Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after his legislation, H.R. 5636, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, which enhances Arkansas’s wilderness area, passed the House unanimously: 

“Arkansans and visitors, young and old, should enjoy more of one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes - Flatside Wilderness – which is why I’ve championed this bill. Perry County in particular offers a very special and rare opportunity for people to support our wildlife and natural resources, while also boosting the state’s economy. I’m pleased to name this addition for a tireless conservationist and advocate for Arkansas wilderness and my good friend, former Arkansas Congressman Ed Bethune.

“I thank Chairman Rob Bishop of the House Natural Resources Committee and Congressman Bruce Westerman for their help in advancing my bill. I look forward to working with the Senate to get it across the finish line and onto the president’s desk for his signature.”

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, “Bethune woods,” in honor of former member of Congress from Arkansas, Ed Bethune, author of the House version the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act.

Additionally, Congressman Hill has proposed a U.S. Forest Service study of additional existing U.S. forest 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.