“I’m pleased that my bill to enhance one of Arkansas’s most unspoiled landscapes, Flatside Wilderness, has been signed into law. Arkansans and visitors now have the opportunity to enjoy more of Arkansas’s natural and wild qualities, all while 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 across the finish line.”

Background Information:

The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, H.R. 5636, does the following:

• 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.
  
  
• Request that the US Forest Service study select acreage of existing National Forest lands bordering Flatside Wilderness as potential additions to the wilderness area. Following the inventory and evaluation of these additional areas; those that are appropriate for wilderness designation would be admitted to Flatside Wilderness; those that would not be suitable for wilderness would then continue to be managed under the applicable land management plan.
  

Click here to view the map of Flatside Wilderness.