RELEASE: REP. HILL’S TWO BILLS TO EXPAND FLATSIDE WILDERNESS AND CONVEY PROPERTY TO PERRY COUNTY ADVANCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
October 21, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two of Congressman French Hill’s (AR-02) Arkansas-focused bills — the Flatside Wilderness Expansion Act and legislation directing the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a building in Perry County — have advanced in the Senate Agriculture Committee as part of a 13-bill lands package that passed with unanimous consent. Rep. Hill said, “I’m proud to lead on legislation that strengthens Arkansas communities and protects the natural beauty that defines our state. The Flatside Wilderness Expansion Act fulfills a promise made more than forty years ago to protect one of our state’s most beautiful and culturally significant landscapes for future generations. Preserving Arkansas’s natural beauty has been one of my top priorities in Congress, and this bill ensures that legacy continues. “I’m also pleased that my Perry County conveyance bill is moving forward, which will finally allow the community to put a long-vacant federal building to good use for youth, agriculture, and conservation programs. These two bills reflect Arkansas's values of community, common sense, and preserving our state’s natural beauty for the next generation. “I want to thank Chairman Westerman for his partnership in advancing these bills through his committee in the House, and Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, for his leadership in helping advance both of these Arkansas priorities.”
Key Provisions Flatside Wilderness Expansion Act (H.R. 1612)
Perry County U.S. Forest Service Building Conveyance
Local Support Both bills have received broad support from Arkansas leaders, conservation advocates, and local officials who have long worked toward these outcomes. Quotes from state and local partners follow below. “I am grateful to Rep. French Hill, Senator John Boozman, and all of the federal partners who played a part in advancing these critical pieces of legislation. Here in the Natural State, we are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and thanks to this legislation, we will be able to preserve what makes us special, educate the next generation on the importance of conservation, and continue our efforts to establish Arkansas as a leading destination for year-round outdoor adventure.” — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders “By preserving these 2,200 acres within the Ouachita National Forest, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act will protect an incredible landscape of untouched wilderness. We thank Congressman Hill for his leadership and commitment to preserving The Natural State.” — Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks “The expansion of the Flatside Wilderness Area is a direct investment in the future of The Natural State. The AGFC’s mission is centered on conservation and stewardship, and protecting this rugged, unspoiled landscape ensures that Arkansans and visitors alike will have access to true wilderness experiences for years to come. This move is critical for biodiversity and guaranteeing the limitless opportunities for outdoor education and recreation that define our state.” — Doug Schoenrock, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission “I want to thank Congressman Hill for his leadership on these two bills that will greatly benefit our constituents in Perry County and all of central Arkansas. Perry County is blessed with some of the prettiest scenery in all of Arkansas, and thanks to Congressman Hill, future generations will get to enjoy the beauty around Flatside Pinnacle. "I also want to thank Congressman Hill for making good use of an abandoned forestry building in Perryville that was paid for by the taxpayers in our district. It is great to see that our Congressman has not forgotten what common sense looks like.” — Arkansas State Representative Mary Bentley “On behalf of the citizens of Perry County, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Congressman French Hill for his continuous support to preserve the natural beauty of Perry County and his support of numerous county-based organizations that serve the citizens of Perry County.” — Perry County Judge Larry Blackmon "As everyone who has hiked the Ouachita Trail knows, the Flatside Wilderness ranks among the most majestic landscapes in America. Today’s action moves us one step closer to ensuring future generations can enjoy its world-class hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Congressman Hill’s tireless efforts to complete the Flatside Wilderness builds upon more than a century of work – from President Theodore Roosevelt’s establishing the Arkansas National Forest in 1907 to Senator Bumpers and Congressman Bethune creating the Flatside Wilderness forty years ago. "By safeguarding an additional 2,215 acres of the Ouachita Mountains’ unique, east-to-west trending ridges, Congressman Hill is continuing to do his part to advance Arkansas’ remarkable conservation legacy, ensuring the long-term survival of 380 vulnerable species and the wild spaces that make the Natural State one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the nation." — Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation “The members of Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT) maintain 294 miles of hiking and biking trails in the Ouachita National Forest and Central Arkansas Water lands through volunteer adoptions. FoOT members understand the importance of protecting special places within the broader working forest landscape and celebrate this progress towards expanding the Flatside Wilderness Area for the benefit of all Arkansans. We thank Congressman Hill, Congressman Westerman, and Senator Boozman for their leadership and support of this legislation.” — Matt Edwards, President, Friends of the Ouachita Trail “The Flatside Wilderness is such an important part of Arkansas's shared outdoor heritage. Hikers, hunters, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have known for years about outstanding opportunities for solitude that can be found on the Ouachita Trail, and anyone who's made the 90-minute drive from Little Rock to Flatside Pinnacle can testify to how spectacular this corner of the Ouachita National Forest really is. Rep. French Hill's effort to better preserve this landscape is popular with Arkansans for a reason, and that's because it keeps the Natural State exactly that: natural. “SELC applauds the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition for favorably reporting this bill today, and we look forward to working with Sen. John Boozman on its final passage.” — Anders Reynolds, Federal Legislative Director, Southern Environmental Law Center “The eleven hundred members of the Ozark Society enthusiastically support Congressman Hill’s hard work to expand the centrally located Flatside Wilderness by 2,200 acres. The preservation of our state’s wild places will only further enhance Arkansas’ reputation as a destination for visitors and continue to make it increasingly attractive to young professionals and industries who are only just beginning to recognize our state for the outstanding quality of life we enjoy.” — Brian Thompson, President, and David Peterson, Past President, Ozark Society |
