Arkansas

The Richland Creek Wilderness now contains a total of 11,801 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Arkansas.

Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Richland Creek Wilderness, this process began in 1984 when 11,822 acres were designated by Public Law 98-508.

The Upper Buffalo Wilderness now contains a total of 12,018 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Arkansas.

Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, this process began in 1975 when 10,590 acres were designated by Public Law 93-622.

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular river-rafting spots in the United States. The area also provides some of the best fishing in Colorado. The spectacular scenery is highlighted by the steep, narrow, rocky canyons that provide excellent opportunities to view Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. There are over 25 developed river-access areas. Popular activities include rockhounding at Ruby Mountain, fishing for brown trout at Hecla Junction, and wildlife-watching at the Five Points Watchable Wildlife Area in Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

Wapanocca NWR located 20 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, in Crittenden County, Arkansas was established in 1961 to provided habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. The refuge is located four miles west of the Mississippi River and protected from the river by the river levee. Prior to establishment of the refuge, it was the site of the Wapanocca Outing Club which was formed in 1886. This was one of the oldest and most prestigious hunting clubs. The club managed for waterfowl and most of the lake was set aside as a waterfowl sanctuary.

White River NWR, was established in 1935 for the protection of migratory birds. The refuge lies in the floodplain of the White River near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. White River NWR is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley.

The Leatherwood Wilderness now contains a total of 16,838 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Arkansas.

Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Leatherwood Wilderness, this process began in 1984 when 16,956 acres were designated by Public Law 98-508.

http://www.nps.gov/arpo/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Holla Bend NWR, established in 1957, is located 8 miles down river from Dardanelle, Arkansas. The refuge is situated on a bend of the Arkansas River which was cut off when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river in 1954 for flood control. Refuge lands include over 7,000 acres of agricultural fields, bottomland forest, and open water.

The Flatside Wilderness now contains a total of 9,507 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Arkansas.

Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Flatside Wilderness, this process began in 1984 when 10,105 acres were designated by Public Law 98-508.

Big Lake NWR was established in 1915 to provide habitat and protection for migrating and wintering birds and is recognized as an important link in the Mississippi migration corridor. Over the years the objectives of the refuge have expanded to include protection for endangered species. Big Lake was important in the recovery of the bald eagle from its endangered status. Eagles came back to nest on the refuge in 1989 and have annually raised young since 1993.