Hill’s Bill to Enhance Arkansas’s Flatside Wilderness Becomes Law
Washington,
January 11, 2019
WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after his legislation to enhance Arkansas’s wilderness area, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, was signed into law: “I’m pleased that my bill to enhance one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes, Flatside Wilderness, has been signed into law. Arkansans and visitors now have the opportunity to enjoy more of Arkansas’s natural and wild qualities, all while boosting the state’s economy. This addition is named for a tireless conservationist and advocate for Arkansas wilderness and my good friend, former Arkansas Congressman Ed Bethune. I appreciate Representative Bruce Westerman and Senator John Boozman for their efforts in helping me get my legislation across the finish line.” Background The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, H.R. 5636, adds to the wilderness area approximately 640 acres of existing National Forest lands next to Forked Mountain which has been depicted as “Recommended Wilderness Additions since 2005.” These areas have been managed as wilderness land since that time. It will also name the 640-acre wilderness addition, “Bethune Woods,” in honor of former member of Congress from Arkansas, Ed Bethune, author of the House version of the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act. Click here to view the map of Flatside Wilderness. |
