Hill’s Bill to Enhance Arkansas Flatside Wilderness Advances out of Committee
Washington,
September 26, 2018
WASHINGTON – Congressman French Hill’s (AR-02) legislation to enhance Arkansas’s wilderness area, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, advanced out of the Natural Resources Committee today by unanimous consent. The bill is now eligible for consideration by the full House. Under authorities of the Wilderness Act of 1964 as amended by the federal Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984, Hill’s legislation places more than 600 acres of existing National Forest lands next to Forked Mountain into the National Wilderness Preservation System. His legislation preserves additional Arkansas wilderness areas for future generations and also will name the wilderness addition in honor of former member of Congress, Ed Bethune. “We’ve left our wilderness areas wild and roadless to make sure that they are available for exploration, camping, hunting, and hiking for this and future generations,” said Hill. “I thank my colleague, Congressman Bruce Westerman, for his help in advancing my bill that allows Arkansans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy more of one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes - Flatside Wilderness. Perry County in particular offers a very special and rare opportunity for visitors to support our wildlife and natural resources while also boosting the state’s economy. I am particularly pleased to have the honor to name this addition in recognition of a tireless conservationist and advocate for Arkansas wilderness and a dear friend, former Arkansas Congressman Ed Bethune.” “I applaud Representative Hill’s work in advancing this common-sense conservation measure,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman. “The addition of the Ed Bethune Wilderness in his district will go a long way in promoting healthy wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities in the Second Congressional District.” Background The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, H.R. 5636, would 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. It will also name the 640-acre wilderness addition in honor of former member of Congress, Ed Bethune, one of the original House sponsors of the Arkansas Wilderness Act.’ Additionally, Congressman Hill has proposed a U.S. Forest Service study of additional lands located in Perry County and adjacent to the Flatside Wilderness to determine their suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Click here to view the map of Flatside Wilderness. |
