outdoors that can last a lifetime.

A

s families struggle with the constant temptation to live inside their phones and the overwhelming responsibilities of daily life, camping can be a calming escape.

According to the 2018 North American Camping Report, approximately 77 million households in the United States camp, up six million since 2014. In 2017, 44 percent of campers were camping with children.

“A lot of times it makes people nervous to go camping with kids, but with my family there was no other way,” said Sasha Bowles, park interpreter II for Lake Dardanelle State Park near Russellville “We played in dirt, took some toys and just had fun.”

Bowles, 38, cannot remember her first camping trip – after all, she was still in diapers – but most weekends were spent exploring.

“There are so many kids that spend a lot of their day watching TV or playing video games or staring at a cell phone. You can learn things about places in nature, but it’s not the same if you can’t get out and experience it,” she said.

Taking an inaugural camping trip can be daunting for adults, let alone taking a child for the first time. Bowles offered several tips for parents to keep in mind: 14 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Tips for making the most of family camping

BEST AGE: The best time to introduce children to camping is when they’re old enough to walk and explore. “If you catch them when they’re young and just absorbing everything, they develop a deeper appreciation for (nature),” Bowles said.

WHAT TO BRING: “You need shelter,

food and water,” Bowles said, adding it’s important to research what is already available at a campsite. For instance, when backpacking, a water purifier is essential, but most state and Army Corps of Engineers parks have portable water. A tent is mandatory, but doesn’t have to break the bank; various-sized tents can be affordable, borrowed from a friend or even rented. A two-person tent generally is enough for one person and gear. And don’t forget outdoor toys and swim floaties that can help entertain children.

LOCATION: “Obviously you don’t want

to take them hiking on a strenuous trail with bluffs,” Bowles said. “If I had little bitty kids, I’d probably go somewhere like a state park because there are bathrooms where they can be cleaned off at the end of the day, picnic tables,” and other amenities.

Some parks require reservations.

Taking a camping trip at a state park adds interesting amenities such as visitor center displays and interpreter presentations.

ACTIVITIES: Arkansas’s 52 state

parks feature a variety of activities, from horseback riding to rod and reel rentals by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Nature programs are presented by state parks interpreters for children and adults.

“Experience things together,” Bowles said.

MAKE SURE THEY LEARN:

Bowles said it’s important to teach “leave no trace,” meaning leaving no trash, not picking plant life and pitching a tent in a durable spot.

BE SAFE: “Do not turn your child loose

to go down a trail they don’t know anything about,” Bowles said, adding if they haven’t learned about poison ivy or if they’ve never seen a wild snake, “take them to some of those interpreter programs to learn about nature.”

Consider making the campsite a "phone-free zone" with activities that encourage personal interaction.

For free guides about state park amenities, reservation requirements, schedule of park interpreter programs and other information, visit Arkansas.com.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 15

Two Brothers canoes await their next watery adventure. The boat manufacturer is based in Rogers.

BROTHERLY LOVE

BY DREW HARRIS

T

wo Brothers Canoe Inc. of Rogers was born of siblings with two skillsets: Louis Shaw, a selfdescribed river rat with a passion for paddling, and Bill Davis, who had the knowledge and know-how of forming synthetics.

After attending a convention, Davis, who owned a Fiberglass company and was aware of his brother’s proclivities, picked the brains of reps from Wenonah Canoe of Chattanooga, Tenn., and asked his brother, “Wanna make canoes?”

“Sure,” Shaw replied.

Two weeks later, Davis called Shaw and raised the subject again, noting their uncle had vacuum molding equipment he was looking to sell.

“You’re really serious about this canoe business, aren’t you?” Shaw asked.

“Yeah, let’s do it,” Davis replied.

They were in. After three years of building the shop and constructing an oven on weekends, they produced their first canoe, the Arkota, in 2009.

Two Brothers canoes are made from a plastic known as T-Formex which consists of layers of ABS plastic and a foam core. It produces a robust, lightweight and rigid material, highly resistant to abrasion while maintaining its structural memory. Even if wrapped around a rock or tree, the hull is able to return to its original shape with little distortion.

Shaw describes the forming process as an “all-handson-deck” procedure; in reality, it's just two sets of hands, his and Bill’s. The plastic is heated for about 30 minutes to a temperature of 300 degrees, at which point it is pliable enough to be formed.

“It basically comes out like a big, plastic lasagna noodle and you’ve got about one minute to form it in 16 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

the vacuum mold,” he said. The gunwales, thwarts, seats and grab handles are all then installed by hand.

Shaw said he has always enjoyed the sun on his legs and thus prefers the spaciousness and utility of a canoe in which one might put camping gear and a full-sized cooler. He said the partners are doing their best to help people see the value of being able to float and camp on a river.

Two Brothers Canoe boasts three offerings, each constructed of T-Formex and featuring ash wood seats and yokes: The Arkota is designed for river and Ozark stream paddling. Dubbed an “enthusiast canoe” by Shaw, it has a flared bow and stern that allows for dry descents in Class II+ rivers. At 16 feet in length and with a shallow arch hull, it offers outstanding maneuverability and quick response for paddlers who choose a challenging line. It also makes a great solo canoe.

The Intrepid, under license from Mohawk Canoe, is a versatile, all-purpose recreational canoe equally at home on rivers, lakes or ponds. Slightly wider and two inches longer with less arch in the hull than the Arkota, it offers better initial stability. This makes it better suited to those who paddle with children or pets who tend to rock the boat, which is also a plus for fishermen.

The Brightwater offers an excellent blend of tracking and stability. At 14 feet, it is lighter in weight and suitable for Class I-II rivers or flat water. It's currently out of stock, but Two Brothers hopes to have it back in production soon.

Visitors are welcome to schedule appointments to meet at the shop by calling (479) 418-9722, or find them on Facebook.

PHOTOS: TWO BROTHERS CANOE, INC

ARKANSAS MADE

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EXPLORE ARKANSAS

SALT LIFE Kayaking the Saline River

The Saline River provides an easy day’s recreation, punctuated by points of interest.

T

here’s nothing more beautiful than watching the towering trees on the riverbank as you drift along the slow-moving waters of a lazy river. If winter has you itching for some beautiful scenery, try a quiet float from Pool Access on the Saline River to the Mt. Elba take-out point.

The Saline River in Cleveland County, Arkansas, is a ribbon of water winding through heavily forested territory. The easy current of the muddy Saline will carry you roughly 10 miles from Pool Access at the river bridge near Kingsland to the Mt. Elba Access in the backwoods of New Edinburg.

You’ll pass sections of rocky shoreline, a large sandbar that serves as nesting ground for turtles and bluff banks as you drift along this 10-mile stretch. An array of wildlife can be found, too. If you’re 18 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

PHOTOS: JODI NOBLETT

BY JODI NOBLETT

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 19

TAKE OUT POINT 33.7573° N, 92.2382° W New Edinburg, AR

Sights to see along the way include the Johnny Cash birthplace in Kingsland and the Marks’ Mill Battleground in New Edinburg.

20 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

PHOTOS: JODI NOBLETT

SALINE COORDINATES PUT IN POINT 33°51'49.0"N 92°15'07.2"W (Kingsland Prairie Natural Area WMA)

quiet and attentive, you’re liable to see wild hogs, turkeys and deer, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the resident eagles. An especially fortunate kayaker might even see one of the river’s elusive alligators.

As your journey starts in Kingsland, birthplace of Johnny Cash, it’s worth a quick side jaunt to check out the community’s claim to fame. Entering the town on State Hwy. 79, you’ll pass a metal sign that welcomes you to the singer’s birthplace. Head south toward the railroad tracks and you’ll find a concrete monument in Cash’s honor, situated to the west of Kingsland Missionary Baptist Church. The monument’s plaque provides a snippet of information about the singer. There’s also a Johnny Cash museum in the works and you can find a collection of newspaper clippings about Cash on display in the town’s post office.

From there, make your way to the river and slip your kayak into the water for a leisurely six-hour float to the Mt. Elba Access point that marks the end of your 10-mile tour.

Pack up your kayak and extend the adventure by taking a ride over to Marks’ Mill Battleground State Park.

New Edinburg played a significant role in the Civil War, as the gravesites of both Confederate and Union soldiers at Marks’ Mill Battleground attests. The battle site is filled with informative plaques, monuments and period memorabilia, while walking paths winding through the area offer a pleasant stroll for those who want to get up close and personal with the woods that offered cover for the soldiers as they fought for their lives.

Many trees along the path are labeled by name so you can identify the species even in autumn after the leaves have fallen. At that time of year, if your timing is just right, you may spot a few whitetail buck scrapes along the trails.

Other trivia worth noting: Marks’ Mill hosted the crew of the movie “Come Morning” produced by native Cleveland Countians Derrick and Alaina Sims of Fabled Motion Pictures.

Plan an all-day trip from sunup to sundown to soak in everything the Saline River and the quiet towns around it have to offer.

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Looking for the perfect setting to come together with family and friends?

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 23

4

of Fifty-Two

Four must-see state parks in Arkansas

BY RICHARD LEDBETTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Arkansans are blessed with an abundance of state parks scattered about every corner of the Natural State. Fifty-two in all, our plethora of preserves includes wetlands, mountains, rivers and lakes offering camping, hiking, boating, biking, fishing, climbing, horseback riding and any outdoor activity you could want. Here are a few of our favorites: Our first park, Petit Jean, was established in 1927.

Just 90 minutes northwest from Little Rock up I-40, the natural beauty, ancient geologic wonders and spectacular vistas make it a must-see locale.

According to Park Interpreter Matt Manos, “Our 95foot waterfall is the number one scenic destination in Arkansas. There is a gorge-rim overlook of Cedar Falls at the trailhead. From that point, it’s a two-mile round trip down to the pool at the bottom of the falls, one mile down and one strenuous mile back up.”

“In addition to Cedar Falls Trail, there is the 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail, the quarter-mile Bear Cave Trail and a 1.25-mile Cedar Creek Trail that winds through the upper canyon following the creek that eventually makes Cedar Falls. To enjoy all four trails will probably take a couple of days.”

The park also offers cabins, lodge rooms and four yurts with exceptional views. The latter are popular, so you’ll need to book well in advance of your trip for a yurt. The lodge features a restaurant with a varied American menu, as well as a large swimming pool and rentable pavilions for events.

First-timers are often surprised to find a lake atop Petit Jean Mountain; the 124-acre Lake Bailey features good fishing. Amenities include a boathouse and rentals of flat-bottom boats with electric outboards, kayaks and paddleboats during spring, summer and fall.

“You can see eagles, beaver in the lake and lots of deer,” Manos concluded with obvious pride. “There’s no place in Arkansas with more beautiful sunrises and sunsets.”

24 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

The park provides plenty of trails from which to take in the view.

PETIT JEAN STATE PARK 35.1221° N, 92.9286° W 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road Morrilton (501) 727-5441

A hiker greets the day at Petit Jean State Park, the state’s first and, arguably, still the best offering hiking, fishing, waterfall and a spectacular lodge.

Spring is a great time to visit Petit Jean as water levels in creeks and waterfalls are more likely to be high.

Petit Jean's tranquil forests offer something for all ages to see, making it a natural for families.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 25

MORO BAY STATE PARK 35.3527° N, 120.8393° W 6071 Hwy. 600 Jersey (870) 463-8555

Moving from the central highlands to the southeast lowlands, you’ll find Moro Bay State Park located approximately 30 minutes east of El Dorado and south from Warren.

“It’s a really beautiful park,” said Park Interpreter Jennifer Gammon. “Whether the river is low or high, it’s just awesome. Because we’re located on Moro Creek where it empties into the Ouachita River with the old river channel forming nearby Round Lake, we have a lot of big cypress with deer, waterfowl and the occasional alligator.”

There is a lot of history here, Gammon said. Being at the intersection of two major waterways, the site was a hub of activity well before highways existed with river traffic from as far away as New Orleans. This made it a major river port that attracted early settlement.

There’s still occasional barge traffic on the river, thanks to the oil industry in El Dorado; large equipment too big for the roads travels up and downstream.

“There was a ferry crossing here for many years before the high-rise bridges were built,” she said. “We still have the old ferry on display.

Our visitor’s center used to be a destination restaurant called The Gates that people came from miles around to eat fresh catfish.”

Visitors can bring their own boat to the state park or rent one at the marina, including flat-bottoms with outboards and kayaks. On weekends during the spring, summer and fall, the park offers free party-barge tours that take up to 12 people out on the river. The park is also popular with duck hunters during the season.

At the entrance to the park, The Point at Moro Bay restaurant provides exceptional dining.

Owner Bobby Richard said, “We specialize in 16- and 10-ounce sirloins. We spare no cost for our upper choice steak; you can literally cut it with a fork.”

“We flew in a steak expert from Texas Steak and Cattle Co. restaurant in Arlington, Texas, to show us how to prepare them the way they do.

I guarantee, it’s the best steak you’ll ever eat. If you’re not a steak lover, people drive as far as 100 miles to eat our catfish.”

Cypress trees provide beauty and wildlife cover at Moro Bay State Park.

Bass, bream, crappie and catfish lure anglers of every stripe to Moro Bay. 26 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

Sunset casts its splendor over t Moro Bay. Once thriving with the state park near El Dorado various fish, wildlife and plant

Bald eagles are just one of the many species of birds found here.

the calm of river traffic, teems with t species.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 27

QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK 34.6856° N, 94.3704° W 3877 Highway 88 West Mena (479) 394-2863

A view of the Ouachitas: From Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Located near the Oklahoma border in West Central Arkansas, Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Lodge sits 13 miles outside Mena. Park Interpreter Melissa Phillips said, “The lodge and passenger train are among the highlights of our park. The incredible views of the mountain and amazing sunrises and sunsets make it a wonderful place to get out. You can see clear to Oklahoma.”

At an elevation of 2,681 feet, Queen Wilhelmina is the second highest point in Arkansas. The Ouachita Highlands Trail winds through the park, running from Tullahoma, OK, to Pinnacle Mountain outside of Little Rock. Hikers of the trail have been known to ship provisions to Queen Wilhelmina to pick up en route, while others use the park as the shove off or concluding point of their trek.

The majestic beauty of the place is breathtaking. The Ouachitas are unusual as the only mountains in North America that lie from east to west and due to their fertile soil, there are a lot a varied hardwoods, including hackberry, magnolia and paw paws.

“There’s an abundance of wildlife including numerous black bears and bald eagles,” Phillips said. “One of our most unique creatures is the Diplocardia meansi.

It’s the second largest earthworm in North America.

Spottings are rare, but you’ll find them occasionally, when they come to the surface following a heavy rain.”

Unique amenities include the aforementioned train, which runs six days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, from Memorial to Labor Day. As if that weren’t unexpected 28 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

enough, there’s also a fantastic restaurant in the lodge featuring a full bar. Diners delight in watching the hummingbirds visit the many outdoor feeders while taking in the view of the Ouachita Mountains.

Accommodations range from primitive shelters erected by the Friends of the Ouachita Trail System that sleep 20 at a time to 40 outdoor campsites. The ultimate experience, however, is staying in the lodge, which boasts 40 rooms and an available conference room for group gatherings.

“The (sleeping) rooms run from $100 to $110 per night; it’s worth the extra 10 bucks to be on the south side where the vistas are incredible,” Phillips said. “In the winter, when the leaves are off, the north facing rooms have a nice view as well.”

Millwood Lake

Cossatot River

Cossatot River

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BULL SHOALS/WHITE RIVER STATE PARK 36.3533° N, 92.5912° W 153 Dam Overlook Lane Bull Shoals 870-445-3629

Our final stop takes us to North Central Arkansas where the White River forms Bull Shoals Lake. The largest body of water in the state, Bull Shoals boasts 1,000 miles-plus of shoreline.

Bull Shoals/White River Superintendent Billy Lindsey came to the parks system from the private sector; his family operates Lindsey’s Resort on the Little Red River. He said the main attractions for the area, camping and fishing, are unparalleled anywhere in Arkansas.

“Numerous bike and hiking trails show off nature at her finest,” he said. “Big Bluff Trail winds to an overlook of the river with a pair of nesting eagles below. Twin Lakes area is one of the best kept scenic secrets in Arkansas.”

The park’s campsites span “from top-of-theline to primitive,” Lindsey said. “The majority of our 112 sites are located right along the river.

By the time spring break rolls around, we’ll be reopening ‘D’ Area; those 47 sites have been closed a year for total renovation.”

The renovated areas feature 34 AAA camper sites and 13 primitive tent sites, accompanied by a new bathhouse. Even the off-river campsites have great river views, thanks to layout and elevation.

“We also have three, 30-foot, rentable RVs that are camper cabins with heat, AC and large decks overlooking the river for $85 a night,” Lindsey said.

The park also includes outstanding amenities nearby, particularly when it comes to dining.

Lindsey recommends Big Daddy’s in Mountain Home for “some of the finest shrimp you’ll taste away from the coast and a full seafood buffet on weekends.”

Other area recommendations include Anthony’s on the Lakeview side of the dam, a small Italian joint run by a Chicago transplant. The beef sandwich is not to be missed among the great fare and prices are a steal, but they only take cash, so come prepared. On the Bull Shoals side, try 178 Club, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Sunday brunch. Saturday is prime rib night that’s exceptional.

No trip to Bull Shoals is complete without a visit to the legendary Gaston’s Resort. The Arkansas landmark offers guided fishing trips, cabins to suit any group and a conference center in addition to the finest restaurant anywhere.

Famous for its Sunday brunch, Gaston’s will also clean and cook your day’s catch.

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Breakfast by the water is just one of the amenities at Bull Shoals/ White River State Park. Water sports, trout fishing and miles and miles of shoreline await visitors.

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state of the natural state address GOVERNOR ASA HUTCHINSON, THE WILD INTERVIEW

Governor Asa Hutchinson (right) shows off the days quarry with son John Paul

Raised on an Arkansas farm in Gravette, Governor Hutchinson’s boyhood was spent exploring the area’s woods and waterways. Later, he would pass that love along to his own children via family backpacking, camping and hiking excursions. Arkansas Wild sat down with Arkansas’s 46th chief executive to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing The Natural State, from marketing the outdoors to inspiring the next generation to get outside.

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Arkansas Wild: Is the average Arkansan spoiled when it comes to appreciating what’s in their backyard?

I don’t think spoiled is the right word. I mean, that’s human nature to sometimes undervalue what’s close to you. But whenever (Arkansans) travel out of state or whenever they visit with out-of-state visitors, it doesn’t take long to recognize and appreciate how much we have here that needs to be protected and utilized. Whenever you look at the beauty of our landscape and the diversity of our landscape, this is a national treasure what we have here in Arkansas.

And yet, young people today don’t get outdoors like they used to and there are fewer hunters and anglers.

I do think there’s a desire by people in Arkansas to pass along our love of the outdoors to the next generation, but it’s not all-encompassing. We’re a growing state. We have people that move in here. It takes them a while to see what all we have here in this state.

But it’s also the nature of our society today. Millennials, video games and all the competition for time, we’re not getting outdoors as much. That is a concern and it just reinforces the importance of the outdoor education that we utilize through Game and Fish. I hope we can beat the trend and reinvigorate the next generation to appreciate all that we have and make outdoor recreation a part of their life.

What economic development potential does the outdoors hold for Arkansas?

Tourism is our No. 2 industry and a large part of our tourism is outdoor recreation from fishing, both bass and trout fishing, to our duck hunting and deer hunting.

That expands to our state parks system, which I include in our outdoor recreation, particularly among the tourists that we have from our friends from Texas and other regional states that come right here to Arkansas.

That requires us to have a first-class funding mechanism for (state parks) to stay strong and vibrant.

I think the biggest challenge is the balance that we need to achieve. It’s the human footprint that is the biggest threat to some of our most beautiful, historic sites. In Arkansas, we have a vast arena of wilderness areas that are in a natural state and we want people to enjoy it, but we want to absolutely

protect and preserve it and make sure they’re beautiful and pristine for the coming generations.

There’s a movement in some communities to develop trails to attract visitors and new residents. Is this effective?

I think you’ve got to be careful to develop trails where it makes sense to develop trails. If it’s a site that has some natural beauty that needs to be seen and people want to see it, then that’s a good opportunity for a trail.

But you don’t want to develop a trail in an area that people don’t want to come to. But thank goodness we have a lot of areas that are incredible, historic, beautiful areas that can be marketed, and it makes sense.

I THINK THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS THE BALANCE THAT WE NEED TO ACHIEVE. IT'S THE HUMAN FOOTPRINT THAT IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO SOME OF OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC SITES. —GOV. ASA HUTCHINSON Serving commercial and natural interests is often a delicate balancing act. What kind of job are private landowners doing practicing sound conservation?

There’s not a more committed conservationist than a farmer. My dad on the farm taught me about soil

erosion, ways to prevent that, about responsibility to being a good steward of the land. That is just ingrained into the farming culture. You want to live off the land, but at the same time you want to preserve it and make sure that it’s there for the next generation.

If you look at Northwest Arkansas, there was concern about poultry farming and the impact that it had on our wonderful rivers and streams. They didn’t wait for state regulation, they enacted best practices for handling the litter. As a result of that, you’ve seen the phosphorous levels reduce. You’ve seen some of the streams come back in their health.

You look over in the Delta region and whenever our alluvial plain is threatened, they recognize the need to utilize more surface water and conservation there. They’ve enacted better practices. They’re trying to develop some of these irrigation systems that will preserve the water table there. They recognize how important outdoor recreation is to the Delta and they want to see that expanded.

Are there particular issues or accomplishments that you feel typifies your administration regarding Arkansas’s outdoors?

Every governor is the chief marketer for their state. I use my voice as governor to recruit industry, to showcase our growth and all that we have in this state, including our outdoor recreation. I’ve done that by going on a bike ride on the Delta Heritage Trail. I’m the only governor that’s done that. I’ve enjoyed going down to the Bass Masters’ Tournament and showcasing them. I enjoy the trout fishing that we have and [First Lady Susan Hutchinson] enjoys it as well.

All of that participation is marketing, but it’s also looking for opportunities to make a difference in preservation.

On the other hand, while I’ve got a great team that identifies land and things that are important, I make them make a strong case [for land acquisitions.] Every time the state acquires land, that diminishes the tax base for schools, so you want to really be careful about what the purpose of the acquisition is and is it necessary.

One of these important purchases that we have taken is the acquisition of Rattlesnake Ridge, which is an incredible piece of land near Pinnacle Mountain that has unique species there.

That’s something that will be lasting.

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where the wild things are

LEADERS: CONSERVATION AT THE FOREFRONT FOR MANY

BY DWAIN HEBDA Arkansas’s leading conservation groups say while One of the reasons conservation issues are appreciated the job of conservation is never really finished, in Arkansas is because of the many points of access there’s currently a lot to feel good about in The for people to experience the natural world, be it in the Natural State. Environmental and habitat issues are forest, over mountain trails, on the water and through at the forefront of many people’s minds, especially as the state’s acclaimed state parks.

Arkansas's wild spaces are used and enjoyed in more “[Conservation] partners share the same passion ways by more populations. for making sure future generations get to enjoy [the “There are more people engaged in wanting to help outdoors] in the same way that we have,” Colclasure with conservation, which is great,” said Scott Simon, said. “It’s really impressive; when I communicate with executive director of the Arkansas chapter of The Nature other states, they’re often shocked how much we’re Conservancy. “People are interested in volunteering, able to get done just through all the partnerships that they’re interested in helping conserve their own land, we have.” they’re interested in acquiring land to help protect rivers.

On the other hand, some of the most pristine areas “What we’ve also seen, which I think is something that hide in plain sight, such as the natural areas owned and in Arkansas we’re are learning how to work through, is managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. a shift in the expectations The ANHC maintains 75 of how we’re going to use natural areas throughout our natural resources.

Arkansas, covering more In the past, in a more than 70,000 acres. Despite agricultural setting, that this, said Director Bill was the primary economic Holimon, many Arkansans driver for an area. But as don’t know these places new people have moved in, exist, much less understand new interests, hiking and the agency behind them. biking and floating becomes “Most of the time when an important part of the I go to a new group to talk, economy.” they have never heard of us.

Simon said many of the We are a tiny agency but we biggest strides have been do big things,” he said. “The made as a result of a spirit Arkansas Natural Heritage —CHRIS COLCLASURE of cooperation that’s unlike Commission protects and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages some of the best almost any found in the United States. This allows examples of Arkansas’s the state to attack major projects with surprising speed. natural landscape for future generations of Arkansas.

“The No. 1 thing that we’re getting right in Arkansas We are the clearinghouse for information on Arkansas’s is Arkansas is No. 1 in the country for conservation most at-risk plants and animals and provide technical partnerships,” Simon said. “Organizations, agencies and assistance for land management.” landowners are working together for the betterment of Holimon said the agency’s desire is for more people to our state, better than anywhere else in the country. It’s experience the agency’s natural areas, which capture the fun and it’s productive.” landscape as it was before permanent settlement. But “In fact, some states there’s turf battles, turf this provides its own issues as more people means more wars,” agreed Chris Colclasure, deputy director potential threats to the ecosystem on display. of The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “In “We want to get people out there to see that habitat, Arkansas, when you talk about working in the realm of to see what the landscape looked like at the time of conservation, everybody gets it. I mean, we live in The settlement because there’s very little of that left,” he said.

Natural State; there’s a lot of things to do here outside, “That itself is a challenge and one we’ve tried to address. whether you like to hike or hunt or paddle or fish or Because, if you don’t do it how will people know about drive the roads and just enjoy the state.” this? They need their need eyes on the ground.”

IN ARKANSAS, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT WORKING IN THE REALM OF CONSERVATION, EVERYBODY GETS IT. I MEAN, WE LIVE IN THE NATURAL STATE.

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arkansas Conservation: three Big Wins

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION AND NATURE CONSERVANCY

WOODPECKERS

Thanks to the joint effort of by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Natural Heritage Commission, The Nature Conservancy and timber companies, strides have been made to grow populations of the red cockaded woodpecker in South Central Arkansas.

Habitat has been improved over 30,000 acres and 11 active groups of the endangered birds have formed at Warren Prairie much faster than expected.

ACREAGE

Conservation agencies, such as the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, continue to purchase and protect environmentally sensitive ground. A recent tally of 3,000 acres in Benton County, 930 acres at Warren Prairie Natural Area in Bradley and Drew counties and almost 2,700 acres in the Longview Saline Natural Area in Ashley County merely scratch the surface. Even more promising are the multiple thousands of private acres landowners are managing specifically to improve habitat of resident species.

WATERWAYS

The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with various partners, has spearheaded several important initiatives to help protect and restore waterways. These efforts over the past decades have resulted in 30 million trees planted over tens of thousands of acres and 25 miles of river corridor resuscitated in just five years. Additional measures, including those formalized by the Arkansas legislature, address runoff from dirt and gravel roads, a major sources of river life-choking silt.

Eyes on the Future: three Big Challenges FUNDING

Hunting and fishing license sales have crept steadily downward over the past five years, which is cause for alarm among agencies such as Arkansas Game and Fish which rely on the fees for a good chunk of funding. Fishing license sales are down 9 percent and hunting licenses down 10 percent, straining an agency that owns and maintains 385,000 acres and co-manages another 3 million acres. Alternate sources of entertainment and recreation, as well as the changing family dynamic, are widely blamed for the decrease in outdoor activities among youth.

USAGE

Outside of hunting and fishing, numbers are up for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, which puts an added strain on state parks and natural areas. Human impact in the way of litter and disturbed plant and animal habitat is a growing concern in many areas, giving rise to issues ranging from ongoing trail maintenance, to trash pickup, to how to educate the public on minimally invasive recreation habits.

SPECIES

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas is home to four species of threatened mammals; five species of birds; one insect, seven species of fish, crayfish and amphibians; 13 species of mussels and four plants.

Two additional species have been proposed for the list and two are extirpated, meaning they no longer exist in the wild in Arkansas. In all cases, habitat destruction was at least a contributing factor, and in most cases the primary factor, in the species’ decline.

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Arkansas’s waterways get high marks, thanks to the work of activist organizations and concerned citizen groups throughout The Natural State.

rivers of life STATE’S WATERWAYS IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

BY BOB ROBINSON Officials give Arkansas’s beloved waterways high overall marks for stream health and water quality but challenges remain that can threaten the state’s rivers and streams. That’s the conclusion of Jason Olive, assistant chief of fisheries management with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“In general, the quality of Arkansas’s waterways is quite good, especially relative to those in other areas of the country,” Olive said.

On the other hand, ongoing concerns surrounding waterway health focus on nutrient and sediment flowing into waterways. Of the two, nutrient pollution has received the lion’s share of media attention, with news reports focusing on waste runoff from large animal farms and agriculture productions.

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mulberry river society

Not all solutions stem from the government.

Concerned citizens have also banded together for the express purpose of improving waterway health.

One good example is the Mulberry River Society (mulberryriversociety. org). This group of local landowners, paddlers and hikers formed a 501C3 to help protect the Mulberry River. The group has been so critical to maintaining the health of the 70-mile waterway it received the Fostering Volunteerism and Service Award from the U.S. Forest Service in 2018. —BR

eleven point river One success story concerning a sediment problem area is the Eleven Point River. After the Ozark hellbender salamander was placed on the endangered species in 2011, the AGFC assisted with a program to stop erosion on a section of the river located upstream from an Ozark hellbender habitat. They followed this up by releasing 100 captive-bred hellbenders into the waterway. Further monitoring has shown an increase in the population of the rare aquatic salamander.

—BR

PHOTOS: BOB ROBINSON

Kelly Irwin, herpetological program coordinator with the AGFC inspects a hellbender specimen.

A wildlife worker handles an Arkansas hellbender, one of the state’s endangered species.

However, Olive points out that sediment is actually the most common pollutant in Arkansas waterways.

Comprised of loose sand, clay, silt and other soil particles, sediment settles at the bottom of a body of water primarily from soil erosion. Natural erosion produces nearly 30 percent of the total sediment in the United States with accelerated erosion from human use of land accounting for the remaining 70 percent.

Sediment disrupts the natural food chain in waterways by destroying the habitat where the smallest stream organisms live, thus causing massive declines in fish populations. In areas of weaker current, particles settle to the bottom and the once-clean gravel bed is covered with a coat of mud. Sediment thus degrades the quality of water for drinking, wildlife and the land surrounding streams.

A major contributor to the problem is landowners clearing trees and vegetation all the way down the banks of streams and lakeshore. With the tree roots

no longer present to help anchor the soil along the shoreline, heavy rainfall washes fertile topsoil into the water.

The AGFC’s programs help landowners correct erosion issues. One such program is the Arkansas Stream Team, which helps landowners repair eroding stream banks. Matching landowners with appropriate agencies, erosion remediation plans are drafted according to each individual landowner’s situation, thus helping to resolve the issue.

Another source of sediment pollution in Arkansas’s waterways is unpaved roads. Each year tons of harmful sediment is washed off dirt and gravel roads and into streams, rivers and lakes.

In early 2013, the Arkansas Association of Counties, Arkansas Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy and a dozen partner organizations joined forces to establish the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program to determine cost-effective solutions to better manage the problem.

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Mountain bikers tackle an Iron Mountain trail. Arkansas is nationally known for its trails systems, providing tourism dollars and quality of life for natives.

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happy trails

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK ON ARKANSAS’S TRAILS

BY BOB ROBINSON Arkansas’s treasure is her trails, the key to enjoying the state’s vast inventory of natural areas. Trails not only serve the thousands of tourists that visit the state every year, but also serve as a key economic development tool in attracting new residents while adding to natives’ overall quality of life For decades, volunteer groups like Ozark Off Road Cyclists, Friends of the Ouachita Trail, and individual trail builders constructed mountain bike trails across Arkansas.

Until recent years most soft surface trails in the state were constructed by volunteers. However, with the explosion of trails in The Natural State, professional trail builders have taken the lead. Local companies such as Progressive Trail Design, Rogue Trails, and other out-of-state crews have added substantially to the total number of off-road trails in the state.

Depending on ownership of the land on which trails are built, there are varying requirements that must be met to build environmentally safe and sustainable trails.

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Concerned citizens and conservation groups have helped keep Arkansas's quiet trails pristine, like this one at Hobbs State Park/Conservation Area.

Kyle Copeland, trail supervisor for the Arkansas State Parks Trail Crew, explained all trail construction on state park properties, such as The Boston Mountain Trail located at Lake Fort Smith State Park, must be preceded by environmental and impact studies. Historically significant structures are thus identified, such as rock walls and homestead remains, which the project must avoid when laying out the route.

Copeland attends Professional Trail Builders Association training programs covering such things as terrain dynamics and soil conservation to better understand how water, wind and other natural activities affect trail sustainability.

With a degree in Environmental Science and Engineering and having worked nine years for the state on stream restoration projects, Phil Penny, owner of Rogue Trails, also incorporates lessons learned in stream restoration into trail construction.

Penny said that even when constructing trails on nongovernment owned lands, many of which do not require impact studies, he still follows proper environmentally safe guidelines to build sustainable trails. As he explained, “It’s the right thing to do.”

Another company, Progressive Trail Design, specializes in soft surface trails, having designed and constructed trails nationwide since 2006. The company is behind many unique and challenging bike trails in The Natural State.

Dave Renko, senior foreman for the company, is well schooled in trail design and construction which mitigate the forces of nature.

He follows established principles and standards of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, and state and federal regulatory agencies when constructing trails.

kessler mountain As far back as the early 1900s, Kessler Mountain has been identified as a significant area to be protected and preserved, with elements not found anywhere else. By addressing the preservation needs of the area, Ozark Off Road Cyclists and other stakeholders worked together to satisfy concerns of all involved parties to complete an impressive network of trails.

Chuck Maxwell, president of OORC, has more than a decade of experience building sustainable trails following stringent trail-building guidelines taught by the International Mountain Bicycling Association . Under his leadership, OORC’s work on Fayetteville’s Kessler Mountain is a success story for other communities to follow when planning trails in their own area.

The key, as Maxwell explained, was putting together a stakeholder group to collaborate and ensure all points of view are heard. On the Kessler Mountain project, this included the city of Fayetteville and several key nonprofits, notably NWA Land Trust, along with key environmental groups.

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black bear Ducks aren’t the only species to benefit from GTR; black bears once roamed in abundance throughout the state’s bottomland hardwood forests where they denned in the cavities of large trees. At its peak, the bear population numbered 50,000 animals, a fact that gave Arkansas its former “Bear State” moniker.

it’s not easy geing greentree GREENTREE RESERVOIR RENOVATION A KEY TO HABITAT MANAGEMENT

BY MARK CARTER Greentree reservoirs (GTR), a staple of Arkansas duck hunting and an important component to the management of wildlife habitat in the state, are about to receive some much-needed attention.

The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has launched the design phase of GTR renovation on 15 such sites, entailing almost 60,000 acres of public land. The main phase commences this summer with renovation to include replacing drainage pipes in streams and sloughs and adjusting out-of-place levees to increase the ability to drain and move water through these areas.

“Many GTRs have been in place 40 to 60 years and need some work,” said Luke Naylor, wildlife division chief with Game & Fish. “It’s an aging infrastructure. Most of it is old and undersized. That’s a big part of what we’re working on.”

Arkansas is home to 117 wildlife management areas, many of them populated by GTR, the flooded timber that impacts forest health and provides critical habitat for waterfowl traversing the Mississippi Flyway. These pockets of flooded timber serve as seasonal wetlands, flooded in fall and winter, which are integral to the Arkansas duck-hunting experience.

Game & Fish estimates 60 percent of the once-heavily forested alluvial plain that makes up most of East Arkansas has been lost since 1900 because of changes in land and water use. That equates to 5 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest.

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Arkansas is home to about 5,000 bears these days, a fraction of the historical population but substantially better than in the 1930s, when the species was all but wiped out. A concerted effort has brought bears back from the brink; in 2018 hunters harvested 13 bears from the White River basin in Southeast Arkansas where GTRs are prevalent.

Stands steadily degraded until individual landowners around Stuttgart began creating GTRs to increase flooding consistency in the wetlands and enhance hunting. And enhance it they did: By the 1950s, the state was adding GTRs to offset previous losses and improve habitat. This management system of flooding and drawing out water as needed helped restore forest health and wildlife habitat and, of course, created a duckhunting mecca to boot.

The current renovation projects, such as can be found at White River National Wildlife Refuge, find Game & Fish officials working with Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to enhance existing GTRs and create new ones. Preliminary engineering work is underway and ultimately, new spillways, levees and water-control structures will be installed and existing ones improved.

The White River work will open new areas to hunting as well as provide new habitat and hold early shallow water for all the migrating birds that show up each season. In addition to the traditional waterfowl known to Arkansas hunters, the work will benefit migrating shorebirds, wading birds such as egrets and herons and native forest-breeding birds.

Tim Willis, DU conservation manager for the region that includes Arkansas, said the completed enhancement will impact about 1,700 acres, with future collaborations between DU and the state to follow.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

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Game and Fish personnel inspect a greentree reservoir.

arkansas quail

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

After decades of habitat decline, the recovery of the state’s quail population is slow but steady, thanks to a focused effort by various groups.

Restoration related to quail habitat has been completed on just under 10,000 acres of public land since July 2017, while biologists from the state and Quail Forever have enrolled more than 22,000 acres of private land into state and federal programs since January 2018.

Ryan Diener, Arkansas wildlife biologist for Quail Forever, credits burns as essential to continued progress.

What looks like disaster to the untrained eye is actually a rejuvenating controlled burn, stimulating new plant life.

burn, baby burn

“In those places where it’s been used, fire has been very successful,” he said.

“It’s an extremely important aspect of restoring quail habitat.” —MC

PRESCRIBED BURNS AN IMPORTANT CONSERVATION TOOL

BY MARK CARTER

Conservation partners in Arkansas burn more than 300,000 acres annually — and that’s a good thing. These controlled burns, or “prescribed fire” as they’re officially known, represent an important component to landmanagement practices in Arkansas.

Prescribed fire reinvigorates native plants consumed by wildlife while reducing wildfire risk by removing dead plant litter from the forest floor. This leads to less root competition for water and nutrients and better adsorption and filtration in the forest soil.

Such burns have proven effective in restoring, maintaining and improving wildlife habitat and overall ecosystem health. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission conducts burns on wildlife management areas and works with residents to educate and help stage burns on private property. Native wildlife including deer, turkey, quail and even a threatened species of woodpecker have benefited from the practice.

Burns have been particularly good for quail. The restoration of northern bobwhite habitat has been prioritized in Arkansas, and prescribed fire has been a useful tool in that effort. Marcus Asher, quail program coordinator for AGFC, cites the burns as instrumental in the progress made by the state and its partners to bring back the quail.

State agencies regularly conduct burns at state parks and nature preserves with conservation partners, including The Nature Conservancy, Central Arkansas Water, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, and, appropriately enough, North Little Rock’s Burns Park.

Despite the good results, more work remains to be done.

State forests have changed significantly in 100 years, according to historical data from Game & Fish. Huge trees and open, grassy floors have been replaced in some areas by thickets of smaller trees that love shade. Such dense canopy prevents sunlight from reaching the plants and grasses needed by native wildlife for food and cover.

The Ozarks, for example, are home to an estimated 150 trees and up to 1,000 young stems per acre, about twice the density per acre that existed when Europeans arrived. And that’s not healthy, say experts.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission revolves around responsible stewardship, a mission it employs through active and responsible burning. In 2018, it conducted 59 prescribed fires on 11,831 acres of TNC-owned land and that of its state partners. The organization regularly stages burns at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and has introduced the practice at nearby Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area.

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leave No trace principles

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Employ these ethics when in the wild to help preserve our beautiful spaces for all.

Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find

The author (center) chats up Joe Besl (left) and Joe Creaghead, Leave No Trace Subaru Travelling Trainers prior to the Cossatot clean-up.

hot spot cossatot

Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors To learn more visit lnt.org.

CONSERVATION OUTFIT TAGS STATE PARK FOR EDUCATION, CLEAN-UP

BY LUKE COOP

If you’ve lived in Arkansas long enough, you’re probably at least passingly familiar with the Cossatot River. Maybe you’ve heard the nicknames — Tot, Skull Crusher. Perhaps you’ve even paddled it.

The truth is, when most Arkansans think of the Cossatot they think of whitewater. But recently the Tot caught the attention of someone other than the whitewater paddling community, someone from Boulder, Colo. to be exact.

This year, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics designated the Cossatot River State Park a Leave No Trace hot spot. This is a dubious annual distinction bestowed upon 20 U.S. locations, four of which are permanent fixtures on the list.

The process of selecting a hot spot starts with nominations submitted to the Leave No Trace website by outdoors lovers. Nominated locations are compiled and vetted by a committee led by Leave No Trace’s hot spot coordinator Mitch Warnick. This year the committee sifted through more than 190 submissions to arrive at the annual limit of 16 hot spots.

Hot spots can be chosen for any number of reasons, but they all have one thing in common: They are being loved to death.

“The five river accesses in the park are visited by thousands of people each year and the effects of overuse are looming in these areas,” said Victoria Carson, Cossatot State Park interpreter. “Illegal fire rings, litter, human waste, vegetation damage and threats to water quality can be seen throughout the park.”

To learn more, I headed to the Tot sans boat to meet up with Carson, Rob Stephens, Leave No 42 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

Trace Arkansas advocate and “The Joes” Joe Besl and Joe Creaghead, two of Leave No Trace’s Subaru Travelling Trainers.

Joe and Joe (as they’re affectionately known) traverse the U.S. most of the year for the express purpose of helping people enjoy the outdoors ethically.

They conduct Leave No Trace workshops, give talks and lead hot spot programs like the one held last year at the Cossatot.

I spent some time talking with the crew about the challenges the Tot faces, the Subaru Travelling Trainer program and Leave No Trace Arkansas. I also asked Joe and Joe about their experiences as travelling trainers and their impressions of our state.

“We’ve been here for ten days,” Creaghead said. “It’s been a nice little surprise to experience Arkansas. It really is beautiful.”

The crew that turned out at the Cossatot cleanup last fall, while dedicated and determined, was disappointingly small in number. But as half of the attendees were of high school age, it suggests the foundation is being laid for the next generation’s appreciation for Leave No Trace ethics.

Arkansas’s outdoor resources are at a critical juncture. Traffic in parks and on rivers, lakes and trails increases every year. Leave No Trace ethics, especially among young outdoor enthusiasts, will ensure these resources are available to future generations.

As Stephens noted, “We have many wonderful state parks to be thankful for in Arkansas and it’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of them for our future generations to enjoy.”

STAY AND PLAY

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTIES Some of the best bonding experiences happen outdoors, and that starts with comfortable lodging near the natural, wild spaces where you want to be. Arkansas Wild has compiled some of the best spaces to STAY & PLAY. Here you will find lodges perfect for a weekend getaway, hunting cabins for that once-in-a-lifetime duck hunt, a new vacation home, or that next place to relocate in The Natural State!

Make your next vacation an Arkansas adventure —STAY & PLAY in The Natural State!

Stay & Play is a special feature of Arkansas Wild with statewide distribution, including state parks, resorts, large chain grocery stores and outdoor outfitters. Plus, it's promoted online with Arkansas Wild digital media. If you would like to list your commercial or residential properties and rentals, contact lesa@arktimes.com.

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STAY AND PLAY REAL ESTATE & PROPERTIES

BEAR CREEK LOG CABINS

6403 N HWY 65 | ST. JOE, AR 870.448.5926 BUFFALORIVERLOGCABINS.NET If you are looking for a rustic retreat near the Buffalo National River at Tyler Bend, look no further than Bear Creek Log Cabins. There are three cabins scattered over hundreds of acres, all with access to the fishing holes of Bear Creek—a tributary to the Buffalo—right on the property.

The ranch is less than five minutes south of Middle Buffalo access areas and the Ozark Highland Trail, but you will also find plenty of trails right on the Bear Creek property for hiking, biking or ATV use. It is a photographer’s paradise, with sweeping views of the buttresses that line the creek and wildlife on every adventure. The nearby private Lake House property, with a 22-acre stocked lake with dock and fishing boat right out the back door, is also a favorite location.

The spacious cabins feature native rock fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, charcoal grills, full kitchens, linens, flat screen tvs with satellite reception (including SEC and ESPN channels), and heat/air that will accommodate up to 40 guests.

Bear Creek is open year around, offers hunting in season, and is pet friendly. Special winter discount rates are available in January and February. Bear Creek Log Cabins will quickly become your go-to getaway destination.

44 | Arkansas Wild ¸ March 2019

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GASTON'S WHITE RIVER RESORT RESORT ver Rd. | Lakeview, AR 1777 River Rd. | Lakeview, AR 1777 River Rd. | Lakeview, AR ns.comGastons.com Gastons.com .5202870.431.5202 870.431.5202

White River Resort began in 1958 with sixand small White RiverGaston’s ResortWhite began in Resort 1958 with six small cottages sixcottages boats.

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Gaston’s Resort also features an award-winning restaurant, shop, court, game room, duck pond, trails, swimming LARGE PARTIES privatetennis club, gift shop, playground, tennis court, playground, game room, duckthree pond,nature three nature PARTIES gift shop, tennis court,pool, playground, room, duckschool. pond, three nature trails, swimming conference lodge and fly fishing pool, conference lodge and flygame fishing school.

• YEAR-ROUND ming pool, conference lodge and fly Frank fishing school.

Led by fly Saksa, thethe fly fishing school is a one-day coursecourse for Led bymaster master flyfisherman fisherman Frank Saksa, fly fishing school is a one-day two •FISHING YEAR-ROUND for two people.

Combining bit of teaching hands-on experience, YEAR-ROUND Combining a bit ofain-classroom teaching with hands-on experience, these•classes are aster flypeople. fisherman Frank Saksa, the flyin-classroom fishing school is awith one-day course TROUT AND these classes are a wonderful introduction to the art of fly fishing.

TROUT FISHING a wonderful introduction to the art of fly fishing.

And the fishing is always good at Gaston’ s . le. Combining a bit of in-classroom teaching with hands-on experience, INSTRUCTION TROUT FISHINGAVAILABLE AND the River fishing is always good at Gaston’s.year-round, The White which River stays thethe same TheAnd White stays the same temperature means trout are always AND INSTRUCTION are a wonderful introduction to the art of fly fishing. temperature year-round, which means thefish, trout are always active.

Fly fishing is not who INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE Fly fishing is not the only way to either!

In fact, over 85% of everyone fishes in AVAILABLE fishing active. is only always good at Gaston’s.

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In fact, over 85% of everyone who fishesthe in the area is spin • AWARD-WINNING the area is spin fishing.

You can produce excellent results either way—just have fun! fishing.

You can produce excellent either way—just havefishing fun! year-round, which means the trout results are always active. Fly is not RESTAURANT Gaston’ soffers offersaaBermuda Bermudagrass grass airstrip that is open to everyone—not guests who are Gaston’s airstrip that isfishes open to everyone—not just just guests • AWARD-WINNING to fish, either!

In fact, over 85% of everyone who in the area is spin • AWARD-WINNING staying in the cottages.

Feel free to fly in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner any day of the week, who are staying in the cottages. Feel free to fly in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner any day RESTAURANT can produce excellent results either way—just have fun! or on week, Sunday forSunday the restaurant’ s famous Sunday brunch.brunch.

The resort has been in of the or on for the restaurant’s famous Sunday The resort has featured RESTAURANT • PRIVATE AIRSTRIP offers a Bermuda grass airstrip that is open toineveryone—not guests every major airplane and flight magazine the world, itjust is known the best fly fishing been featured in every major airplane and flight magazine in and the world, and it isasknown • PRIVATE AIRSTRIP ng in thedestination free toof flythe incountry. forthis breakfast, orVisitors dinner day infishing this part Visitors fly in from all over country ascottages. the best flyFeel destination in part of thelunch, country. flyany inthe from all overto experience • DOG-FRIENDLY the country to experience great trout fishing, or justato enjoy a meal with a great • some great trout fishing,some or just to enjoy a mealbrunch. with great in the restaurant. or on Sunday for the restaurant’s famous Sunday Theview resort hasfirst-class PRIVATE AIRSTRIP in the first-class restaurant.

• DOG-FRIENDLY Gaston’ s has a wide varietymagazine of different to known suit you and your party. In d in everyview major airplane and flight inpackages—perfect the world, and it is Gaston’s has a basic wide variety of different packages—perfect to suit you cottages and your party. addition to the accommodations, there are several larger and lodges where y fishing In destination in this part of the country.

Visitors fly larger in from all over addition the larger basic accommodations, thereallare cottages and Whether lodges • you guests can to hosts parties andorevents, ofseveral which offerwith freeaWi-Fi. need DOG-FRIENDLY o experience some great trout fishing, just to enjoy a meal great where guests can hosts larger parties and events, all of which offer free Wi-Fi. Whether a crib, extra blankets, or handicap accessible utilities, Gaston’s will strive to make you as rst-class comfortable restaurant. you need a crib, extra blankets, or handicap accessible utilities, Gaston’s will strive to as possible. Just let the capable staff know what they can do to make your stay make you asofcomfortable as possible. Just let the to capable staff know what party. they can do to has a wide variety different packages—perfect suit you and your perfect.

Your dogs areYour welcome, too! make your stay perfect. dogs are welcome, too! o the basic accommodations, there are several larger cottages and lodges A Special Advertising Promotion ARKANSASWILD.COM | 45 can hosts larger parties and events, all of which offer free Wi-Fi. Whether rib, extra blankets, or handicap accessible utilities, Gaston’s will strive to

ARKANSAS NOTEBOOK

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