Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman French Hill (AR02) introduced the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act to preserve wilderness areas for future generations in the State of Arkansas under the Wilderness Act of 1964 as amended by the federal Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984.

Hill’s legislation will add more than 600 acres of existing National Forest lands next to Forked Mountain into the National Wilderness Preservation System. It also instructs the U.S. Forest Service to study forest lands located in Perry County and adjacent to the Flatside Wilderness to determine their suitability for inclusion in the wilderness area.

Rep. Hill said: “A century ago, America was witnessing rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the closing of the west— and our own nation elected to protect its wild places. Today, just as then, Americans need solitude and refreshment from what President Teddy Roosevelt called ‘the strenuous life.’ Our wilderness areas are places left wild and roadless for exploration, camping, hunting, and hiking.

“Arkansans and visitors, young and old, are looking for unique and authentic outdoor recreation opportunities in the Natural State. Perry County in particular offers a very special and rare opportunity to support our wildlife and natural resources while also boosting the state’s economy.”

Groups in support:

• Arkansas Department of Heritage
• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• Arkansas Wildlife Federation
• National Wildlife Federation
• Perry County Chamber of Commerce
• Perry County Conservation District
• Saline County Judge Jeff Arey
• Perry County Judge Toby Davis

Background Information:

The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, H.R. 5636, would do the following:

• Add 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.
  
  
• Request that the US Forest Service study select acreage of existing National Forest lands bordering Flatside Wilderness as potential additions to the wilderness area. Following the inventory and evaluation of these additional areas; those that are appropriate for wilderness designation would be admitted to Flatside Wilderness; those that would not be suitable for wilderness would then continue to be managed under the applicable land management plan.
  

Click here to view the map of Flatside Wilderness.