Hutchinson makes outdoor recreation announcements

Gov. Asa Hutchinson held a special news conference on Monday to make announcements regarding outdoor recreation in the state.

“Arkansas is a national treasure when it comes to outdoor recreation,” Hutchinson said.

The first announcement is the creation of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, which will be under the Arkansas Department of Heritage and Tourism. The purpose of the office will be to coordinate stewardship, investment and marketing of outdoor recreation in Arkansas.

Hutchinson is also creating the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Board made up of up to 10 people to advise the new office. There will be private sector representatives included on the board.

Hutchinson's second announcement is the addition of the Blue Mountain Natural Area to the recreation options in the state. The 495 area tract is west of Rattlesnake Ridge. The addition gives the state all three peaks of the Pinnacle Mountain Range. He thanked the Nature Conservancy for helping make that happen.

The state has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States Forest Service to allow the Arkansas Division of State Parks to add expanded recreation opportunities at Camp Ouachita and Lake Sylvia.

“I know Secretary (Stacy) Hurst, (of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism,) has worked hard with the US Forestry Service to create this opportunity,” Hutchinson said.

He also thanked Congressman French Hill for his national leadership on the project.

Hutchinson said that it is a great natural area.

“This is an exciting time for our state,” he said.

He said the state gets a $9 billion economic benefit fro outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation has created 9,600 direct jobs. He added the state also benefits from from access to hiking, fishing, camping and more.

Hurst called the announcements an important milestone. She said Arkansas is one of only 16 states with an office of outdoor recreation and one of the first in the south to create one. She feels it will help grown outdoor opportunities in the state. She feels it makes sense to maximize outdoor opportunities to help grow the economy.

Hill praised the announcements.

He talked about the various federal resources available to help with growing outdoor recreation.

Hutchinson said they still have not determined how much economic impact the announcements will have. He does believe it will be positive.

Hurst said the pandemic saw a large increase in people visiting parks.