STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION State Park Russellville, January 17, 2013

Commissioners Present

Cindy Smith, Chairman LeRoy Dangeau, Vice-Chairman Steve Arrison Bill Barnes Jay Bunyard Jim Gaston John Gill Darin Gray Jim Dailey Barbara Harvel Bob Knight Montine McNulty Mike Mills Jim Shamburger

Commissioners Absent

Danny Ford Billy Lindsey Ness Sechrest

Department Staff Present

Richard W. Davies, Executive Director Gloria Robins, Executive Assistant Cynthia Dunlap, Director of Administration Greg Butts, Director, Arkansas State Parks Joe David Rice, Tourism Director Marla Crider, Assistant Tourism Director Jon Brown, Operations Manager Randy Roberson, Parks Planning & Development Manager Joe Jacobs, Marketing & Revenue Manager Donna Perrin, Tourism Development Manager Renee Robison, Group Travel Manager Kat Robinson, Communications Manager Joanne Hinson, Research & Information Services Manager Tom Stolarz, Region I Supervisor Tony Perrin, Region II Supervisor Marcel Hanzlik, Region III Supervisor Shea Lewis, Region IV Supervisor Grady Spann, Region V Supervisor Kris Richardson, Administrative Specialist Dottie Boyles, Administrative Specialist Jill Rohrbach, Travel Writer SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 2

Aristotle

Marla Johnson Norris Jonathan Eudy Morgan Long

CJRW

Shelby Woods Wayne Woods Karen Mullikin Joy Phillips Rob Anderson Jay Cranford Nancy Ferrara Brian Clark Brian Kratkiewicz

Guests

Andy Thomas, Superintendent, Lake Dardanelle State Park Dallis Clark, Ranger, Lake Dardanelle State Park Sasha Bowles, Park Interpreter, Lake Dardanelle State Park Elizabeth Drake, Park Interpreter, Lake Dardanelle State Park Kathy Webb, Office Manager, Lake Dardanelle State Park Jessee Cox, Superintendent, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park Claude Legris, Executive Director, Fort Smith Conventions & Visitors Bureau Jeff Pipkin, President and CEO, Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Marilyn Heifner, Executive Director, Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission

Roll Call

Chairman Cindy Smith called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Gloria Robins called the roll.

Approval of the Agenda

LeRoy Dangeau moved to accept the Agenda as presented. Montine McNulty seconded and the motion carried.

Presentation of Minutes from Previous Meeting

Mike Mills moved to accept the Minutes from the November 2012 meeting. Montine McNulty seconded and the motion carried.

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Cynthia Dunlap presented the year-to-date financial report for the period ended December 31, 2012. The expenditures were: Parks Division, $39,264,202; including construction and grants; Tourism Division, $6,721,307; Keep Arkansas Beautiful, $211,504; Administration Division, $1,619,247; and History Commission, $854,669. Expenditures for the Department totaled $48,670,930; an increase of 9.3% over the same period FY12. The year-to- date operating revenue Parks Division totaled 11,646,350 an increase of 1.0% over the same period FY12; 1/8% Cent Tax $13,920,971 a decrease of 2.10% over the same period FY12; and 2% Tax $7,205,191 a decrease of 1.07% over the same period FY12.

Steve Arrison moved to accept the Financial Report. Barbara Harvel seconded and the motion carried.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

2013 Meeting Schedule

Richard Davies presented the revised 2013 Commission Meeting Schedule as follows:

January 17 Russellville/Lake Dardanelle State Park February 21 Hot Springs April 18 Lindsey’s Resort – Heber Springs May 16 State Park – Marianna/Forrest City – Dedication of Visitor Center June 20 Texarkana August 15-16 DeGray Lake and Resort State Park – Staff Appreciation Dinner and Service Awards September 18-19 Little Rock – Arkansas Hospitality Association Show October 17 Mountain Harbor Resort – Mt. Ida November 21 Harrison

Jim Shamburger moved to accept the 2013 Meeting Schedule as presented. Mike Mills seconded and the motion carried.

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2013 Commission Per Diem

Richard Davies stated by law, the Commission must approve its per diem rate at the first meeting of the calendar year. The per diem approved in 2012 was $65.00.

Jim Shamburger moved to set the per diem at $65.00 per day, plus all expenses incurred on Wednesday for early arrival, to attend meetings for the calendar year 2013. Bob Knight seconded and the motion carried.

Prairie Grove Battlefield Reenactment

Jessee Cox reported on the Prairie Grove Battlefield Reenactment held December 1-2, 2012, at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. The event was held in commemoration of the 150 th Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862, the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi clashed with the Union Army of the Frontier resulting in 2,700 casualties in one day. A video featuring scenes from the battlefield and encampment was shown. More than 25,000 people attended the two-day event. The original reenactment was held in 1977 with 138 reenactors participating; the 2012 event drew 1,027 reenactors.

Club de Madrid Video

Mr. Davies reported on the Club de Madrid conference held in Little Rock at the Clinton Presidential Library, December 17-18, 2012. Club de Madrid is an organization based in Spain with a membership composed of more than 85 former prime ministers and presidents from 38 countries. The conference, titled Harnessing 21st Century Solutions: A Focus on Women, was not open to the general public. Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods put together a video highlighting Arkansas and the accomplishments of its innovative citizens and organizations.

CY 2011 Volunteer Report

Mr. Davies reported on the annual report for Volunteers, Donations and Grants for the Department of Parks and Tourism for calendar year 2011. The report lists the number of volunteers, the hours worked, and the value per hour for each state park. Volunteer reports are submitted each January to the Department of Human Services Division of Volunteerism. Of the 126 state agencies, organizations, and institutions that reported utilizing volunteers in 2011, the Department of Parks and Tourism was number one in the number of volunteers with 73,023. Within those numbers, 11,420 were from the Parks Division, 61,409 from Keep Arkansas Beautiful, and 17 from the Executive Director’s Office.

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Congressional Letter Regarding McClellan-Kerr Navigation

In November 2012, Congressman Tim Griffin met with a senior representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed recreational lockage policy, which would reduce the level of service for recreational vessels on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). Congressman Griffin’s office has received numerous inquiries and complaints from individuals across Arkansas concerned the Army Corps’ proposed policy could negatively affect the enjoyment of the Arkansas River and the Arkansas economy. A letter was sent to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works outlining a list of concerns and requesting a response to these concerns. The Congressional letter was signed by Senators Mark Pryor, John Boozman, and James Inhofe of , and Congressmen Tim Griffin, Mike Ross, Rick Crawford, and Steve Womack.

Miscellaneous

On January 9, 2013, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes announced the White River was named the nation’s second National Blueway. National Blueways are nationally significant rivers (and their watersheds) that are highly valued for the recreational, cultural, and ecological assets for the communities that depend on them. As part of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, the designation recognized the innovative partnerships that are working to conserve the White River across its watershed from the to the Mississippi. Federal leaders also announced a series of new initiatives aimed at supporting the new National Blueway.

Commissioner Jim Dailey reported that the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission has proposed several changes to the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Phase one of the $67 million funding will include an enlarged and modernized ticket lobby and a video wall located near the baggage claim area. The purpose of the renovation is to create a marketplace for the community, a transportation hub, and an economic engine for central Arkansas.

The Arkansas General Assembly convened January 14. A bill has been introduced to revise the current law that prohibits sex offenders from visiting municipal pools and playgrounds where children are present, to also include Arkansas State Parks pools and playgrounds.

In January, several members from the tourism industry and ADPT met with Speaker of the House Davy Carter to express concerns about tourism in Arkansas. The meeting was held at the Arkansas Hospitality Association.

An article written by Mr. Davies, and published in The City Wire, discusses the state of tourism in Arkansas and how far it has come over the years. “The State of Tourism in the Natural State” mentions the history of tourism as an economic generator. SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 6

Investments such as Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, to name a few, have all helped benefit the state as a tourist destination. During 2011, tourism and travel was estimated to be a $5.68 billion industry.

Claude Legris, Executive Director for the Fort Smith Conventions & Visitors Center announced the February 2013 issue of True West magazine named Fort Smith number one on its list of “Top 10 True Western Towns of the Year – 2013.” The prestigious listing is given each year to towns that have made an important contribution to preserving the Old West heritage.

Chairman Cindy Smith presented outgoing Chairman Darin Gray with a plaque of appreciation for his service in leading the State Parks Recreation and Travel Commission during 2012.

TOURISM DIVISION

Wine Trail: Update

Joe David Rice reported the Wine Producers Council (WPC) convened in January and met with representatives from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. Preliminary signs have been made and proofed by WPC members. The signs should be going up in the next few months and will be paid for through funding by the WPC.

39th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism: Update

Marla Crider reported the 39th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be held March 3-5 at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs. The Embassy Suites will be the host hotel. All events will be held in the convention center. The City of Hot Springs will host the opening ceremony; the Arkansas Broadcasters Association will host the hospitality suite. New this year will be merchandise from the Tourism Gift Ship featuring Arkansas the Natural State logo. Speakers include Seth Mattison, an internationally renowned expert on workforce trends and generational dynamics; Scott Bennett, Director, Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department; Barbara World, internationally recognized authority to retail, consumer and tourism industries; and Susan Sweeney, best-selling author and Internet marketing specialist. Registration can be done via mail, fax, or online by visiting Arkansas.com.

Donations for the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation Auction are still being sought. Proceeds from the event are used to fund scholarships for hospitality and tourism students. The goal for this year’s fundraising is $85,000.

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Research and Information Services Section

The Research and Information Services Section processed 6,123 requests for travel information during November 2012, a decrease of 22.5% from November 2011. December requests totaled 5,209, a 40.6% increase from December 2011. Inquires for 2012 were 121,204, a decrease of 8.2% over 2011.

The Section received 632 requests for retirement and relocation information in November, up 168.9% from November 2011. December request totaled 375, a 10.7% decrease over December 2011. Year-to-date requests for 2012 were 7,140, down 11.9% over 2011.

Arkansas Welcome Centers received 66,262 visitors during November 2012, up 3.8% compared to November 2011. December 2012 visitation totaled 52,440, a decrease of 4.9% over December 2011. January – December visitation was 865,147, up 1.9% over 2011.

Joanne Hinson reported the 2013 literature for the vacations kits have been delivered to the warehouse and is ready for distribution.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation recently released a new three-volume report, A Profile of Immigrants in Arkansas , analyzing key demographic trends and the economic impact of immigrants and the Marshallese population in Arkansas. This new report is a follow-up to a similar study in 2007. Arkansas had the fourth fastest rate of immigrant population growth from 2000 to 2010.

Construction on the Helena-West Helena Welcome Center is moving along as scheduled. The expected completion date is planned for March 2013. Repairs to the West Memphis Welcome Center have not been completed. The contractor continues to be fined on a daily basis for not meeting the scheduled date of completion.

Tourism Development Section

Regional Association Update: Staff Recommendations

Donna Perrin reported the Tourism Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism (ADPT) is responsible for administering the Matching Grant Program for Arkansas’s 12 approved regional tourist associations. Each region reports to ADPT on a monthly basis its meeting dates, minutes, membership information, and inquiries. Some of the regional tourist associations are not setting meeting dates according to their own bylaws, and in some cases, members are not being kept informed. It is the recommendation of ADPT to allow the 12 approved regional tourism associations 90 days to become compliant with the Regional Tourist Association Matching Funds Guidelines and with their own bylaws. After 90 days of being SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 8

notified, regions that are not in compliance will not be able to receive matching grants. After that time, grant funds shall be withheld at the discretion of the Tourism Director until the regional tourist association conforms to policy. A letter notifying the regional tourist associations of this change in policy is to be mailed on January 22, 2013.

John Gill moved to accept the recommendation of the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism to allow the 12 approved regional tourism associations 90 days to become compliant with the Regional Tourist Association Matching Funds Guidelines and with their own bylaws or grant funding shall be withheld at the discretion of the Tourism Director. Montine McNulty seconded and the motion carried.

Communications Section

Commissioner Cindy Smith recognized Kat Robinson on the success of her book, Arkansas Pie: A Delicious Slice in the Natural State. The book is a travel log about great places to find some of the best pies in Arkansas. It is now in its second printing.

Kat Robinson reported that during the months of November and December, the Communications section updated the 2013 Media Kit. The kit became available for distribution on January 4th. The new format allows the Media Kit to be an evolving project, with additions and subtractions made on a timely basis. Reporters will be able to view individual story ideas and events with full contact information for research purposes, as well as articles written by department staff. The entirety of the Media Kit is available online at Arkansas.com in the Arkansas Media Room, or via a jump drive or physical hands on kit.

The travel writers will lead pre-FAM tours with journalists in conjunction with and paralleling tour operator FAMS as part of the Travel South Showcase being held in Little Rock, February 18 and 19.

Jill Rohrbach stated in May the section will present a media event along with several organizations in Heber Springs and Greers Ferry to promote the 50 th anniversary of the Greers Ferry Dam. This event will allow journalists to collect information and interviews prior to the actual anniversary date. A FAM tour is also scheduled in conjunction with the October 3rd celebration. A video of Carl Garner was shown. Mr. Garner was one of the engineers during the construction of Greers Ferry Dam and was instrumental in getting the community involved in cleaning up the lake years later.

Ms. Robinson reported the section is working to coordinate a second tour with Geiger and Associates in May. The tour will focus on the arts and culture in Arkansas and run from Little Rock to Hot Springs to Bentonville. Following the success of the Delta tour in October 2012, more than $135,000 of media has been created. SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 9

The History Channel show American Pickers is headed to Arkansas soon. Hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz will be searching for hidden gems and tucked-away treasures to bargain on and take to auction. The show reaches nearly four million viewers.

Group Travel Section

The Monthly Tracking Report indicated there were 1,655 inquiries for November 2012 compared to 1,985 inquiries for November 2011. The December tracking report indicated 1,674 inquiries for 2012 compared to 2,013 for December 2011. Leads were compiled from partnerships with Group Leaders of America, Premier Tourism Marketing, Student Youth Travel Association, South Central Motorcoach, and Arkansas.com. Thirty-four motorcycle leads were received from the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.

Renee Robison reported the Group Travel section and its tourism partners produced a magazine supplement for the motorcoach market, Go Arkansas . The magazine was distributed as follows: 7,000 copies poly-bagged and mailed with Jan/Feb Destinations Magazine; 7,000 copies shipped to ADPT warehouse; 1,000 copies distributed at the American Bus Association Marketplace held in Charlotte, North Carolina, January 5-8, 2013,

Group Travel Consultant Cheryl Ferguson received her Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) certification on January 8, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Travel South Showcase 2013 is being held in Little Rock, February 18-19, 2013. The section has been working to plan and coordinate pre-FAM tours. To date 54 people have signed up for the tours. Ms. Robison thanked Kat Robinson and her staff for helping on this project.

Internet-Related Items

There were 280,939 visitor sessions during the month of December 2012, an increase of 27.0% over December 2011, with 51,761 exit links to industry partners.

For calendar year 2012, desktop visits to Arkansas.com totaled 4,667,094, an increase of 11% over 2011. Visits from mobile devices to Arkansas.com and Mobile.Arkansas.com were 705,969, an increase of 231% over 2011.

The top five ICON clicks for December 2012 were: Trail of Holiday Lights (1,977), Free Vacation Kit (1,750), Natural State Golf Trail (522), Travel Arkansas Blog (429), and E- Newsletter Sign-up (146). There were 173,727 total clicks from the home page of Arkansas.com for 2012. The top six ICON clicks were Free Vacation Kit (45,520), Arkansas Kids (29,053), The State of Fishing (15,288), Fall Color Updates (14, 130), Buffalo River (13,500), and More Fun Per Gallon (12,721). SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 10

Key Word Buys for December 2012 resulted in requests for: 417 vacation kits, 93 fishing guides, 25 E-news signups, 87 mobile vacation kits, 88 relocation guides, 9 reunion planners, and 24 Facebook likes.

The Arkansas.com website placed seventh among all 50 state tourism sites and second amid the contiguous state sites.

Jonathan Eudy reported the Natural State Golf Trail icon generated 850 page views with 213 leads sent to www.NaturalStateGolfTrail.com. The Trail of Holiday Lights had 30,925 visitors with 60,775 page views, 68 Instagram photos, and 1,379 photo page views.

The Arkansas Anniversaries icon has been added to the home page. The site features a full calendar that includes special commemorations, festivals, and historical events.

The 39 th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism icon was also added to the home page. The site features online registration, auction donation, conference program, hotel listings, and information about Hot Springs.

A new culinary video has been added to the Dining web page. Maxine Milner, also known as ‘Mama Max’ and owner of Mama Max’s Diner in Prescott, specializes in soul food. The restaurant is known for its meals made from scratch and specialty deserts.

Advertising/Marketing

2013 Spring/Summer Online Campaign Media and Creative Recommendations

The objective of the 2013 Spring/Summer Online Campaign Media and Creative is to generate awareness of Arkansas as a vacation destination, drive visitors to Arkansas.com, and cost-efficiently expand the reach of the overall Arkansas media plan. A recommendation was made to continue concentrating the majority of support in the primary feeder states: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, and Kansas. The plan implements a mix of mass reach sites as well as targeted niche sites.

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2013 Spring/Summer Online Campaign Budget

Media Mass Reach Sites/Networks Yahoo! $ 100,003.00 Yahoo! Right Media Network $ 15,000.00 Tremor Media Network $ 100,000.00 YUME $ 94,200.00 MobileFuse Ad Network $ 70,000.00 Collective Media Network $ 50,000.00 Centro Ad Network $ 50,000.00 Sub-Total $ 479,203.00

Outdoor/Niche Sites Outdoor Hub $ 75,000.00 Travel Spike $ 100,003.00 GORP/Outside/Away Network $ 30,001.00 Smithsonian.com $ 30,002.00 Motorcycle.com $ 30,000.00 Geocaching $ 588.00 Scripps/Food Network $ 50,000.00 AllTrails $ 40,000.00 MapQuest $ 35,295.00 Sub-Total $ 390,889.00

Multicultural Sites Steel Media $ 30,001.00 Batanga Network $ 30,001.00 Sub-Total $ 60,002.00

In-State Websites ArkansasTimes.com $ 10,223.00 Arkansas Online $ 49,683.00 Sub-Total $ 59,906.00 Media Total $ 990,000.00

Production Art Concept and Direction/Writing $ 16,800.00 Materials for Arkansas.com $ 6,600.00 Production Total $ 23,400.00 Grand Total $1,013,400.00

Mike Mills moved to accept the 2013 Spring/Summer Online Campaign Media and Creative for $1,013,400. Barbara Harvel seconded and the motion carried. SPRTC Minutes January 17, 2013 Page 12

Miscellaneous

The 2012 Trail of Holiday Lights acquired a new partnership with Subway shops to distribute information about the trail. Each Subway shop displayed window clings, brochures, and put stickers on the to-go bags. Ms. Mullikin read a letter from the corporate office stating what a pleasure it was to be a part of the program. All the stores were glad to participate and thought the materials were very professional. They also expressed interest in being a part of the program again.

Tourism Miscellaneous

Chairman Cindy Smith distributed a copy of SEA Life Magazine. The January 2013 issue featured and article on ADPT Chief Photographer Chuck Haralson.

PARKS DIVISION ANCRC – FY14 Grant Request

Randy Roberson reported that 164 possible projects were submitted from park superintendents and staff for consideration for the FY14 Arkansas Natural & Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) grant request. Staff narrowed requests to 43 proposed projects, totaling $8.3 million, which Roberson submitted to the SPRTC for approval. He stated that the last few years Arkansas State Parks (ASP) has received approximately $5 million in funding from ANCRC. Roberson noted following approval by the SPRTC, a detailed application would be submitted to the ANCRC by the March 4 th deadline with the ANCRC making awards at their May 8 th meeting.

Jay Bunyard moved to approve the FY14 Arkansas Natural & Cultural Resources Council request as presented, comprised of 43 projects for Arkansas State Parks, totaling $8.3 million. Bob Knight seconded and the motion carried.

Daisy – Structure Removal

Randy Roberson requested approval for removal of a bathhouse structure located at . The 595 square foot, circa 1970’s era bathhouse is in severely deteriorated condition, is not ADA accessible and will be replaced with a new structure.

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Jay Bunyard moved to approve based on the information presented; the Commission finds the structure obsolete notwithstanding its insured value and approves the removal of the bathhouse (Building No. 13.04 / AASIS No. 120005655) from Daisy State Park inventory. Jim Shamburger seconded and the motion carried.

December 2012 Storm Damage Report

Jon Brown provided an update the December 2012 winter storms, reporting that Mount Magazine and Lake Fort Smith state parks received roof damage from a severe wind storm that occurred on December 15, 2012. He stated that bids have been submitted with work to be completed soon.

Jon Brown reported that the winter storm “Euclid” slammed Arkansas on December 25, 2012, dumping nine to 15 inches of snow in central Arkansas. Over 260,000 residences and businesses lost power statewide. Six state parks reported minimal structure damage along with an array of limb and debris devastation from ice and drought weakened trees. The affected parks were Plantation Agriculture Museum, Lake Catherine, Pinnacle Mountain, , Crowley’s Ridge, and Queen Wilhelmina state parks. Brown reported park wide damage and cleanup costs are estimated at $111,537.

Jon Brown reported that ASP has requested Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) assess conditions for possible Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) financial reimbursement. The governor will submit a disaster declaration request for applicable counties to the president. If disaster declaration is approved ASP could receive approximately $91,000 to assist with cleanup and repairs. If not, out of pocket expenses for ASP will be approximately $20,000 (debris and limb removal and repairs) and $5,000 in loss of revenue.

Jon Brown reported that ASP activated the state tree service contract which removes dangerous hanging limbs and tree removal beyond staff’s capabilities on January 7, 2013. In addition, ASP activated the state park emergency plan to send park staff to needed areas for assistance on January 15, 2013. AmeriCorps staff will be assigned to assist with cleanup efforts where needed as well. All parks are currently open for business with repairs and cleanup ongoing.

Jon Brown, along with other staff, sited letters of appreciation received from park guests thanking ASP staff for their service “above and beyond” normal duties in emergency situations. Brown stated he was extremely proud of the park staff for their tremendous efforts, as they continually rise to exceed the expectations of guests in emergency situations.

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Montine McNulty moved to forward a letter of appreciation to Arkansas State Parks staff for their outstanding service and dedication in the December 2012 weather related emergency. Barbara Harvel seconded and the motion carried.

First Day Hike Report

Greg Butts reported that state parks around Arkansas joined America’s State Parks’ nationwide invitation to the public to enjoy First Day Hikes by offering the opportunity to begin the New Year connected with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1. Nationwide, over 22,000 people hiked over 45,000 miles of trails, including 208 Arkansans that hiked 302 miles of trails. While Arkansans did participate for the second year, participation was lower than previously due to inclement weather. An additional event, First Day Spring Hike, is under consideration to encourage people to get out and about in state parks with better weather conditions.

CIP Quarterly Report

Randy Roberson provided an update on the CIP quarterly report stating that $43 million in projects are currently open while closing four projects, valued at $3.5 million. He reported that the Amendment 75 expenditures to date are $143 million in projects completed or underway, which is quite an accomplishment for the program.

Parks Miscellaneous

Greg Butts reported it was the first time park staff promoted Devil’s Den State Park’s “Green Friday” as an alternative to “Black Friday” one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the day after Thanksgiving. In an effort to help people reconnect with the important things in life, the park hosted a day of hikes, nature crafts and family fun programming. Butts noted it was a great creative programming alternative to “Black Friday.”

Greg Butts reported that Heritage Tourism was alive and well at the 150 th Anniversary of The Battle of Prairie Grove reenactment with guests visiting from Washington state and Oregon in attendance with family and friends for the historic event.

Greg Butts reported that visitors reenacted a portion of the 1804-05 Hunter-Dunbar foray into Arkansas as they made a trek through Moro Bay State Park recently. The traditional keel boat and volunteer enthusiasts reenacted the original expedition exploring the Ouachitas and Hot Springs areas.

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Greg Butts advised ASP is monitoring HB 1019 presented by Representative Jim Nichols. HB 1019 promotes buying USA materials and products for public works projects for Arkansas state agencies if it does not increase the cost of the project more than 25%. He stated there is some flexibility with procurement if sufficient quantity and quality (certified) of products is not available. In favor of buying USA products, Butts advised ASP is also budget conscience of taxpayer’s money. ASP will monitor the bill.

Bill Barnes reported that Kathy Holt, ADPT Governor’s Liaison, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and will no longer be the liaison for ADPT. Clark Hall will be the new ADPT liaison for the governor’s office. The SPRTC thanked Ms. Holt for her service and wishes her well in her new endeavors. Her service is greatly appreciated.

Bill Barnes moved to forward a letter of appreciation to Kathy Holt, former liaison to the governor’s office, for her excellent service with ADPT. John Gill seconded and the motion carried.

Without any further business, the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission adjourned at 1:10 p.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, Arkansas.