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Arkansas has always been known for its breathtaking natural beauty – rolling hills, rocky ridges, dense forests, and pristine rivers that carve their way through the heart of our state. For many, these places aren’t just scenic backdrops; they are where we forged memories, grew up exploring the outdoors, and cultivated a deep love for the land and our state.

Growing up as a ninth-generation Arkansan, I spent countless hours fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking in places that felt untouched by human hands. It was those early experiences that instilled in me a lifelong commitment to conserving Arkansas’s natural treasures.

October 19th marks a special milestone for the Natural State: the 40th anniversary of the Arkansas Wilderness Act. In 1984, a bipartisan effort led by Senators Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, and Congressman Ed Bethune created the Flatside Wilderness, protecting over 9,500 acres of untouched Arkansas terrain for future generations to enjoy. This legislation, which I had the privilege of supporting from behind the scenes during my days as a congressional staffer, was a monumental achievement for our state and set the stage for future conservation efforts.

Since coming to Congress in 2015, continuing the legacy of this landmark legislation has been one of my top priorities. Preserving true wilderness in our state ensures that future Arkansans – and the countless visitors who flock to our state for its outdoor wonders – can experience the same sense of joy and adventure that I did growing up. That is why, in 2018, I introduced the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, which successfully expanded the wilderness by 640 acres, an addition now known as Bethune Woods. President Trump signed that legislation into law in 2019, taking a major step forward in fulfilling the vision first set out by Bumpers, Pryor, and Bethune four decades ago.

However, that legislative process did not finish the job.

Last year, I introduced the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, which will add 2,215 acres of existing U.S. Forest Service lands to the Flatside Wilderness, taking the area to its original 1984 proposed size. With the House Natural Resources Committee having held a hearing on my legislation in June, we are closer than ever to achieving that goal.

There is something truly special about the wilderness areas of Arkansas. When you hike deep into the Ouachita National Forest, you feel a profound connection to the land – a sense that it has remained untouched and pure, despite all the changes happening in the world around us. Protecting these areas is not just a matter of environmental stewardship; it is also an economic necessity. As Katherine Andrews, our state’s Director of Outdoor Recreation, testified before Congress, “In 2022, 4.3 million visitors spent an estimated $278 million in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands in Arkansas. These expenditures supported 3,900 jobs, $107 million in labor income, $191 million in value-added, and $362 million in economic output for the Arkansas economy. Visitors and citizens alike flock to places where they can spend time outside.”

I have spent nearly a decade in Congress fighting to protect Arkansas’s natural beauty and expand recreational opportunities for our citizens. The Flatside Wilderness Additions Act is the culmination of those efforts. Passing this legislation is not just about adding acres to a map; it is about finishing a project that started 40 years ago, ensuring that our children and grandchildren can experience the unspoiled beauty of the Natural State.

Arkansans take pride in their land – its beauty, its bounty, and its promise. My bill honors that legacy and sets the stage for another 40 years of wilderness protection. As we approach the final stages of passing this legislation, I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in making sure that the Flatside Wilderness and the outdoor heritage of Arkansas will continue to inspire and benefit generations to come.