Hill’s Bill to Enhance Arkansas’s Flatside Wilderness Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
Washington,
December 24, 2018
WASHINGTON – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after his legislation to enhance Arkansas’s wilderness area, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, passed the Senate and heads to the president’s desk for his signature: Congressman Hill said: “I’m pleased that my bill to enhance one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes, Flatside Wilderness, has been sent to the president’s desk. Arkansans and visitors, young and old, should enjoy more of Flatside Wilderness and all of its natural and wild qualities. 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. 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 to the finish line.” Senator John Boozman said: “This is welcome news for Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts. Protecting this land will support the beauty of the Natural State for future generations. Nobody has been a more fierce advocate for our state’s natural resources than Ed Bethune so this is also a fitting tribute to his work in Congress. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for recognizing the importance of safeguarding this landscape.” 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. 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. |