RELEASE: REP. HILL’S BILL TO FURTHER EXPAND FLATSIDE WILDERNESS HEADING TO HOUSE FLOOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
November 22, 2024
LITTLE ROCK, AR – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after his bill, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, advanced out of the House Natural Resources Committee this week and is heading to the House Floor. Rep. Hill’s legislation will expand the existing Forest Service land in Flatside Wilderness by 2,215 acres and will complete his work on the final expansion of Flatside. “As a ninth-generation Arkansan and a lifelong outdoorsman, I have enjoyed the benefits that our state has to offer throughout my life. With all the natural resources in Arkansas, it is our obligation to do our part in protecting our lands and beauty. I applaud the House Natural Resources Committee for advancing my bill because adding over 2,200 acres of existing Forest Service land to Flatside will bring economic growth to Arkansas’s outdoor recreation economy and added opportunities for Arkansans and visitors to explore more of our state’s beautiful natural qualities. I thank my friend and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman for his support and am delighted that my important legislation for Arkansas is one step closer to becoming law.” Further Background: H.R. 3971 - Flatside Wilderness Additions Act – This bill will designate an additional 2,215 acres to Flatside Wilderness. This area is a part of the Ouachita National Forest and is in Perry County, Arkansas, which is in the Second Congressional District. At the direction of Congress, this addition was thoroughly studied and evaluated by the U.S. Forest Service. They issued their report in May of 2021. This legislation is designed based on their analysis and findings. This legislation has support from local and state agencies, as well as numerous outside organizations, including:
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