Large-scale mountain bike project on Ouachita National Forest
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is requesting a Special Use Permit for an area of National Forest Service lands for trail development and recreation-related infrastructure. The location is a section of the Ouachita National Forest in Mena, Arkansas, between Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Ward Lake. A public comment period is open through July 29, 2024. If you want to know more about the proposed project, or if you have an opinion and want to comment, please click on the links at the end of the post. Arkansas BHA is working on an official comment.
Please check back here for updates.
Summary of the proposed project:
- The ASP Division of State Parks is requesting a permit for developed recreation within select locations and corridors across 8,832 acres of national forest land
- The permit would allow construction of up to 100 miles of primarily natural-surface trails
- The permit would allow development of a “Base Portal” for guest services
- The permit would allow construction of parking areas and improvements to existing pull-offs along Highway 88
- The permit would allow “uplift infrastructure” (shuttles and up to five chairlifts) to transport users throughout the permitted area
Read more about the project here.
Comment on the permit request here.
Arkansas BHA Chapter
The Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for Arkansas' three million acres of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the chapter strives to safeguard Arkansas's outdoor heritage.
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The Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for Arkansas' three million acres of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the chapter strives to safeguard Arkansas's outdoor heritage.
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