Arkansas Wild Spring 2007

2 Spring 2007 • ARKANSAS WILD

ARKANSAS WILD • Spring 2007 3


10 TEE TIME By Emily Griffin

18 THE BIG ONEBy Emily Griffin

21 FISHING LICENSE Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

24 MUDDY WATERS By Jay Harrod

28 MISSING NATURE By Mary Smith

32 HIKING TRAILS By Emily Griffin

34 CITIZEN SCIENCE By The Natural Heritage Commission

38 CONCRETE, STEEL & NATURAL RESOURCES

By J. Brian Davis, PhD

40 THE BUZZ By Michael Warriner

42 HUNTING LICENSE Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

46 SPRING IN ARKANSAS By A.C. (Chuck) Haralson

50 DESTINATION ARKANSAS By Emily Griffin

54 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

58 SNAKES By Emily Griffin

Cover: Signature hole number 18 on the Mountain Springs Course at the Greystone Country Club in Cabot.

See page 10 for more information on the course.

40

50

32


BEAT ‘EM ONCE.INTIMIDATION.

BEAT ‘EM TWICE.DOMINATION.

1.As Shown (TOP) $30,650, (BOTTOM) $27,700. MSRP for 2007 Titan King Cab XE 4x2 automatic transmission (11517), excludes tax, title, license and $745 destination charge. MSRP for 2007 Titan King Cab LE 4x2 automatic transmission (TOP) (11917) excludes tax, title,

license and $745 destination charge. MSRP for 2007 Titan King Cab SE 4x2 automatic transmission with popular package, power bench seat and trac package (BOTTOM)(11717) excludes tax, title, license and $745 destination charge. Dealer sets actual price. * Popular Mechanics,

March 2007. Always wear your seatbelt and please don’t drink and drive. Nissan, the Nissan Brand Symbol, "SHIFT_" tagline, and Nissan model names are Nissan trademarks. © 2007 Nissan North America, Inc. Visit NissanUSA.com.

The Full-Size 2007 Nissan Titan retains its title as PopularMechanics #1 Full-Size Pickup.*

The Full-Size 2007 Nissan Titan - Starting at $23,7001

For the second straight year, the Full-Size Nissan Titan finished above F-150, Silverado, Ram and Tundra in head to head tests on and off-road. Conquering just about every performance test they threw at it, Titan was named

the #1 full-size pickup in its class by Popular Mechanics magazine. *But don’t just take their word for it. Stop by your local Nissan Dealer today and put the 317 HP 2007 Nissan Titan through a test drive of your own.


6100 Landers Road, Sherwood501-835-8300

www.russellchevrolet.com

C H E V R O L E T

F R O M T H E R A C E T R A C K

T O Y O U R D R I V E W A Y .

T E C H N O L O G Y

HEATHER BAKERPublisher

[email protected]

E D I T O R I A L

EMILY GRIFFINEditor

[email protected]

KELLIE MCANULTYEditorial/Creative Art Director

[email protected]

A D V E R T I S I N G

ANGIE WILSONAccount Executive

[email protected]

EMILY GRIFFINAdvertising Coordinator

[email protected]

A R T

ERICA SCHAFFERArt Director

MIKE SPAINArt Director

PATRICK JONESCreative Director

RAFAEL MÉNDEZGraphic Artist

P H O T O G R A P H Y

A.C. (CHUCK) HARALSONPhotographer

EMILY GRIFFINPhotographer

BRIAN CHILSONPhotographer

P R O D U C T I O N

IRA HOCUTProduction Manager

ROLAND GLADDENAdvertising Traffic Manager

O F F I C E S T A F F

WELDON WILSONController

ROBERT CURFMANIT Director

LINDA PHILLIPSBilling/Collections

ANNDRA ELLISONOffice Manager

JENNIE SWANSONOffice Assistant

ANITRA HICKMANCirculation Director

201 E. Markham St. Suite 200Little Rock, AR 72201 • 501-375-2985

All Contents ©2007 Arkansas Times

SPRING ‘07WildArkansas

WildArkansas

PUBLISHED BY


ContributorsContributorsEmily Griffin Born and raised in the Ozarks, Emily Griffin has enjoyed outdoor activities from an early age. From fishing the lakes and rivers around Mountain Home to canoeing down the Buffalo National River to Geocaching across the state, Griffin

always finds time to partake in the beauty of Arkansas. “One of the great things about working for Arkansas Wild is getting to meet so many Arkansans who care about this state as much as I do,” Griffin said. Griffin holds a degree in journalism with an emphasis in photojournalism from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro.

Jay Harrod, a spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, has a love for Arkansas streams. “There’s something special about a float trip on a scenic stream or river in Arkansas,” he says,

adding that his 5-year-old son, Max, has already floated six Natural State streams. “When I began working for the Conservancy, I was surprised to learn how detrimental sediment is to the health of streams. Most Arkansans want to conserve our streams and protect our drinking water, but sometimes I worry that many people aren’t aware of the things that threaten these precious resources. I want my son to be able take his children and grandchildren out on clear, clean Arkansas streams.”

A.C. "Chuck" Haralson knows Arkansas. The Arkansas Parks and Tourism chief photographer has traveled all over the state in the past 25 years, capturing its splendor on film. From wildlife on the White River to fly fishermen in mid-cast, Haralson has been there to record each event,

granting his audience a chance to see a fleeting moment in time. His work evokes a sense of wonder and awe in the viewer. One gets the sense of seeing the state through Haralson’s eyes, and what an amazing place it is indeed.

Brian Davis, a regional biologist for Ducks Unlimited since 2001, is part of nearly a dozen Arkansas DU staff who work diligently to deliver conservation education across the state. In addition to the many roles he plays for the DU organization, Davis

also serves as adjunct professor at Mississippi State University participating in research that assesses bene-fits of Arkansas rice fields to waterfowl and other wildlife. He holds a masters degree in Wildlife Ecology and a doctorate degree in Wildlife Science from Mississippi State University.

Mary Smith, director of education for Audubon Arkansas works with students across the state to connect schools and local communities with nature. One of her primary projects is “The Common Ground Education Initiative,” a partner-ship between Audubon Arkansas and

the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, which focuses on project-based learning, field science, leadership, tech-nology, and service learning. Prior to working in Arkansas, she worked in Washington, D.C., where she directed environmental education policy for the National Audubon Society and served as Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Education. She has worked as an adminis-trator and teacher for over 23 years in Arkansas schools, served as director of Wilderness Writers at the Ozark Natural Science Center and developed “Farmstead,” an educational restoration of an 1897 home and farm. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in English, and a M.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Education.

Michael D. Warriner is an entomologist and founder of the Arkansas Native Bee Project, a local initiative aimed at documenting native bee diversity and promoting their conser-vation across Arkansas landscapes.

Warriner is also a Field Ecologist with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission in Little Rock. He devel-oped citizen-science initiatives in the form of the Arkansas Tarantula Survey and the Arkansas Bumblebee Survey, and, in 2005, was awarded the Conservation Educator of the Year Award by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

10 ARKANSAS WILD • Spring 2007

ummer is here and what better way to spend your hard-earned

vacation than strutting your stuff down the fairway. Arkansas has

dozens of golf courses for the beginner and the PGA hopeful. With

beautifully manicured greens and sculpted fairways, not even “old man

par” can get you down. Dust off your gear; grab an ice-cold beverage

and head to the green!

Golf

S


Big Creek Golf and Country ClubBig Creek Golf and Country Club in Mountain Home has been described as, “Golf at its absolute best,” by Golf

Digest’s “Places to Play in May 2004. Nestled in the Ozarks, Big Creek Golf and Country Club is one of only 16 courses in the United States to receive a five-star rating from Golf Digest in 2004, and each year since.

The course was designed by Thomas Clark of Ault, Clark and Associates, and sprawls over 200 acres. Lakes, their namesake creek, white sand bunkers, Zoysia fairways and bent grass greens make the course “challenging, yet enjoyable.” Big Creek Golf and Country Club also offers five sets of tees ranging from 5,068 to 7,320 yards, a state-of-the-art practice facility featuring a three-tiered driving range, separate putting and chipping greens and a large practice bunker to help improve your game.

Nearby attractions include the Buffalo National River, and Branson, MO.

Public rates are $65 weekdays, $75 during weekends and holidays, and $50 everyday after 3 p.m. Rates include golf cart rental and are good through October 28.

For more information and course rules visit www.bigcreekgolf.com.

Greystone Country ClubJust outside Little Rock, Greystone Country Club in Cabot offers

two courses consistently ranked among the top in the state, as well as a driving range and putting greens.

Mountain Springs’ fairways feature Zoysia grass and four sets of tees with distances ranging from 5,226 to 7,051 yards, bent grass greens and a waterfall on the 18th hole.

The Cypress Creek course has played host to the Arkansas Open and a Hooters Tour event. The course offers five sets of tees ranging from 5,709 to 7,392 yards of Zoysia fairways, a long challenging layout with hazards on 12 of the 18 holes and an island green on the 16th.

Monday–Friday you can play for $40, or $50 Saturday and Sunday.For more information and course rules visit www.greystonedevelop-

ment.com.

Glenwood Country ClubOne of the top 10 courses in the state, Glenwood Country Club in

Glenwood is set in the rolling terrain of the Ouachita Mountains, and has received 4 ½ stars from Golf Digest. Playing the secluded, scenic course layout is a great way to spend the day.

Glenwood offers four sets of tees, four water hazards, and two lakes, as well as a driving range with grass tees, practice bunker, chipping green and putting preen. Glenwood Country Club also offers a 12-room lodge adjacent to the course.

Once you’ve played the course, you can also enjoy rafting, canoeing and hiking or the nightlife and charm of nearby Hot Springs.

Green fees include $32 for 18 holes, cart, and driving range on week-days and $41 during the weekend and holidays. Senior Citizens can play

for $28 during the week and $34 during the weekend. Lodge guests pay $32 for unlimited play per day.For more information and course rules visit www.glenwoodcountryclub.com.


The Course at Eagle MountainBordering the White River, The Course at Eagle Mountain in Batesville

offers Zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. Five sets of tees offer play ranging from 5,012 to 7,009 yards. Designed by John Floyd, The Course at Eagle Mountain is nestled on 190 acres on the north and east sides of Eagle Mountain. The course also offers a driving range and practice area.

Nearby attractions include Lyons College, the Batesville Speedway, and trout fishing in the White River.

Non-member rates are $45 Friday-Sunday for 18 holes, cart and range balls, and $35 Monday-Thursday. Nine holes, cart and range balls Friday-Sunday is $30, and $25 Monday-Thursday.

For more information and course rules visit www.thecourseateagle-mountain.com.

Chenal Country ClubLocated in West Little Rock, Chenal Country Club offers two world-

class championship golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., one of the world’s leading golf course designers.

Founders Course is an 18-hole championship course featuring seven lakes and is consistently ranked among the best modern golf courses in the nation.

The 7,221-yard Bear Den Course boasts tight, tree-lined fairways, crystal clear creeks and wildlife protected areas.

Green fees are $90 during the week and $130 during the weekend. Price includes golf cart.

For more information and course rules visit www.chenalcc.com.

Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic ClubEagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club in Little Rock offers bentgrass

greens, burmuda fairways, chipping greens, driving range, and putting green, as well as a short game practice area. Designed by Lyndy Lindsey, Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club is an 18-hole course with par 72.

Nearby attractions include Little Rock’s River Market District, and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library.

For membership information visit www.lindseymanagement.com.

Eagle Crest Golf CourseEagle Crest Golf Course in Alma was designed by Tournament Players

Champ Mark Hayes, and offers four sets of tees, Zoysia tees and fairways, bentgrass greens and a tee shot over a double waterfall on hole 4.

This beautiful course was carved from the natural landscape of the Ozark Mountains. With elevated tees with tee shots over deep ravines, this picturesque course is a great way to get away from it all. Host to the Mercy Celebrity Classic, Eagle Crest Golf Course features six par 3s, seven par 4s, and five par 5s throughout the course.

Rates are $34 Monday-Thursday, $36 on Friday, and $39 Saturday, Sunday and holidays for 18 holes and ½ cart. After 4 p.m. rates are $30. For nine holes and ½ cart rates are $21 Monday-Thursday, $23 Friday-Sunday and on holidays. Nine holes after 4 p.m. are $17.

For more information and course rules visit www.golfeaglecrest.com.


Sage MeadowsSage Meadows in Jonesboro is a Tommy Bolt signature links-style

course with Zoysia fairways, bent grass greens and Bermuda roughs features water on nine of the 18 holes and 37 sand bunkers, as well as a full driving range, double end tees and a short practice area.

Sage Meadows has been featured in Mid-South Golfer and rated one of the top five semi-private courses in the state. Just west of Memphis, Sage Meadows players can enjoy an unlimited number of attractions.

Pay $35 for 18-holes and $25 after 4 p.m.For more information and course rules visit www.sagemeadows.

com.

Stonebridge MeadowsStonebridge Meadows in Fayetteville has been named Northwest

Arkansas' "Best Place to Play" by Golf Digest, and was also given a 4.5 star rating. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, the course features five sets of tees, and ranges from 5,215 to 7,150 yards. Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens are accentuated with a 13-acre practice facility.

Nearby attractions include the University of Arkansas as well as an active nightlife.

Play Monday-Thursday for $39, $45 on Friday, and $49 on Saturday and Sunday. Holiday rates are $52.

For more information and course rules visit www.stonebridgemeadows.com.

Hurricane Golf and Country ClubJust south of Little Rock, Hurricane Golf and Country Club in

Bryant was designed by Lyndy Lindsey. The 18-hole, 72-par course boasts bentgrass greens, and Zoysia fairways. An aqua driving range, driving range and putting green are on hand for players.

Nearby attractions include antique shopping, and fl avorful restaurants.

For membership information visit www.lindseymanagement.com.

Thunder Bayou Golf LinksIn the heart of Blytheville you’ll find Thunder Bayou Golf Links,

ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best New Courses and one of the top public courses in the state. Thunder Bayou hosts a Hooters Tour, Heartland Senior Tour, and US Kids Junior Tour events. This 18-hole championship course features five sets of tees, water on seven holes and more than 80 bunker. Other amenities include practice range, bunkers, and putting green with lessons available from PGA professional J.P. Kelly.

Nearby attractions includes hunting and fishing.Green fees are $44 on the weekend and $38 during the week. After

2 p.m. green fees are $25. Fees include golf cart rentals.For more information and course rules call (870) 532-2621.


Tannenbaum Golf ClubNestled in the Ozark Mountains surrounding Greers Ferry Lake,

Tannenbaum Golf Club in Drasco is actually a peninsula surrounded by water. Each hole is lined with tress and elevation from tee to green changes drastically. Designed by John Floyd, the course offers five sets of tees and one of the most challenging layouts in the state. Tannenbaum also offers a 10-acre practice facility with driving range, putting and chipping green and practice bunker.

Other nearby attractions includes trout fishing, arts, crafts, and shop-ping.

Monday-Thursday you can play until 2 p.m. for $39 or $45 Friday-Sunday. Monday-Thursday after 2 p.m. you can play for $30 or $35 Friday-Sunday.

For more information and course rules visit www.tannenbaumgolf.com.

Harbor Oaks Golf ClubHarbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff has been voted one of the top

10 courses in Arkansas. The course features a par 72 over 18 holes with four sets of tee markers, 5,249 to 7,010 yards of Tifton 419 Bermuda fairways with bent grass greens and water features on seven holes. The practice range has 25 hitting stations, a chipping green, putting green and practice bunker. The club is also home to an award-winning restaurant and lounge overlooking the 9th and 18th greens.

Nearby attractions include the Delta Rivers Nature Center, museums, seasonal festivals and concerts.

Green fees include $33 during the week and $43 during the weekend. After 4 p.m. during the week the fee is $20 and $30 after 4 p.m. during the weekend. Fees include a golf cart.

For more information and course rules call (870) 541-0631.

Mountain Ranch Golf ClubMountain Ranch Golf Club in Fairfield Bay was named #1 resort

course in the state by Golf Digest and is known as the course that launched PGA pro John Daly. The course’s Edmond Ault-designed 18 holes cover 6,780 yards and offer a gentle and sloping introduction to the course and a back nine that requires precision and strategy.

Mountain Ranch offers four tees, a driving range and practice putting green.

Other attractions include fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking and tennis.

Weekdays the green fee is $39, and $32 after 2 p.m. On the weekend fees are $45, and $35 after 2p.m. A golf cart is included in the fee.

For more information and course rules call (501) 884-3400.


EVEN CARS NEED A HERO.

The people who design and build automobiles also need something to look up to. To aspire to. And for over 50 years,

the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been that icon. A showcase of the very latest in design, technology performance and safety. Everything an automobile can be. The 2007 S-Class See it at

your local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

S-Class. Unlike any other.

Riverside Motors1403 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock • 501-666-9457

Foxwood Country Club

Foxwood Countr y Club in Jacksonville is an 18-hole, par 72 course designed by John C. Floyd. The course opened in 1971 but has under-gone many updates in the last year.

Foxwood has been named Best Golf Course of Arkansas by The Arkansas Times and has been featured in Mid-South Golfer Magazine. The course is home to an AFGA tourna-ment as well as a Pathfinder tourna-ment.

The course is 6,069 yards from the whites, 6,448 yards from the blues, 5,419 yards from the golds, and 5,017 yards from the reds.

Nearby attractions include the Little Rock Air Force Base. Foxwood Country Club is just minutes from Little Rock.

Public rates are $29 weekdays, $34 during weekends. Rates for mili-tary and seniors are $25 weekdays and $29 during weekends. Rates include golf cart rental.

For more information and course rules call 501-982-1254.

Hot Springs Country Club

Established in 1898, the Hot Springs Country Club is nestled in the Ouachita foothills. The Arlington course has recently been renovated by Master’s Champion Ben Crenshaw

and has bentgrass greens.The Majestic course offers sandy

and watery challenges. It is 6,836 yards and offers new bentgrass greens.

In addition to the two 18-hole courses, the club also offers the Pineview course, a 9-hole executive course.

Nearby attractions include bath-house row, Magic Springs, and Crater of Diamonds State Park.

For membership information visit www.hotspringscc.com.


4x4 Utility Vehicle

20 HP1 KOHLER®

Command® V-Twin OHV Engine

ONLY $110 /MONTH2

SALE PRICE $7,9994x4 yellow, gas engine, trail tires

• Four-wheel fully independent suspension, dual A-arms with coil-over shocks and 8” of suspension travel

• 1,300 lb. Payload capacity, 1300 lb. Towing capacity• 14.4 cu. Ft. cargo box capacity• Wide range of optional equipment for improved

versatility• True 4WD Lock-Up

Capital Equipment, Inc. 7200 Landers RoadSherwood, AR501-834-9999

1as rated by engine manufacturer 2Taxes may be additional. Models subject to limited availability. 3*84 MONTHS FIXED PAYMENT & 6.99% APR - *Valid on purchases of Club Cadet Compact Tractors and/or Utility Vehicles of $4,500 or more made by 6/3/07 on a Power Credit Card consumer account. 10% down payment is required. On promo purchase, fi xed monthly payments equal to 1.52% required, but fi nance charges will be applied to promo balance at the reduced fi xed daily periodic rate of .01915% (ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE 6.99%) if (1) promo purchase paid in full in 84 months, (2) any minimum monthly payments on account paid when due, and (3) account balance does not exceed credit limit. Otherwise, promo may be terminated. Standard terms apply to non-promo purchases, optional charges & existing accounts. As of 5/01/07, variable APR's: 18.99% & on all accounts in default, 23.99%. Minimum fi nance charge $1. Subject to approval by GE Money Bank.

4x4 Utility Vehicles also available in diesel.

$8,599*CAMO model with Kohler® engine.

I-30@Reynolds RoadBryant, AR501-847-3310

TWO YEAR WARRANTY

OPTIONAL CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINE AVAILABLE

Ask about the 0% for 36 months

option!

Service. Knowledge. Selection. Financing. Delivery.


Choose from two special Ducks Unlimited license plate designs for your vehicle and help support waterfowl in Arkansas. Either design is $25 per year plus a $10 special fee to the state.A portion of each sale is earmarked for wetlands conservation programs in Arkansas, critical to migrating waterfowl

in the Mississippi Flyway.

Plates can be ordered through any Arkansas Department of Finance offi ce and are stocked for immediate pickup at select locations.

Questions? Call your local Arkansas Department

of Finance offi ce; Contact Jeff Lawrence at

(501)728-4949 or email [email protected]

or go to the Arkansas Ducks Unlimited web site

at http://ar.ducks.org.

Arkansas duck hunters

now have a choice:

DUCKSUNLIMITED


It was early one Sunday morning in April. A light fog

covered the river, the birds lightly chirping, and there I sat in my boat hoping to catch a moment of relaxation before returning to the hustle and bustle of the workweek. I reached down into my tackle box and grabbed the first lure I came across, tied it to my line and cast. Just as I settled back into my chair I felt the bite. I set the hook and started reeling in my line. I’d never felt a fish fight so hard and I just prayed the line didn’t break before I got what felt like a giant into my boat. Just then I saw the big guy flip-flop on the surface, my line broke, and he was gone. I’ve been fishing for him ever since.

Every angler dreams of catching the “big one.” Fighting a fish with all your strength and hoping your story doesn’t end like the one above. Of course we’ve all caught big fish, and they usually get a

little b i g g e r

each time we share the story. However, there are a few anglers who can show proof that they caught the “big one.”

Through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission anglers can submit their catches to the Arkansas Sportfishing Records.

If after a long day of fishing you think you’ve caught the next state record, be sure to follow proper proce-dures to get your name in the record books. Arkansas Game and Fish rules for establishing Arkansas sportfishing records are as follows:

The fish must have been legally caught in Arkansas waters where a sportfishing license is required. This rules out fish taken from hatcheries and pay lakes. Fish taken from club waters and private ponds will be considered if all other requirements are met.

The fish must be caught on rod or pole using hook and line. Fish

caught on hand-held snag-ging equipment will be

considered if taken from waters where snagging is legal. Exception: A fish caught using other legal sport tackle (trotline, limbline, jug, yo-yo, etc.) may be submitted for consideration in the “unrestricted tackle” category if it exceeds the record weight established for that species by an angler using rod or pole. However, only catches made by an angler possessing a valid sportfishing license using legal sport fishing methods will be considered. Commercial fish catches do not qualify. Regardless of what type of tackle is used, only one person may be involved in subduing the fish, except in help netting or gaffing.

To apply for a state record, the angler must submit a completed State Record Fish Application. Applications are available from Game and Fish Commission offices and field employees or on the AGFC Web site (www.agfc.com).

Witnesses to the catch are desirable on all record claims. A non-witnessed

"BIGone"

the

By Emily Griffi n


Restricted TackleSpecies Weight Location Date AnglerBass, Hybrid Black 5lb 4oz Beaver Lake 04/10/03 Mary Parnell, Castleberry, FLBass, Hybrid Striped 27lb 5oz Greers Ferry Lake 04/24/97 Jerald C. Shaum, ShirleyBass, Largemouth 16lb 4oz Mallard Lake 03/02/76 Aaron Mardis, Memphis, TNBass, Ozark 1lb Bull Shoals Lake 05/13/97 Gary NelsonBass, Rock 1lb, 8oz Norfolk Lake 08/02/82 Jerry Heard, Everton*Bass, Shadow 1lb 13oz Spring River 07/05/99 James E. Baker, W. Monroe, LA Bass, Smallmouth 7lb 5oz Bull Shoals Lake 04/01/69 Acie Dickerson, LakeviewBass, Spotted 7lb 15oz Bull Shoals Lake 03/26/83 Mike Heilich, St. Louis, MOBass, Striped 64lb 8oz Beaver Tailwaters - White River 04/28/00 Jeff Fletcher, Golden, MO Bass, White 5lb 6 oz Mississippi River 10/27/05 Bill Nelson, Memphis, TNBass, Yellow (Tie) 1lb 13oz Hargrove Reservoir 07/29/89 Bill Kennedy,Little RockBass, Yellow (Tie) 1lb 13oz Old River, Scott 02/10/97 Floyd E. Norfleet, Little Rock Bluegill 3lb 4oz Fulton County 08/07/98 Albert Sharp, ElizabethBowfin 17lb 5oz Desha County 02/21/77 Doug Smith, McGeheeBuffalo, Bigmouth 35lb 2oz Lake Conway 12/02/98 John Bales, MayflowerBuffalo, Black 92lb 8oz Lake Maumelle 02/26/01 Kenny DeLuca, ParonBuffalo, Smallmouth 68lb 8oz Lake Hamilton 05/15/84 Jerry Dolezal, Berwyn, ILBullhead, Black 4lb 12oz Point Remove Creek 04/11/86 Janet Story, MorriltonCarp, Bighead 75lb 8oz Arkansas River 05/17/02 Mark Matthews, ArkadelphiaCarp, Common 53lb Lake Hamilton 03/23/85 Lynn Bradley, RoyalCarp, Grass 80lb 0oz Lake Wedington 6/24/04 Nathan Taylor, FarmingtonCarp, Silver 39lb 4oz Arkansas River 05/11/95 Ryan McKim, AlexanderCatfish,Blue 116lb 12oz MS River, W. Memphis 08/03/01 Charles Ashley, Jr., MarionCatfish,Channel 38lb Lake Ouachita 06/03/89 Joe Holleman, WaldronCatfish, Flathead 80lb Arkansas River 10/28/89 Wesley White, HartfordCrappie, Black 4lb 9oz Oladale Lake 03/29/76 Danny Burfield, OlaCrappie, White 4lb 7oz Mingo Creek 04/12/93 Shelby Cooper, Bald KnobDrum, Freshwater 45lb 7 oz Lake Wilson 07/11/04 Chuck Piker, HamburgEel, American 4lb 12oz Arkansas River 05/26/02 Gregg Armstrong, SheridanFlier 14oz Saline River 07/10/85 Harvey Jones, WarrenGar, Alligator 215lb Arkansas River 07/31/64 Alvin Bonds, ClarksvilleGar, Longnose 35lb 12oz Taylor Old River Lake 06/28/05 Tommy Cantrell, DumasGar, Spotted 11lb 12 oz Lake Overcup 04/09/05 Joseph Miller, ClintonHerring,Skipjack 2lb 10oz Lake Dardanelle 01/03/04 Jeremy Whitcomb, Little RockMuskie, Tiger 23lb 12oz Spring River 06/27/95 Randy Wyatt, Thayer, MOPacu 7lb 1oz Lakewood Lake #1, NLR 07/22/95 Gerald H. Kenedy, N.Little RockPaddlefish 102lb 8 oz Beaver Lake 03/22/07 Michael Curran, RogersPerch, Yellow 11lb 8oz Bull Shoals Lake 12/29/06 Fred Richardson, Protem, MOPickerel, Chain 7lb 10oz Little Red River 01/06/79 Abe Vogel, Heber SpringsPike, Northern 16lb 1oz DeGray Lake 12/27/73 Dick Cooley, ArkadelphiaRedhorse, River 8lb 2oz Spring River 04/18/06 Doane Waits, Holts Summit, MOSauger 6lb 12oz Arkansas River 12/15/76 Claude Eubanks, Ft. SmithSaugeye 6lb 1oz Crown Lake 02/05/93 C. Henderson, Horseshoe BendShad, Alabama 2lb 13oz Ouachita River 04/04/97 Monte Pasco, Hot Springs

catch may be disallowed if questions arise regarding its authenticity.

A fisheries professional must iden-tify the species of the fish. The identi-fication need not be made at the time of the weigh-in, but the professional’s name, address, phone number, signa-ture, and title (or qualifications) must appear on the application form or on a separate document confirming the species identification. If possible, a good

photograph of the fish should accom-pany the application.

The fish must be weighed on a certi-fied scale legal for trade. Certified scales can be found in stores, post offices, feed mills, etc. An employee of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must witness the weigh-in and sign the application or a separate document confirming the fish’s weight. Only that weight

witnessed at the official weigh-in will be accepted, regardless of the fish’s weight when it was caught.

Any fish establishing a new record weight will be considered, regardless of the size and species. One-ounce grada-tions are used for record purposes. Fractions of an ounce will be dropped. The fish may not be altered by any means to induce additional weight beyond its normal weight.


Escalade EXT

Parker Cadillac1700 NORTH SHACKLEFORD • LITTLE ROCK, AR 72212 • 501-224-2400

2007 Escalade EXT

Starting at $55,045

Unrestricted TackleSpecies Weight Location Date AnglerBuffalo, Bigmouth 56lb 4oz Calion Lake 04/30/00 Torry Cook, Wilmar, (Bow & Arrow)Buffalo, Black 105lb Harris Brake Lake 03/14/94 Kenneth Harvey, Perryville, (Bow & Arrow)Bullhead, Yellow 4 lb 9oz Blue Bayou 05/22/05 Joshua Rosenbaum, Nashville, TNCarp, Bighead 83lb Arkansas River 05/09/04 Richard Cole, LonokeCatfish, Blue 116lb 8oz Mississippi River 05/29/95 J. D. Harmon, Dermott, (Trotline)Eel, American 3lb 14oz White River, Prairie Co. 04/21/01 N. Eichelmann, Sherwood, (Trotline)Gar, Alligator 240lb 0oz White River 07/28/04 John Stortz, St. CharlesGar, Longnose 36lb 5oz Ouachita River 07/03/00 Jeremy Burton, Monticello, (Bow & Arrow)Gar, Shortnose 6lb 12oz Lake Conway 04/03/98 Robert Perkins, Conway, (Bow & Arrow)Gar, Spotted 11lb 12oz Lake Overcup 04/09/05 Joseph (Gene) Miller, Clinton, AR (Bow & Arrow)

Shad, Gizzard 2lb 14oz White River 05/09/92 Charles Jordan, Mountain ViewSturgeon, Shovelnose 3lb 6 oz St. Francis River 03/24/07 Steve Gracey, Forrest CitySunfish, Green 1lb 11oz Pond, Dierks 04/12/76 K. McCullough, DierksSunfish, Longear 1lb 2oz Table Rock Lake 04/22/91 Carl Bohannan, Eureka SpringsSunfish, Redear 2lb 14oz Lake Bois d’ Arc 05/04/85 Glenda Tatom, StampsTilapia 2lb 7oz Win Meadow Lake (Guy) 10/14/05 B.F. Glover, GuyTrout, Brook 5lb North Fork River 06/03/02 Billy J. Meeks, Wylie, TX*Trout, Brown 40lb 4oz Little Red River 05/09/92 H. “Rip” Collins, Heber SpringsTrout, Cutthroat 9lb 9oz White River 10/06/85 Scott Rudolph, OzarkTrout, Lake 11lb 5oz Greers Ferry Lake 12/15/97 Clark Stevenson, GreenbrierTrout, Rainbow 19lb 1oz White River 03/14/81 Jim Miller, Memphis, TN*Walleye 22lb 11oz Greers Ferry Lake 03/12/82 Al Nelson, HigdonWarmouth 1lb 8oz Black Bayou 05/20/98 Michael Curtis, Pine Bluff

*World Record


If you are 16 years or older, an Arkansas fishing license is required to take or attempt to take game fish, turtles, or frogs in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put and take pay lake.” The license must be carried with you. You may not possess a license that belongs to someone else or one that has been altered, backdated, or counterfeited.

License Retailers Most licenses can be purchased

from sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, and the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices.

You can call 223-6349 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area. Or you can call 1-800-364-GAME (1-800-364-4263) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Licenses can now be purchased online (www.ark.org/agfc/license/index.php).

License ExpirationUnless it is a 3-, 7- or 14-day license, the license will expire one year from the date of purchase.

License Replacement

You may be able to get a replace-ment for a lost license at a reduced cost. Call 501-223-6349 for details.

Resident License Qualifications

A resident is any person who has established a bona fide or actual residence for at least 60 days prior to applying for a license, and who declares intentions of becoming a citizen of Arkansas.

Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase a resident licenses:

resident foreign exchange students attending school outside of Arkansas; nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; resi-dents of Arkansas enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities outside of Arkansas; and nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas.

Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident.

Active-duty servicemen and women permanently assigned in Arkansas are

granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Active-duty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are also granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are currently stationed.

Lifetime License Qualifications

65 Plus Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50) entitles persons 65 years of age and older to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation

Arkansas native Evan Griffi n displays the bass he caught on the Buffalo National River.

FishingLicense & Permit

Requirements


License. A 65 Plus Lifetime trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Proof of applicant’s age and three years Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license.

65 Plus Lifetime Combination License - PLC ($35.50) entitles Arkansas residents 65 years of age and older to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, a 65 Plus Lifetime waterfowl permit (purchased once after age 65) and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A lifetime Trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Proof of appli-

cant’s age and three years Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license.

These two licenses are available from the commission’s Little Rock office or AGFC regional offices. If you wish to purchase a license in person, bring proof of your age, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or military record and proof of three years Arkansas residency, such as prop-erty assessments, Arkansas income tax forms, driver’s licenses etc. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lifetime licenses are not available by phone order or online.

Non-Expiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit - LSP ($1,000.00) entitles

purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Fees for trout permits, leased land permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and wildlife management area permit hunts are waived with this license. License holders must, however, apply for WMA hunts and be successfully drawn before being issued a permit. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt water-fowl, federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP.

This permit is available only from the commission’s Little Rock office. If you wish to apply in person, bring proof of identification and residency, such as a driver’s license, birth certifi-cate, marriage license or military record. Applications are available at AGFC regional offices or by calling 1-800-364-4263 (223-6388 in the Little Rock area). Lifetime licenses are not available by phone order or online. Proof of one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license.

3-Year Disability License

Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertifica-tion is required for license renewal.

Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License - RDC ($35.50) entitles all 100 percent totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt migra-tory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of

H. "Rip" Collins of Heber Springs displays the 40lb. 4oz. Brown Trout he caught on the Little Red River in 1992. Collins holds the state record for largest Brown Trout caught with restricted tackle, as well as the world record.


one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertifica-tion is required for license renewal.

These two l icenses are available only from the commission’s Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver’s licenses, state ID, property assessments, Arkansas income tax forms, and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6349 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3-Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online.

Resident Fishing LicensesResident Fisheries Conservation

License entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial

tackle. A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. FSH $10.50

Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing

License entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with noncommer-cial tackle for the 3 day period speci-fied. A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. RT3 $6.50

Resident Trout Permit is required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Resident Fisheries Conservation License,

a Resident Trip License, a Resident Combination Sportsman’s License or a Lifetime Fishing License. Not required for holders of the non-expiring $1000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit. No stamp will be issued. TPR $5.00

Resident Guide License, Fishing is required of any person who guides, aids or assists another person, for pay or other consideration, in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. GLF $25.00

White River Border Lakes License entitles Arkansas resi-dent fishing license holders to fish in Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock Lakes without having to purchase a nonresident fishing license from Missouri. WRL $10.00

Acie Dickerson of Lakeview holds a 7lb. 5oz. Smallmouth Bass caught in Bull Shoals Lake. Dickerson caught the bass in 1969 and still holds the state record for the largest Small Mouth Bass caught with restricted tackle.

6100 LANDERS ROAD, SHERWOOD, AR 1-800-407-0856

WWW.RUSSELLHONDA.COM

Something New To Crave...

The All-New 2007 Honda

CR-V


The Buffalo National River is described as having “fast, clear, oxygen-rich water with the kind of gravel

bottom and boulder beds smallmouth bass love,” on the Arkansas tourism Web site, www.arkansas.com.

The description is found on the site’s “canoeing/kayaking/rafting” section that includes information about 18 streams considered ideal for paddling. In addition to learning about each stream’s degree of difficulty, available outfitters and fishing opportunities, one can also read about each stream’s scenery. Not surprisingly, most of these descriptions promote the fact that the streams have clear water.

Despite the truth behind these descriptions, the future of many of these streams is, well, a bit murky. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, several water districts and The Nature Conservancy among others consider sedi-

mentation to be one of the biggest threats – if not the biggest threat – to Arkansas’ most pristine streams, including many of those highlighted on arkansas.com.

White Water Rescue“One of the most attractive char-

acteristics of Arkansas streams – its mountain streams, in particular – is their clarity,” said Debbie Doss, conserva-tion chairperson of the Arkansas Canoe Club. “Clear water makes them beau-tiful.”

While the club is primarily a recre-ational one, Doss said its members are also concerned with stream conserva-tion, and many participate in clean-ups the organization plans each year.

“We’ve always realized that if we want to have rivers to enjoy, we have to be interested in conservation, or the source of our obsession might disap-pear,” she said.

Unfortunately, Doss knows first-hand just how quickly a clear stream

can disappear. She grew up near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, and as a child she regularly swam in the Illinois River and its tributaries.

“The water was absolutely clear,” she said. “In the summer you could go to a pool 10 to 15 feet deep and see the bottom – see gravel that didn’t have algae on it. And you could count the fish. It was like looking through glass.”

During college, Doss said she’d even scuba dive in the river. “I’d sit on the bottom and bathe in the sun’s rays bouncing off the bottom,” she said. “I’d be surrounded by hundreds of fish. It was like diving in a coral reef.”

A few years later Doss returned to the same spot while in graduate school. “It was two to three feet deep at most. You couldn’t even swim in it,” she said. “Now the Illinois River is murky and green, full of sediment and algae.”

Outside of ruining the aesthetic qualities of streams, Doss said sediment

Muddy watersSediment-filled streams spell trouble for wildlife, paddlers, conservationistsBy Jay Harrod, The Nature Conservancy


Riverside Motors1403 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock • 501-666-9457

Muddy watersSediment-filled streams spell trouble for wildlife, paddlers, conservationists

can make them shallow and “braided,” which, of course, isn’t conducive to floating.

Buford Suffridge, a North Little Rock dentist, sadly tells a similar tale about the Fourche LaFave River, which runs through Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains and the town of Perryville. Suffridge grew up in Perryville, and today the Fourche serves as a boundary to the forest and farmland he owns there.

Suffridge, 66, described swimming as a child in water that had a rocky bottom and “was crystal clear” at Tyler Shoals, just upstream of Perryville on the Fourche. A couple of years ago, he and his wife took a flat-bottom boat upriver from his property.

“I know we passed Tyler Shoals, but I couldn’t tell you when,” Suffridge said. “We didn’t see a rocky bottom anywhere. When we could see the bottom, all we could see was mud.”

The reasons behind the changes to the Illinois and Fourche LaFave rivers, according to Suffridge and Doss, are strikingly similar. Suffridge said that in the ’60s, hundreds of acres adjacent to the Fourche were clear cut.

“They cleared it right to the river,” he said. “They even pushed trees into the river.”

Doss said that fields cleared “to the very edge” of the Illinois have caused its banks to become unstable, to liter-ally fall into the river after heavier rains. Doss also points out that gravel mining, which has been a topic of debate for years, most notably involving Crooked Creek, also negatively affected water clarity in the Illinois.

Their observations are supported by scientific conclusions drawn by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and The Nature Conservancy, as well as by federal agen-cies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. The lesson is simple: rivers and their tributaries must have trees and vegetation along their banks in order to keep the earth in place and out of the water. And the larger this strip of vege-tation – known as the stream’s riparian zone – the better.

At the Mulberry River, The Nature Conservancy is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore a

quarter-mile of stream bank habitat along the river in Franklin County. The Conservancy is conducting similar work at the Strawberry River, where it also has a demonstration ranch to showcase environmentally compatible grazing practices that can increase the economic returns of cattle operations while improving water quality. A big component of this work is creating wells and erecting fences to keep cattle from entering the river and destroying its riparian zones when doing so.

Culvert Culprits“It doesn’t take a lot of research to

know that unpaved roads are a major source of sediment in streams,” said Tim Snell as he surveyed the Mulberry River after a heavy rain. Snell, The Nature Conservancy’s associate state director for water resources in Arkansas, was standing downstream of a low-water gravel road crossing. As water from the road rushed into the stream, the clear-running water suddenly turned muddy brown. “Unfortunately, many people


Protecting Arkansas’ Extraordinary Rivers

Arkansas is blessed with an incredible abundance of water resources in its streams, rivers, reservoirs and aquifers. With 52 inches of annual rainfall, nearly 83 million acre-feet of water falls on or passes through Arkansas each year. Although only four million acre-feet of water is presently used by communities, agriculture and industry, water supply is already becoming a much-discussed issue in Arkansas.

Many of the most pristine and important streams in Arkansas have a special designation protecting them from potentially detrimental actions such as damming and gravel mining. They are designated by the State of Arkansas as “Extraordinary Resource Waters” or ERWs. According to the state, ERWs warrant extra protection because of their “scenic beauty, aesthetics, scientifi c values, broad scope recreation potential and intangible social values.” Of 20,000 stream miles in the state, only 1,500 miles have this designation.

Within the last year, there has been a movement to change ERW regulations to make it easier to install dams on them.

“The state’s population is growing,” said Tim Snell, associate state director of water resources for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas. “To prepare for a prosperous future, Arkansas needs to strategically identify, fund and utilize its abundant water resources for communities, agricul-ture and industries in ways that maintain the character of its most important free-flowing streams. The Conservancy and its conservation partners are focused on finding solutions that meet water supply needs while maintaining the many values provided by ERW streams.”

One of the easiest ways to help keep our streams clean and clear is to participate in a clean-up, which are organized by groups like the Arkansas Canoe Club, Boy Scout troops, or city governments. Or you can join a non-profit organization like The Nature Conservancy that focuses on conservation in a cooperative way to find common-sense solutions for our conservation challenges.

don’t realize the damage sediment causes in a stream.”

The Mulberry is renowned among outdoor enthusiasts as a prime spot for smallmouth bass fishing. But small-mouth, like most game fish, are sight-feeding fish that need clean, clear water. At the other end of the food chain are insects, larvae and smaller fish that live in gravel beds, which can quickly fill with sediment, choking out any inhabitants.

It does take a lot of research and work, though, to prioritize streams and problem sites and develop measures to reduce sediment runoff. At the Mulberry River, for example, the Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service have inven-toried about 225 miles of unpaved roads. The inventories, which involve documenting and mapping road condi-tions and other characteristics such as culverts, low-water crossings and badly eroded ditches, are vital to identifying problem areas and developing better management practices, which can be applied to other Ozark watersheds.

The Conservancy’s Ozark Rivers Legacy Program and its Ouachita Rivers Program, which bring together state, federal and private partners to address water quality issues, have worked to improve the health of several of the state’s most popular float streams. Among them are the Kings River, Buffalo River, Mulberry River, Spring River, Crooked Creek, Caddo River, Ouachita River, Cossatot River and the upper Saline River.

Collectively, these streams harbor an incredibly rich array of wildlife. For instance, 23 aquatic animals in Ouachita Mountain streams, including 12 cray-fish, eight fish and three mussels, are found nowhere else on Earth. Within the watershed of the Strawberry River – the state’s most biologically diverse stream – there are 108 fish species and at least 330 recognized classes of aquatic invertebrates.

“Working to protect the smallest creatures – creatures like insects and mussels – goes hand-in-hand with protecting sport fish, scenic beauty, water clarity and drinking water for humans,” Doss said. “It’s comforting to know that our federal and state agencies as well as non-profits like The Nature Conservancy are working together to keep our rivers healthy.”


ARKAARKAARKAAANNNAAAANAN

p ppppApAp pp

www.arkanswwwwwww.w.aarrkakaansssaannnsasa

COCOMOMEME SSESEEEEESEEEENONORORTRTHTH POPOPOPOOIOIPOO

NINISISSSSASANANNANANN &NONORORTRTHTH LLITITITTTTTLILITROROROCOCKCK NINISSSISISSSSS

T

3

ARKANSAS ARKAUTOBUYERUAUTAU

®

ELEBRATING OUR CELEC

7 YEAR7 Y7NNIVERSARNA NAN Y!!!RR

WAWARARSRSR WRAR MEMEMEMOMORORIRIAIALAL ARARWAWAR WAWATATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!TATASTATADADSTST

I 430 & Col. Glenn Road1-888-268-8613

Paul Buch • Dealer

ARKAARKAAANSASNSASAAANAN

pppppppApril 19 - AApril 19p 2 o25 2007 V l VII I 325, 2007 • Vol. VII- Is

www.arkanswwwwwww.w.aarrkakaansssasautobuyer.comaasauaututtoobbuuyeer.r.coomnnnsasa ARKANSAS AUTOBUYER®

CELEBRATING OUR

7 YEARANNIVERSARY!!!RR

COCOMOMEME SSESEEEEESEEEENONORORTRTHTH POPOPOPOOIOININTNT POO

NINISISSSSASANANNANANN &NONORORTRTHTH LLITITITTTTTLTLELE LILITROROROCOCKCK NINISSSASANANISISSSSS

CACARAR WAWARARSRSATAT WAWARAR MEMEMEMOMORORIRIAIALAL

STSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!STTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!SSTSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!STSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!

T

I 430 & Col. Glenn Road1-888-268-8613

5703 Landers Road1-888-894-1155


STSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!STTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!SSSTSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!STSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!

T

5703 Landers Road1-888-894-1155


ARKANSASARKANSAS

2pp opp19 Ap il 25 2007 V l VII I 3April 19 - April 25, 2007 • Vol. VII- Isp 3

www.arkansasautobuyer.comwwwwwww.w.aarrkakaannsaasauaututtoobbuuyeer.r.ccoom ARKANSAS ARKAUTOBUYERUAUTAU

®

ELEBRATING OUR CELEC

7 YEAR7 Y7NNIVERSARNA NAN Y!!!RR

COCOMOMEME SESEEEENONORORTRTHTH POPOIOININTNT

NINISISSSSASANAN &NONORORTRTHTH LILITITTTTLTLELE ROROROCOCKCK NINISISSSSASANAN

WAWARARSRSCACARAR WRAR MEMEMEMOMORORIRIAIALAL ARARATAT WAWAR WAWASTSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!STTASSTSTATADADSTST

T

I 430 & Col. Glenn Road1-888-268-8613

5703 Landers Road1-888-894-1155


ARKANSASARKANSAS

9 ppAAp p 5 o•0 33,5

www.arkansasautobuyer.comwwwwwww.w.aarrkakaannsasasauaututtoobbuuyeer.r.coom ARKANSAS AUTOBUYER®

CELEBRATING OUR


COCOMOMEME SSESEEEEESEEEENONORORTRTHTH POPOPOPOOIOININTNT POO

NINISISSSSASANANNANANN &NONORORTRTHTH LLITITITTTTTLTLELE LILITROROROCOCKCK NINISSSASANANISISSSSS

STSTATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!

T

ARKANSASARKANSAS

3

www.arkansasautobuyer.comwwwwwww.w.aarrkakaannsasasauaututtoobbuuyeer.r.coom ARKANSAS AUTOBUYER®

CELEBRATING OUR


ARKANSASARKANSAS

999 5pp o•A 00p p 5 33

www.arkansasautobuyer.comwwwwwww.w.aarrkakaannsasasauaututtoobbuuyeer.r.ccoom ARKANSAS AUTOBUYER®

CELEBRATING OUR


COCOMOMEME SESEEEE

WAWARARSRSR WRAR MEMEMEMOMORORIRIAIALAL ARARWAWAR WAWATATADADIDIUIUMUM!M!!!!TATASTATADADSTST

I 430 & Col. Glenn Road1-888-268-8613


Hundreds of vehicles available locally each Thursday.

The fast, free way

to shop for your next

vehicle.ARKANSAS

®

April 19 - April 25, 2007 • Vol. VII- Issue 3

www.arkansasautobuyer.com ARKANSAS

AUTOBUYER®

CELEBRATING OUR

7 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY!!!

COME SEE

NORTH POINT

NISSAN &

NORTH LITTLE

ROCK NISSAN DURING

CAR WARSTHURSDAY-SUNDAY

AT WAR MEMORIAL

STADIUM!!

TELL THEM PAUL SENT YOU!

I-430 & Col. Glenn Road

1-888-268-8613

5703 Landers Road

1-888-894-1155


Heather BakerPublisher

®

ARKANSAS


Where have all the children gone?

They’ve been abducted by televi-sion and video games.

The vision of children playing outside in a park, the woods, or a field, has become just that — a vision. The image of trees, birds, bugs, and kids in a stream has become a myth across America. Today’s children are indoors.

What difference does it make?

The short answer: a lot. The real truth is today’s kids are

not playing in a stream or under trees. They are inside in front of a screen or connected to an iPod. The world of the creek and the forest is foreign. Even backyards and parks are empty.

Today, American kids spend an average of 42 minutes a week outside and 30 hours a week in front of computers. They may be able to name more than a thousand corporate logos, but don’t know the names of five native plants

or birds. Once, it was only “city kids” who didn’t know about nature. Today “country kids” are just as confined and focused indoors. When kids are outside, the experience is often motor-ized and focused on speed (ATVs, jet skis, motorcycles, etc.).

Nature, that’s a channel right?

Today, children’s perception of nature is shaped more by television than by school or experience. They know more about the rainforest than a cypress swamp. When kids do visit natural areas, they have to overcome fear of snakes, bugs, dirt, and strangers. They are afraid of a world beyond walls and concrete.

Nature, kids don’t need it, do they?

Cars and buildings have heat and air, stores have “stuff.” Children don’t have to think about air, water, food, or how they impact nature or how they depend on it. Youngsters don’t know

their water or food source beyond the faucet and the store. They hardly know the places where they live.

Turns out, children need nature more than we knew--a growing body of evidence suggests that today’s children suffer from “nature-deficit syndrome.” In “Last Child in the Woods,” author Richard Louv asserts that physical and mental health improves with contact with nature. He explains the decline of experience in nature contributes to stress, obesity, depression, ADHD, and declines in creativity. Louv concludes that contact with nature is as impor-tant for children as good nutrition or adequate sleep. Children with more access to natural, green settings are better able to focus and concentrate.

Connecting people with nature is core to Audubon’s mission. We know people will work to save only what they love and understand. Our education efforts focus on providing real experience in natural areas with native habitat and challenge schools to engage students in

Missing Nature?Audubon Arkansas Gets Kids OutsideBy Mary M. Smith, Director of Education, Audubon Arkansas

Horace Mann student Lauren Schlesier (above) puts together a bird feeder. J.A. Fair students work to develop a water feature on the school grounds (right).


projects that connect their academic skills to the natural and built world around them. Our projects focus on positive efforts that protect water, restore habitat, and enable lifelong learning about birds and other wildlife.

Audubon partners with schools across Arkansas and has piloted efforts with Little Rock Schools for four years. Recently, teens from Audubon projects in Mabelvale and Horace Mann Middle Schools and J. A. Fair and Central High Schools provided comments on how nature affects them. All students said they felt different -- describing their feelings as, “peaceful, relaxed, happier, and less stressed, less distracted, less bored, and less aggressive.” Mann Middle School student Desmond Webb stressed, “Thoughts flow, with more room to think,”

The students love nature for different reasons:

“Being surrounded by the smells,” Hannah Blair, Central HS.

“Helping me feel good about myself and be more independent,” LaToya Jeter, Fair HS.

“Watching animal behavior,” Perrin Partee, Central HS.

“Having more stuff to do,” Alex Delaware, Central HS.

“Seeing the beauty of things,” Stephen Gardner, Central HS.

“ H e a r i n g nature’s music and feeling the wind,” Solange

Sanders, Mann MS. “Knowing what you hear, what to

touch and not to touch, having richer memories,” Jared Johnson, Fair HS.

The students have a message for their schools: “Don’t just tell us, show us. Let us experience nature” They strongly agree that young people do not have enough access to nature. While their peers are concerned about nature, they feel that most of their friends are not connected to it. They stress that more schools should have gardens and programs that let students learn hands-on, outside. Like many of the students Audubon Arkansas work with, Mabelvale MS student Janitta Holiman shared a statement that was echoed by others, “when you hear a teacher say it, you are bored. When you experience it, it is precious. You want to save it.”

The students also have a message for parents: “Be involved with kids outside. Plant things, bike, hike, walk, and spend time outside so that kids and parents live longer. See things grow and evolve, watch things change,” said Brandi Parker, Central HS. “Know how much less ‘nature’ we have today than they had. Don’t be so afraid that we’ll get dirty, hurt, or abducted,” said Lauren Schlesier, Mann MS.

The kids believe they can make a difference. Neelam Vylas,

Central HS, has canoed and moni-tored Fourche Creek for over two years. “This has taught me how complex, how ‘symbiotic’, and connected we are to nature.” Pearl Daniel, Central HS, has mapped Audubon trails, and developed the Audubon Common Ground website and an online student survey with Becky Knudson, a Central HS student who also designed an Arkansas Turtle online field guide. Daniel stressed “most students are unaware of environmental problems or ways they can make a difference.”

Their passion for nature influences their interest in science, their sense of ownership, and their future career direc-tions. They cite landscape architecture, forestry, wildlife biology, horticulture, engineering, pediatrics, and nursing. They participate in wetland cleanups, outdoor classroom construction, and plan events. Students met after school for four months to plan an environ-mental leadership event attended by 30 other schools. They chose four topics for discussion: reducing trash/promoting recycling, connecting schools with nature, protecting water and water-sheds, and facing global warming.

Their leadership should not be ignored. Students want more than being “scared.” They want real expe-riences that enable them to understand problems and empower them to be part of the solutions. Desmond Webb stressed that we must be “proactive and care about the future, to break things down where others understand.” We should listen.

Solange Sanders, a Horace Mann student, proudly displays a bird feeder for the school. J.A. Fair High School students watch birds along a hillside trail.


NISSANNISSAN

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

NORTH LITTLE ROCK NISSANNORTH LITTLE ROCK NISSAN5703 Landers Road • North Little Rock

www.northlittlerocknissan.com501-945-6191

NORTH POINT NISSANNORTH POINT NISSANI-430 & Col. Glenn Rd. • Little Rock

www.northpointnissan.com501-975-0300

UGUGROGRORR UUGGOO EEUUOO EEOGRR EEUUOGOGRROORRO MM

RANORUUMURANOOUU NNAAMM AARARA OOUU ARANORANOUUMM OOAARRPaul Buch • Dealer

Tell them Paul Sent You!!


35005533 ZZ353 ZZZZ35555350Z350Z00

ALLAAALLAA

AAMXXMAXIMAAMMIIXXMAXIMAAAXIMAMMAX AAMMIIAXXMAXIMAAA

QUESTESTQQ SSUU TTEEUESUESEQQQUQUESTESTQQUES

SASARSRSRRVERSSAAVERSAAAAVERSAASASARRVERSAARDAADDRR AAAAMMAA AA AAAAAA AADDARMADAAAARMADAARMADADDAAAAAAR

RRTTTTSS AATTNNEE AARARAEESSSSENTRSENTRASENTRAAARRS

RRTTTTRRFF OO EEIITTNNFF OO EER RRONTIERERERFRONTIFRONTIOO RRRR

RARRRXTXXTERRAAEETTXXXX AARAAEERRARRRXTERRAXTERRARARRR


The outdoors is healing, plain and simple, and one way to relax in the great outdoors is to go backpacking. Although, carrying a 40-pound back-pack through the woods during an Arkansas summer may not sound like a great way to unwind, there’s some-thing about listening to the music of nature that makes it all worthwhile. The music of a stream in the distance or the lone bird whose song echoes through the valley; being surrounded by towering pines, and watching the yellow rays of sunlight slowly illumi-nate the world around you.

For outdoor enthusiasts who crave solitude and breathtaking scenery, trails can be found throughout the state and

range in level of difficulty. No matter what your level is, however, there are a few things every backpacker needs to know before heading out.

Before you get movingThree essentials no backpacker

should be without, besides comfort-able shoes, are: a good pack, a dry sleeping bag, and a dependable stove. Although these things won’t be all you need, it’s a good start.

Do pack your camera, a flashlight, and spare batteries. A topographic map, compass, sun block, bug spray, first aid kit, and nylon rope will also come in handy. Also, pack a pen and notepad to jot down directions or points of

interest, and a square of aluminum foil can become quite useful.

Avoid packing guidebooks. While you may feel like this is a neces-sity, guidebooks will add a substan-tial amount of weight to your pack. Instead, do your research ahead of time. If you still feel you need the information in the books, photocopy the essential information and take it with you.

Try to pack ahead of time. This will allow you to weigh your pack and determine if you have packed too much to carry. If the weight surpasses 50 pounds on a summertime excur-sion, it’s time to reassess what you’re taking along. A good rule of thumb is

Backpacking“The mountains are calling…I must go.”

John Muir, naturalist, writer, conservationist

Sam's Throne, Ozark National Forest


to never carry more than ¼ of your body weight.

Once you’ve situated your pack, get your body used to the extra weight by walking around carrying the pack for a few days. If your pack feels off kilter, shuffle items around to help balance the weight.

Ready, set, go!Not so fast! There are a few more

things to remember before trekking off.

Be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Share your itinerar y so someone will know where to find you if something should go wrong. Don’t rely on your cell phone. Nature doesn’t offer power outlets if your battery dies. And good reception can be hard to find when you’re deep in the Ozark Mountains.

Know your limits. Do not try to go too far too fast. Take it slow the first day—give your body time to adjust to this strenuous activity. If you’re new to backpacking take a few short trips first to get used to carrying your pack along rugged terrain.

Drink plenty of water and drink before you feel thirsty. Dehydration can start before you actually feel it. Early signs of dehydration include sleepiness, muscle weakness, headache and dizziness.

Dress in natural fibers like wool, cotton or down. Make certain the fabrics you wear breath and wick moisture away from your skin rather than absorbing it. Also, dressing in layers will make it easier to regulate your comfort. Long sleeves and full-length pants will protect you from sun, insects, and briars.

Make sure you wear proper foot-wear. Hiking boots or good sturdy walking shoes is essential. Remember to break in your boots before you leave for your trip. It’s also a good idea to wear two pairs of socks: one lightweight inner sock, and one heavy outer sock.

Get out there!You can f ind tra i l s a lmost

anywhere in the state. For a complete list of backpacking trails in Arkansas visit www.arkansas.com.

SUPPLY CHECKLIST■ Tent, Poles,

Stakes■ Ground Cloth■ Tarp, Poncho■ Sleeping Bag■ Daypack (hipsac)■ Plastic Bags■ Boots/

Comfortable Shoes

■ Socks (pack an extra pair)■ Hat■ First-Aid Kit■ Waterproof

Matches/Firestarter

■ Sun Block■ Sun Glasses■ Bug Protection■ Compass

■ Maps■ Pen and Paper■ Flashlight■ Extra Batteries■ Food■ Water■ Cook Pot■ Utensils■ Stove and Fuel


What is a Citizen-science Survey?

Citizen-science is a relatively new concept that is steadily gaining recogni-tion as a tool for natural resource conser-vation. Various branches of science have used volunteers from the general public to report data for many years. More recently, natural resource agen-cies with limited budgets and personnel are extending their conservation efforts by using volunteers (regardless of age, location, or experience) in gathering information about our environment.

Citizen science is also a unique tool to connect people with nature. The initial interest or “charisma” of the survey subject encourages people to become more aware of their envi-ronment and ultimately increases their understanding of natural science and conservation “Surveys such as these not only help fill a void in data collection, but also help stimulate and educate the public by engaging their partici-pation and interest in conserving our wildlife heritage,” says Kelly Irwin,

Herpetologist of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Citizen science surveys communi-cate to an ever-expanding audience the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission’s mission to preserve natural diversity. By engaging participants throughout the state, we highlight natural features of Arkansas and promote conserva-tion. The more we know about the components of the living networks we call ecosystems, the better we can take measures to protect them.

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) brought citizen-science to a state-wide audience in 2004 with the Arkansas Tarantula Survey and 2005-2006 with the Arkansas Bumblebee Survey. This collaboration with citizens and scientists provides broad-range ecological data for ANHC and gives the public a greater appre-ciation for their local natural resources. We want to continue to partner with amateur naturalists across the state to establish baseline ecological measures and fill gaps in our knowledge. That’s

why we are now calling upon Arkansas’s corps of citizen-scientists to help us learn more about box turtles.

Why Survey for Box Turtles?Box turtles have several charac-

teristics that make them vulnerable to landscapes permeated by human activi-ties. If undisturbed, they spend most of their long lives within the same small patch of habitat. Box turtles are one of the longest-lived animals in the state (upwards of 50 years or more). They do not reach sexual maturity until about 13 years of age. Once mature, females typically produce only about two to four eggs per clutch. Due to weather extremes and predators, very few eggs and hatchlings survive.

Even though a female box turtle may produce 200 eggs over her lifetime, only two or three of her eggs will survive to become adults that in turn produce offspring. Therefore, under “average” conditions, an adult female may only be providing replacements to the popu-lation for herself and her mate, and

Citizen Science and Box Turtles in ArkansasArkansas Natural Heritage Commission


not increasing the overall numbers. If reproduction only keeps the population stable, you might wonder how there are any box turtles at all. Box turtle popula-tions are sustained over time if there are enough adults living for multiple decades with many opportunities to reproduce. For this to occur, box turtles need large areas of good-quality habitat and as little mortality of adults as possible.

Many of the turtles we see may be part of an older generation that is no longer reproducing. There may not be a new generation of box turtles out there since young turtles are rarely seen. Our initial citizen science survey can help establish baseline informa-tion.

Several other states have already taken steps to assess the health of their box turtle populations. Florida and North Carolina have been monitoring box turtle populations for over seven years. The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife’s Texas Nature Tracker program launched a Texas Box Turtle Survey in 2005 as a statewide, multi-year citizen-science survey to assess box turtles there. Our Arkansas survey will incorporate many of their successful components and together provide a broader picture of box turtles across both states.

What is the Status of Arkansas’s Box

Turtles?Arkansas currently

hosts two species of box turtle: the

Three-toed Box T u r t l e ,

Terrapene carolina triunguis, and Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata. The Three-toed Box Turtle can be found nearly statewide. Chances are if you see a box turtle in your yard, it is most likely a Three-toed Box Turtle. The Ornate Box Turtle is restricted to parts of the state that once contained tallgrass prairies.

While often perceived as common, box turtles could be quietly disappearing from landscapes across this country. The Ornate Box Turtle is already identi-fied as a species of conservation concern in Arkansas. In addition, there is no hard data to support the contention that Three-toed Box Turtle populations are secure. Results from studies across the U.S. suggest that box turtles are becoming less common. In 2004, 60 scientists met to specifically look at the status of box turtles and reported that "…box turtle populations are declining and major gaps in our knowledge need to be filled in order to conserve these animals.”

Even though we anticipate that most box turtle reports or “sightings” will be the Three-toed Box Turtle, both turtles share several traits, and additional information about the more accessible Three-toed Box Turtle may provide insight into his prairie cousin. For example, both species of turtle are vulnerable to temperature changes in their environment. The sex of their offspring is dependent on temperature. In warm conditions, all the eggs from a clutch will hatch as females. Since box turtles have relatively small home ranges, in situations of continued

climate change, some areas could even-tually have no male turtles.

Threats to Box Turtles Habitat loss, habitat conversion,

and fragmentation pose threats to continued box turtle survival. Ornate Box Turtles have been especially hard-hit as Arkansas’s tall-grass prairies disappeared. With most of the tall grass prairie habitat gone, box turtles are often stranded in small, isolated habitat fragments. This subjects the turtles to increased nest predation and exposes them to the negative influence of surrounding land uses.

Road mortality is recognized as a direct threat to box turtle popula-tions. Crushed turtles along road-ways are an all-too-common sight in Arkansas. Besides turtles being killed as they are run over, roads also isolate turtle populations, further fragmenting natural habitat into isolated patches. A 2002 study of the impact of road density and traffic volume on land turtle populations found that road kill alone contributed enough mortality to reduce the size of a local turtle popula-tion. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has already been working to help turtles along the highway. On State Highway 440 between I-40 and US 167 across Rixey Bayou workers installed addi-tional materials to existing right-of-way fencing that leads to wildlife cross-ings under the highway (box culverts originally built on mammal trails). The turtle fence is located approximately

hal fway up the road

While often perceived as common, box turtles could be quietly disappearing from landscapes across the country. The Ornate Box Turtle is already identifi ed as a species of conservation concern in Arkansas.


embankment and helps protect water turtles such as stinkpots and red-eared sliders as well as box turtles. Staff from AHTD may use our information about box turtle populations near highways and indicated some workers may also help with the survey by reporting sight-ings.

Commercial collection of box turtles from the wild for international or domestic pet trades is another seriously damaging human activity. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s over 100,000 box turtles from the U.S. were exported to Europe and Asia. In 1994, all U.S. box turtle species were listed in Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna thereby prohibiting international export. On June 30, 2005, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission closed the commercial trade of box turtles in Arkansas (Commission code section 15.12). It is now illegal to import, sale, or barter any native box turtle species.

Ways to Help Box Turtles

The best way to conserve native animal and plant populations is protecting where they live. Large blocks of contiguous good-quality habitat, undi-vided by roads, are what box turtle populations need to survive. Support of conservation efforts to protect such areas will not only benefit box turtles, but other native species as well. The ANHC, through the System of Natural Areas, seeks to preserve tall grass prai-ries and other examples of the original landscape of Arkansas.

If you see a box turtle on the road, try to avoid it if you can do so without endangering yourself or others. If you choose to help a turtle cross a road do so very carefully. Always place turtles on the side of the road in which they were originally headed.

Who hasn’t come across a box turtle and been tempted to bring it home as a pet? Box turtles would seem to make

great pets, but the truth is they don’t. The specific needs of box turtles are rarely met in captivity and wild captives typically fail to thrive and slowly die. Also, don’t collect box turtles for short-term amusement and then release them. Box turtles have very a strong homing instinct. Turtles released outside of their home range, even less than a mile away, rarely stay

put in their new location. A displaced turtle will wander in search of its old home. This wandering puts a turtle at increased risk of predation, road kill, and starvation. Next time you come across a box turtle, admire it, and let it go along its way. Such a simple act could have a profound impact on some box turtle populations.

The Arkansas Box Turtle Survey

If box turtles are to remain a familiar site in Arkansas, we need to know how they are faring. One of the best places to start is simply determining where theses turtles occur and how frequently they are obser ved. Only by gathering empirical data will we be able to under-stand the true status and trends of this endearing species.

In the ANHC Box Turtle Survey, Arkansans are asked to become “Turtle-watchers” over the next two years to help provide information about box turtles across the s tate . Participation in the survey is open to anyone who observes a box turtle at any location in Arkansas. Whether you see one box turtle or a dozen, each and every observation will provide bene-ficial data. Your turtle sightings can

be reported on-line or you may contact the ANHC to receive reporting forms in the mail. You’ll be asked to report infor-mation such as the description of the location where you saw the box turtle and its surroundings. To learn more about participating in the survey and the box turtles found in Arkansas, visit www.naturalheritage.com/boxturtle, or call 501-324-9619.

Box Turtle “Trivia”

■ Box turtles possess a hinged plastron (bottom of the shell) and are the

only turtle capable of closing their shell. Baby box turtles do not develop a

hinge until they are at least a year old and their shell may not completely

harden until they reach seven years of age.

■ The top part of the shell, or the carapace, is a dome made from the

actual back bones and ribs that have expanded and fused together;

therefore the turtle cannot crawl out of its shell.

■ Turtles can feel pressure and pain through their shells, just as you can

feel pressure through your fingernails

■ Box turtles can be dangerous to eat. At times they consume poisonous

mushrooms and the toxins may linger in their flesh.

■ Box turtles have been known to eat snails, insects, berries, fungi, slugs,

worms, roots, flowers, fish, frogs, salamanders, snakes, birds, and eggs

indiscriminately. They have been observed eating carrion, feeding on dead

ducks, amphibians, assorted small mammals, and even a dead cow. Their

preference varies greatly by season but there is one definite trend. Young

are primarily carnivorous while they grow during their first five to six years.

Adults tend to be mostly herbivorous, but they eat no green leaves. Young

often hunt in ponds and streams because the type of food they prefer is

easier to catch there, but adults usually feed on land.


Saturn of Greater Little Rock501-771-1700 • 5105 Warden Road • North Little Rock • www.saturnar.com

We didn't have time to write an acceptance speech.

Starting At

$20,995

A COMPLETE LINEA COMPLETE LINE OF PASSENGER,OF PASSENGER, LIGHT TRUCK,LIGHT TRUCK,

OFF ROADOFF ROAD AND ATV TIRES.AND ATV TIRES.

CABOT TIRE & OFF ROAD

285 ARENA ROAD CABOT, AR 72023 501-941-2044 FAX 501-843-5449

4X4 PARTS & SERVICE

USE THIS AD FORUSE THIS AD FOR

$$25 OFF25 OFFYOUR NEXT PURCHASEYOUR NEXT PURCHASE


CONCRETE, STEEL, AND NATURAL RESOURCES: THEY ALL HAVE VALUE

Money, goods, and services trade hands daily. It is our way of life. Prices of some commodities are relatively stable while others are dynamic and negotiable. Big name companies spend billions persuading consumers they "absolutely need their product." Many things are essential in our lives, including food, clothing and a roof over our heads, but most people identify their needs amongst concrete and steel. Oxygen and clean water are musts but we pay them little attention as we hunt down our next calo-ries in our concrete habitats.

As America was settled, many natural resources were viewed as obsta-cles to progress. Lowlands, forests, and other habitats were the bane of those seeking places to live and the soil to proliferate monocultures. Most often, resources like bottomlands were viewed as mosquito havens. Settlers couldn’t pulverize natural resources fast enough to colonize the U.S. from coast to coast.

Taming the land to grow crops was arduous to say the least. It was backbreaking to finally get a crop of cotton in the ground and nurture it into something. Naturally, people looked for better ways – life was harsh. Technology literally spared lives and helped workers prosper. The Industrial Revolution in the United States, arguably as early as the War of 1812, truly catapulted inventions in this country. Harnessing steam was

one achievement that decreased reliance on animal and manpower. Together, technology and industry truly prospered in the U.S. after the World Wars.

The concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), basically the measure of market value of all goods and services produced by a country in a given time, began to define success of the U.S. economy. Industry basks in product success and worker productivity. But to increase productivity, inventions have been necessary to tame, cull, refine, package, and efficiently deliver goods and services. Along the way, the infinite value of natural resources was

barely acknowledged. Rivers have been treated as industry dumping grounds and conduits for chemical waste. Worldwide, plant diversity and soil biodiversity have decreased substantially, and use of nitrogen fertilizer increased from five million to 80 million tons annually from the 1950s to the present. Fertilization exacerbates production of nitrous oxide and CO2 levels. At the

dawn of U.S. settlement, these strate-gies were defensible — human "foot-prints" were scarce, natural resources were abundant, and synthetic chemicals, among other things, were nonexistent. Today, however, the table has turned — there are far more people chasing fewer and more degraded resources. Fortunately, society is beginning to realize that consumerism and GDP are not the measures for quality of life.

As Paul Hawken, environmentalist and author, reminds us, our relentless pursuit to maximize labor productivity not only depletes the environment, it also depletes labor. Like exhausting

our topsoil, over-productivity can deplete a workforce. We are led to believe that enhanced productivity yields more leisure time, but Hawken states that employed workers, and those that are presumably becoming more productive, are actually working 100 to 200 hours more per year than just two decades ago. Furthermore, real wages have not increased over that same

time period. Not only is labor productivity

stagnant, but resource productivity is incredibly low, presumably because of the abundance of natural resources in the past. Dr. Robert Ayres, a math-ematical physicist, has demonstrated that about 94 percent of all materials extracted for product development become waste before the product is

By J. Brian Davis, PhD, Regional Biologist, Arkansas Ducks Unlimited

“The movers and shakers on our planet

aren’t the billionaires and the generals-they are

the incredible numbers of people around the

world filled with love for neighbor and for the

earth who are resisting, remaking, restoring,

renewing, and revitalizing.”-Bill McKibben, Environmentalist and Writer


even manufactured! Basically, America’s material and energy efficiency is no more than 1 or 2 percent. This means that American industry uses as much as 100 times more material and energy than theoretically is required to satisfy consumers.

These inef ficiencies not only contribute to the United States’ effect on climate change, but also cost U.S. companies billions of dollars. This is why Wal-Mart and General Electric are devoting large sums of money to improving efficiency. From a biolog-ical and ecological standpoint, this waste is part of the planet’s "natural capital." Basically, these are vital natural resources, such as non-renew-able oil and coal, and renewable wildlife, forests, wetlands, and grassland. Water, oxygen, soils, and many other natural commodities are critical to our existence but they normally occupy the back seat in our quest for what we view as a ‘better life.’ However, their signifi-cance to our lives was demonstrated to us in the early 1990s in what was called Biosphere II project. In short, 8 people volun-teered for an experiment in which they entered a 3-acre glass enclave. It contained trees, shrubs, water, insects, 25 small animal species, and other commodities to recreate our ecosystem. Scientists hypothesized the people would remain alive for 2 years. However, after only 17 months people were oxygen starved; carbon dioxide levels rose such that oxygen had to be pumped in from the outside. Nitrous oxide hindered human brain function. Insect pollinators died while cock-roaches flourished. Vines killed trees and crops, and water was fouled consid-erably. In the end, 19 of the 25 small animal species became extinct! The $200 million experiment could not keep 8 people alive for 17 months. At least this many people are added to the planet every 3 seconds.

America is often viewed as barging ahead for ‘bigger and better’ but natural resources provide us with too many crit-ical resources to ignore. Factories can’t manufacture new gene pools, and rain

dances aren’t going to replenish our already feeble underground aquifers. Remember the insects that Biosphere II demonstrated would die? Scientists have estimated the economic worth of insects as pollinators, in pest control and waste decomposition, and maintenance of wildlife populations; the annual value of natural services of insects is estimated to be $57 billion in the United States alone! These are mere examples of the relevance of natural capital.

So what do we do? Paul Hawken and others advocate a grand plan. Because the U.S. is notorious for subsi-dizing environmental exploitation, cars, big corporations, technological failures, agriculture, and other entities, Hawken advocates that our nation’s tax system must be revised. In his words, “We must stop subsidizing behaviors we

don’t want, such as resource depletion and pollution, and stop taxing behaviors we do want, such as income and work. We provide price supports to sugarcane growers, and we subsidize the restora-tion of the Everglades (which sugarcane growers are destroying). We need to transform, incrementally but firmly, the sticks and carrots that guide business.” Indeed, we need a global conservation tax paid by all humankind each time we purchase anything – a small unnotice-able fraction of each penny expended that goes into a "conservation bank" to be expended saving our earth.

How can people become involved more locally? We know that restora-tion of trees, wetlands, and grassland are imperative sustainers of natural capital. Forests, grasses, and marsh plants fix carbon from the atmosphere. Wetlands can catch up to 98% of eroding sedi-ments, over 85% run-off nitrates and

nearly 95% of phosphorous, and 98% of coliforms; many of which creep into rivers from the Heartland. Instead of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico, these filters can transform pollutants into benign byproducts, in a span of 1-day to several months. Wetlands are so effec-tive, some cities, like Arcata, California, use them as water treatment facilities. In 2006 alone, Ducks Unlimited and its important partners planted, through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), over 2 million trees throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Since its inception in 1990, WRP has delivered over 100,000 acres of forest and wetland habitat in Arkansas, second only to Louisiana. Yet, these improve-ments only account for 2% of the important resources, bottomland hard-woods and associated prairie, originally

present in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Society has to become more aware of proactive environmental improvements like these and support legislation that fosters restoration activities nationwide, and support conservation enti-ties working to restore and protect these resources. Government support for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), WRP, the North American Wetlands

Conservation Act (NAWCA), and other programs is imperative. Resources produced by these and other programs provide opportunities for hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, and other conservationists to recreate; in turn, billions of their expended dollars are re-funneled into habitat and conser-vation programs. Citizens less active in outdoor recreation also benefit from resulting natural capital, such as accessing cleaner water. Writing or calling Congress to voice support of these programs is vital. Visiting the Farm Bill link on our website, www.ducks.org, provides opportunity for interested citizens to voice support of these programs to Congress. And, if you clearly understand these conserva-tion concepts, volunteer to teach them to our children in school, church, or at youth events such as a Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Camp.

Along with nurseries for wildlife, wetlands fi lter pollutants and contaminents from the landscape and restore ground water.


To most, the word “bee” instantly brings to mind the honeybee, its large hives, and har vestable honey.

What a lot of people don’t know is that honeybees are a relatively recent introduction to the North American continent. Honeybees were brought here from Europe by the first colonists in the 1600s. Following introduction, honeybees spread across the United States and now play critical roles in crop pollination.

Within the past 50 years, though, honeybee colonies have declined dramatically due to introduced para-sites and diseases, pesticides, and a number of other factors. The spread of Africanized honeybees has further complicated bee-keeping.

While the introduced honeybee may be thought of as the archetypical bee, Arkansas actually hosts a few hundred other bee species that are native. Native bees were here long before the honeybee and play critical roles in Arkansas’s diverse ecosys-tems.

BumblebeesOf our native bees, the bumblebee

is probably the most familiar. These large, fuzzy, yellow and black bees

are a common site in Arkansas during spring and summer. Like honeybees, bumblebees live in colonies dominated by a single egg-laying queen. While similar in some respects, bumblebees differ from honeybees in other ways. Bumblebee colonies are not easily managed in outdoor fabricated hives. Our native bumblebees like to live in old fields or prairies, using abandoned rodent burrows as nest sites.

Bumblebee colonies are quite small in comparison to those of honeybees. A honeybee colony may consist of 15,000 workers, whereas a bumblebee colony typically averages only 200 workers. Bumblebees also produce very small amounts of honey, generally just enough for their own use, certainly not enough for human consumption.

Although we don’t derive honey from bumblebees and they can’t be trucked around in wooden boxes, bumblebees do provide exceptional service as pollinators. Bumblebees, and many other native bees, are capable of sonication or “buzz-pollination.” Bumblebees buzz-pollinate by grabbing onto a flower and vibrating its flight muscles. These vibrations force pollen out of certain flower types, particularly those of peppers, tomatoes, and blue-

berries. Cross-pollination of tomato flowers by native bees can increase fruit set by nearly 45 percent and increase fruit weight by nearly 200 percent. Bumblebees are also excellent polli-nators of melon crops, such as water-melons.

There are e ight spec ies o f bumblebee in Arkansas. Most are identifiable based upon their particular pattern of yellow and black. One of these bumblebees, the golden northern bumblebee, is quite rare in Arkansas and is known from only two unplowed tall-grass prairies and nowhere else in the state. A good source for more infor-mation on bumblebees, including iden-tification, is "The Natural History of Bumblebees" by Carol A. Kearn and James D. Thomson.

Solitary BeesAlthough honeybees and bumble-

bees live in socially-cohesive colonies, the majority of native bees in Arkansas live solitary lives. With these bees, lone females are solely responsible for nest construction and acquisition of food for offspring. Most solitary bees are small, non-aggressive, and go by such descriptive names as sweat bees, leaf-cutter bees, and mason bees.

Sweat bees include the small,

The Buzz

on Native BeesBy Michael D. Warriner,Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission

Solitary bees, or sweat bees, are attracted by pollen and the salts from sweat.


metallic green bees that buzz around as you work in the yard during the heat of summer. These bees visit flowers for pollen, but are also interested in the salts that can be derived from our sweat. Leaf-cutter bees include many small, furry bees that line their nests with bits of flower petals or leaves. Mason bees are dubbed “masons” due to their habit of using mud in nest construction.

Most solitary bees nest in the ground, with the remainder using twigs or old beetle holes in dead wood. Individual females select and establish their own nests sites. Once a site is selected, females begin to collect pollen and deposit it into their nest. This pollen is mixed with a little nectar to form a small amount of “bee bread.” Next to the bee bread, the female lays one egg and seals the egg and food into a chamber. The female bee repeats this process until she may fill a small twig with eight or so egg-filled chambers. Her eggs hatch in their chambers and the resulting larvae feed on the stored food, overwinter, and emerge the next spring as adults.

Like bumblebees, solitary bees are yeoman pollinators in their own right. Mason bees have proven to be very effective pollinators in fruit orchards. In fact, these bees are commercially raised for just that purpose. For a good introduction to solitary bees, visit the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website www.attra.org/attra-pub/nativebee.html.

How to Help Native Bees

The pollination services provided by native bees to U.S. agriculture is currently estimated at $3.07 billion. Native bees could help to offset some pollination shortfalls resulting from honeybee declines. For that to happen though, native bee populations must be healthy. Native bees, like honey-bees, aren’t doing all that well either. Conversion of natural habitat to urban development or agriculture destroys bee habitat and results in conditions gener-ally unsuitable for continued survival. Pesticides have also taken a toll on these bees.

To help native bees, we need to

actively cater to their needs. The key to managing native bee populations is conserving and restoring habitat that contains good-quality resources. Native bees have two basic requirements – food in the form of pollen and nectar and a place to nest. These needs are best met in grasslands, old fields, or open woodlands that are free of pesticides and contain an abundance of flowering native plants.

Within agricultural areas, the resto-ration of native vegetation to portions of farms can potentially boost native bee numbers. By conserving natural habitat around farms and restoring native vegetation to idle areas, native bees can make greater contributions to our pollination needs. The Pollinator Conservation Program of the Xerces Society (www.xerces.org) has produced a publication, Farming for Bees, that details ways to provide and manage native bee habitat.

In urban settings, gardeners and landscapers can provide much needed food resources to native bees by planting “bee gardens.” While

butterfly gardens have been en vogue for some time, the idea of planting gardens for bees is a relatively new concept in Arkansas. When devel-oping a bee garden, plan to have at least four or more different plants flowering at the same time over the entire growing season. A diversity of color (bees like blue, purple, white, and yellow) and shapes (tubular to disc-shaped flowers) will also attract a wider range of bees.

An additional way to help is by providing nesting areas for solitary bees. A limiting factor for mason bee populations is the availability of nesting sites. Mason bees nest in small holes in dead trees. Just as with bluebird boxes, wooden “nesting blocks” can be constructed to attract and increase populations of mason bees and other deadwood-nesting solitary bees. The USDA Bee Biology and Systematics Lab (www.loganbeelab.usu.edu) provides detailed instructions on how to make these blocks. Bee nest blocks are also commercially available.

One of Arkansas native bees, the Bumblebee is most commonly seen during the spring and summer.


What kinds of licenses or permits do I need to hunt in Arkansas?

If you are 16 or older, an Arkansas hunting license is required to hunt wildlife unless you are on a licensed gamebird shooting resort that supplies pen-raised birds. The license must be carried with you. You may not possess a license that belongs to someone else or one that has been altered, back-dated or counterfeited. If you are a nonresident, you may not possess a resident license. If you guide, aid or

assist someone else for pay or other value, you must have a guide license. Nonresidents under 16 do not need to purchase a hunting license except in these instances: after bagging a deer, turkey or bear or before hunting or trapping furbearers. In the latter case, a nonresident fur takers permit is required as well.

Where can I find a license dealer?

Most licenses can be purchased from sporting goods stores, hunting

and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains and AGFC offices.

How do I buy a license by telephone?

Call (501) 223-6349 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area. Or you can call (800) 364-GAME (800-364- 4263) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please have your credit card and an identification number ready. Your identification number can be a driver’s license, social security number, hunter education number,

Modern gun deer season will open No-vember 10 across Arkansas. The state-wide bag limit is four deer per individual.

Hunting RequirementsArkansas Game and Fish Commission


state ID number or passport number. Small game and fishing privileges become effective immediately. A valid license obtained by mail from AGFC must be in your possession before you may hunt big game (deer, turkey, bear or elk). Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone or online.

How do I buy a license online?

Licenses may be purchased online at www.agfc.com. You will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or MasterCard number. A receipt and confirmation number may be printed on your home printer. A valid license obtained by mail from AGFC must be in your possession before you may hunt big game (deer, turkey, bear or elk). Small game hunting and fishing privileges are effective at the time of purchase.

Do I qualify as a resident?

A resident is any person who has established a bona fide or actual

residence for at least 60 days prior to applying for a license, and who declares intentions of becoming a citizen of Arkansas. Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase resident licenses: Resident foreign exchange students attending school outside of Arkansas; nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; residents of Arkansas enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities outside of Arkansas; and nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas. Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident. Active-duty servicemen and women permanently assigned in Arkansas are granted resi-dent privileges for hunting and fishing. Active-duty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are granted resident privileges for hunting and

fishing, regardless of where they are currently stationed.

Which licenses have an Arkansas residency requirement?

Resident Special Guide License and the nonexpiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit have a one-year residency requirement. Sixty-five Plus Lifetime Hunting License and the 65 Plus Lifetime Combination License have a three-year residency requirement.

What are disability licenses?

Resident disabled hunters may purchase a three-year disability hunting license for $25 or a three-year combi-nation license for $35.50 (includes fishing privileges). In addition, proof of Arkansas residency of at least one year’s duration, proof of 100 percent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board is required to apply for this license. This license expires three years from the date of

6100 LANDERS ROAD, SHERWOOD, AR 1-800-407-0856

WWW.RUSSELLHONDA.COM

FIRST MAN.

THEN MACHINE.


purchase. Other required permits and stamps must be purchased annually. These licenses are available from AGFC in Little Rock.

Who needs to register for HIP?

Hunters in Arkansas, 16 or older, are required to carry proof of Arkansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration when hunting ducks, geese, doves, coots, woodcocks, snipe, rails, gallinules or moorhens. Available at no charge, HIP registration can be obtained by completing a short survey at license dealers or any Game and Fish Commission office and will be noted on the license form.

Which licenses do hunting guides need?

A guide is someone who guides hunters for pay or other consider-ation. An Arkansas resident may guide hunters on land not owned or leased by AGFC with a Resident Guide License ($25).

An Arkansas resident, who provides proof of at least one year’s residency,

may guide hunters, but not waterfowl hunters, on land owned or leased by AGFC with the Resident Special Guide License ($150). There is no nonresi-dent equivalent of this license. A nonresident may guide hunters on land not owned or leased by AGFC with the Nonresident Guide License/Hunting ($150). Hunting guide licenses expire June 30, and do not include hunting privileges. These licenses are available from AGFC offices.

Who needs a Hunter Education card?

A hunter born after 1968 must carry a valid Hunter Education card. Hunters under 16 do not need to have a card if they are under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid hunting license at least 21 years of age. Arkansas honors the home state Hunter Education cards of nonresi-dents. Call (800) 482-5795 or check www.agfc.com for a class schedule.

Which commercial activities require a license or permit?

Resident Fur Dealer ($50),

Nonresident Fur Dealer ($200), Wildlife Breeder/Dealer’s Permit ($50), Commercial Wildlife Hunting Resor t Permit ($500), Special Commercial Quail Permit ($25) and Gamebird Shooting Resort ($150). These licenses expire on June 30.

Which other wildlife-related activities require a license or permit?

These include falconry, alligator or alligator snapping turtle commerce or farming. Call (501) 223-6456 for information about these licenses or permits.

Can my license be replaced?

If your sport license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you can replace it for $2 at any AGFC regional office, the AGFC Little Rock headquarters, by mail or phone at (800) 364-4263, during normal business hours. You will need to supply your name, date of birth and the type of license that was lost or stolen. If you lose more than one license form, the charge is $2 per form. Any questions can be answered

Turkey season begins in April. Bag limit is two turkeys across most of the state.


Best-Selling30 Years Running

TRUE TRUCKLEADERSHIP

15400 CHENAL PARKWAY • LITTLE ROCK • 501-221-3673

F150

Explorer Expedition

Pinnacle Ford announces a bold new move.Visit our new location on Chenal Parkway!

by calling the toll-free number during normal business hours. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Cash is accepted in person. If you lose any commercial license, you will need to call the toll-free number.

Where to Buy a License, Permit or Stamp

The fastest way to purchase a license, permit or stamp is through the AGFC Web site, www.agfc.com.

When you purchase a license, permit, or stamp through the AGFC site, you will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or MasterCard number, and you may print confirma-tion at home. The actual license will arrive in the mail a few days after your purchase. You may fish and hunt small game using the confirmation number until you receive your license. You may not hunt big game without the actual license.

Many licenses may be purchased over-the-counter from sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supply stores, some discount chains, boat docks or directly from the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has streamlined the hunting license system. Previous hunting licenses expired a year from the date of purchase. Under the new system, hunting licenses will expire June 30 each year. The annual big game license will have seven tags attached to it. Three tags will be used for the 2006-07 deer season, two for fall 2006 turkey season and two for spring 2007 turkey season. Other hunting licenses will have an appro-priate number of tags depending on the specific license.

Arkansas big-game hunters are now required to have their actual license with record of game in their possession before hunting. Big game includes deer, bear, turkey and elk.

In the past, hunters who purchased licenses over the telephone could have a confirmation number and carry it with them while hunting. Sportsmen have to have their actual license in hand while hunting big game. Hunters who purchase their license via the Internet can use their confirmation number to

hunt small game until they receive their license in the mail. The license hunters print out on their home computer is valid for 14 days after purchase to hunt small game.

You can also buy many licenses over-the-counter from sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, boat docks or directly from the AGFC Little Rock or regional offices.

You can also call (501)223-6349 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the

Little Rock area, or 1-800-364-GAME (1-800-364-4263) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have your credit card and an identification number ready. Your identification number can be a driver’s license, social security number, hunter education number, state ID number or passport number. Your hunting or fishing privileges become effective immediately and your license will arrive in the mail in a few days. Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone or online.


Cardboard Boat Festival, Heber Springs

Crater of Diamonds State Park

National Championship Chuck Wagon Races in Clinton

Historic Downtown Eureka Springs


Clinton Center & Birthplace, Hope

War Eagle Mill near Rogers

SpringIN ARKANSAS

By A.C. (Chuck) Haralson


Caboose on display in Paragould

Altus Grape Festival

Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs

ARKANSAS WILD • Spring 2007 49Camden's Cival War Reenactment

Eureka Springs carriage ride


Destination ArkansasBy Emily Griffi n

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Gas prices reaching record highs can make anyone rethink their vacation plans this summer. With

such diverse landscapes, Arkansas offers an abundance of outdoor activities. If taking part in the great

outdoors isn’t you’re idea of a great vacation, Arkansas also offers museums, art galleries, irresistible

restaurants, relaxing resorts and spas, funky boutiques, live music festivals, golf, and much more. Why

drive out of state for a relaxing retreat this summer when you can find an unlimited number of attrac-

tions right here at home on just one tank of gas. After all, there’s no place like home!


The OzarksKnown for its stunning scenery,

the Ozarks offer many outdoor activi-ties for tourists and the natives alike. Some of the country’s most pristine lakes and rivers can be found right here in Arkansas and offer an endless number of activities.

America’s first national river, Buffalo National River, is known for its swift running rapids and quiet pools and stretches for 135 miles through the state. Explore the river by canoe, hike along the massive limestone bluffs or grab a rod and reel for great fishing. There are an endless number of ways to enjoy the river. Other must see rivers in the area include the Mulberry River, the Spring River, and the White River.

Skiing, boating and fishing are popular activities on the many lakes in the Ozarks. Lake Dardanelle, Lake Ouachita, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Norfork, and Greers Ferry Lake are surrounded by beautiful campsites and swimming areas.

One unique Ozark town not to be missed is Eureka Springs. Today, Eureka Springs is known for its Victorian architecture, arts, antiques,

and natural beauty, but the original attraction was the water. Legend has it that Native American tribes believed the cold spring water could cure many ailments and considered the land sacred ground. As word spread of the healing waters people flocked to the area some considered to contain the fountain of youth.

Eureka Springs has gained national attention in recent years for its para-normal activity. A number of “ghost hunters” have researched the area and a few camera crews have recorded “hauntings” in homes and hotels. Ghost tours are available seven days a week by local mediums. Don’t worry; there have been no reports of anyone being physically hurt by the spirits; although those who have encountered them have used the word mischievous to describe the ghosts.

Pea Ridge National Military Park commemorates the site of the March 1862 battle, which decided the fate of Missouri. Covering over 4,300 acres, the park encompasses the entire battlefield as well as a section of orig-inal earthworks constructed prior to the battle by the Federal forces. The park was created by congress in 1956 and was dedicated in 1963. The park

honors those who fought for the North and the South.

Blanchard Springs Caverns is said to be one of the “most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere.” Blanchard is a three-level system, although only two levels of the caverns are open for guided tours. The magnificently decorated Dripstone Trail is located on the upper level, and the Discovery Trail explores the middle level of the caverns. The Wild Cave Tour offers visitors an introduc-tion to spelunking.

The DeltaThis rich agricultural area where

cotton, rice, soybeans and wheat flourish is home to a geologic oddity known as Crowley’s Ridge. Rising 200 feet above the surrounding terrain, Crowley’s Ridge was formed when the Mississippi and Ohio rivers eroded away at the land on either side of their banks. Wind-blown soils added height to the remnant ridge. Take a drive through the scenic area to see beautiful landscapes thick with wildflowers.

Don’t miss the Louisiana Purchase State Park where a monument marks the initial point for surveys of the 1803

Clockwise from bottom left: The Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs is said to be one of the haunted structures in the small Ozark town; The Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock offers exact replicas of the Oval Offi ce and the Cabinet Room (pictured); Sifting for diamonds at the Crater of Diamond State Park in Murfrees-boro can be fun for the whole family; Crystal Falls water park in Hot Springs is the largest water park in Arkansas; The Arkansas Museum of Discovery in Little Rock is a fully interactive science and history museum.


Louisiana Purchase.Parkin Archeological State Park is

a Native American site dating back to 1000 A.D. Take a tour through ongoing excavations, and see exhibits.

Stop in at Southland Greyhound Track in West Memphis and try your luck with live Greyhound racing, simul-cast Greyhound and Thoroughbred racing, and instant racing.

Central ArkansasArkansas’ largest metro area,

Central Arkansas is home to a number of attractions for visitors.

The Clinton Presidential Library is America’s 12th presidential library. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock, the library contains 20,000 square feet of library and museum space including an authentic replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room, as well as the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history.

J u s t b l o c k s from the Clinton Presidential Library is the River Market, a p u b l i c f o o d ma rke t o f f e r i ng live entertainment. Restaurants, bars, art galleries, shops, and a museum are also found in the River Market district, as well as an active nightlife.

The Museum of Discovery can be found in the heart of the River Market district. This fully interactive science and history museum offers hands-on exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.

Nationally-accredited, the Little Rock Zoo offers 40 acres of housing to over 725 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. A petting zoo and miniature train rides offer additional fun for kids.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is

a 2,000-acre park located just west of Little Rock. The mountain’s cone-shaped peak can be seen for miles and offers a beautiful panoramic view. Park interpreters host a number of park activities throughout the summer.

The OuachitasThe Ouachitas contain rugged

mountain trails, relaxing resorts, sparkling lakes, and a crater full of diamonds.

Hot Springs is a must see, offering

Fly fi shing is a popular activ-ity along the Buffalo National River. The monument pictured to the lower right marks the start-ing point of 1815 surveys for the Louisiana Purchase and can be found at the Louisiana Purchase State Park in Brinkley.


Openingneweyes to

nature

501.244.2229 • www.ar.audubon.org

It’swaiting foryou.

WEEKEND SPECIAL STARTING AT $150 A DAY.

Fun TimeRV RENTALS

8328 Warden RoadSherwood, AR 72120501-835-0657

Pop-Ups Starting at $50!

Rent an RV today and get

out there.

a number of legendary bathhouses. A National Historic Landmark, the Row is made up of eight bathhouses built between 1911 and 1923.

Hot Springs is also home to Oaklawn Park that offers thorough-bred horse races where the nation’s top horses compete to become eligible for the famous Triple Crown.

At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro the public can dig for diamonds, and if you are lucky enough to find one, you get to keep it. The park is the only public diamond mine in the world and has been featured on The Travel Channel. Diamonds were first discovered on the 37-acre plowed field in 1906. Since then over 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed.

For the more adventurous, the Ouachitas is home to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. The theme park offers over 75 attractions including the “Arkansas Twister” roller coaster and the largest water park in Arkansas. Other rides include the “X-Coaster,” “Plummet Summit,” and “The Gauntlet.” Magic Springs and Crystal Falls has been named one of the three most family friendly parks in the nation by Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

The TimberlandsThe Timberlands in southern

Arkansas is rich with natural resources. Dense woods of pine and cypress encompass the region. Oil, deer hunting and bass fishing are abundant in the Timberlands and attract many people each year.

In the 1920s the town of Smackover gained national attention when the Smackover field was ranked first among the nation’s oil fields. In 1925, the 40-square-mile field was home of one of the wildest mineral booms in the country. Today, south Arkansas’s oil fields produce petroleum throughout a 10-county area.

Smackover is also home to the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources which features a 25,000-square-foot building that includes an exhibit hall, orientation theater, exhibit work area, research center and gift shop.

Vacation kits are offered through the office of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. For more information visit www.arkansas.com.


CalendarCalendarof EventsJUNE

8th: Crusin’ Downtown T-Town, Broad Street, Texarkana, Arkansas. Antique and classic show cars, music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, raffle, food and special events. Admission is free. For more information call (903) 824-6231.

8th: Annual Main Street Helena Fish Fry, Main Street, Helena. Fish fry includes all the trimmings, complete with a live band. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For more information call (870) 338-9144 or visit www.mainstreethelena.org.

9th: Children’s Fishing Derby, Arkansas Post Park Lake, Gillett. Fishing derby open for children ages 12 and younger. Adults will be permitted to fish in the afternoon. Derby will begin at 9 a.m. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 548-2207.

9 t h : 1 9 t h A n n u a l Junior Fishing Fest, Daisy State Park, Kirby. Junior anglers ages 12 and younger are invited to this friendly tourna-ment to fish for fun and prizes. Events beging at 10 a.m. Call (870) 398-4487 for more information.

9th: 16th Annual Fishing Derby, Withrow Springs State Park, Huntsville. Anglers ages 1-15 are invited to the park for a trout fishing derby. Prizes will be awarded for fishing by age g r o u p , with door prizes throughout the tournament. Bring your own bait and tackle. Admission is free. Call (479) 559-2593 for more infor-mation.

9th: Gospel Music Concert and Car Show, City Park, Havana. The event includes a car show, all classes, beginning at 3 p.m. Gospel Concert beginning at 5 p.m. Free hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade ice cream at 5:30. Don’t forget your lawn chair! Donations will be accepted for scholarship fund. For more information call (479) 476-2608.

9th: XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon and Trail Run, Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs. This event is part of the XTERRA America Tour. The triathlon will consist of a 0.5-mile swim, 13-mile mountain bike and a 5-mile trail run. The trail running race is 3.5 miles. For admission information visit www.eurekaspringsoffroadtriathlon.com.

9th: Arkansas Butterflies and Moths, Visitor Center, Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Bull Shoals. Discover the world of butterflies through the words of the woman who wrote the book, “Arkansas Butterflies and Moths.” Lori Spencer. A professional entomologist lepidopterist and Certified Heritage Interpreter, Spencer will present an interpretive program followed by a guided walk through the new butterfly garden. Spencer will be available to autograph copies of her book. Copies of the book will

be available for sale. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 445-3629.

9th: Senior Citizens’ Fishing Derby, White Oak Lake State Park, Bluff City. A fishing derby for senior citizens, ages 50-100 years old, will be held at the park marina. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as well as area businesses will furnish the fish and prizes. Prizes will be given for the larges and smallest fish. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 685-2748.

9th: Sharp County Regional Airport Air show, Hardy. Aerial Acrobatics, static displays of all types of aircraft, model aircraft, airplane rides, food, music, and antique cars. Admission is free.

For more information call (870) 955-9017.

9th: Mountain Fishin’ Derby, Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton. Hook, line, and sinker! See if you can catch a large fish or a small fish on Lake Bailey or Lake Roosevelt. The derby is open to ages 15 and under, and families are encour-aged to participate. Prizes will be awarded. This event is co-sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and local area merchants. Admission is free. For

more information call (501) 727-5441.

9th: 11th Annual Fishing Derby, Newark City Lake. The derby will be held from 6-10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 799-3047.

9th: Old Town Bike Show, Historic Main Street, Van Buren. There will be a motorcycle rally, games, door prizes, and vendors on hand. Admission is free. For more information call (479) 474-0332 or visit www.vanburen.org.

9th: BFL Akie Division Tournament Weigh-in, Sport Fishing Weigh-in Pavilion, Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville. See prize-winning fish measured and weighed at our one-of-a-kind fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion. Admission is free. For more information call (479) 967-5516.

9th: Kid’s Fishing Derby, Lake Charles State Park, Powhatan. Open to chil-dren ages 6-15. Participants should bring their own poles and bait. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Admission is free. For more informa-tion call (870) 878-6595.

11th: 11th Annual Conway Regional Golf Classic, Centennial Valley Country Club, Conway. A scramble format with four-player teams, there will be morning and afternoon rounds available with prizes and awards for each round. Admission is $900 per team. For more information call (501) 513-5771 or visit www.conwayregional.org/foundation.

16th: Bootlegger Daze, Main Street, Calico Rock. Working moonshine still,

31st Annual Hope Watermelon Festival will be held August 9th.


tours of Ghost Town and historic Main Street, Poker Run through scenic Ozarks, pig roast, music, crafts, food fair, street dance and more. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 297-8899 or visit http://thecalicorocket.com.

16th: Ducks Unlimited South Mississippi County Chapter Membership Banquet, The Executive Suites, Osceola. Beginning at 6 p.m., come enjoy the special meal and see the new DU items for spring.

16th: Ducks Unlimited Motorcycle Poker Run, Crittenden Implement Company, Marion. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the first bike out at 10 a.m., and last bike in at 3 p.m. $200 cash prize for best hand, with prizes for 2nd and 3rd place and worst hand. Dinner and refreshments will be provided at the end of the ride. For more information call David or Michael Jett at (870) 739-3535.

16th: 11th Annual Arkansas Fiddlers’ Contest, Ozark Heritage Arts Center, Leslie. One of just three fiddle contests in Arkansas each year, the event is limited to Arkansas fiddlers only with contestants in three divisions. Admission is $4 in advance and $5 at the door. For more information call (870) 447-2500 or visit www.ozarkheritagearts.org.

16th: Dad’s Day Bird House Build-Off, Logoly State Park, McNeil. Come to Logoly and make a great gift for Father’s Day and attract some new feathered friends to your yard. Supplies provided. Pre-registration and adult supervision is required. Admission is $10. For more information call (870) 695-3561.

16th: Revenge of the Ridge Mountain Bike Race, Mena. The Revenge of the Ridge Mountain Bike Race over the Earthquake Ridge Trail Complex is part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. For more information and to enter call (479) 216-1465 or visit www.mtbark.com/race.

17th: Father’s Day Trout Fishing Tournament, Bull Shoals-White River State Park Trout Dock, Lakeview. Beginning at 9 a.m., a just-for-fun tournament for children and their fathers or grandfathers, prizes and certificates for a variety of wacky categories will be given. There is no registration fee. For more information call (870) 431-5521.

23rd: 16th Annual Charity Car Show, McClure Park, Springdale. Charity Car Show benefiting the Benton County Children’s Shelter. Approximately 30 classes, awards for first, second and third places along with Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior and Ugliest Car. 50/50 pot, raffle tickets and door prizes. All vehicles are welcome. NWAMC members’ cars will be display only. Registration is $20. No admission for spectators. For more information call (479) 451-0044.

24th: Ozark Valley Triathlon, Lake Wedington Recreation Area, Fayetteville. 1,000-yard swim, 19-mile bike and four mile run. There will be food and prizes available after the race. Admission is $60-$75. For more information call (479) 521-7766 or visit www.ozarkvalleytriathlon.com.

30th: USCA Aluminum Annual Canoe Racing Championship, Overlook Park, Pocahontas. Men and Women’s open division. Fun, games, and awards will be given. Entry fees range from $12.50 to $25. For more information call (870) 892-2269.

8th-9th: Hot Rod Power Tour, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock. Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour is the ultimate Hot Rodder’s vacation. The tour cruises across the country with the staff and editors of Hot Rod Magazine plus all the icons of the automotive industry. The seven-day tour has selected

Little Rock as its finale city for the 2007 tour. For more information call (501) 370-3201 or visit www.bigcruisefest.com.

9th-10th: Super Retriever Series Crown Championship, Oaklawn Racetrack Infield, Hot Springs. The public is invited to see America’s top retriever dogs and their owners perform in the Super Retriever Series Crown Championship. This free event brings the top 12 hunt test and field trial retrievers and their handlers along with the nation’s top 12 Big Air dogs to Hot Springs to compete for the national championship. For more information call (501) 321-2277 or visit www.hotsprings.org.

15th-16th: Troutfest, Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Lakeview. The White River is one of the nation’s finest trout streams. Whether you’re a beginner

or an expert, there is something here for you. Activities include fly tying and fly fishing seminars, basic trout

fishing classes, trout cooking d e m o n -strat ions a n d f l y c a s t i n g c l i n i c s . Admiss ion is free. For more informa-tion call (870) 431-5521.

2 2 n d - 2 3 r d : 1 1 t h A n n u a l

Mount Magazine I n t e r n a t i o n a l Butterfly Festival, downtown square, Paris. Over 50 craft and food vendors

along with local entertainment, and an art and quilt show provide visitors with a wide variety of activities for a fun filled weekend. Admission is free. For more information call (479) 963-2244.

29th-30th: 10th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival, courthouse square, Jasper. This event celebrates Newton County’s title of “Elk Capital of Arkansas.” Quality artists, crafters, and other vendors will be on hand showcasing their wares as well as nature seminars, wildlife displays, fishing derby, lots of kids’ activities, great entertainment, brilliant fireworks display and the infamous Elk Permit Drawings. Admission is free. For more information call (870) 446-2455.

12th-16th: 49th Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet and Car Show, The Museum of Automobiles, Morrilton. Over 1,500 spaces filled with cars, parts, antiques, arts and crafts and more ending with automobile judging on Saturday begin-ning at 11 a.m. Admission is free. For more information call (501) 727-5427 or visit www.motaa.com.

JULY

1st-Aug.31st: Crevice Exploration Hike, Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork. Every Friday morning this summer, Park Interpreter Harry Harnish will lead a guided hike through the deepest crevices of the park’s unique sand-stone crevice area. This moderately strenuous hike is an experience you’ll never forget. Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water. Contact the park for details. Please call ahead of time if you plan to bring a large group. Admission is free. For more information call (479) 761-3325.

7th: Outdoor Living Skills for Kids, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, Scott. Join park interpreters for an introduction to basic outdoor living skills. Children will learn how to cook outdoors, fishing basics, hiking essentials and how to avoid outdoor hazards. This workshop is designed for ages 8-12. Participants will take home a camp T-shirt, river cane fishing pole and survival

The 11th Annual Mount Magazine International Butterfl y Festival will be held June 22-23 in Paris.


kit. Lunch, snacks and drinks provided. Reservations required, as space is limited. Admission is $25. For more information call (501) 961-9442.

14th: 24th Annual Mighty Mite Triathlon, East Arkansas Community College/Forrest City High School, Forrest City. Spectators are invited to watch this exciting event as hundreds of athletes compete in this multi-sport race. The race begins at the Lake Dunn swim beach at Lake Village State Park in Wynne, when the swimmers hit the water at 8 a.m. and swim 1/3 mile along the Crowley’s Ridge Parkway. The race ends with a 3-mile run to Sam Smith Stadium in Forrest City. Admission is free to spectators. Visit www.s2fevents.com for entry information.

13th-15th: 10th Annual Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival, City Parks and Auditorium, Eureka Springs. This mountain bike festival will have competi-tive and non-competitive cycling events, cross country, downhill, short track, observed trials, bike parade, film fest, and fun rides. This is the largest event of its kind in the central United States. Prizes will be awarded. Visit www.fattirefestival.com or call (479) 363-0625 for more information.

23rd: Ducks Unlimited Van Buren Sponsor Banquet, Skinny’s Catfish, Van Buren. Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Sponsors receive an annual sponsor front license plate and a sponsor print. This year’s print is “Tall Timber Mallards” by three-time Arkansas Duck Stamp Artist Larry Chandler. For more information call David Martin at (479) 474-8943.

26th-29th: 65th Annual Johnson County Peach Festival, town square, Clarksville. Terrapin derby, frog jump, peach jam and jelly and peach cobbler bake-off, street dance, parade, diaper derby, craft booths, concession stands, peach pit spitting contest, water balloon toss, fiddling contest, egg toss, bicycle obstacle course, horseshoe pitching contest, Princess Elberta Pageant and Miss Arkansas preliminary pageants. Pageant entry fee is $7. All other events are free. For more information call (479) 754-9152 or visit www.jocopeachfestival.8m.com.

AUGUST

3rd: Decatur BBQ, City Park, Decatur. Events include 5K run, kids’ games, chicken dinners, arts and crafts, parade, and a free country music concert. Don’t forget your lawn chairs! Admission is free. Call (479) 752-3912 for more information.

3rd-4th: Tough Man Contest, Holiday Inn City Center, Fort Smith. Contest begins at 8 p.m. Admission prices range from $15-$25. For more informa-tion call (501) 664-1118.

9th: 31st Annual Hope Watermelon Festival, Fair Park, Hope. More than 200 booths of arts and crafts, music, melon eating and seed-spitting contests, hillbilly horseshoes, conventional horseshoe tournament, antique engine show, gospel show, sports car show, 5K run, softball tournament, melon judging, and dog show. Admission is free. Parking is $2 and the gospel show is $3. For more information call (870) 777-3640 or visit www.hope-melonfest.com.

11th: Civil War Re-enactment/Encampment, Mammoth Spring State Park, Mammoth Spring. Union and Confederate troops will have an encampment from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch drills and firing demonstrations while walking through living history. A skirmish between troops will be held at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call (870) 625-7364 for more information.

12th: XTERRA Iron Will Triathlon, Craighead Forest Park, Jonesboro. The triathlon course runs within the beautiful confines of Craighead Forest Park and will challenge you every step or crank of the way. The out and back, half-mile swim will start from the beach and exit on the boat launch. After making your transition to the bike, the 10.6-mile mountain bike course littered with rocks, roots and steep hills will put the hurt on a set of legs. To finish up, you only have to run three miles of trail that will lead you back to the start/finish area. This is definitely a course to see if you have an Iron Will! Admission is $40 before Aug. 3; $50 until Aug. 11; and $60 until the day of the race. For more information call (870) 933-4604 or visit www.jonesborosports.org.

25th: 19th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament, Daisy State Park, Kirby. This friendly tournament is open to players of all ages. Players will be divided into three groups according to percentage of ringers. Cost is $5 per player. For more information call (870) 398-4487.

3rd-4th: 64th Annual White River Water Carnival, Riverside Park, Batesville. Arkansas’s oldest annual water event, which includes numerous features such as arts and crafts, foods, entertainment, sporting events, a car show, bike show, and parade, as well as the White River Beauty Pageant. Admission fees vary. For more information call (870) 793-2378 or visit www.mybatesville.org.

Participate in the XTERRA Iron Will Triathlon August 12th at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro.


3rd-4th: 28th Cave City Annual Watermelon Festival, City Park, Cave City. The Annual Watermelon Festival will have nightly enter-tainment Thursday and Friday. Crafts and concessions will also be on hand. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Call (870) 283-5959 or visit http://cavec-ityarkansas.info for more information.

31st-Sept. 2nd: 22nd Annual National Championship Chuckwagon Race, Clinton. Chuckwagon racing, Snow River race, bronc fanning, camping, trail rides, concerts, barn dance, western trade show, horse and mule sale, non-denominational church services, and more. Admission is $20 Friday and Saturday, and $10 on Sunday. For more information call (501) 745-8407 or visit http://chuckwagon-races.com.

22nd-25th: ESPN Bass Masters Legends Tournament, North River Landing, North Little Rock. Top fishermen and women compete in this bass tournament. Admission is free. For more information call (501) 758-1424 or visit http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bass-master/index.

31st-Sept. 3rd: White River Days, Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Lakeview. Celebrate the history of the White River with a weekend’s worth of programs and activities including ecology, history, and prehistory of this beautiful area. Explore the river on guided canoe, kayak and johnboat floats. For a detailed schedule call (870) 431-5521.

SEPTEMBER

1st: ARK 5K, North Shore Riverwalk, Sherwood. Enjoy the scenery while you participate in the ARK 5K. For entry fee information call (501) 868-1072.

Visit Jasper June 29-30 for the 10th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival.

1st: 24th Annual Antique and Classic Car Show, Mammoth Spring State Park, Mammoth Spring. Enter your pre-1980s car or truck or come by just to gander at these beauties! Prizes for “Longest Distance Traveled,” “People’s Choice,” and “Best of Show” will be awarded. Gates open at 9 a.m. and judging will begin at noon. Dash plaques will be given to the first 50 registrants. Entry fee is $15. For more informa-tion call (870) 625-7364.

7th: The Nature Conservancy 25th Anniversary Open House, Little Rock. Bring your friends and family to The Nature Conservancy’s Little Rock office for an informal afternoon/evening open

house. The free event will include food and drinks, interesting things for children, educa-tional displays, merchandise sales and other fun activities. For more information contact Susan Borne at (501) 614-5071.

14th: 16th Annual Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet, State House Convention Center, Little Rock. For more infor-mation call (501) 223-6396.

15th: Ducks Unlimited River Valley Greenwing Day, Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Barling. For more information call (479) 474-8943.


After two years of studying the behavior patters of copperheads in rural Yellville, experts are still looking for answers as to why such large numbers of the species are attracted to Chuck Miller’s backyard.

Miller first noticed the snakes crawling through his property one evening in late July of 2005. Like clockwork, Miller watched night after night as 10 to 15 snakes slithered up his hill to the base of the same cedar tree for nearly a month. Having a degree in biology, Miller knew this was not common behavior for copper-head snakes and got in touch with the Arkansas Game and Fish which in turn contacted Dr. Stan Trauth, professor of zoology at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

If they return, and scientists believe they will, this summer will mark the third year in a row that a swarm of all-male copperheads gather at the base of Miller’s cedar tree.

Arkansas State University graduate student Bobby Neal and his committee have continued to research the phenomenon since being contacted two years ago.

As many as 60 snakes have been collected for research from Miller's land. Radio transmitters and tempera-ture loggers have been placed inside the collected copperheads. These snakes are going back to the same places Trauth explained. “There is some homing taking place.”

Scientists have ruled out feeding and breeding as reasons why the

male snakes might be attracted to the

tree. The new theory is the snakes are attracted to temperature differences on Miller’s land.

“At this point we think they are seeking temperatures not on the surface,” Trauth explained adding that they might be seeking underground shelters and cooler temperatures. “But there are certainly cooler places to go than the top of a ridge.”

This will be Neal’s last season researching the copperhead

movements. Neal, who was in the field as of press time, will graduate this fall. Trauth said the university will continue to follow up with this event.

Copperhead PhenomenonExperts are still searching for answers

Bobby Neal (left) and Jonathan Stanley work with a copperhead snake found on Chuck Miller's prop-erty in Yellville. Neal who is leading the research, is anticipating the snakes to return this summer.

Copperheads are venomous snakes with tan or light brown hourglass-shaped crossbands. Until recently copperheads were rarely seen in groups.

By Emily Griffin


GWATNEYPONTIAC • BUICK • GMC

Gwatney at Chenal12601 West Markham

Little Rock • 501-223-3393

Gwatney in Sherwood5700 Landers Road

Sherwood • 501-945-4444

Over the River or

Through the Woods

2007 GMC Sierra

Arkansas Wild Spring 2007

Documents

Transcript of Arkansas Wild Spring 2007