ARKANSAS ANDOKLAHOMA WILDERNESS ACT OF 1983 ANDARKANSAS WILDERNESS ACT OF 1983
STANFO RD LI BRARIEQ M HE A R I NG F S
SUBCOLMTTE E ONFORE STS FAMI LY FARMS , ,
O F T HE COMMI TTE E ON A GRI CUL TUR E HOUSE OF 'W PRE SE NTATI VE S
nd HR . 29 1 HR . 2452 a 7
MA Y 1 983
N 8 - S erial o . 9 8
PE 1984
ms m ono 0m;
P rinted for the uae of the Wm ifim on
oom nu m 'r PR I NT I NG om en
‘ 22-245 0 WA S HI NG I O N 2 1 9 8 8 CO MMI TT E E O N AGR I C U L T U R E
E ( A ) DE L A RZ T exas C ha irm a n KIK GA A , , h . t H MS S F L E as in on E D R D R . MD inois T O A O Y , W g , WA A IGAN , Ill . R a nking Minority Mem ber V t N h C a ro in . FF R DS erm on L E R . E S ort l a ME S M E WA T B JON , JA J O , H MS L E M Missou ri E D E S ennessee E . JON , T T O A CO AN , R . N MR L E E E Mo ta na E R E E JR . C a liforn ia RO n G O G B OWN , , A N , R r H Ke tu k H L E S R S E North C a olina L R R . S n c C A O , A Y J OPKIN , y JI M E V E R re on E R E H S E da ho W A , O g G O G AN N , I TO MH R owa R L S E L D Min nesota A KIN , I A AN TANG AN , E R L E E DE L L owa R E RTS Ka nsas B K Y B , I PAT OB , L E E L S H kla hom a L L E ME RS Missou ri G NN NG I , O BI ON ,
L E E . C a liforn ia JO E S E E New Mexico ON K N , E R R HU A Lo u isia na S I D MR R S ashin ton J Y CK BY , O I ON W g DA N L M Ka nsas S E V E U DE RS O isconsin G ICK AN , T G N N , W H R L E S H L E North C a rolina E R E V S owa C A W IT Y , COOP AN , I E L H C a ifornia E E H E C a liforn ia TONY CO O, l G N C APPI , TO MD S HL E S outh Da kota E FR L Mississi i A C , W BB ANK IN , pp E L H R L E S . S H M exas C A W T N O , T
HA R L D L . V L ME R Missouri O O K , ' H R LE S HA I ‘C HE R Geor ia C A , g R L L South Ca rolina OBIN TA ON ,
E RS . H R L E . S JR A Y O TAGG , , West V irgin ia i R H R D . DU R ino s IC A J BIN , Ill L E E V S llinois AN AN , I R E R L DS H MS Geor ia OB T IN AY T O A , g i i ME S R . L V r in a JA O IN , g E Min neso M H . ta TI OT Y J P NNY ,
P RO FE SS I O NA L S T A FF
MA R I O A S T I L L O ta Dir tor . S ec A C , ff h u el B E T M. B O R C i Co ns R O R , ef l O HN E . HO GA N Minorit Counse J , y E R NA R D R E NNE R P ress S ecreta r B B , y
S U B C O MMI ’I ‘ I ‘E E O N F O RE S T S FA MI L Y FA RMS A ND E NE RGY , ,
H R L E S H L E North C a ro ina C ha irm a n C A W IT Y , l , E S H MS S . FOL E ashin ton E R H E daho T O A Y , W g G O G AN N , I N E Mn . C a if rn ia R O MR L E E o ta na E R E E R JR . l o G O G B OWN , , A N , JI M E V E R re on S I D MR R S ashin ton W A , O g O I ON , W g E R R HU A L ouisia na E E H E C a lifornia J Y CK BY , G N C APPI ,
H R L E . S E RS JR . A Y O TAGG , , West V irginia R L E E DE L L I owa BE K Y B , C a ifornia L EO N E . l C O N T E N T S
24 2 n t HR . 5 a b to des a te ce a n an ds th n th , ill ig r i l wi i e O z a rk a nd O uachita Na tiona l Forests in the Sta tes of A rka nsas a nd O kla hom a as wildern ess a eas to e ease othe a nds th n such n a t ona f r , r l r l wi i i l orests for uses other tha n de ness a nd for othe u oses wil r , r p rp 2 1 7 es a ce n u n n - HR . 9 a b to d n te ta b c a ds in o th cent a no h est , ill ig r i p li l r r l , rt w ern a nd este n A ka nsas as a dd t ons to the Na t ona e n , w r r i i i l Wild r ess Preser va tion S stem h I ess f om h h t e on . C a es a R e esenta t e n C on t e State of No W i l y , rl , pr iv gr r rth C a o na o en n sta tem ent r li , p i g
WI T N E S S E S
A nthon Hon er r . a R e esenta t e in C on ess f om the Sta te of y , B yl , J , pr iv gr r A rka nsas Prepa red sta tem ent R e ethune Hon . E d a esenta t e I n n ress f om the Sta te of B , , pr iv C o g r dent O z a k H at on E nest T im J . es h an ds T a A ssoc r , , pr i , r ig l r il i i G e o e L ou s es dent Soc et for the ese a t on of O z a k C u tu e r g ir , i , pr i , i y Pr rv i r l r Prepa red sta tem en t f Ham ton Don . A ka nsas d e ede a t on a nd the Oz a k Soc et il , F r Wil li F r i r i y Prepa red sta tem ent f m h Ha m m e schm dt Hon . ohn a u a R e esenta t e in C on ress o t e r i , J P l , pr iv g r Sta te of A rka nsas H bba d obb Joe e r e Schoo D st ct A ka nsas i r , B y , P r yvill l i ri , r t e H em a n V ck L . a e te il , i i , F y vill , I n nsas C onse t on R obe t S . A ka a C oal t on rvi g, r r rv i i i Prepa red sta tem ent ohnson Joe es dent Sa ne C ount Schoo oa d A ka nsas J , , pr i , li y l B r , r L ef a ohn E li R o e s A rk l r, J , g r , McC lu re T om k nsas C onse at on C oa t on , , A r a rv i li i McKin ne E d a on Schoo D st ct A ka nsa s y, , P r l i ri r McKinne T om a tte i e A rk y, , F ye v ll , Prepa red sta tem ent O eson Geo e a ette e A rk l , rg , F y vill ,
a o ch . execut e ce es dent A kansa s o est A ssoc at on P vl vi , B J iv vi pr i , r F r ry i i emb eton E d e onal e esen ta t e est cent a e on Nat ona udu P l , , r gi r pr iv , w r l r gi , i l A bon Society Prepa red sta tem ent n F D e t S S De a tm ent of A R obertso a A ssoc a te C h ef o es e ce U . , l , i i , F r rvi , p r gri culture Prepa red sta tem ent
She he d l a m M. m em be A nsas N tu a He ta e C om m ss on p r , Wi li , r, rka a r l ri g i i
Sm th Ma r conse at on cocha m a n O z a k Soc et . i , y , rv i ir , r i y Prepa red sta tem ent T ea ue Wa m ond ood a nd m a na e s b e L um be C o g , y , w l g r , Bi l r r Prepa red sta tem ent
Prepa red sta tem en t
S U B MI T TE D MA T E RI A L
m ton Ne en ton i e A rk . e a ed sta tem ent C o p , il , B v ll , , pr p r I V
E n tt L . E . ent A d co ce res d kansas re ion e e haeuse C o. ette of i , , vi p i , r g , W y r r , l r
A r . E ans A thu F . G a ette k red s nt v , r r , r v , , ta tem e
Hashba r er . H . m o R usse e rk t of a A . e te Ma , W , y r, l vil , , l r y
McR ae om as L tt e R ock A rk . e a ed , , i l , , pr p r Mal a rd o ence conse at on cha m an an d E n Ne ville es dent A r l , Fl r , rv i ir , lle a , pr i , ka nsa s A udubon Soc et ette of Ma 1 9 1 9 83 i y, l r , Mea ns a u conse at on cha m a n rkansas C a noe ub e a ed sta t , P l , rv i ir , C l , pr p r e
Nat ona d fe ede at on e a ed sta tem ent i l Wil li F r i , pr p r
R oberts alte u ton S oa m S n s A rk . ette of Ma 2 1 1 9 83 , W r B r , Jr , il pri g , l r , T a o C on n e conse a t on cha m an O klahom a O n thoyo i l Soc et yl r, i , rv i ir , r i g ca i y, letter of May A R KA NSA S A ND O KL A HO MA WI L DE R NE SS A C T O F 1 9 83 A ND A R KA NSA S WI L DE R NE SS A C T O F 1 9 83
DA Y MA Y 2 1 THUR S , 6, 9 83
F R E P E E HOU S E O R S NT AT I V E S , B C O MMI T I ‘E E N F R E ST S S U O O , FA MIL F R MS A ND E NE R G Y A , Y , C OMMI TT E E O N GR I U L TU R E A C ,
h to D . Was in n C . g , in r m r n l t . m . The subcom m ittee m et, pu sua t to cal , a p , oo
1 30 2 L on or h House O ffice Buildi n Hon . ha rles hi le , gw t g, C W t y (chairman of the subcom m ittee) presidin n Presen t:R epresen ta tives Ha sen a nd orri son .
aff resen :Pe L . Pecore ler harlie Ra ls an d R i a St p t ggy , c k; C w t
O PE NI NG S TA TE ME NT O HO N. C HA R L E S WHI TL E Y R E P R E F , A S E NTA T I V E I N C O NGR E S S F R O MTHE STA TE OF NO R TH C A R O L I NA
m m i to H L E . r u o ee Mr . WIT Y We expect othe witn esses of the s bc tt be here m om en a ril ut h r h r l n i ness lis and I n t y, b we ave a at e o g w t t e the in terest of tim e I thin k we will go ahead and proceed . Th Chair has a brief opening statem en I would like to say for the ben efit of all those here today that this subcom m ittee and our full Com m ittee on Agriculture a nd the Committee on the In terior and Insula r A ffairs have con curren t ju risdiction on bills that propose to design ate areas n ow in cluded I n I I ati nal forest a reas as additions to the Wildern ess Preserva tion Systzm Moreover the A ri ul ure om m i ee and hus his sub om m i , g c t C tt , t t c t i n u r th l fores r I n en tee, is g ve j risdiction , unde e House ru es, of t y g r r r h r r rom the ublic e al, and fo est eserves ot e than c eated f p m a lish from do ain . A s n r r l rn r r b ed a ge e a l u e, easte fo ests we e est l n a u ir h n t l ds ha ere al a ds cq ed by t e U nited Sta tes, and o an t t w r l m er r f th l . I i n ra i a ea dy pa t o e pub ic dom ain n add tio , as a p ct ca tt , sin ce the Departm en t of Agriculture adm in isters a nd hold legal i l to hese n ion r it m sen h the A ricul ure t t e t a t al fo ests, a kes se t at g t in Committee vestigate proposals of this n ature. I say this for the benefi t of those Witn esses who won der why we h t o l h l ave w committees ooking at t e same bil .
da we a re considerin two bills. H . R . 2452 the Arkansas an d To y g ,
O lahom a ildern ess A ct of 1 9 83 an d H . R . 29 1 7 the Ar a nsas k W , , k Wildern ess Act of would also like to say for the benefit of our Witnesses and those who a re here watching today that this 2
m m i n r h r sh r n ice to schedu le hea rin s co ttee was asked , o at e o t ot , g today in order that Witnesses who were travelin g here from the Sta te of Arka nsas to testify before an In terior subcom m ittee m ight r f be acc m m da ed . Beca use of the ra her shor n o ice a num be o o o t t t t , our subcom m ittee m em bers alrea dy ha d other com m itm ents for today and we do n ot anticipate the level of atten da nce and pa rtici n pa tiou tha t we m ight have ha d un der n orm al circu m sta nces . Ma y - m em bers had alrea dy plann ed to lea ve about m id aftern oon toda y . W l n lu ur l l in on th floor as the e p an to co c de o egis a tive bus ess e ,
m h r r h r h r l . em bers w o a re he e kn ow, at e s o t y un d ha the n erior We have a lengthy Witness list . I dersta n t t I t Subcom m ittee on Public L a nds and Nation al Parks is still hea rin g u f th n um r of Wi n esses som e of these Witnesses . B t beca use o e be t h h n i Wi n ess lis who a ve asked to be hea rd an d a re on t e te ta t ve t t , we would like to ask tha t those who have prepa red sta tem en ts subm it those statem ents in their entirety for the record With the assuran ce tha t they will a ppear in their en tirety in the record; but in our oral im on ha ou be as brief an d con cise as ossible y test y, t t y p n d if ou t th n ha ou ca n an d a , y ca n do so, o summariz e to e exte t t t y then be available for questions from m em bers of the subcom m ittee. It m ay be as we proceed through the list that when we rea ch Wit n esses or groups of person s who have the same or very sim ila r in k m f r th a l sor of as a terests, we m ay as you to co e orwa d to e t b e t pan el . 24 2 2 1 b HR . 5 HR . 9 7 ll z [T he ills, an d , fo ow ] 9 8 T H C O NGR E SS 2 4 52
To designate certain lands Within the O z ark and O uachita National Forests in the States of A kansas and O k ahoma as de ness a eas to e ease othe an r l wil r r , r l r l ds thn such nat ona forests for uses othe than lde ness and for othe wi i i l r wi r , r
purposes.
I N THE HO U SE OF R E PR E SE NTA TI V E S
A P RI L 1 1 1 9 8 3 ,
NT HO NY ntroduced the fo o n b h ch was efe ed omtl to h Mr. A i ll wi g ill; w i r rr j y t e C omm ttees on A cu tu e and I nte o and I nsu ar A ffa s i gri l r , ri r l ir
A B I L L
T o designate certain lands Within the O z ark and O uachita Na
tional Forests in the States of A rkansas and Oklahoma as
Wilderness areas to r l as o her lands Wi hin such na ional , e e e t t t
fores s for uses o her han Wilderness and for o her ur t t t , t p
poses.
B e it enacted by the S ena te and House of R epresenta
2 tives o the United S ta tes o A m erica in C on ress assembled f f g ,
S H OR T TITL E
SE 1 his A ct ma be ci d as th Ar ansas CTION . T y te e k
5 and Oklahoma Wilderness A ct of 1 9 8 3 2
DE S IGNATION A ND MANAGE ME NT O F WI L DE R NE S S AR E A S
E 2 I n f r h ranc f the r se f the ilder S C . . (a) u t e e o pu po s o W n A 1 1 1 h f ll win lands are c 1 3 t e . t o . O . e s e o ess t ( 6 U S . q ) g desi na ed as Wilderness areas and herefore as com onen s g t , t , p t of the National Wilderness Preservation System:
( 1 ) Certain lands within the O uachita National
Forest in the States of A rkansas and Oklahoma which
comprise approxim ately eleven thousand five hundred
and si acres are enerall de ic ed on a ma en i xty , g y p t p t
tled Black Fork Mountain Wilderness (proposed)
da ed ebruar 1 9 8 2 and shall be nown as the B lac t F y , k k
r M in il ern ss Fo k ounta W d e .
(2) Certain lands Within the O uachita National
Forest in the States of A rkansas and Oklahoma which
comprise approximately nine thousand one hundred and
se en -two acres are enerall de ic ed on a ma en v ty , g y p t p
titled Upper Kiamichi R iver Wilderness (proposed)
da ed ebruar 1 9 8 2 and shall be nown as the t F y , k
Upper Kiamichi R iver Wilderness.
(3 ) Certain lands within the O uachita National
Forest in the State of A rkansas which comprise ap
ro ima el six housand hree hundred and ten acres p x t y t t ,
are generally depicted on the map entitled Dry Creek
ilderness ro osed da ed A ril 1 9 8 3 and shall be W (p p ) t p ,
known as the Dry Creek Wilderness. (4) Certain lands within the O uachita National
Forest in the State of A rkansas which comprise ap
proximately five thousand three hundred and ninety
ei h acres are enerall de ic ed on the ma en i led g t , g y p t p t t
Belle arr ilderness ro osed da ed A ril 1 9 8 3 St W (p p t p ,
and shall be known as the Belle Starr Cave Wilder
ness.
(5) Certain lands within the O z ark National
Forest in the State of A rkansas which comprise ap
ro ima el fif een housand and fif -se en acres are p x t y t t ty v ,
generally depicted on a m ap entitled Hurricane Creek
ilderness ro osed da ed Januar 1 9 8 2 and shall W (p p ) t y ,
nown h H rri r be k as t e u cane C eek Wilderness.
(6) Certain lands within the O z ark National
Forest in the State of A rkansas which comprise ap
proxim ately six thousand two hundred and ninety
acres are enerall de ic ed on a ma en i led R ich , g y p t p t t
land Creek Wilderness (proposed) dated January
1 9 8 2 and shall b nown th R ichl r , e k as e and C eek
il rn W de ess.
(7) C ertain lands within the O z ark National
Forest in the State of A rkansas which comprise ap
ro ima el one housand fi e hundred and four acres p x t y t v ,
are generally depicted on a map entitled Upper Buffa
lo Wilderness A ddition (proposed) dated January
11 11 2452 I ll 1 9 8 2 and shall be deemed ar of the U er Buffalo , p t pp
ilderness as desi na ed b sec ion of the A c W , g t y t t
of Januar 3 1 9 75 P ublic L aw 9 3 -622 y , ( ; 8 8 Stat .
comm only known as the E astern Wilderness
(b) E xcept as provided in section 3 and subject to valid e is in ri h s wilderness areas desi na ed b subsec ion x t g g t , g t y t (a) shall be administered by the Secretary of A griculture in ao
ordan wi h the ilderness A ct 1 1 c ce 6 . S . 1 t W ( U O . 1 3 et except that any reference in such A ct to the effective date of such A ct (or any similar reference) shall be deemed to be a reference to the da e of the enac men of hi A t t t t s ct.
(c) A s soon as practicable after the date of the enact men of his A ct the ecre ar of A riculture shall submi a t t , S t y g t map and legal description of each wilderness area designated by subsection (a) to the Committee on E nergy and Natural
R esources of the Senate and the Committee on Interior and
nsular A ffairs of th H use f resen i s u h m I e o o R ep tat ve . S c ap and legal description shall have the same force and effect as if included in his A ct e ce ha an clerical or t o ra hi t , x pt t t y yp g p
l rror in su h m r l l ri n ma be orrec e ca e c ap o ega desc ptio y c t d.
The Secretary shall place such map and legal description on
file and ma e hem a ailable for ublic ins ec ion in the , k t v p p t ,
O ffice of the hief of the or s r ice De ar men of C F e t Se v , p t t
r A g iculture.
11 11 2452 1 11 1 WITHDR A WA L OF WIL DE R NE S S A R E A S FR OMMI NING A ND
MINE R A L L E A S ING; P R OHIB ITION OF C E R TA I N E X
P L OR A TION A C TIV ITIE S
S E C ub ec to ali is in r h for . 3 . a d e i s ur oses ( ) S j t v x t g g t , p p
5 o l in c ion of h A 1 f a se t e ildernes . S C . pp y g t W s ct ( 6 U .
6 to
1 wilderness areas desi na ed b sec ion 2 a ( ) g t y t ( ) ,
(2) wilderness areas within the O z ark and O ua
chita National Forests in the State of A rkansas desig
nated by the Congress before the date of the enact
m n of hi A t e t t s c ,
references in such ion t D m r 1 1 8 nd sect o ece be 3 , 9 3 , a
to Januar 1 1 9 8 4 shall be deemed to be references to the y , ,
e f h m n o hi A c dat o t e enact e t f t s t.
b ub ec to alid e is in ri h s mo oriz ed e ui ( ) S j t v x t g g t , t q p
men surface e losi es and shoholes ma not be used in t , xp v , t y
the wilderness areas specified in subsection (a) for purposes of
l in f r r e or o oil as o o her minerals. xp g , g , t
R E L E A S E O F L AND S F O R U S E S OTHE R TH AN WIL DE R NE S S
i ho n n u n of th l al E C . 4 u i o h es i e e S . (a) W t t pass g t e q t o g
or factual sufficiency of the final environm ental impact state
’ ment for the Department of A griculture s second roadless
area review and evaluation (R A R E I I ) (dated January 1 9 79 )
with respect to national forest system lands in States other
11 8 245l s f A r ans and O lahom such s emen than the State o k as k a , tat t
shall not be subject to judicial review with respect to national
l in h forest system ands t e States of A rkansas and Oklahoma .
(b) National forest system lands within the O z ark and
O uachita National Forests in the States of A rkansas and
Oklahoma not designated as wilderness areas on or before
the date of the enactment of this A ct
( 1 ) shall be managed for uses other than wilder
ness in accordance with the Forest and R angeland R e
l o l nnin A f 1 4 1 n w R es urces a t o 7 S . C . e ab e P g c 9 ( 6 U .
an o her ro isions of l w en rall a 1 60 0 et seq. ) d t p v a g e y p
plicable to the m anagement of nonwilderness areas of
the na ional fores s s em and t t y t ,
(2) shall not be reviewed under section 6 of the
Forest and R angeland R enewable R esources Planning
f 1 4 1 1 4 or an o her ro ision S . C . 60 A ct o 9 7 ( 6 U . ) y t p v
of law as to their suitability or unsuitability for desig
i nat on as wilderness areas. 9 8 T R C O NGR E S S I S T S E S S I O N 2 9 1 7
T o des nate ce ta n ub c ands in no th-centra no th este n and este n ig r i p li l r l , r w r , w r A kansas as add t ons to the Nat ona e s P r r i i i l Wild rnes eservation System .
I N T HE HO USE O F R E PR E SE NTA TIV E S
MA Y 5 1 , 9 8 3
E T HU NE nt oduced the fo o n b h ch was efe ed n Mr . B i r ll wi g ill; w i r rr joi tly to the C ommittees on A griculture and I nterior and I nsular A ffairs
A B I L L
T o desi na e cer ain ublic lands in nor h-cen ral nor h es ern g t t p t t , t w t ,
and western A rkansas as additions to the National Wilder
ness reser ion m P vat Syste .
B e it enacted by the S ena te and House of R epresen ta
2 tines o the United S ta tes o A merica in C on ress assembled f f g ,
3 That this A ct m ay be cited as the A rkansas Wilderness A ct
4 of 1 9 8 3
E C 2 a I n h rance of the r ses f th il er S . . ( ) furt e pu po o e W d
A 1 1 1 1 h f llo l n r n S . . t e win d a 6 ess ct ( 6 U . C 3 o g a s e
7 hereb desi na ed as wilderness and herefore as com o y g t , t , p
8 nents of the National Wilderness Preservation System :
1 cer ain lands in the O uachi a Na ional r s ) t t t Fo e t ,
A r ansas which com rise a ro ima ei h hou k , p pp x m g t t 1 0
sand one hundred acres as enerall de ic ed on a , g y p t
map entitled Black Fork Mountain Wilderness— Pro
osed Ma 1 9 8 3 and hich shall be no n as the p y , w k w
Black Fork Mountain Wilderness;
2 cer ain lands in the O uachi a Na ional r ( ) t t t Fo est ,
A rkansas hich com rise a ro ima el six housand , w p pp x t y t
four hundred and se en acres as enerall de ic ed v ty , g y p t
on a map entitled Dry Creek Wildem ess— Proposed
da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and hich shall be nown as the Dr t y , w k y
Creek Wilderness;
c r ain lands in the O z rk Na i nal or (3 ) e t a t o F est ,
A rkansas which com rise a ro im a nm eteen , p pp x m
housand se en hundred and en -fi e acres as en t v tw ty v , g
erally depicted on a map entitled E ast Fork Wilder
ness— Pro osed da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and hich shall be p t y , w
known as the E ast Fork Wilderness;
4 h hi N ion l r s ( ) certain lands in t e O uac ta at a Fo e t ,
A r ansas hich com rise a ro ima el ten housand k , w p pp x t y t
ei h hundred and ei h -fi e acres as enerall de g t g ty v , g y
picted on a map entitled Flatside Wilderness— Pro
osed da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and hich shall be nown as p t y , w k
the Flatside Wilderness;
l n h z r N i n l ores (5) certain a ds in t e O a k at o a F t,
A r ansas which com rise a ro ima si een hou k , p pp x m xt t
sand acres as enerall de ic ed on a ma en i led , g y p t p t t
HR 29 1 7 [ H 1 1
— Hurricane Creek Wilderness Proposed dated May
1 9 8 3 and which shall be n wn h , k o as t e Hurricane
Creek Wilderness;
6 cer ain lands in the O z ar N i n l r ( ) t k at o a Fo est,
A r ansas which com rise a ro ima el fif een hou k , p pp x t y t t
sand hree hundred acres as enerall de ic ed on a t , g y p t
map entitled L eatherwood Wildem ess— Proposed
da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and hich shall be no n as the t y , w k w
L eatherwood Wilderness;
7 cer ain lands in the O z ar Na ional or s ( ) t k t F e t ,
A r ansas hich com rise a ro ima el el e hou k , w p pp x t y tw v t
sand and ten acres as enerall de ic ed on a ma en , g y p t p
titled Penhook Wilderness— Proposed dated May
1 9 8 3 and hich shall be nown as the Penhoo Wil , w k k
dem oss;
in l nds in h hi Na ional ores (8) certa a t e O uac ta t F t ,
A rkansas hich com rise a ro im a el se en een , w p pp x t y v t
housand five hundred acres as enerall de ic ed on a t , g y p t
map entitled Poteau Mountain Wilderness— Pro
osed da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and which shall be nown as p t y , k
the Poteau Mountain Wilderness;
h O z N nal ores (9 ) certain lands in t e ark atio F t ,
A r ansas hich com rise a ro ima el ele en hou k , w p pp x t y v t
sand se en hundred and nine acres as enerall de v ty , g y
picted on a map entitled R ichland Creek Wilder
HR 2fl7 m 1 2
— ness Pro osed da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and which shall be p t y ,
known as the R ichland Creek Wilderness;
( 1 0 ) certain lands in the O z ark National Forest ,
A r ansas which com rise a ro im a el one h u k , p pp x t y t o sand
five hundred acres as enerall de ic ed on a ma n , g y p t p e
titled Upper B uffalo Wilderness A ddition— Pro
osed da ed Ma 1 9 8 3 and which are hereb incor p t y , y
orated in and shall be deemed to be art of the p , p ,
Upper B uffalo Wilderness as designated by Public L aw
9 3 —622 ; and
(1 1 ) certain lands in the O uachita National
ores A rkansas which com rise a ro im a el hree F t , , p pp x t y t
hundred acres as enerall de ic ed on a a en i led , g y p t m p t t
Upper Ki amichi Wilderness— Proposed dated May
1 9 8 3 and which shall be no n as the U er Kiami , k w pp
chi ilderness W .
b ub ec to alid e is in ri h s the wilderness areas ( ) S j t v x t g g t ,
1 8 designated by this A ct shall be administered by the Secretary
1 9 of A griculture (hereinafter in this A ct referred to as the
20 Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the Wil
2 1 A f 4 1 — 1 1 o rnin areas ern ct o 1 6 S C . 1 1 1 e d ess 9 ( 6 U . . 3 3 6) g v g
22 designated by that A ct as wilderness except that any refer
23 ence in such provisions to the effective date of the Wilderness
24 A ct shall be deemed to be a reference to the effective date of
A 25 this ct.
HR 29 1 7 I H
1 4
(2) with respect to the national forest system
lands in the State of A rkansas which were reviewed by
the Department of A griculture in the second roadless
area re iew and e alua ion R A R E I ha re iew v v t ( D, t t v
and evaluation shall be deemed for the purposes of the
initial land management plans required for such lands
by the Forest and R angeland R enewable R esources
Planning A ct of 1 9 74 as amended by the National
Forest Management A ct of 1 9 76 to be an adequate
consideration of the suitability of such lands for inclu
sion in the National Wilderness Preservation System
and the Department of A griculture shall not be re
quired to review the wilderness option prior to the re
vision of the initial plans and in no case prior to the
date established by law for completion of the initial
planning cycle;
(3 ) areas in the State of A rkansas reviewed in
such final environmental statement and not designated
as wilderness by this A ct need not be managed for the
purpose of protecting their suitability for wilderness
designation pending revision of the initial plans; and
(4 ) unless expressly authoriz ed by Congress the
Department of A griculture shall not conduct any fur
ther statewide roadless area review and evaluation of
national forest system lands in the State of A rkansas
HR 29 1 7 1 1 1 1 5
for the purpose of determining their suitability for in
clusion in the National Wilderness Preservation
m Syste .
HR 29 1 7 [ H 1 6
h . ill n w h ur fi i n t e Mr L E . W WHIT Y e w o proceed wit o rst w t ess, Hon orable Ber l An hon a Member of n ress from A r ansas y t y, Co g k , f orm er m ember of this com m ittee. Ber l we el om e ou here and ill be lad to re ei e our tes! y , w c y w g c v y t im ony.
MN H N B YL N NY R P N O O . HO J IV E STATE E T F ER A T , A RE RESE TAT I N C ONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ARKA NSAS k . . h rm . ul li e to ha n Mr A N N han ou Mr . ai an o THO Y T k y , C I w d k t you and the other m em bers of the com m ittee for being willing on hor n i to h ul h rin u f th th s t ot ce sc ed e this ea g, beca se o e cost and e i f l Y u h t m e a ctor of witn esses tra ve in g to and from A rka nsas . o a ve a ccom m oda ted their sched ules to the detrim ent of som e of you r
m ember an we han u for it. s, d do t k yo o h e full a em en ask h it f r th I d a v a st t t, and I t a t be accepted o e record; an d I would like to sum m a riz e som e of the pa rts tha t I
hin re the m os im r an . t k a , t po t t here re tw n i n l f r in th a e f A r n an T a o at o a o ests e St t o ka sa s, d I would like to m a ke it clea r that I ha ve in trod uced a piece of legis la ion hou h n n f th l h i ff r i i hin m t , alt g o e o e and t at s a ected es des w t y n i n in in th il rn r co gress o al district . I becam e terested e w de ess a ea
be a use re u in for f m il an n o the busin ess. c I g w p a est a y, d I k w I ha e lea rned th u in fr th un u an h e a de v e b s ess om e gro d p, d I a v ep apprecia tion for setting aside those un ique a reas for future genera ’ tion s use and pa rticipation in but al so have a keen awa ren ess of the econom ic fa ctors and the benefi ts to m an kind of other a rea s ha h hi h A n h h one is ried to t t ave g econom ic val ue. d w at I ave d t strike a very ca reful balance between the econom ic factors an d h t ose a reas that I thin k truly do hold high va lue as wilderness . A nd as a re ul h in u f l l i n ha ould s t, I a ve trod ced a piece o egis at o t t w set aside addition al wildern ess a reas in the Sta te of A rkansa s. The two nation a l forests curren tly con ta in one wilderness a rea desi na ed b the E as ern ilderness A ct of 1 9 75 the U er Buffa g t y t W , pp lo il rn n an th W de ess, a d the O z a rk Forest con tain a cres, d e Ca n ey Creek Wilderness in the O uachita Forest con tain I f th r n l w th tw acres. e ea on i in l l i n m e a e o a c ta ed m y egis at o beco , national forests of A rkan sas a nd O kla hom a would have acres of wilderness; I believe that this would be a dequate to serve t he existing a nd projected future needs for wildern ess. The R A R E II process iden tified two doz en a reas in the two n a tion a l forests which have m a ny of the criteria desirable as wilder h h h r ris i ness. f s n n f un th a a e s O t ese, eve ave bee o d to possess e c ct t c m os esirable as il ern in lu in e be u om bin ed i h t d w d ess, c d g gr a t a ty c w t h ir l i f rm i n u h w un n ran es. e geo og cal o at o s, uniq e in t e t o m o tai g T habita t an d ecosystem s reflect the diverse wildlife found in the region an d their rem oteness from the m ore developed regions of the Sta te insures that they will not suffer from excess popula tion
pressures. I n h h n i l n n i f o in clude a n effec eac area c ose , soc a a d eco om c act rs t i n h onom ic de elo n m r m l m l r n u . E o t be sa les, e p oy e t, sc oo eve es c v p
m en t criteria were con sidered as pa rt of the process. A nd I believe such factors m ust be considered as very im portan t due to the low
per ca pita incom e sta tistics in our Sta te. 1 7
O n page 3 you will see the a reas that I have specifically outlined to be set out as wildern ess areas . The first Forest Service recom m end ti n f 1 9 2 I n th u hi r it a o s o 8 covered fi ve areas . e O a c ta Fo est was the Bla or Moun ain hich is in A r an sas a nd a r s of ck F k t , w k p t eas ern lahom r in th r Ki m i hi i r t O k a , a c es; e U ppe a c R ve , a ain in A r a n as an d th rn f l f g k s e easte pa rt o O k ahom a , o acres and in the z r or h h Hurri an e r ; O a k F est t ey a ve c C eek, a res an d the U er Buffalo a ddi ion of acres. c , pp t Al hou h m ri en s a em en has R ichlan d ree in ha a rea t g y w tt t t t C k t t , I have sin ce learn ed that the Forest Service has n ot com pleted its fin al re ie h u h it h n un r ud for om e 7 ears v w, alt o g as bee de st y s y , a n d I have m ade a correction a n d m oved it down to two addition al areas tha t also have not com pleted the fin aliz a tion un der R AR E II . B ut in m aking a person al observation of them in the R ichland ree r u l in in i r i i in r n l C k a ea , act al y go g to t a nd pa t c pat g pe so al y by seein the n a ur l be u her f l h l u g t a a ty t e, I e t t at they wou d be s ccess ful so di ee to in lud h m in ill h u h th fi nal ; I d s k c e t e my b , alt o g e process has not been com pleted . ha ould include Dr ree a cres an d the Belle a rr T t w y C k, , St
h n R i hland ree ould be acres. Cave, acres, a n d t e c C k w I f you took the total acreage in m y bill plus the two existing wil dern a reas lr in xis n ce it ould brin o al ilderness ess a ea dy e te , w g t t w ’ acr r A n the a reas in en or durin eage to about 80 ,0 0 0 a c es. d v t y g R AR E o ered som e 225 0 0 0 a cres of roadless a reas in the two II c v , n i n l at o a forests of A rka nsas and O klahom a . re ared e did A nd I would like to m a ke a correction . My p p t xt “ ” lea e out th r l l li to inser the v e wo d O k ahom a , an d I wou d ke t “ ” ord O lahom a in here as rr i n w k t a co ect o . I f one um h n h h r in the in en oried ass es, t e , t a t t e a c es v t roa dless review plus the a cres of existing wilderness in the Sta te of A rka n sa s con stitutes the un iverse of areas withi n the rea es ildern ss en i l h n H 2452 ould desi na e abou g t t w e pot t a t e R . w g t t one-third of the total universe a n d would release the other two thi rds for m ultiple use. i l if u oo ut th a of lahom a ha fi ure O bv ous y, yo t k o e St te O k , t t g - ut h in would drop som ewhat below the one third figure. I p t at h r and hin it is im u the two areas as ride the t e e I t k porta n t, beca se t
Sta te line were in ven toried together in the R AR E II process. The Sta te of A rka nsa s 1 8 un ique in the fa ct that m ost rem ain ing wilder ness is in the nor h es a r so it ould be i hin John Pa ul t w t p t , w w t ’ ’ am m erschm idt 8 dis ric a nd a sm all or ion in Bill Ale ander s t t, p t x gstriet 2452 r ts n m h R . re esen I con lusi n Mr . hair an li a H c o , C , I be eve t t p a m odera te a nd a fai r resolution of the wilderness issue in A rkan Th r in m ill u h the R R E rocess sas . e a eas y b ha ve been thro g A II p an d the final en viron m en ta l im pact has been determ in ed with the exception of the three tha t I m en tion ed . My bill in cludes those areas ha are hi h u li T he m a r inal a reas an d a reas hi h t t g q a ty. g w c did not recei e onsidera ion as a r of R AR E a re not in luded v c t p t II c , 2452 i r in r l h . o r b is e e and t e wildern ess a reas in H . R I c ns de to e p t ,
tiv l in i h of bein ca lled ildern ess . a e y access ble, a nd wort y g w The other roa dless a reas which were reviewed by R AR E H should be released an d judicial review of the environ m en ta l im 1 8
R . of the A r ka nsas area should be ended by the passage of H . 5g? n he I would close by just adding on e additional footnote. Whe t y f k n as went through the public hea ring process in the Sta te o A r a s , as ou ca n ell im in it w fairl con ro ersia l issue for the y w ag e, as a y t v rvi B ut in th z N i n l ores one here a re Forest Se ce. e O a rk at o a F t al t r in i th n and over ove div dual in puts on e wilderness questio , 85 percen t of the com m ents received opposed any additional wild er
n i in r . ness. A nd whe you look at three areas tha t are cons dered M ’ — B ethun e s le isla ion L ea her o d E as or and Penh ok g t t w o , t F k , o each of those areas received a pproxim a tely 9 6 percen t of the public in put as o sing them being pla ced in to a wildern ess designa tion over and pggvs the fa ct tha t we think tha t they do not qualify un r i ri f h r r ri de the cr te a o t e oa dless review a ea or c teria . I thin k it would be im portan t for this committee to take in to con sidera tion the local in put from the people back hom e over a n d ° above the udicial determina tion as to wha t those lands would clas ' r th ri f n s as un e e c teria o the legisla tio . u Mr h rm n f r th r uni if befo than k yo , . C ai a , o e O ppo t ty to test y re u yo today. T h h r t th con lu [ e proposed sta tem en t of Mr . Ant ony a ppea s a e c sion of the hea ring ] m Mr . u f r r fin a m en . L et e ask WHITLE Y . Tha n k yo o a ve y e st te t u f f yo just a ew brie questions . u und h n we talk O ne, yo erstand wha t we are ta lking about w e about release and sufficien cy language in this kin d of a bill?
Y . Mr . A NTHONY . es Mr in f r i n n e is in grm . What k d o elease and suffic e cy la guag your bz Mr h r l . A N ill h r fer as a d re ease THONY . My b would be w at I e to h f r lan u e. is fin in i n o a re e to g ag It a al determ at o , as pposed to w t I as soft release lan u hi h ee th issu m e ha u in the g age, w c k ps e e so w t p i air and open . Beca use there is so m uch opposition or such w de s ead o si ion let m e ut it h wa u here are e le ppo t , p t at y, beca se t p op tgt will be testifying in support of addition al wildern ess from the
a e. B ut in h r n h area St t s ce t e e is such widespread oppositio in t at , the fact tha t I did add additional areas to be designa ted as wilder ness m r - ff h r release , y t ade o was to put what I consider to be t e ha d l n u h h h th ful ance hen ha a g age in t ere. I t in k t a t is e ca re bal , t , t t would be struck for the Sta te of A rka nsas . I am cogn iz an t of the fa ct that other wildern ess bills that have assed in previous votes of the Congress have the Sif ter release an u i ue set of circu s an es g age, but each Sta te has its own un q m t c , ’ and I thin k A rkan sas s circumstan ces are such that with the inclu n f h i i n rn lan es e iall the hr ha sio o t ese add t o al wilde ess ds, p c y t ee t t n r m ro h l i ha ve ot eceived final a pproval , as a co p mise s ou d rece ve
then the ha rd release language. im r L E . h n ou . been an i be Mr . WHIT Y T a k y Have there y a ct ve t sa les in recent yea rs in any of the areas in cluded in your bill?
A N . h i n th o Mr . THONY I would ha ve to defer t at quest o to e F rest
rvi Mr . l . Se ce, Whit ey
ill h n if . L E . i h m e h Mr . WHIT Y I w pose t to t e w t ey test y nders an d th . he ill h r to but u e Mr . A N N be e e es if THO Y T y w t t y, I t l answer to tha t wou d be no. 1 9
h r a n ri e hin the e Mr. Wm T L E Y . A re t e e y p va t la nds wit acreag covered by your bill? r A hr f the areas oul h sm all a oun of M . . NTHONY T ee o w d ave a m t ri a r hi p v te land own e s p .
h re is n on n i n u hori . Mr . L E e o de a a a WHIT Y . I assume t c m t o t ty Th t uld a e be a uired b e han e if he are ac uired is ha wo hv to cq y xc g t y q , t t correct .
Mr . . AN N . ha ould be rue es THO Y T t w t , y L E h lan t th Mr . ose ri e ds a e WHIT Y . I s there access to t p vat n im or h ri l prese t t e, would there be a ccess to t ose p va te ands tha t
f r N . n f hem l are o ha ould M. ANTHO Y O e o t I am personal y aw t t w
l f . nl be. Again I wou d have to de er to the Forest Service I have o y been one of the hree and here is a ess one of hose. The to t , t cc to t Forest Service could ma ke a n ote of that and could answer tha t for us . A ill l i un f E . n ur b d in c u a o o Mr . WHITL Y d yo oes de a lim ted m t land in O klahom a as I understan d it.
i d an h f r reason . Mr . Mr . an t . AN N air es d did a o a THO Y Ch m , o , I t t
f f h h n u . Mr. Watkins is aware o the a ct t a t t e bill has bee in trod ced f i l n I discussed it with him before I introduced the piece o leg s atio . I
m u h Mr . would hope that before the co mittee goes to a mark p, t a t Wa tkins either will express for the record his position or at best he n f of l i l ion and will come onboa rd as a cospo sor o the piece eg s at , in l we coul jo t y d move. The reason I did it is beca use that n ational forest does cross the ' e lin e an i Sta t , d t ust did not
r E . M. WHITL Y e existing nation al forest?
Mr. ANTHONY . The existing n ation al forest does cross tha t Sta te ut i l m The l r es line, b t is on y a small portion that is in O klaho a . a g t r is in th we are doin pa t e Sta te of Arkansas . A nd the fact that g t is on a ta e-b - a e basis ra her han as one lar e bill it ust h S t y St t t t g , j e more sense to m e to go ahead a nd in clude a very sm all por of h l ion ra her tion t e sa me na tional forest in one piece of l at , t an ha in Mr r fro klahom a in ro th v g . Watkin s and/ o som ebod m t duce a separa te piece of legislation a nd ave to go through the
very same process that we are going thro h in this pa rticular bill . hin it ill an d hin it I t k w conserve your tim e an efforts, I t k would also conserve the time an d efforts of the Congress in consid m ering the .
Mr . E . han ou er m u h Mr . An h n . WHITL Y T k y v y c , t o y
O ur ne i ness ill be our llea ue Hon . E d Be hune xt w t w co g , t , ber n Mem of Congress from Arka sas .
Mr . Be hune we will be lad hea r fro ou sir . t , g to m y ,
N O HO N. E D B HUN P N IV E I N STATEME T F ET E , A RE RESE TAT C ONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF A R KA NSAS
Mr E . r . . . B NE an ou M ha ir an THU Th k y , C m Bac in 1 9 0 7-0 8 Presiden R se el set aside the O ua hi a and k , t oo v t c t h N ur and in ha i e st t e O z ark a tional Forests in o Sta te, s ce t t t m mo Ar ansans self in luded ha e fel com f r a ble b the fa hat k , my c , v t o t y ct t
there was an effort to preserve some of the nationa l forest . A nd since ha im e and uess e en before the Ar ansans ha e roud t t t , I g v k v p 20
‘ li gone around seym g that A r ka nsas is a na tural . We ke to tt i t we The thing tha t troubles m e nowada is that I am afraid tha t we ill n u use if one a es a loo at w ot be a n at ral sta te over tim e, t k k ha is ha en in in the fores s and ha is ha enin outside w t pp t , w t pp g the f rests i n the ga e of A r n ha e be r ubled b the o t t ka sas, you v to t o y extensive clea r-cutting practices and other modern techniques tha t are being em ployed tha t naturally disrupt and degrade the n a tura l f f in A r sta te o af airs ka nsas . This is always troub to someone of a conservative na tu re in th fir l be a use vs a real f n n ural la w a n d e st p ace, c I o dn ess for at the na tural course of events and am always hesitan t to disrupt
h l m ition on econo i and e er thin else. that . T a t is usual y y m cs v y g ' r r l of Let things go the natur way . The L o d had a reason fo a ot ’ r things that I am sure we don t even unde stan d yet. B ut in an r e his a r icula r m easure ook a y case, with esp ct to t p t , I t loo t fl w l lands al ed o er an of he k a this. I e over al these , w k v m y t m, f h n dro e hrou h h t an loo ed at a lot o e . e v t g t em , just sa d k t m I w t i h the r n h th m e bers of the A r an sas w t Fo est Service. I we t wit e m k n i n l in in one of the Co servat o Coa lition . I had a town hal m eet g areas where people are m ost hostile to the idea of wildern ess . I ’ don no ha else could ha e done tr a her u the t k w w t , I v to y to g t p f l a cts re a tive to this proposition . ’ I discovered pretty quickly that you can t look at it in isola tion from the stan dpoint of whether it is the right thing to do in the n i ri u h onsid r it as a m a er seco d d st ct of A rkansas, but yo ad to c e tt l tha t affected the Sta te of A rkansas and take a comprehensive ook . s n 1 0 h f an belie e a l ed ev I pe t days at t at effort last all, d I v I t k to er bod ha d i ri loo at all of the lands y y t t ha a v ewpoin t, and t ed to k in ol v ved . It was m y conclusion tha t we should be con cerned about the ac tivities ha r in nl the a i i ies ha a e t t a e tak g pla ce. Not o y ct v t t t h v a en la e in the las f w h lann ed a i i ies of the t k p c t e years, but t e p ct v t i ut build roads r r . i Fo est Se v ce I d scovered that they intended to c , h r i h ould be in m and do ot e a ct vities in the Fla tside area , whic w y ric li n 1 3 l nned a c i i ies dist t, and I kewise fou d tha t they had p a t v t for the E or h r ast F k and L ea t e wood a reas. A th im h r u i m e the a t e t e t at I in t od ced m y bills, t seemed to p ropria te thing to do was to get a stop order by consen t of the pcrest ervi an h n rior m m i ha h se areas S ce d t e I te Co ttee, so t t t o would be preserved at least un til this Congress had had a chance to n h c i i ies are not l h w do e. se a ta ke a ook at the issue. T a t as T o t v t in l u m ons r e the ind of tak g p ace, b t I thin k it does de t a t k ’ h ill h n if in f esi na e som e of hese lan t at w a ppe , act, we don t d g t t
as wildern ess. n f r in A r a nsas n o Now , I said tha t we have bee com o ted k to k w B t as d hin e le a re that we had these lands preserved . u I sai , I t k p op beginn in g to be troubled by the fact that there is so m uch a ctivity r r i e and the ues both by the private sector and by the Fo est Se v c , q n h u an h urs m e is he her or not we tio t at occurs to s, d t at occ to , w t ’ will be able to look our children and our children s children in the A r na ural and not orr e in yea rs to com e and say kansas is a t , w y ’ h use we can find aye) ut them askin g us why do you say t a t . Beca t ’ much land tha t hasn t been altered in one fashion or another .
22
l r h n l r the re I fee mo e strongly about t a this pa rticu a issue. A nd mo hat l t it d the ore ha a l l he ore am t I ook a an m t t I t k to p e, t m I satisfied tha t this is the right a pproa ch for t e State of A rkan sas. if o hin l ood . We ha u ul l h e n O ur peop e are ve bea t and . We av t g but ea of us d am i fi ill hi n progress ah , an I sa t s ed tha t if we w t k cl l u his and rote t our na ur r hen it ill be ear y abo t t , p c t al esources, t w in the in terests of our Sta te economica lly and it will be in the in ur l il to loo heir il tercets of o peop e, and they w l then be able k t ch dren in the e e and sa es Ar ansas is a na ural and not ha e y y, y , k t , v orr ab u defendin ha i i to w y o t g t t pos t on . f w hun . J e Mr . E . han ou er uch Mr . Be e us a WHITL Y T k y v y m , t t f brie questions . Wha t percen tage of the land covered by your bill is a ctually in your congressional district? ’ r Mr h t . irm bu Mr . n a BET H NE . a n sa the e ce a e an U I c t y p t g , C , I ca n as tha t it is acres known as Flatside in Sa lin e and
Perr un A r a nsas . y ty, k r t o h w an al cres? Mr . . u WHITLE Y . a c es O f o m y tot a Mr r out li le less han 1 0 r . BE THUNE . I guess tha t wo ks to a tt t pe n ut f r r ce t, o o a c es tha t I would p opose.
Mr . WHI TLE Y . Wha t sort of release suf ficien cy language do you have in your bill? - l Mr . r BE THUNE . We have put into the bill the so ca lled soft e ease la n ua e i h has been ado ted b law in 6 o her a es and g g , wh c p y t St t , which I understan d has foun d a pproval in the Com m ittees on the n erior and A ri ul ure re iousl re a inin the m ul i le-use I t g c t p v y, t g t p n A plan ning requirements of the Na tional Forest Ma n ageme t ct. — l — Mr . L E . h r ul if i i r u do ou WHIT Y W at es t, any s gnif ca nt es t y thin k there would be on employm en t in A rkan sa s if your bill should pass?
r . f r h M. BET HUNE I thin k it would be an econom ic plus o t e State of hi r in l if ou Arka nsas to adopt t s wildern ess a pp oa ch. Certa y y in l Th ur i h l n n i . meas e t t e o g term , I thin k it is an eco om c p us e economic analysis that I asked for from the Congressional R esearch Ser i indi it w ll in n os in th v ce cated that as a ctua y cost g us mo ey, c t g e o ern n n ul r or g v me t mo ey to harvest trees in these pa rtic a areas, ould c s n m for m e ha w o t mo ey to do so, and they ade an analysis t t convin ced m e tha t it m a kes good economic sense to set this land aside as wil rn h i rin th benefi de ess. A nd t at was not even cons de g e t it h h ar that might ave to t e tourism in dustry in our Sta te. The p ks and tourism depa rtm ent of A rka nsas gave m e a report which I thin k suggests that in the long term this would be a great econom i h is our nd l r c advan tage to A r kansas in a rea tourism . T at seco a g
t in r m h it ob rea ion bill . es dust y. S o I a satisfied t at is a j c t i ben fi r . n r f ll u . h ono e M WHITL E Y . I am ot su e I o ow yo W at ec m c t other tha n tourism would derive from your bill?I thought I under stood you to say there would be an econom ic benefit not counting r tou ism . Mr E i f l h und rs a n d it the Go ern . BE N . rs o al t e we e THU F t , I t , v r ment would not lose m oney by tin ering a round in these a eas, n n n and so that would be a be efit to the gover me t . n it ul r e u m n fi the a e of A r an Seco d , wo d c eat a to ris be e t to St t k l f h n n r l indus ries ha sas, and I think al o t e atte dan t a d e ated t t t 23
low from the gen eration of tra ffi c in one Sta te would be the bene !I ts . L E A h i e lan hin a res o ered b Mr . WHIT Y . re t ere pr va t ds wit c c v y your bill? i n th ones ha are in his r. r n hon en o ed e M BE THUNE . M. A t y m t t t l f u l lu ll f h an h n in the L ea her il . m il in a o d e b O co rse y b c des t at, t t r l h r rou hl in the nei h wood a rea the e a re some inho dings t e e, g y g m h h ha e not had orre borhood of 40 0 a cres . I ig t add t at I v any c s nden ce or conta ct from any of the in holders telling m e tha t ll h h n a fr hree of h se t ey are opposed to the bi . I a ve a d co t ct om t t o l in holders saying tha t they support the bil . ’
i l li Mr . n hon s d Mr . L E . a e it ha our b l e A an WHIT Y I t k t t y , k t y m rn ill not h e an ondem na ion a u hori in st wilde ess b s, do av y c t t ty i ‘p t .
N ir . Mr . BE NE . o s THU , Mr A n ri a e land ha is a uired ould ha e be . WHITL E Y . y p v t t t cq w v to a cquired by exchange? h . i Mr . E E r B THUN Tha t is g t . ’ Y n h ro le s i h a ess the Mr . WHITL E Y . ou do t ave any p b m w t cc to private land pa rt of the bill?
l . Mr . n n m no e . BE NE No sir o e ed THU , , to y k w g in lu e land L E . A n u r bill belie e d es not d an Mr . WHIT Y d yo I v o c y ? Y r l h f ansas . I s ha corre t in O klahom a . ou s is al in t e State o Ark t t c l not resu e de ide r E . h . i l oes M. B THUNE That is rig t My b d p m to c the wildern ess issue for the people of O klahoma .
i h Mr . e h Mr . L E . belie e ha is all the ues ons a e B WHIT Y I v t t q t I v , t
ha n ou r m u h. un e. T k y ve y c i ould li e r A . . h irm an i h our rm iss on M. Mr NTH ONY C a , w t y pe I w k to just m ake reference to one pa ragraph in m y testim ony that does to the economic ha rm as an an alysis that ca me from the Forest
hune. r r. e g:rvice. It ela tes to a question that you asked M B t n 4 t h ul ha the in e O page , he Forest Service as ca lc ated t t com to nuall be foregone by my bill if ena cted would exceed an y, and the in com e to be foregone if all a reas under consideration the becom e wildern ess would exceed annually. I ta ke viewpoin t that com ing from a low per ca ita Sta te like A rkansas r n the orest tha t those a e ot in consequen tial sums. assume tha t F rvi l Se ce cou d spea k more to it. ? Mr L E . m in im ber sa les . WHIT Y This is in co e foregone t
A Y ore ha . Mr . l a NTHONY . es . Forest Service cou d spe k m to t t Another in ha hin ould li e m a e i h our er po t t t I t k I w k to k , w t y p m i i n ir n n w loo ed at the areas ha we in ss o , s , o access. Whe e k t t clude in our iece of le isla ion we ried our bes a e ilder p g t , t t to t k w ness areas tha t could classif as wildern ess tha t did not have pri h l i tands reason if ou ha e a va te o dings w thin them . t s to that y v ild rn r u ha e ot ri a e l holdin in it w e ess a ea , an d if yo v g p v t and gs ,
and the law does s that private landown er certa in rotections, su h as a to fig iece of ro er it is us real sa c ccess p p p ty, j t to y tha t it is wildern ess when you have got priva te landown ers ht sitting in the middle of a piece of property tha t you are sup to
be ca lling a wildern ess.
A r M. n n Mr . L E . e ou al in ab u roads r A ho ? WHIT Y y t k g o t , t y
Mr . AN N . Yes am al in ab u roads. THO Y , I t k g o t A d out? L E . f d in an Mr . ess a sur e r a WHIT Y cc , a c o 24
Mr. ANT HO NY. Tha t 18 correct . ? Mr. WHI T u Y. To private lands t h . . u i n Mr. ANTHONY That is correct A ltho gh ou m ght o ave a o of t u to the fac tyt ou do h e so e direct condemnati n i , d e t t a y av m l ion l w os limitations p aced on you by the operat of the a , you alm t have a de facto condemna tion of it as far as what the tota l utiliz a h n ou t ri e a tion of that piece of property could be. So w e y ry to st k balance between priva te la ndownership and the public in general i e elo il r hin it is er i or an to n trying to d v p w de ness, I t k v y mp t t make a careful consideration as to the n umber of private landown erl that a re conta ined i n ea ch of these areas because the more I
o . think u do. y u do degrade it
A n n . H Y h Mr . Mryv I T L E . a n ou ho T k y , t y h fr O ur next witness is one the Cha ir is very an xious to ea r om, m c llea ue Hon . John Pa ul Ha m ers h id a Member of Con y o g . m c m t, gress from Arka nsas . J n belie e ou a re the fello a a uall has all the land oh . I v y w th t ct y , ll io hear ur or most of it, in his district . S o I wi be very anx us to yo feeling about this .
R E P R E STA TE ME NT OF HO N. JOHN P AUL HAMMERSC HMIDT, A SE NT A TIV E I N C ONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF AR KANSAS
m Mr . n . Mr. HA MME RS C HMDT . an ou er u h hair a I Th k y v y c , C m I want to thank you for this opportun ity to a ppea r before you today on the various proposals to establish a dditional wildern ess areas in the Sta te of Arkansas I particularly want to commend the chairman for your pa tience in making arra ngemen ts for this hea ring as well as your willing ness to hear witnesses representing all points of view on this em o tional w h r v d ea rlier there issue A s you kno , and as you ave obse e , many persons from Arkansas who have ta ken the tim e to com e here today to let these com mittees have the ben efit of their differ w know d fri nd and olle ue ing vie points. A s you also , my goo e c ag , w w v an Bethune. and I, as ell as other itnes ss, ha e testi fied earlier today before the other com mittee of jurisdictim and new l am very pleased to testify before your very l Me hairm an l m ust con fess to have very m ixed em otim s I ‘ appea r before this subcom mittee todav to ofler com m ents on the two bills yeu are considering which to establish addition al wildem ess areas in A rka nm lt hw pleas ure to rewssent the peeple who live in the vs t majority of areas which we are W W for nearly the lt T ym m h this m m cfim l would like to oint w t that of the a m xi e 1 36 0 0 0 3 cres t o p pp m , p w w i ( m er m fhr ne ildem ess in one of these b lls. E m pervent are loca ted in nnmliatrict A s a ma tter of fact Mpem n t of ali nation al forest la nd in A rkm as is located in my m m a l ‘ district as is l w t of all exs tim wildem ess on na tiona l 7 w m forest la nd Shm ld . R 29 1 hich proposes an additiona 1 1 36, acres as wfidem ess becom e law 92 percent of all v ilden n ss in A r 25
heir h t in n n h l h l n h t eri a ge, depe de ce, and t e and t ey ive o . T ey ap preciate the bea uty of their environ ment as well as the resources deri h f ved t ere rom which provide a livelihood for so m any of them . A s a lifelon residen of nor h es Ar an sas 1 als ha e the g t t w t k , , o, v greatest respect a n d a ppreciation for its environm en t and na tural Y f beau . ou r h m h n r ty m ay be assu ed t a t I a , and ave bee o ma ny ea r m y s, a ong those in the forefron t fighting to insure that our na t ural herita ge is preserved an d protected for those gen erations yet to com e. I his on n i n urin m fi r ini n t c ect o , d g y rst term in Cong ess, I tiated the action which culm ina ted in the designation of the Buffalo l n R iver as a n ation al river . This egislatio resulted in the acquisi tion of alm ost a cres of lan d by the National Pa rk Service aim ed at the preservation of the Buffal o R iver as a free flowing strea b rdered b the na i e odl ands. da the Buffalo Ri er m , o y t v wo To y, v r r uns through a m ajestic setting for 1 48 m iles . It is conside ed by ’ m any experts to be one of this coun try s last sign ifica nt natural ri r ve s to be preserved for future generations . ’ My work in efforts to clean up our Nation s rivers an d strea ms is m m m r f l also a source of pride for m e. A s any e be s o this pane are a are w rim r f h l r A t hi h w w , I as a p e cosponso o t e C ean Wa te c , w c as ena cted as P ublic L a w 9 5- 21 7 I have con tin ued to be in volved with subsequen t am endmen ts to that a ct which a re aim ed a t con tin uing to im prove the quality of rivers an d strea ms in this coun try. i h m con r ion l rec r u lin rus ou ill rec W t y g ess a o d as o t ed , I t t y w og n iz e m y con cern for an d in terest in preserving national treasures su h as the z f r hi h we are c O a rk and O ua chita Forests, the o ests w c i in H f d s uss . n f r s o c g today ow we ca best preserve these o est is,
urse a m er o r hi h m n f l hones l differ . co , a tt ve w c e o good wil can t y For e l h r xa mp e, t e m ajority of m y con stituen ts have epea tedly ta ken a position again st ha ving m ore a reas designated as wilder A ness. The feel that the a cres of n ational forest land in r ' kansas w ch ha ve alrea dy been designated as wilderness is suf fi cient . I would poin t out that the presen t wildern ess a creage in the ’ e r f r s in Sta t , a n ks A r kan sa s 1 9th a mong the Nation s n a tion al o est
A prim e reason for the opposition of m any local citiz ens to addi tional wildern ess designation is their perception that an adverse n t in n eco om ic im pa ct will result from such designation . I do no te d tr r t h rin in ha to y to p ove or disprove such perceptions a this ea g, t t
I know this com m ittee has a ccess to all such pertin ent in form ation . Ho e er ul in in in ut h on om ic con w v , I wo d be rem iss not po t g o t a t ec siderations do play a m ajor role in the m in ds of m any of our citi z e n h ns whe t ey study this issue. Another reason the m ajority of m constituen ts do not favor ad ditional wildern ess is tha t they firm y believe that the Forest Serv ice has been doing an outstanding job for the last 75 yea rs of pre n ho has al ed se and protectin g our na tion al forests . A s o e w w k these and fished the strea ms of m any of these areas for over 50 l n ifi n ob the yea rs, I ca n personal y attest to the mag ce t j Forest r i h Se v ce has done to preserve t ese forests . Some of our m ost scenic a reas in the forests ha ve not on ly been preserved sin ce the Forest Service acquired these lands in 1 9 0 7 and
1 9 0 8 but he ha e been enhan ced . Be a use of his it is er hard , t y v c t , v y 26 for m e to support additional wildern ess areas based on a need to l f h ll n f r otect the forests . Specific exa mp es o t e exce e ce o the Fo est ’ grV i ce s stewardship are reflected in the following:I n the early i n i n f r im rl in r of u thirt es, the a t o al o est t be ands ha d an vento y abo t h r in n oun d board feet per a cre. Today t ei same ve tory is ar
b ard fee er a re. here is a be er r ad s s e re o t p c T tt o y t m, mo
r i r an m or . timbe , more recrea t on a eas, d e game r h m r f ll n o in 1 64 Howeve , as t e embe s o this committee we k w, 9 the Congress passed the Wildern ess Act which led to the elabora te process known as the roadless area review and evaluation [R ARE ] . U nder this process the Forest Service went in to excrucia tin g deta il to study every aspect of the na tion al forest to determ in e the best use for ea ch area . A s a a er of fa the ores er i e s en m tt ct, F t S v c p t in excess of $6 million dollars compiling their R AR E H study. I — would poin t out to you tha t one of the bills before you today HR . 29 1 7— in ar ildern hi h es to designa te certa eas as w ess w c , fin it under m ere re om ended nonwildern ess. d er II , w c m as I v y difficult to justify a pproving an a rea as wildern ess when an objec i u on u it hould be lassified t ve, deta iled st dy by experts c cl ded tha t s c
as nonwildern ess. I would also like to poin t out tha t many of m y constitutents par ticipa ted in the R AR E H hea rin gs to express overwhelming opposi i n i r ir i ion was icu t o to addit onal wildern ess a eas . The oppos t part larly in tense to considering a reas which con tain ed in holdings. Tha t i sa me opposit on exists today. A s a result of the R AR E H study under the Carter a dm inistra i n h r r i l f 24 0 0 0 cres t o , t e Fo est Se v ce recomm ended on ly a tota o , a in A r on ras s s a r l ka nsas be designa ted as wildern ess. This c t t t k y i h 2 l r n rl ro on i n . 9 1 7 hi h fo ea w t p posals c tain ed H R . w c cal y res of il rn h h four reas in luded ac w de ess. It s ould also be noted t at a c — — in his bill Flatside L ea her ood E as or an d Pen hoo ere t , t w , t F k k w not even recommended for wildern ess designation un der the R AR E il h e ree H study. Wh e we in the Congress do not always a v to ag i h s ud r n n r n u o belie e ha we w t t y ecomme datio s p ese ted to s, I d v t t would be ill-a dvised to totally disrega rd the results of such an in n depth evaluatio . While a m ajority of my constituen ts a re opposed to any expan sion of ildern ess a reas in Ar ansas it does a ea r m e ha of w k , pp to t t
the bill befor th m m i h r fer ble on e is H . R . two s e e co ttee today, t e p e a 2 r n l i n the or 5 , which eflects the views of the professio a s F est
$ rvice. l n unders an d full ell ha H . R . 2452 the An hon bill il ot I t w t t , t y , w f m n i u n m r ild rn nor ill it sa tis y y co st t e ts who want no o e w e ess, w satisfy those who wan t m ore wildern ess than designated in this
r n iz in th r i f th si ua ion and choosin Howeve , recog g e ealit es o e t t g n l n i l r R 2452 bein the one betwee these bil s, I defi te y suppo t H as g
which comes closest to sa tisfying the desires of m y constituents . The committee should also be a dvised that the legislative council of the Arkansas Sta te legislature has now gone on record as support f h a of A r . 2 u i h n eds o t e e ing H . R 245 beca se t best meets t e e St t f r the rele lan ka nsas . The council al so expressed its support o ase
guage contained i n this bill . 27
I join the council in urging a pproval of the release language con 2452 The i i n f il rn n ta ined in HR . . des gnat o o w de ess by Co gress elimina tes the admin istrative discretion to manage for other multi l h t h r f r p e uses previously eld by he Federal land managers; t e e o e, release language is necessa ry to in sure tha t the lands not designate ed as wildern ess are available to produce other multiple uses with ut his n a r i l o administrative or legal challenges. T i sures p ed ctab e flow of outputs an d justifies the high developm ent costs often asso cis ted with building roads and growing timber or developing gas
fi l t r . e ds, e cete a n m im f rn n th n l I k ow y t e is limited this a te oo , and e pa e has an her i nesses h r ul li resen m y ot w t to ear . Therefo e, I wo d ke to p t to the panel for insertion in the of ficial hearing record extensive doc um enta tion which has been given to m e from several sources in ludin the Ar ansas ores er i e Ge lo i a l urve De art c g k F t S v c , o g c S y, p m en of the n eri r U ni ed Minin on n se er s udies t I t o , t g C gress, a d v al t which I hope will help you analyz e the m any com plex economic and social issues surrounding a wilderness designa tion of the m ag nitude proposed today. h l Mr . L E . i ou o i n h il be r WHIT Y W t t bject o , t ey w eceived . [The a tta chments follow:] Exhibi t A
M B OF M AWIR SE MAC I G’ I HE PB D DG BHI S WM
ARFA S ARE M BY 'DI E M SB WI CE AS M M
NOTE O ZA RK NA TI O NA L F ORE S T ONLY
H. R . 29 1 7 H. R . 2452
" m m. 19 88 C! Tm RE VN E S 3
AN N . ADVERSE M C
m m REVENUE 1 0 8 8 I D
m REVB WE I DSS 1 0
WE S I S APPW ‘I ATE
M i t B
F AM M INI VERS H Y M M M M AT M . M ,
2 I O WHDE RNESS GI E ML TDE JOB I S HB T DWDIE W 1 2 A£R ES I I B T , .
A m oun m w m moo m m n m mm eoo m s m m
3d
I nhibi t ' A r hs ns ss s Thi rd Dis t r ic t
b y county unde r
i s t i o ne l Fo r es t Res erve A c t
- 1 6 11568 1 $ 0 0 ( I ls t i onel Fo r es t l s s erve Ac t ) provi des thet twenty five p er cent of el l r evenue s derived f r ee t i t er s sl es end d epos it ed i n t he t r eesury of t he Uni t ed St et es a i r i ng e ny fiscel yser f roe eny net i ens l f or es t - s el be s s t t he end of su e b he Se cre s r o h l p id . ch y er , y t t y f t he R es ent y end
s u rse b he Un e e es De er ns nt f r cul ur e f o r es v di b d y t it d St t p t o Ag i t . try Ser i ce
D vi si on t o t s u n i n w c s i onsl s i t v i he hi h uch ns t f or e t s s i t ue ed . h e r e enues
' s rs re urne t o t he s t st s i n two nt s . th e r s s eent e sd n r t d psys e fi t p y , e i Oc t obe of es c eer cons s s of seven - ve 7 2 of t he es t h y , i t ty fi per cent ( 5 ) i nst ed t ot el thet
u i l l be urne be ck t o t he st s t s f or e f i e eer . t he second s ee nt s s de t d th t cel y p y , us er t he end of De cee ber of eec s er c ons s s o f t he b sl ence o f t he t vent h y , i t y
2 e i e five percent ( 2 3 ) of t he net revenues derived f or th t f cel yes r .
- The b t i onel f o rest b eer vs Ac t f urt her pr ovides thet s eid r evenues cen b e expended es t he St ete h gi el s t ur e ney prescr ibe f or t he benefit of t he publi c
l s end u l c r ee s of t he c oun o r coun es n w i c s e i ons l s choo p b i d ty ti . i h h uch n t - i s i t us t ed . h i s St s t e h i s l s c t ed k . f orest s g t ure hes ens Ar St et . 1 3 70 3
e on t 6 23 of 9 1 1 w c r ov es t he ollow n f o l cti 2 . Ac 1 ) hi h p id f i g r-al e f or t he
di stribu tion of t he r evenues .
ee- our s 3 6 of se r evenues s ell be s r u e o ‘ l l 1 . Thr f th ( 1 ) id h di t ib t d t t hs pub i c schoo s . - A Art . e . 8 0 7 26 e c on Ac t 1 0 6 of 1 9 3 3 s r u r ev ) St t ( S ti 1 . ) di t ib t es s eid s nues t o t he s chool di s tr ic t s of t he county i n di rect propor tion
t o t he na sher of scres of nst i ons l f ores t l ends lying wi thin t heboun
l i he u o f t he d eri s e of eech s chool di st ri ct . I t s t d ty St ete De ps rts ent
of [ dura ti on t o di s t ri but e thet p or tion of t he f unds s cc rui ng t o t he
s chools of t he respec tive coun ties .
- of ev nue s e s r u e t o t he ur f 2 . One fou rth seid r e s h ll be di t ib t d t ress y o t he
w nu s w v respec tive county or counti es f ree hi ch such r eve e ere deri ed . — A k e . 70 on 6 Ac t 6 23 of 1 9 1 1 rov es e t ) Ar . St t 3 5 ( Secti , ) p id th t he county t reesurer shell edd seid r evenues t o t he fund of their r espec tive c ou n
he ee s t i es f or t he i mm in en t of t publi c r d . i t i s t he duty of t he St s t e Auditor t o di s tr ibute thet por tion of t he f unds s eem ing t o t he
county reed funds . 35
The ollow n s c e u le s ows t he t o t el en oun t of reve nues rece ve un e r f i g h d h i d , d
t he Net i onel Fo r es t Re serve Ac t b t he t s t nd e . y s e e r tu rned t o t he cou nti es f o r
eech of t he es t wo 2 sc e eers end t he re en p t ( ) fi l y p s t fiscel yeer .
1 9 7 9 -8 0 1 9 8 0 -8 1 1 9 8 1 -8 2
School Di stri ct s ( 7 S! )
l ee s 252 7 6 d ( ) l 0 6 9 59 . 6 . , T TAL O S3 ,7 27 .6 9 0 . 9 6
- Ark . e . 8 0 726 Sec on 1 Ac t 1 0 6 f 3 3 r v St t ( ti . o 1 9 ) p o ides thet t he en oun t of
r evenu es sppo r t i oned t o t he coun ties s hell he i n pr op or tion t o t he anc ho r of
ecr es of net i onsl ores len s n w n t he o der i es o s f t d lyi g ithi b un f e ch coun t y . The
o ow n e e s ows t he t ot el ecr es e es e erm ne t he Un e f ll i g t bl h g , d t i d by ited St t es
De er t s ent of r cu ur e Fo res r e rv ce D v s on i n t he Oes t k Ouechi t e end p Ag i lt , t y S i i i i , ,
Fo St . Prent is Net i onel res t s .
Net Ac reege
1 9 7 9 -8 0 1 9 8 0 -8 1 1 9 8 1 -8 2
F re Coun o h t . 7 2 e Fi nel Pe t . l s t i onsl o st gz b t Pez s 5 P z g. z
Ouschi t s 3 60 3 20 3 20 3 20
8 7 6 2 2 1 8 6 8 23 8 6 8 23 1 8 6 8 0 7 ' ‘ “ ‘ ' I ot sl Ac reege r irc m m in : l et Ac ree‘e
1 9 7 9 -8 0 1 9 8 0 -8 1 1 9 8 1 -8 2
7 5! P0 A n 7 53 Pt t M M l a — us; M
Ot e rb
3 2 3 3 6 3 2 3 3 6 t ot el A cres"
e s st . f r nei
Tetel Aereege
St st e tet el
I esed on t he t ot el rev enues received by t he s tete end t he fem a le pr ovi de d - A rk . t e . 1 3 70 3 Sec on 2 Ac t 6 2 3 of t he ol o w sc e t-v i n S t ( ti , f l ing hedul s ho s
of venu s r u e t o e ec coun hsvi n e r e t he eeount re es di t ib t d h ty . g c e ge l ocet ed within
es bounds l ne f or eec of t he t t wo 2 s cel rs s net i onel for t ry i , h pu ( ) fi yee end
t he present fiscel yser .
38
n eed on t he to tal r eve nue s r ec eiv ed by t he s tete end t he t o t el eo r eege of
erm e e ech na t i onel fo r est . e e det in d by t he Un ited S ta tes Depe rtn ent of
e t o r eet r S e rv c e D v on t he w agr ic ul t ur . y i i isi . fo l l o i ng t eb l e shove t he pe r eer e
n o t he ev e n e a a distr ib ut io f r u s f o r e ch n tio nal f o r es t . f o r e eCh of t he pe s t t wo
e er en he e ( 2 1 fisc el y e d t pr s ent f i eoei ye a r .
Distr i buti on P er her e net i onel t or eet 1 9 7 9 -8 0 1 9 8 0 -8 1 1 9 8 1 -8 2
O uechl t e 3 2 1 1 3 2 4 7 82 0 4
Da rk
S t . t r enc i e
S t ete t ot el
T . r MD . . . HA MME R SC H I T C I Mr hank you Mr hairman , have an er a th in f . n x e tum one o those additions O e hibit A, if I may call it to ’ H rter s B sa R . re attention , the ethune bill in my testimony ys 21 7 1 . 7 f H R . 25 V s r . Actually those figures come rom ery ho tly I m fi ure will sub it, or ask the Forest Service, since these are their g s, 2 1 7 i l av to submit the correct figures as well for H R . 9 so you w l h e in x . B u a complete picture . T he reason for that mi up was Mr eth ne troduced an earlier bill and I used those figures from the Forest r n f Se vice, a d then later be amended his bill . And so there ore I
have three sets of economic figures to present to the committee .
. WHI T L E Y . T nk . . H Mr ha you very much, Mr ammerschmidt
HA H D . a . MM M E R SC I T . Ch . H I Mr Mr airman , Mr ansen , am most p r p ecia tive for your interest and for your very kind attention .
. W r H ? Mr a rm e . Mr . ansen
. HA . t . H r NS E N . Mr I is good to have you here, Mr amme schmidt You a reci and I have worked together on a lot of things . I also pp ate your insight and understanding and the diligent way in which of you serve the people of your own area, and the people the coun
d . . f r n try So your remarks are well ta ken , as a as I am concer e I s is f for would ju t ask one question , and that , can you clari y the committee the posture taken by the various representatives of the r Arkansas delegation on this issue? As I understand it, the e is
some division and difference of opinion , and I was wondering, in if somewhat capsule form , you might be prepared to give us any
background on that . H ME ff e . M Mr A R S CH MIDT . O nly that we just have honest di erenc s f ff o opinion . And we represent to some degree I guess a di erent
constituency base , as to what their ultimate conclusions are, and we are all just doing our jobs as representatives of the people and
we have differences of opinion there .
. ? Mr WH I TL E Y . Will the gentleman yield
E . Y Mr . HANS N es .
. WH I TL E . The of . Mr Y gentleman , course , got here a little late
O ur situation here is that we have two bills pending, one intro
f . duced by the gentleman rom Arkansas , Mr Anthony, which has a
more restricted wilderness designation . I t is supported by Mr . r Hammerschmidt as the more desirable of the two, is suppo ted by 39 the Forest Service and a ppa rently follows fa irly closely the recom m endati ns t o hat came from the RAR E II study . The ot er on ress a n h bill is introduced by our colleague, C g m Ed et ne of A r ra roa er an d con B hu ka n sas, an d it is a conside bly b d bill ta ns a ost of the a n i la rger designa ted wildern ess a rea . A nd m l d, H some 9 2 percent of the lan d involved is in the district of Mr . am m r hm e sc idt. t MME MI DT . r . a if a to o r a Mr . A R S C H M r an t H Ch i m , I migh c ll y u ’ A n r t n t n a n th o ttee s att nt on th fa t t at Mr . e a e e io , d e c mmi e i , e c h l x d A n has also cosponsored the ntho y bill . h E . t a r a t e a r r w . t w Mr . HA NS N I pp eci e ch i man evie ing this I as
n t a t th nt n fro A r n Mr . H my understa ndi g h e ge lema m ka sa s, am ’ hm h n t w n m ersc idt, a d the greatest impa ct i his distric but e do t v a o t e ave so e ot er n of a v ha e p li ica l division here. Wh m h ki d di i on a s v on a si , bec use we have people of both pa rtie di ided up e ch f t r t n a . e side. Tha t is why I mention ed the issue rathe ha bill I l this matter probably ought to be put on the table so we all un der s n th h r n a n t at rev ew . ta d e situation . I a ppreciate t e chai ma m ki g h i
Mr . DT . HA MME R S C H MI Fine.
Mr . A E . a n ou Mr . a r . u ver . H NS N Th k y , Ch i man Tha n k yo y much
Mr . H I T L E . n ou Mr . a ers Y a t . W Th k y , H mm chmid f ur n t w tn ess w be Mr . a e o r t e O ex i ill D l R be tson , A ssocia e Chi ,
S . orest rv e e art nt f A r t n U F Se ic , D p me o g icul ure here in Washi g
ton .
r . wo a r te M o n w av t. W R bertso , e h e your statemen e uld pp ecia hearing from you a t this time.
T A T T A T T S EMEN OF F . D LE ROBERT SON, A SSOCIA E CHIEF , FORES A T T A A SERVICE , U S . DEP R MEN OF A GRICULT URE , CCOMP NIED BY ED BLOEDEL
f r Mr . B E a r e o e RO R T S O N . We a ppreciate the opportun ity to a ppe b th wo t . 2 1 4 2 e o R 9 7 n d . . 2 5 w c mmi tee to discuss H . a H R , hich uld esi n a e w n r n s an d the d g te c rta in lan ds ithi the Oza rk an d S t. F a ci , a ta a t on a r t w Ou chi N i l Fo es s as ildern ess a reas .
f R . T he Depa rtment of A griculture recommen ds en a ctment o H . 2452 w t s six new i h certa in amen dmen ts . T he bill would establi h wildern ess a reas tota ling a cres a n d add a cres to the t f r — a or exis ing Upper Buffalo Wildern ess. Four o the a eas Bl ck F k n n d er Mou tain , Hurricane Creek, Upper Buffalo a dditio , an Upp — Kiamichi River were recommen ded for wilderness designation in rt the RA R E II Fin al Environ menta l Impa ct Sta tement . We suppo design a tion of these a reas with a creage correction s to in clude the r n g ass a rea within the proposed bou da ries. f r The Eastern Wildern ess A ct o 1 9 75 esta blished the D y Creek,
Belle Sta rr Cave an d Richla n d Creek as wilderness study a reas . The Forest Service has completed the basic study of these three areas an d is currently in the final stages of completing the environ A t r o en t t a t n menta l impa ct sta tement. t his time we ec mm d ha c io on these thr ee a reas be deferred until the study process can completed an d recommen dations have been tran smitted to the C on
t r ess. gress by the President. We will do our best to expedite his p oc 24 2 H . . 5 I n a ddition to wildern ess designations proposed by R , 2 1 7 i n f r a t n w ern s areas and H . R . 9 would des g ate ou ddi io al ild es 40 would significan tly en la rge the Richlan d Creek and the Belle Sta rr
Cave (Potea u Mounta in ) a reas . T he Depa rtment of A griculture does not support wilderness designa tion for these four a dditional a n d tw x d a r 1 n o e ed e n t f . 29 7 t as a d , here ore, recommen ds that H . R o ena m ree of th fo r 29 1 7 for wil Th e u a ddition al a reas proposed by H . R . ern ess en oo ea t erw t or were re o en e d , P h k, L h ood , a n d Eas F k, c mm d d as nonwilderness in the RA R E II Final Environ menta l Impa ct
Sta temen t. Pen hook was not recommen ded for wildern ess beca use of ortan t t v 1 6 of roa s a nd n ero s ne imp imber a lues, miles d , um u pi plantation s . Leatherwood was not recommen ded beca use there a re a pproxi t f r v n n 1 1 1 ma ely 49 9 a cres o p i ate la d i widely scattered tracts, 9 es f r ortant t er va es w t n ro ne mil o oads, imp imb lu i h ume us pi plan f n n a w n n . t ta tions, a d ma m de ildli e O pe i gs Eas Fork was not recom en e eca se it has h t er va 78 f r t m d d b u igh imb lues, miles o oads, wo r an d n n t v f t cemete ies, sig ifica e iden ce o pas loggin g a nd manage l ent a t v t es. A l t ree a r av n n f r m c i i i h eas h e pla ed uture timbe sa les. We re o en t a t en oo at rw n t r a r c mm d h P h k, Le he ood , a d Eas Fo k eas not be es na te w n d ig d as ilder ess . The ro ose Fla t id 2 1 7 w n t s e rn in R . 9 as p p d Wilde ess conta ed in H . o included in the RA R E II inventory beca use the a rea did n ot meet r ter a for the roa v w n 1 9 65 on a r c i i dless a rea re ie . Si ce , milli bo d feet of t r h f r a r 40 imbe as been ha rvested rom the a rea . The e e miles of primitive roa ds a n d miles of a ll-wea ther roa d in the Fl atside a rea . Eighteen percen t of the a creage in cluded in Flatside is in o n re nt r y u g, ce ly egen erated timber sta n ds a n d the remain der of the a rea is in se on r T h r rv a n th te f c d g owth . e Fo est Se ice d e Sta o A rka nsas ha ve a lso ma de investments in improvement work within th fl t e a side a r a . f e Beca use o the existing developmen ts, which we e eve a re n o a t w t n r v b li i c mp ible i h wilderness a d other resou ce alues, we re o en t s a r a n t c mm d hi e o be designa ted wildern ess.
H . R . 29 1 7 designates Richla n d Creek as wildern ess contain in g the congression ally designated Richla n d Creek Wildern ess Study A rea a nd the a n r A f r a f r Richl d C eek R RE II urther pla n n ing a e , o a ta of to a res. A r v a n t of l c s p e iously in dicated , the Dep rtme A griculture recommen ds deferring wilderness designa tion of the smaller a cres a rea un til completion of the studies an d we rec om m end against designation of the rema in der of this a rea beca use of e st n roa ds tover for t r n r va t xi i g , cu est la n ds, a ceme e y, a d p i ely owne nera r w n d mi l ights ithi the a rea .
R . 2 1 H . 9 7 also designa tes the Potea u Mounta in Wilderness . This a rea is a combin ation of three RA RE II a reas; Belle Sta rr Cave S A w ern ess st a r t rr t n d e ta rr [W ] ild udy ea , Belle S a Eas , a Bell S est f r n Th h W urthe pla n ing a reas . e Forest Service as completed studies of the East a n d West Belle Sta rr a reas together with the congression a lly design ated Belle Sta rr Cave Wildern ess Study A rea an d is in the fin a l stages of completing the environ menta l impa ct
sta te en t. A s rev o s s w r t t n on t m p i u ly ta ted , e ecommend tha a c io his a rea be deferred until the study process has been completed an d the res n P ide t submits his recommen dation s to the Congress. 2 1 7 H . R . 9 would designa te on ly those a cres in Bla ck Fork Moun tain and n f h Upper Kia michi tha t a re in A rka n sas . T he portio s o t e a djoin ing a reas in the State of Okla homa should be design a ted as 41 w ‘ ildern ess at the sa me time the A rka nsas portions a re design a . ase on the A re o en at on s the e a rt en t s r ts B d R RE II c mm d i , D p m uppo the designation of a Black Fork Mountain Wildern ess of a cres an d an Upper Kiamichi Wilderness of a cres in cluding lan ds in both Oklahoma an d A rkan sas . e This con cludes my prepar d sta temen t. I would be ha ppy to answer an y question s you m ay have. n at h on [The prepa red statement of Mr . Robertso a ppea rs t e c clu sion of the hearing ]
Mr . H I T L E Y . an ou ver Mr . o ertson . W Th k y y much , R b r f f n rs o r test on it is the t n f Just b ie ly, i I u de ta nd y u im y, posi io o the Forest Service a n d the Depa rtmen t of A griculture to substa n 2452 w t n or e e t on s an d ou tially support H . R . i h mi xc p i , y are op 29 1 7 r a r a se it n es th n t n f posed to H . R . , p im ily bec u i clud e desig a io o several a reas tha t your RA RE II study did not in dicate were suit» w rn nat n i t a t rr t ir? able for ilde ess desig io ; s h co ec , s t f rr n E . is orr we rt th Mr . O B R T S O N at e s s o e e e R Th c c , plu upp d i g w t three ildern ess s udy a reas until the study is completed . w H I T L E . as th rev s tn esse a t the r ease Mr . W Y I ked e p iou i s bou el n n th t o n d th r on w t at the t at la guage i e w bills, a e esp se as h bill h
R . 2 2 n h a r ou f vor H . 45 o t n s w at o e to be ed ar e y a , , c ai h as c m c ll h d t u R 2 1 . i n d H . . 9 7 so r e e n e ta lease language a , ft el as la guag I ke yo are sort of going on record pretty solidly in favor of ha rd release language? t r in he B . Y . f vor he e n t A n Mr . RO E R T SO N es We a el ase la guage t r nt r u n . ho y bill , which is pe ma e elease r t r ? t at th en M. WH I T L E Y . I s hat a gene al position Would h be e g eral position of the Forest Service?Should we just assume that for future legi sla tion as fa r as wildern ess legisla tion is con cern ed?
r E . . M. RO B R T S O N Yes ’ v t ro t n fur Mr . WH I T L E Y . Then we won t ha e o go th ugh his a y
ther . n r v at u You me tioned p i a te la n ds, roa ds an d other problems th yo 2 1 R . 9 7 . r t h on o ha d with H . Tell m e b iefly wha would be t e ec mic a t of the two on th o n t n th t on the oca imp c bills e c mmu i y, o e Sta e, l l eczonomy in the a rea where the wildern ess designation would ta ke pla ce.
. 24 2 av a r a r Th r n H . R . 5 e e M RO B E R T SO N . e a eas i cluded in h l dy been ta ken out of our allowable cut calculations on the Ozark S t. ran s n d the a a t on r o es nat n t ose F ci a Ou chita N i al Fo ests, s by d ig i g h re i n o v t a as t would t ha e an y a ddi ion al impa ct .
. ? Mr WHI T L E Y . You mea n as a result of RA RE II
r . Y . M RO B E R T S O N . es t? H . Th r r a ou Mr . W I T L E Y e a e al e dy r ut a r t of A Mr . B E . a re a ea o as es and RO R TS O N ey l dy ul R RE II , th w ern t N e congression ally design ated ild ess s udy areas . ow go beyon d that an d in clude the a reas that are in cluded in H . R . 29 1 7 t r f r t a t , his would put a n addition al a c es o timbe lan d , h is now in n rn n the our allowable cut calcula tions, i to wilde ess, a d a n n ua l progra m ha rvest from this is about 6 million board feet a r w t an n yea , i h i come of somewhere between an d u w v 6 n f t a yea r . I f yo an ted to con ert the millio boa rd ee to jobs, I believe the conversion fa ctor is about seven to eight jobs r mil f t re t in t r n tr t t w o e lion boa rd ee , di c jobs imbe i dus y, an d ha o d c m 42
ut to about 40 - 50 jobs an d then you would have the secondary ef gects.
Mr . HI T L E Y . at a o t the a en ts to o nt es o a sc oo W Wh b u p ym c u i , l c l h l o r s t at sort f t n r r f b a d , h o hi g, f om the p oceeds o the sa les? - O B E R . v Mr . R TSO N N en ty fi e percent of the receipts from the Na tional Forest a re sha red with the counties which have Nation al orest ste a n in t t t r F Sy m l ds hem , an d ha is sha ed on the proportion f f n t o a res o a a n f t in t . I r w r c io al ores a coun y n othe o ds, if a coun ty 1 r ent f t r has 0 pe c o he Oza rk Nation al Fo est, then it would get 1 0 er ent of the 25- en t r r th r p c perc eceipts f om e Oza k Nation al Forest. ’ Designating a reas for wildern ess doesn t affect the percentage o n to a a rt a r n w g i g p icul cou ty, but it ould affect, as I just explained , the total re e ts o n in f u w c ip c mi g to that orest, so yo ould be splitting r f a smalle pot o receipts .
HI T L E . Mr . W Y O f course the la rger the wilderness designation n d th s a r th a t h a e m lle e moun t of imber being cut, t e sma ller pie u v to s e an d th yo ha e lic up, e smaller the amount the counties an d sc oo oa r s t r w r loca l h l b d , ei he , ould eceive. Y r Mr . B E R N . RO TS O ou a e correct.
Mr . HI T L E . W Y Than k you .
Mr . v Hansen , do you ha e an y questions?
Mr . A E NS N . n ou Mr . r H Tha k y , Chai man . rr r Just a co obo ation . Boiling your sta tement down to one bottom n li e, you support which legisla tion?
Mr . . 2 2 . RO B E R TS O N H . R . 45
r . A n M HA NS E N . d is this legislation rela tively close to tha t which ou a vo a te w t th v r r n y d c i h e a ious p ovisio s. I Mr . RO B E R TS O N . t in cludes what the Forest Service recommends plus those three wildern ess study a reas tha t we ha ve not decided
upon yet.
A E . A n Mr . H NS N d at this point a re you prepa red to support or reject those provisions?
B E R . Y Mr . RO TS O N ou mean the three wildern ess studies?
Mr . A NS E N . t H Tha is correct .
Mr . n f rr un t RO B E R TS O N . A t this poin t we must recomme d de e a l il o et on f th c mpl i o e studies.
Mr A NS E N . en wo ou be re a re to a e a e s on on .H Wh uld y p p d m k d ci i tb > ose. t M T . Th s r r . E r t r RO B R S O N e s udie a e completed . Fo es supe visors ave s tte t ose to th r n r th r f r h ubmi d h e egio a l foreste , an d e egiona l o ester should ha ve his recommen da tions to us within a mon th or I t w r two . ill p obably ta ke an other 2 or 3 months to get it through the n tera en rev w r i g cy ie p ocess here in Washington , so we a re prob a oo n a t so bly l ki g mewhere between 5 a nd 6 months.
r . S E . M HA N N I see. S o this bill will die of doddering old age before you rea lly get your comments in on those provisions; is tha t correct?
t. Mr . O B E R TS O N . we o no R Well , h pe
r . E r . ha r an . M A NS . M H N Than k you , C i m ? r . T r . rr n M WHI L E Y . M Mo iso
M. t . r MO R R I S O N . No ques ions
Mr . H I T L E Y . an ou ver Mr . o ertson . W Th k y y much , R b
r O B E R T N . an ou . M. R SO Th k y 43
ten t v st is I T L E . Th n t tn on our Mr . WH Y e ex scheduled wi ess ta i e li
v v . Mr . B . J . Pa lo ich ? o ou o forwa r e Mr . av ov W uld y c me d, pleas , P l ich
T A . A X ST T EMENT OF B J. P VLOVICH , E ECUT IVE VICE PRESIDEN , A RKA NSA S FOREST RY A SSOCIA T ION
n m M f r it d Mr . an se a er Mr . A H . P V L O V I C Chai man Wh ley an H , I v a m th t v v r n t of the A r ansas F or Pa lovich . I e execu i e ice p eside k tr a m for ster e a t on an d ave een in es y A ssocia tion . I a e by duc i , h b volved in timber supply an d wood products-rela ted associa tion r 1 wo k sin ce 9 57 . n tt is The A rkansas Forestry A ssocia tion , with of fices i Li le Rock, r t wn a non profit associa tion of a pproxima tely fo es lando ers,
f n r d a r m wood product compa n ies, pra ctici g foreste s, pulp an p pe co n n r an an d ot ers n ter pa ies, fa rmers, savi gs an d loan g oups, b ks, h i ested in main ta ining the forest potentia l of A rkansas. O ur members a pprecia te the opportun ity to comment on the A r
ka nsas wildern ess bills being con sidered by this committee. t r n a th A r an sas orestr O f he two bills un de discussio tod y, e k F y 24 2 t ost ose a ra e s A r R . 5 a t a ssociation suppo ts H . as bill h m cl ly p ll l a position ta ken prior to any legisla tion for a ddition a l A rka n sas wildern ess was ever in troduced to this Congress. The A rkan sas Forestry A ssociation is n ot opposed to the concept f w rn t f it r t ff to n s r na te o ilde ess, bu eels must esis e orts i di c imi ly ’ designate wildern ess rega rdless of an area s wildern ess a ttributes “ r th n r rn rn n t s o we ave wil o e eed fo wilde ess . O ur conce is o h uld h ” “ ” dern ess, but how much should be set aside. ur r n o ttees 60 O members, through their va rious wo ki g c mmi , m n r v ttee-en orse a boa rd of di ectors, an d 1 5 m an executi e commi d d the Forest Service recommendation s for wildern ess designation in
A rkan sas. We fa vor legisla tion that con ta ins suffi cien cy language for the “ ” r ase n ua e RA RE II , En viron mental Impa ct Sta temen t an d ele la g g f r e do n ot s ort the o a reas recommended for n onwildern ess. W upp f rt er t n r Th w rn ess ss e has een u h s udy of a dditio a l a eas . e ilde i u b studied sin ce 1 9 64 an d it is time tha t positive steps to settle the
question be ta ken . Th 2542 th sa e as t ose recom e a reas identified in H . R . are e m h n r n a t on s were not me ded by the Forest Service. These ecomme d i v r the res t of de eloped overn ight or a rrived at casua lly . They a e ul two r r n v : A n d on ress on a o th ee i tensi e studies RA RE 1 , R RE II a c g i l l Th t r ost in ot o ars an d y ma n dated studies. e s udies we e c ly b h d ll A t on a n n r n s. ma power . They i volved widesprea d public hea i g ddi i l r costly estudy is not n eeded at this time. Na tion a lly there a re a pproximately 26 million a cres of nation al forest land set aside as primitive or legislative designated wilder n r 1 4 1 87 on a res t at ess. This rep esents percent of the tota l milli c h h I t ot n e the ons of t e Forest Service man ages. does n i clud milli a cres tha t a re de fa cto wildern ess beca use they fa ll un der further “ ” n stra t ve a n r oes study classification or a re under a dmi i i ppeal , o d rn it in clude other Federa l or other agen cy wilde ess lan ds. The Nation a l Wildern ess Preserva tion System included in 1 9 8 1 t 1 1 r ent a pproxima tely million a cres. This is equa l to abou pe c 44 of l f h f r n r n n I al o t e o est a d angela d of federally owned la ds. t is equal in size to the New E n land Sta tes plus New York and New w erse i r r . J y , hich is a cons de ab e a ea T he A nthony bill will in crease the Oza rk an d Ouachita Na tion a l
Forest Wildern ess Sytem more tha n 3 V2 times . v n w t n r 1 E e ithout these addi io a l new a reas , the e are 3 existing wildern ess areas with over acres within easy driving dis - ta nce of north cen tra l A rkansas . These a reas a re located in A rkan
r . sas, Missou i , a n d Oklahoma We fee t at th A n t on w r l l t r m l h e h y bill , hich a a l e s he U SFS eco m i t v enda t ons, is mos reason able and a li The proposed a reas were singled out after deta iled studies of n umerous sites were iden tified r v as ible wildern ess . These sites we e e a luated on the basis of m ected wi ern ess nee w ern ess attr tes the econo and p j ld d , ild ibu , mic
a a n d r . soci a l imp cts, thei manageability I n n r f h v r 2 1 R . 9 7 n co t ast, some o t e prospecti e a eas listed in H . co ta in features and developments wholly beyond the con cept a nd fi t de ni ion of wildern ess . F r r r t r n o instan ce, East Fo k (Oza k Na iona l Fo est) i cludes a roa d which bisects the a rea from east to west . A group supporting this proposa l recommen ds tha t the roa d not be closed to motorized vehi f i tr n n cles beca use o ts a dition a l use by loca l reside ts and hu ters . “ A n accepted defin ition of wildern ess in cludes the phrase untram ” m eled by m an . A roa dway through the middle of a wildern ess wo a r eet t t r re z e t t th r a nd n uld h dly m ha ph ase. I a li ha e ac es bou d ar of th ro r a tes in ies e p posed a eas a re cha nging almost daily . My l t formation is tha t the roa d would be in cluded in the East Fork pro o w Th r rn p sed ildern ess a rea . e East Fo k a rea a lso has a wilde ess at tr t r n n f 1 ibu e a ki g o 6 on a sca le of from 4 to 28 . Flatside te t w t f h r t n f a t , loca d jus es o Little Rock, as a a i g o bou 1 4 Fl i . a ts de did not surfa ce as a poten tia l wildern ess a rea during h v t e exha usti e an d highly publicized RA RE II public in put process. s a r m Thi ea , I a told has 8 miles of boun da con tiguous to priva te lan n d - I d a has miles of primitive a n d a l weather roa ds. t a lso has a h stor r n r i y of ece t timbe ha rvesting. - H . 29 1 7 r R . would a lso create a 3 0 0 a cre wildern ess in the Uppe r n r w r Kia michi a ea . This would ot meet any pa ra meters fo a ilde r ness a rea . I assume tha t the inten t of this proposed wilderness a ea wo r r v r Th wo o uld equi e spillo er a c es in Oklahoma . e sa me uld h ld true for the f in Bla ck Fork Moun ta in proposa l , pa rt o which lies
aho a . I f d Okl m , a lso this is the in tent, it probably should be a r d essed in the bill . T he genera l welfa re a n d economic well-being of A rka n sas is in a ’ A r t la rge part tied directly to the Sta te s timber resource. ecen eco nomic study in dicates tha t 1 out of every 5 ma n ufa cturing employ in A r ees kansas is engaged in the production of wood products. Wildern ess designa tion ca n mea n that significan t sources of timber
supply will be cut off. n r nt O a loca lized level , the im pact is fa r more c itica l as a dja ce commun ities rely heavily on these a reas for the production of jobs n d r r n n t a n a n n a r a loca l resou ces. Fo instan ce, o e compa y wi h u l p o duction of 1 5 million feet of lumber depen ds on the Forest Service r 1 2- feet f ra r A n t er ses 50 to 60 r fo to mm o w mate ia l . o h mill u pe 2 n t n r r t . cen t of Federal timber . S ill a othe uses 5 pe ce
46
Not being fortunate enough to have been preced ed by a State bio o a rve in so e ot er tes v l gic l su y, as m h Sta , we ha e had to perform an f n t ons of a te o rv v I n m y u c i Sta biol gica l su ey oursel es. this proc — — ’ ess I submit we have lea rned a great dea l about A rkansas natu v ral di ersity, how the elements of that diversity a re distributed in the ta t n d w it wi r t t s r f S e, a hat ll ta ke to assu e tha hi he itage o di versity is preserved for the use an d enjoymen t of fu ture genera tions . I n recent months we have visited these 1 1 proposed wilderness ' areas . We ha ve evaluated them in the l ht of our experience in other a reas of the Ozarks an d the O uac itas an d specifically in compa rison with other pa rts of the Ozark an d Oua chita Nationa l n Forests . O ur co clusion is that the 1 1 a reas specified in Congress ’ m thun if r rv w a n B e e s bill , p ese ed , ould ma ke a major contribution towar a v n w r i d chie i g the goa ls to hich ou agen cy s dedicated . Basic to the whole enterprise of bi ica l con serva tion is an un derstanding tha t the spa ce needs ofologeren t conservation ta rgets ' v r n i f r f a y e ormously . A po ula t on o a a re kin d o sa la mander m a y be a e to s rv v n m itel in a f w r f bl u i e i de y e a c es o preserved habita t . o e of our ra r n ts t rv v S m est pla migh su i e in even sma ller preserves . B ut a mean ingful sam ple of forest of a certa in type m ay require 1 0 0 2 r r r . a cres, 0 0 ac es, o mo e Some of the kin ds of an imals tha t nee a t n r n r n 20 d h bita protectio a re la ge a d/ o highly mobile, a d 0 a r f n i n n r c es o habita t will o ly beg to meet their needs. The , p e serves tha t main tain the rela tionships between n a tura l commun i t es of var o s n h n ter tr s at s ort i i u ki ds, in cluding t e u a l ed s eam th upp so ife much l , obviously get us to the poin t where we have to thi n k in ter s of a few t m housan d a cres. Now a n , State a tura l a rea agency like ours ca n do an effective job with those elements of n ature tha t have relatively modest ds for T nee s a e. th n h t p c o date, e Natura l Heritage Commissio as se as e 25 a reas of an distr W now t at id l d ibuted a roun d the Sta te. e k h these tra cts are protecting some importa nt elements of our herit B age. ut the la rgest of them encompasses on ly a cres; conse ’ ent w qu ly, e know that non e of our agenc s preserves offers much ass s n th n ta e to r t r f r . i c e e dange ed Florida pan e , o exa mple rt r r Fu he mo e, we know tha t it is impossible to help that species in t hat way. Through the Na tiona l Wildern ess Preservation ’ ste t o r th Sy m , h ugh , Fo est Service la n ds ca n help preserve e Sta te s natura l diversity in la rge forested tra cts tha t a re com plem en ’ to o r n u c s e . T h ree e y pr serves Here a re some exam ples. e D C r n a ea i c ndes the entire watershed of a mounta in stream . e Hur rican e Creek a rea a n d the Lea therwood a rea ea ch conta in a lmost o te wa ters — or t 9 c mple heds m e han 0 percen t. The crest of Bla ckfork Moun tain supports a stun ted woodlan d of n nt w t t r n n w th a cie hite oaks ha p obably is u ique in A rka sas, hile e north-fa cing slope of the sa me mounta in has a n un usua lly fin e f r f n r o t s r a d r e . t a a es o uga ma ple, oaks, hicko i s Ex ensive ced gl des r r t n r an d h a e featu es of specia l interes i the Lea therwood a ea , t e h n v r ur East Fork a rea as some swamps domi ated by o e cup oak , s
prisin gly located in upla n d loca tion s. We have records of the Florida pa nther from the Belle Sta rr a rea an d from the Hurrica n e Creek a rea ; an d several of the ra re ’ plant species on our agen cy s inven tory list grow in a reas n ow pro 47
t t r f a posed for wildern ess designa tion . Doub less there a re o he e tures of equa l importa nce in these a reas tha t have not yet come to our at n B t ea r t a t t s se e t on of na t ona forest te tion . u it is cl h hi l c i i l n forest w rn ess a r as a rea lan ds, ta ken with the two n atio al ilde e l dy set i A r n tre e orta n t r ose if aside n ka sas, ca n serve an ex m ly imp pu p you will add them to the Wildern ess System in the present session h A r n t r of Congress . I n recognition of this poten tia l t e ka sas Na u a l Heritage Commission a dopted a resolution last yea r which I submit “ r r with my rema rks. I t requests that you ta ke all a pp op iate a ction ” k as soon as possible to ena ct the a ppropria te legisla tion . I as
n . you to give their request your serious con sidera tion . Tha k you r t t r . b Mr v M. o o . HI T L E Y . a n ou er e e W Th k y y much , Sh ph d Wi h u i of A r ansas a t ra er ta e ject on , the resolution of the Sta te k N u l H i g
Commission will be a ccepted for the record . [T he resolution of the A rka n sas Natura l Herita ge Commission followsz]
50
r . M WHI T L B Y . Do members of the subcommittee have questions for Mr . Shepherd?
r n . M. Ha sen
. r w r Mr . A NS E H N I a pp eciate the witness a ppea ring, and ill ce ta in l rev ew w a t he has h y i h ad to say.
ave no fu rt er est ons or om ents Mr . a r an . t a n I h h qu i c m , Ch i m h k you . ' ' Mr . WHI I L E Y . Mr . Morrison .
Mr . O M R R I SO N . No than k you . ' ‘ Mr . Mr . . WHI I L E Y . v r e ar Than k you e y much, Sh ph d n f th O ur next scheduled witness is Mr . Waym o d Teague o e
r f A r ansas. Bible Lumber Co. o k
Mr w w o e ou ere to a . A s we ave sa to re . Teague, e elc m y h d y h id p v w a e t o r wr tten sta te ent in its ent re ions witnesses, we ill cc p y u i m i w w a r r nts f r and e o ec ate o o e . ty o the record, uld pp i y u c mm
A T T WA YMND T A W A A A S ST EMEN OF O E GUE , OODL ND M N GER ,
BIBLER LUMBER CO .
r E A G . r t f h n in M. T U E I am su e tha man y o t e poi ts made my r f A n r n t pa pe will be ma de by olks who will follow m e. d ce ta i ly he fo s who v lk ha e come before m e have don e a good job . m a Wa m n d n n r r C o. an d I y o Teague, woodla ds ma ager, fo Bible , I ’ in r n s ea t t . r 20 e r e p k ha ca pa city I a m a foreste with y a s expe i ce, n l a d we v A rk . tr o ha e a sawmill located in Russellville, , cen a lly ca t ed in rega rd to the wilderness a reas we talk about today . We buy a pproximately 55 percen t of our usage from the Forest Service. am n tr to o I goi g to skip the figures a n d the bills, an d I will y g to some kin d of economic ana lysis of what we thin k a bout the wilder t r . Th es n ness p oposa l I would direct your a ttention to page 2 . e qu io a e to n H r n w it c m mi d , ow much timber is on the a eas a d hat is ’ A u wort to a ? too th r th r rv s Mr . t h d y I k e p oposa ls, e Fo est Se ice , h ’ ’ on s a n d Mr . th n y bill B e u e s bill . ’ T he Forest Service s origin a l recommen da tions ca lled for 1 3 5 mil lion boa rd feet of timber tha t has a curren t fair ma rket price of ’ n M 21 1 m n . e millio r . A nthon s proposed a rea would hav illio
r . boa rd feet of timber an d ave a worth of million . M Beth ’ un e s proposed a rea would ha ve 3 60 million boa rd feet and on in milli va lue today . I would like to poin t out that these figures a re from the Forest rv n Se ice, a d the fa ir ma rket price tha t I used on these figures are n w ll n w w compila tions from sa les for the last 3 yea rs . I thi k e a k o e have been in quite a depressed ma rket for lumber in the last 3 n r yea rs, a d tha t has certa in ly S hown up in the stumpage p ices . I would estimate tha t these prices a re up to 50 percent below fai r a r t v m ke a lue today . You might be interested to know tha t the am oun t of timber on ’ - w Mr . th n r 3 0 n r f t o B e u e s a ea , 6 millio boa d ee , uld build n -f er t n va out t ere to si gle amily homes. Th e is an a ddi io a l lue h be th rt h . I f t 0 0 r in a nd ad you would like, you could pu $2 an a c e e di — n n r r a con $50 in the improvements bei g surveys, bou da ies, o d tr t n n f n n r n e rove ents et s uc io , po d , wildli e, ope i gs, d a i ag imp m , r I f t t w r th the r st rv e ro ose a rea cete a . ha e e e case, Fo e Se ic p p d ’ r A n t on s wo av would ha ve a va lue of $27 million . M. h y uld h e a 51
’ v ue f h n w av a v f o Mr . t a l million . A nd B e u e s ould h e alue o al ost 80 m $ million . t r Much has been said, or will be sa id, about reven ue tha ca n o is n being produced or could be produced from the area . T he pote tial fair ma rket value of the wood tha t could be produced from the res rv n n n Fo t Se ice area on an an ua l basis would be millio , a d again this is the price we have been experien cing for the last 3 w 1 Th o n t of t at wo years hich s quite depressed . e c u y sha re h uld be
4 1 1 0 0 0 . I f t at woo were ava a e to us t at wo rov e obs $ , h d il bl , h uld p id j t f r ur . h a in o mill T e type of mill th we have got, it would provide o fi f M ’ hi 8 f . r r. n 7 jobs or a year The like gures o A ntho y s bill, s area f would produce million worth o timber ann ually, of which ’ 4 r . h w h 1 0 I f M. ould go to t e county This is jobs. B et une s
ll in i r . Th o n t ets bi was , his area , t p oduces million e c u y g 2 at wo r million a yea r; a nd that would produce 76 jobs . Th uld p o n n ur n duce a lmost e ough timber to ru o mill o . Several things ha ppen when public timber is removed from the r I r t a f n tr own e er m a ketplace. t inc eases he moun t o i dus ially d timb as a percentage of the tota l tim ber ava ilable for the ma rket. Sma ll n r I t o se busi esses are heavily dependent on public timbe . c uld ca u industry to a cquire more privately held timberlan d to offset their I r n str a r va t losses. t would increase ou relia nce on no indu i l p i ely t rn e t r h er . in own d timber; in o her wo ds, t e sma ll landown This, u , could ca use mandatory controls to be pla ced on the use of this
it e r r . lan d, or could in crease the size of the forest in c ntive p og am t r n art I n ei he case, it would be an in vitation for Governme t to p ici a t in the t n wn p e managemen of sma ll la do ers.
I t would intensify the resource use on the nonwildern ess areas . I t is interesting to note that 52 percent of a ll commercial forest woods i on fe era r nta e of the saw s d lly owned land . Even a great pe ce g timber-sized trees and the high qua lity trees is located on Federa l f is ro ort on la nds. O course wilderness would ca pture a greatly d p p i am ount f t i a te o h s highly desirable timber . n t the oss to the Much has bee said about, and will be sa id abou l n t es on r v n m overn ent is 25 cou i e e ue return . T u ba ck to the local g m
rcen f ever is reater . pe t o gross receipts, or 75 cents an acre, which g 25 a ent in e I f the percent is less than 75 cents an a cre, the p ym li u n -in- e -of-tax one of taxes ma kes up the differen ce. Payme t li u m y I f the 25- r ent comes from the general fun d of the taxpayer . pe c r n t ona 1 0 ents is sha e equals or exceeds 75 cents an acre, a addi i l c h t r w r i h 25- er ent s are is paid from t e PILT funds . I n o he o ds, f t e p c h I f it is n 1 0 ents a n a re. greater tha n 75 perce t, PILT fund pays c c 4 L 0 nts a re. only cents a n a cre, the PILT fund pays 3 5 ce a n c PI T n n t a r ar e for m o ey goes to the general county funds, and 1 8 o e m k d
I h nt fit. a ny pa rticula r use. t can be used as t e cou y sees T he 25-percent turnback money is earmarked for schools and
roads 1 n the coun ty. T he amoun t of reven ue loss is in direct proportion to the amount of timber cut off or will be cut off of those areas tha t a re in wilder
n ess. The da nger lies in when the reven ue is around the 75 cents per v a cre le el . 52
I n ot er wor s if ou ha d a on-a re forest an d ou had h d , y milli c , y t r i n f h 2 imbe sa les n the e1ghborhood o $3 million , then t e 5 percent turnba ck sha re would be I n other wo l fr r rds, al money ca me om timbe cuts. PIL T in this case would con tribute an additional S o the count would have received I f those timber sal es were to g n - drop percent, to the your reven ue sharing portion of the turnba ck is and PILT funds ma kes and there is n n o additio al money ma de. I n o r if u v the words, yo ha e a forest that generates $3 million worth of t er sal es the o n t ets I f it enerates imb , c u y g g it only gets $7 Quite a disproportionate drop
ere. The c e has been made tha t none of the areas can produce a t v w . A nd positi e cas flo his is simply not the case. A ll he a ro v t reas p duce a positi e cash flow . I t might be good ,
xce t in ertain ases. I t t be oo to oo at the ast han out f p c c migh g d l k l d gave you .
The way the computation is don e is a n area is ta ken . Gross re i is f r f t t r f ce pts established o the sa le o hat imbe , and, o course, rec h reationa l fees an d other things. Then you ta ke out t e preparation
and n n os . n ou ut n t admi istratio c ts The y take o payme to counties . n I n this case, payment to cou ties becomes a cost against the r Fo est Service. en ou ut o l t is r n r t on rec Th y take o p stsa e cos . This the ege e a i , la
at on ant n t n r . m i , repl i g, put i g the t a ct ba ck into production A nd you ave n t ret th h a e urn to e Forest Service. t of th v n r n t n ro i O u e se e a eas in the Oua chita , e reve ue p duced s n i a min us on Belle Starr to produced o Flats de. ’ Let s ta ke a moment to look at the Belle Sta rr study area which has a n egative cash flow of A pa yment was made aga inst the Forest Service of tha t w t h a w nst e sal e. as ma de to the coun ty . Th as shown as a cost agai t I n ot er wor n o ov r h e w h ds, i c me e an d above cost to t e sal as th less e S o it produced a n et cash flow . I t simply went to the co nt n t u y i s ead of the Forest Service. The Ca ney Creek a rea in the Oua chita is near the A rkansas/ k aho a or r t rn ne t e e i O l m b de , and recently suffered a sou he pi bee l p I t r f demic . esulted in the loss of million board feet o standin g i t . t f ar et imber This would build 1 20 houses. A nd has a air m k value of I n n ff h r f u tu a e ort to stop the epidemic, t e Sec eta ry o A gric l re gra nted special permission to en ter the a rea to use cha in saws to f h n ell t e timber a d let it lie. n t f in A dditio a lly, there is an estima ed million boa rd eet the f l t l f th s t er a rea yet to be elled and to e ie. The value o i imb is t 2 0 A n e e — t a nd tha will build 8 houses. d the pid mic here t I t m v is no assurance tha t he epidemic has stopped now . ay ery w s rea to r va t own ell p d p i ely ed lan ds . There is worth of timber lyin g on the groun d an d it cost t rv the Fores Se ice to put it there. n I would like to sa one other thing in closi g. The present use evel of the wilderness a reas is a t 1 5 to 20 per t t n cent level . A nd wi h the projected popula io in crease average as
54
I t is ur n rv er wil o u dersta nding, as the Forest Se ice does consid t n f h r wil derness , tha eed is one o t e main c iteria of adding more
ern . A n t s i r f n t t n t d ess d from hi , t is ou eeli g ha the eed does no
w r r t r f No , then , as fa as the a c eage goes, jus fo one exa m ple o w t th . I n wto wha seems to be to us e imba lan ce Ne n Coun ty, here I
v w v f h f . li e, e ha e acres o wildern ess in t e orest A t the sa me t h t rv h f ve r r ime, t e Fores Se ice as supplied 7 a cres o de loped ec ea
tion area s. w w - t t v s r nt No , it is ell established tha here is a ery ma ll pe ce of
A merica ns will ever ba ckpa ck into a wilderness. They get the n th v r t f t at are eft th t acres, a d e ast majo i y o people h l , ey ge
f w v n n . e th 7 r . W a a n a a e o Wwoul f e ac es e eel th t e h e a imb l c g i g d , o ur re w f t ere is a s f n co se, like to see both bills jected , as e eel h u ficie t - wildern ess in the Ozark O ua chita highlan ds at date.
n thi n r t n t n en . O e more g I would ca ll you a te io to, th r l I t You are going to hea a lot more about loca impa ct . does ’ ’ I n th I don t mea n to ta ke the committee s time. e atta ch ents to tes n ou w fin d a etter fro a raftsm n m my timo y, y ill l m c a , tw fr n n r fr ur h o letters om school superinte de ts, a lette om o s eriff,
n t r . v w a d a le te from our coun ty judge These, I belie e, ill be self explan a tory .
you , sir . T h re r n r r o r rs at the con [ e p pa ed sta teme t of M. G eg i e a ppea clu sion of the hea rin g ]
m m v. n on . Mr . W Tha k you very much for your testim y
M. r Morrison .
r . I from M O R R S O N . Mr . r Mr . r o re M Chai man , I un derstan d , G eg i , t a t ur s ea n w t o r n ress an Mr . am ers t o p ki g i h y u Co g m , H m chmid , h y t hi A n socie y is ghly respected to your pa rt of the world . d I just wan t you to know we respect it an d you for your presentation here
y .
Mr . I E . GR E GO R Tha n k you , sir . H M. . r n r . oe bba r WH I T L E Y A re Mr . McKin ey an d M Bobby J i d ) here . Fro l w u f t r if u w . oo I ould ask yo to come orwa rd toge he , yo ill m k in at o r t t w r in r ts ro a ver g y u i les, I ould assume you te es a re p b bly y
h terest of tim . simila r . Perha ps you could a ppear together in t e in e We w of o rse we to th r v o s w tn esses a ce t in its ill , c u , as ld e p e i u i , c p entirety for the record an y written sta tements you might lik e to ma k We hope your origi nal presen ta tion ca n be brief in the in ter est 0 etime.
A T E T V H ST EM N OF BOBBY JO E HIBBA RD , PERRY ILLE SC O O L T A A A DIS RICT , RK NS S
w t the e r l Mr . I D . r H B B A R I am Bobby Joe Hibba d , i h P r yvi le f m r o e a t n . e School District . I do represen t my boa d duc io W et n h n ot ave a re are te t for Monda y ight late. Tha t is w y I do h p p d x l ea er f th you . I a lso m et Monda y with the loca l d o e R e m . I f r o nt A nd . a re Party a n d Democra t Pa rty o ou c u y , therefore, p
resen ting Perry Coun ty a lso . wis to a r two es on t I h dd ess issu hese bills. 55
The first issue which I would like to a ddress is Flatside. We feel like loca l an d w ve t ere wn a n w t n 3 es of ly, I say e, I li h , I o l d i hi mil — the Fla tside we feel the impa ct on the county has been totally ig nored, as well as our feelings. I f people will look at Flatside that use it and ta ke time to look a t both sides of t s iss e the w ave to a ree t ere i s no wa hi u , ill h g h y by defin ition this can be a wil em ess area There is no way. T here are f v l . f re tter t an so de e oped roads I n act, the are roa ds there be h me o
. ere r m y bus routes There are low wa ter bridges in this ar ea . Th a e in w r . t er developed ate holes, feed plots They ha ve cu timb the last 20 r st 1 5 f e r 1 8 ercen t of the yea s, prim a rily the la year s, o n a ly p
I t is n ot ntou hed it is n ot in its na tura form . T he oar u c , l b d u— h v t hi f m ember tha t is here can tell yo e has li ed here all s li e.
unt n ve n te on th a r . a ve seen so e He h s o this area . I ha hu d e ea I h m
n th t t n f r . B ut of these thi gs. I ha ve seen e bea u y tha ma y will re e to
I have also stood on the roads in this area to look at tha t bea uty . You can drive thr ough it with a four-wheel drive truck from one Y u n t f i . side to the other . O ne pa r o t is less than a m ile wide o ca r I t is un e in the middle of it and hea r t a ffic on either side. bo d d n d t ere is e er a road tha t is highly traveled o the south . A n h W y - . I ha user lan d on the north , clear cut area s on the north t is not a
r tin o t . We Rep esen g the local people, we feel it is totally p li ica l h n n re f l Mr . e in t in t d e ca o ee B thune his home S ate is rouble, an ig the residen ts of Perry Coun ty a nd tha t he can con cen tra te on central A rkan sas and the metropolitan a rea of Little Rock to get
. W ting votes e feel like it is totally politica l .
Mr . WHI T L E Y . Tha nk you .
TA TE ME NT M I N Y R T T S OF ED cK N E , PA ON SCHOOL DIS RIC , A RKA NSA S
Mr . C I NNE Y . rst of all wou e to sa it is a n e tre e M K Fi , I ld lik y x m r know a t the hono and privilege for us to be here. We did not bou m a e a r hear ing except on a short notice. A nd we were able to k nt w m cia te ra ngeme s, our com munity wan ted us to go, and e app
We represent 28 counties in the Sta te of A rkan sas an d 47 school — t i . t tea ers s oo dis r cts Quite a few folks are upse children , ch , ch l o rds d e to t e su r nten ent . We ave ontacted n tal b a , pe i d s h c a k d h m ,
the aid of any study committees or help from a ny Govern ment a enc a n tate or na t ona offi g y, yS i l We didn t have a presentation for you toda as far as typed text . ’ u on t We apologiz e for it. B ut time was not av able to s. We d fin d ut a o t v lot n e . e nta cted to o ha e a of mo ey . We cam here Wco b u w w re disco r e r . A a e the h a ings fter we got some in forma tion , e e u g d, w t . t at a a m a es un informed . Denied informa ion A nd h l ys k
oo fo ks u ur te Mr . . sch l l s spicious in o Sta , Chairman The school districts a nd the coun ty officia ls and the residents of A rkan sas are upset beca use they feel much of this has been done 56 by design an d delibera tely conceived to in hibit or even to prohibit t r in hei put. Most of the fa cts have been presented to you an d probably in man y of the written texts you will have man y other fa cts that will be presented there. O ne of the th s in our area tal n a o t the Flatside area ing , ki g b u , tha t is kind of unique is ba ck i n December we had a tornado an d it w v f ble down o er 1 0 million board feet of virgi n pin e timber . Some o tha t area was in an old designated a rea they could not get in to — harvest the t er it was i on the roun 2 on oar imb ly ng g d, milli b d f t e n ou a n n ot ee , th ki d y c buy any more. By help from a lot of people an d the media an d a few other w w to re raw t ose r t rvi e ere able d h boundaries, the Fo es Se ce was a e to et in there an d ea r t at t er se it and ear it , bl g cl h imb , ll cl I v . f rn is a r up a wilde ess decl ed, ob iously the da maged timber
nn ha t is a r . ca ot be touched . T p oblem T h w i 1 e money that we ould lose off of t, whether it be $ or
1 0 0 0 0 i t f r v r . $ , 0 , s money los o e e . n l O thli s pa rticu a r issue, ba ck when they ha d R A RE II, there r v n were public hearings on these two bills. The e ha e bee no public rin s in the ta te of A r an sas an d our eo e a re rett set I g S k , p pl p y up gggut it. T h t n t h ff r t r t u e hi g is about s udies, a ll t e di e en esults tha yo w n r v r w kn w a t, school people a e e y good a bout that, beca use e o w en we r w fin u n d w en eet h get ead to do studies, e d o t, a h m w t th t wan t out of i h e people, t ey tell you wha do you n d n a the they will tell you how to get there.
S o studies sometimes a re not a lways as va lid as they m ay seem . Many of the roa ds on the Flatside a rea a re better than the roa ds w n r u ru ou n . n o e buses o Sin ce it comes off our coun ty roads, ca y imagin e what would ha ppen if we lose anymore reven ue? r re v r n il i rea not re The e a se e a l thi gs. The o a n d gas issue s lly
v v n r s. re sol ed , e e though it has been presented seve a l time The a re
ro t r . r o fee a ds he e The e has been cutting there. We als l troduction of this legislation is un fair to our schools an d to our
o n n at on . c u ties, a n d to other members of the congressio a l deleg i A nd th f A r to e people o kan sas . We fee t t th v i is e n l a lso ha e issue is politica lly moti ated , t b i g pushed beca use we a re loca ted in an a rea where there are n ot w n ot n votes . Wf i i w in u nt t re o be ma y e eel f t as P laski Cou y, he uld t n f s a rt a r a se is o t ca hese issues prese ted . We eel thi p icul c u p li i lly
motiva ted .
t i n s. r on ress ona e e The issue is emotiona l . I s spo tan eou O u c g i l d l ga tion will ha ve that issue to return with when they return ba ck ll om e th r nt of ou t r . r r n on es e r M a a n l t M. s e I f I migh , Ch i m , e Joh , p id — a f - r n d h is re resent n the school boa rd he is li e long esiden t, a e p i g
r n th f n n t . school boa d, a d e people o Sa li e Cou y
I T L E . r . o n son . Mr . WH Y M J h
A T T A T ST EMENT OF JO E JOHNSON, PRESIDEN , S LINE COUN Y A A A SCHOOL BOA RD , RK NS S
Mr . O HNS O N . a n ou Mr . a r an . J Th k y , Ch i m 57
k . O n behalf of the public school system in Perry, A r , I wish to t hank you for allowing m e to talk to ou today . am J t e oar f e a t on at the I oe John son , president of b d o duc i
t . 2 1 n H . R 9 7 public schools . I come here today to spea k agai s This bill conta in s a proposa l to create a n area known as the Flat si e ern n wo e to s are w t d Wild ess A rea . T he in formatio I uld lik h i h ou today is not in formation I have obta in ed by walkin g down a ' bi kin trail or listen in g to someone tell m e what the proposed Flat
s e il rn A rea t s area in a ane. id de ess is like, or by flying over hi pl - rn I am a life long resident of Western Salin e Coun ty . I was bo h n r in rr A rk . t e ro a d a ised Pe y, , which is on ly a few miles from p Fl posed atside Wilderness A rea .
The proposed Flatside Wilderness A rea is n ot a wilderness . I have hunted and ca mped in this a rea almost every year sin ce early ’ rte nt n n in t s l 9 5os. A t the time I first sta d hu ing a d ca mpi g hi f n t nt h t o n roa s . se a d o er area , t e area was laced wi h l ggi g d My l h hu ers an d ca mpers used these roa ds to drive our vehicles up and t t down in our da ily hunting a nd ca mpin g a c ivi ies.
Today these roa ds ca n still be traveled by our hunting vehicles. T h n ast ove n t s area and eer nte . e O ly l N mber , I camped i hi , d hu d roa ds were traveled by myself and man y other hunters ea ch day r n the 1 9 82 eer du i g d season . A so a ost 20 r n f ern ess A rea l , lm pe ce t o the proposed Fla tside Wild has een o e off in the t 2 t f t s o n has b l gg d las 0 yea rs. Mos o hi l ggi g een ta n a e in the ast 1 b ki g pl c l 5 yea rs . Sin ce 1 9 65 about 6 million board feet of sa w logs have been ha r veste fro the ro se w ern T he ro ose Flatside d m p po d ild ess area . p p d ern ess A rea n n 4 I on ta ns Wild co ta i s about 0 miles of roa ds. t a lso c i an an a e f n m y m m d ood plots a d watering holes. 2 1 I f H . R . 9 7 n f th s oo is e a cted, it will be harm ul to e public ch l s ste s in an a re f A r n it w ean a oss of y m m y as o ka sas, beca use ill m l m uch need ed reven ue to the public school systems in volved . I rea lize there a re some people who will say that the a mount of oo rev n e sch l e u involved is small a n d n ot a n issue. ent e en t oss of G l m , I would like to stress to on today hat any l reven ue to a public school system in A r nsas is a very importa nt n f r t issue. I f we ca not provide our students the opportun ity o qua li y ’ ed at on on t thi n - r w be uc i , I d k some so ca lled Wilderness A ea ill very ress ve to them when they become a dults in the yea rs eadimp i
Than k you .
M. r HI T L E . an Mr n . Y ou . o nso W Th k y , J h I f n e ta n the t f t at ou do I u d rs d tes im on of all three o you , is h y n ot favor or ou oppose the inc usion of the Flatside area as wilder for w r n ess t o asic easons. rst of all ou sa it is n t in f w n s f r reasons t at Fi , y y o , a ct, ilder e s, o h you have covered . A n n w t nt an d d , seco d, it ould result in loss of reven ues o the cou y the schools . Does that summarize the testimony?
Mr . I B B A D H R . Yes . t Mr . MC KI NNE Y . A long wi h the idea that the public has not had r n “ g eat i put.
r . . n MMO R R I S O N No questio s. 58
a n ou Mr . a Th k y , Ch irm a n .
' ' Mr . WHI I L E Y . We thank the three of you very much for you r tes tim ony.
ir . Mr . I B B A R D . W u v r s H e than k yo e y much , h w n t t Mr . h r s at t e t ess st and sees ha WH I T L E Y . A s t e Cha i look i li — we ha ve more than 1 0 an d gets to be concern ed about tim e
w h rrect in ass n t t Mr . McC lure Mr . ould t e Cha ir be co umi g ha ,
Mr . rv n n Mr rn t wh e re n t ton Ms . t a d . s rese Ha mil , Smi h, I i g, E , il p ing different organ iza tions basica lly ta ke the same position on this issue?I s that a fair statement?
. f v r Mr I L m . r HA M TO N . I a Don Hamilton We are ve y much in a o ’ f on r o C g essman B ethune s bill . f . th Mr WHI T L E Y . I would assume tha t would probably be e ca se o r the other witnesses whose na mes I ca lled . A re they he e? r C lur ? M. Mc e
. Yes . Mr . McC L U R E
’ ‘ ton . . r . a Mr . WHI I L E Y M H mil
I L N . Yes . Mr . HA M T O
Mr . HI T L E Y . I f all of ou a re ere ease o e to the ta e W y h , pl c m up bl w t together . I an to be sure we give everyone an opportunity in the t t v n t time ha we ha e a d hat we hear both sides of the issue. I will in vite each of you to submit your entire written sta tement t t ou m v t h r n ha y ay ha e, wi h t e assu a ce it will be included in the t t o in i nt r . rep rt ts e i e y A nd hen I will call on ea ch of you . I f you could give the subcommittee a brief summary of your testi n it f mo y, would be help ul . V w h A r rr sta rt w t Mr . M l r h w t t ansas ill i h cC u e, w o is i h e k Sie a 0 1u?
T A T T T MM L E A A TI S EMEN OF O cC UR , A RK NSA S CONSERV ON COA LIT ION
M. r M . M n t cC L R E r . r v r ea ki U Cha i man , I ha e a p oblem sp g oda y, e a se ta I f ou a n n t n erstan m e b c u I lked too much yesterday . y c o u d d , let m e know . am s n f the A r I pea king ot only or the Sierra Club , but for ka nsas onservat on o t n C i C a li io . - f r w in v A k . t n o th I g e up Mal ern , r , in the sou h ce tral part e ta te t n r f in t S , a te ded college at the Un ive sity o A rka nsas Faye te
v e d n w v r in nw A rk . ill , an o li e and wo k Co ay, I am spea king today for the A rkansas Conservation Coa lition r f t T h f i ate or which is comp ised o n ine citizen organ iza ions . e a f li ga i A r n iz at ons in clude the A rkansas A udubon Society, the ka nsas n A n r t A t v Ca oe Club, rka sas He petologica l Socie y, rkansas Na i e ant o et the at ona fe e erat on (A r ansas ha ter) Pl S ci y, N i l Wildli F d i k c p , f V f A n the a r et and th League o Women oters o rka sas, Oz k Soci y, e
A rkansas Cha pter of Sierra Club . r 20 r n Du ing RA RE II in A rkan sas, about a eas comprisi g approxi mately a cres were inventoried in the Ozark and O wachita w r in a so the A r r . f r Nation a l Fo ests O this, a c es e e Oklahom r r 8 n t kansas portion comprised about a c es, o roughly perce ’ I I of the Sta te s Nation a l forest lan d . A fter the close of RA RE an d f r th the completion of further pla n n ing studies o these areas, e 59
Forest Service is presently recommen ding seven a reas for wilder n ess tot l n a o t a i g b u acres. Many citiz ens who pa rticipated diligently in the RA RE II process were extrem ely disa ppointed with these recommen dations and felt tha t severa al t areas had een eft out. So r n the ast 3 l qu i y b l , du i g p n t o t r n rn e t yea rs, mem bers of coalitio organ iza i ns and o he co ce d ci i z ens and resource professionals went back to the field and the m a ps and reexamined the rem wilderness resources in the eff rt r u in n f h two national forests . This o es ted the formulatio o t e ’ A rkansas Citizens Wilderness Proposa l which was formally adopt A r 2 ed by the coa lition in p il 1 9 8 . R igid guidelines were used in the selection process and on ly the very best of the areas studied were recommen ded for wilderness. n r f nv n r Questio able a eas were left out, and many o the i e to ied I I w r f r v r s r ns n ne r R A RE sites ere ejected o a iou easo , in cludi g o a ea t r n tha was recommended by the Forest Service fo further plan ni g. I n vera es he or na A o n r es were re se l instanc , t igi l R RE II b u da i r e r dra wn to exclude private lands an d access oads. Watersh d p oteo tion an d long-ra nge man ageability were a lso given ma ximum at
Th n ur e coa litio represents citizen s from all over the State, and o in te nt from the outset was to secure a representa tive batch of qua l it wi rn f w t a n y lde ess lands in the two n ational orests, ithou c usi g r n sign ifican t econ omic ha rdship to loca l citizens o busi esses. We a lso wor e to e nate r vate an s wherever oss e even if it k d limi p i l d p ibl , ca used an occasional diminishing of wilderness values. RA RE II the Forest Service estimated that even if all of the inventoried areas were pla ced in wilderness (alternative H) , a res ore than the et ne ro osal the an es in em c m B hu p , ch g ployment for any local a rea would al be less than 1 percent and “ n co sidered insignifica nt. I n short we e eve t a t even if 6 er ent 7 er ent or 8 er , b li h p c , p c , p nt f t t n n h e ono ef ce o hese wo atio al forests were set aside, t e c mic f t n th O ur invest at on ec s o e loca l economies would be negligible. ig i shows that any sma ll losses to the timber or min ing in dustries would be offset by ga ins in the tourist industry . Many people feel that a more idea l a mount of wildern ess a creage for the A rkansas nationa l forests would be 1 0 percent or 1 2 percent in o r n n ate eco rde to meet projected recreatio al needs, obtai adequ i r rese n an ff ts to the log ca l ep nta tion , while still minimizi g y e ec local economies. ’ e retta there sn t tha t eft in A r a nsas so we w R g bly, i much l k , ill v tt f ha e to se le or a lesser amount. ’ ’ n w es nate The coa lition s proposa l and Mr . B ethu e s bill ill d ig ’ w rn a bout 5 percent of A rkansas nation al forest lan d as ilde ess, bringing the total na tion al forest wilderness a creage to about 6 per n t in A r n w - f 1 ce ka sas. This total represents less than t o thirds o ’ r nt h pe ce of t e State s land base. ’ I urge this committee to support Mr . B ethun e s legislation and n t n a s rengthe ing a men dments. yapprecia te very much the opportun ity to present comments n r r t n here today, a d wish to than k you in the Congress fo you con i ed support of the con cept of citizen involvement in public lands . gecismns. 60
hat on es form a sta te ent ere sir . B ut t ere are a T c clud my l m h , h f v n couple o issues I would like to address rea l briefly, tha t ha e bee
r n v r v r im n . brought up he e, tha t I thi k a re e y, e y rta t h h O ne is, a lot as been sa id about t e use 0 the nation al forest n and projected eed . I ha ve ta lked to the Ozark an d Oua chita Nationa l Forest about t this within the las week an d at other times . T he way the need is ' determin ed in Ouachita Nation al Forest is through s u sheets t f n a the edge o the natio al forest, and it also is mon itor by the r r — ange there although there are no wildern ess ranger . I n the ent re str t t ere is no ta lator o nters. A nd se f ha ve i di ic , h bu c u I, my l , been in the wilderness several times . I have seen the sheet on e t t it w time, jus beca use I wanted to see wha as, and I went out of m way. ’ ost of the people I kn ow that visit these a reas don t sign the A n th e t i n sheets, rarely see them . d e sa m is basically rue the ar n r t n r t r ff t Oz k Natio al Fo es , ea he uppe Bu a lo, excep the person up there told m e they m ay have a trail counter on one trail tha t counts people. A ny estimates made of the projected use of these nation al forest rn n v r n wilde ess areas is ot e y a ccurate . A nd I am ot bla ming the ’ r v r n r t n Fo est Ser ice fo ot cont olling it closer . They jus do t have the manpower . B ut it is my belief it should not be used as an impor tant fa tor in n how w rn r n c decidi g much ilde ess a eas we eed . — I will speak for myself I have seen an in creased use in the last 5 in th rn n years e wilde ess a reas in A rka nsas . O n a rece t trip to n t ere w r v 20 r Kee Creek, h e e o er ca s from Texas and Louisian a r e on t pa k d the trail ahead . We a re very con cern ed hese areas ' m ht o e ov in f bec m erused the uture. f lot e thi n r ere were sta te h r g was the p ocess in RA RE I I . Th t men ts made that public comments were 83 percent against. I hin k it is nt f n w t t r n A I I importa or the committee to k o ha du i g R RE , RA RE II in A rka nsas was done right after the Buffalo National ver n r h to Ri was desig ated, whe e a cres of private land ad be con demned . A nd a lot of the people in this area thought that the Forest Service wildern ess proposa ls were also going to involve the on e nat on of riv c d m i ate lan d . v s te w t tEe r thr the m i I i i d i h Oza k supervisor . You ca n go ough a l t t w h a as t ere. I n n 0 9 0 r ent of t e o t on h h my opi ion , 8 to pe c pposi i was n r t r v t an wo based o a misun de stan ding, hat p i a e l d uld be n r ta ke during the RA RE II p ocess. A n wh t i re f other question is y hese certa n a as quali y . Some people v h n t t r ha e ma de t e poi t tha here a e roa ds in the areas, tha t the r people can d ive a cross them . I would like to point out that in prac tically a ll a reas that have been designated and proposed and even re o en e the orest rv t n e i c mm d d by F Se ice, here has bee som mpact . ese roa s for the ost rt r n a t are old l Th d , m pa , they a e ta lki g bou og n tr gi g ails. They are the ones that the Forest Service recommen ded as we as the ne ff the ones es na ll o s we di ered on , as well as d ig ted in
Missouri 2 months ago and in other pla ces in the east. I would like to read just briefl the guidelines set up for the r t rv t in ne is e a se s e a n t Fo es Se ice s udy the east. b c u p ci l co di ions — in the east the followin g refinem ents this is from the Forest Serv hi n t n D ne in 1 9 77 ice man ua l , Was g o , C , do
62
2 f E xhibit is a resolution from metro plan , which is a coun cil o loca l govern ments in central A rkansas representing some e n s n 24 1 82 n orsin the peopl , a resolutio pas ed o February , 9 , e d g concept of wildern ess and urging the creation of wilderness i n our 2 na tion al forests . w n t Exhibit 3 , hich is also referred to in my sta teme t, is a lis from the public service commission records regarding the rea ssess nt whi n rr n rw me ch is a sta tewide reassessme t cu e tly un de ay, show ing the various ratios of the counties compared to the 20 -percent ratio required by the A rkansas constitution for assessmen t of real propert A nd fin all e t 4 is an ana s s re a red of the , xhibi ly i p p by NRDC if r t r . m t t s th U . S . Fo es rvice timbe sa les A nd I ay do ha , in ce ey r m w t v w t it art f a e so e ha oluminous, I did not an to ma ke a p o the r w ea e it ere for o r f t on an ecord . I did ant to l v h y u in orma i d assist ance and consideration . ’ in f r n th e A gain , I do speak avo of Co gressman Ed B e un s bill, ' 1 7 1 1 r . 29 es a ll f offe m H R . , to d ate o these areas, and I my co ments on behalf 0 the A rkansas Wildlife Federation and the Ozark
Society as was indica ted . We are a e er of a 9 -or an at on oa t on in tota am o nt m mb g iz i c li i , l u 1 f i i to a ate 0 0 0 0 e r . We o o rse art ng pproxim ly , m mbe s , c u , p ic pated in h t e surveys and evaluation processes. I thin k there was some comment from Congressman A nthony t 83 - r n i e to n t out t at abou pe ce t opposition . I would s mply lik poi h w a t he ferr n t f o n r forest h is re i g to, I believe, is a let er rom J h O r, s er r 24 1 t writt n res up viso , da ted Jan uary , 9 79 a dvising tha e ponses v 40 0 f f r th tota ling o er 3 , or the Ozark and over o e Oua chita were a significant fa ctor in developing fin al recommen da tions for th 2 n e ational forests . So I believe we are ta lking about approxima tely recom m en dations . thi n th r n lot of i n I k e p oblem has been in the oppositio , a m sco ceptions . T he first miscon ception was the idea that private property was o n to be n n r n e n ation of g i g ta ke , an d there would ecessa ily be co d m
all m a recall that i n past years legislation was a dopt ed preservin the uffalo Nation a l River as a n ational river . A nd t m vo v n tha did e co demn ation . eo e in t s r e v r r s e t a ou can we un P pl hi a ea a r e y, ve y k p ic l , as y ll
derstand . ’ I thin k people a re gra dua lly un derstanding that they don t have ntl the e ono effects a problem in that regard now . Rece y c mic f t n t t the ev ence shows as seemed to be a big a ctor . A nd I hi k ha id , n n t a t t ere we have hea rd in the ea rly hearing this mor i g, h h will — not be the a dverse effect that the people some of the people ’ f u we ertain on t want seem to ear , beca use I can assure yo c ly d t hem a dversely affected . ave ve in A r a sas 46 ea rs all fe e ce t for a ttle I h li dy k n y , my li , x p li A nd t at is the t t in bit of time out for service an d schooling. h las h g f an o us want. y n he ev en e s ows t at it w not a n a t ou thi k t id c h h ill h ppe , l h gh I do n thi n k there is some misun dersta ndi g about it. 63
1 if f d like, ible, to in corporate by re eren ce in the hea r orn n fore the ea r er o ttee the rks t m i g li c mmi , Pa Commi tee the nfor at on t t t r t , i m i ha he Fo s Service is supposed to supply, t ere w re n r f h e a umbe o question s asked about the effects. t in it w f f l I h k ould be help ul or you al to have that information . Ma be t t r f ha is a p ocedure you ollow a nyway . The r r t f [ p epa ed sta ement o Mr . Ha milton appea rs at the con clu s n of th i io e hea ri . Exhibits are held in the committee files ] e‘ r H . M. W I T L E Y ge certa m will have access to all of the informa ti n t a t th n r r o o h e I te io C mmittee contains. r M. HA MI L T O N . OK . ne t n O o her poi t, too. We had a s i e S ow t at vo nteers h re n l d h h lu ad p pared , a d beca use w e have s own it to e ers of our on ress on a e e at on t at h m mb c g i l d l g i , h there is cassette with it tha t explains these 1 1 areas and our posi
tion . O n the premise that these pictures show much more tha n any of us cou ever te ou the s es t at we ld ll y , lid , h is, simply want to make it v in h f a a a e. I t is t e ossess on o a rs a r n n in C on il bl p i M h Ta ki gto , h ’ 1 ressm an B et un s f . I t t 1 4 t g e o fice ta kes abou 3 to min u es to see. t n n n r I hi k you would e joy it. Co g essman A lexan der said he w d fm l ould e te y be looking at it. A s to the a verse env ron n t n d i me ta l impact, I hi k that there ha s been e r r n w l som efe e ce to RA RE 1 1 . A n d ith al due respect to the F orest erv t n h f n S ice, I hi k that t e results based on the Cali or ia cases of the B er la nd a nd B lock decision which I have cited in my sta te ent and firiefl n th m , y discussed, cast so much doubt o e value of the A r f in R RE II p ocess, beca use o the lack of a dequate public l n vov em e t. A so even t o it m ff l , h ugh ay assess the economic e ect, it simply did n t et to the n n o g u ique atural fea tures within the a rea . B ut v n w at ver we i n it gi i g h e ight on want to give t, I thi k should — be pointed out that the speci 1 c package referen ces if all the 26 a reas referre t in the rn t d o EIS were designated wilde ess, hat is over r th a c es, e economic or socia l effects would be sma ll e 3 1 is the inera s— ess t an 1 er ent e o m ent on a e ggg m l l h p c mpl y , p g o si nfica nt in r N g decl e o negligible, on page 3 6. t n the orest rv t e t in 1 9 79 is n re or I hi k F Se ice, a l as back , o c d w t t n ose o ons. t n th nfor at n f re b i h h pi i I hi k e i m io , as I sa id be o , o tained since tha t time by Congressman Bethune certain ly indica tes t t tha ha t is the case. na t n Fi lly, I hi k we have a chan ce now to set aside these 1 1 a reas. A n d it is our ast u t is a ver l chan ce, and it is o r on ly chance. I y, v r s r n f e y mall pe ce tage o the overa ll lan d base of 3 3 million a cres. I t is ess t an two-t r f 1 l h hi ds o percent. ’ I t 6 r n h n is pe ce t of t e e tire forest. This kin d of a chan ce doesn t com e ver often . y ’ O ne thi ng that rea lly hasn t been considered ea rlier in any deta il was the eff t on r re n is n f the ec ec a tio an d tourism . A nd tourism o e o tant in in r tr ur . . . im dus ies o Sta te Timber is, too B ut so is tourism a n i I want to express m y a pprecia tion for letting us speak . m gve an u i Wi I f y est ons, we ll be glad to answer them .
. k Kir . HI T L E Y an ou Mr . am ton . W y , H il CO W
I m il ksep z y a m u m briefi l dc spu k k th m
' - the wild em ess pr oposal oe . Bethune s i ll w m a f decrea se in the z i percent of schools an d m a t the coun ’ t v it v ies recei e, and that ha e a signficant eflect m the lom l t ec m nies in general. A ll d that is based on the assu tha i if we set aside 5 perl m' cent rl the nationa l forest as dernes tha t this will have ; , direct tra nslation into a 4—percent reduction in a nnu al tim ber sale: ’ i l don t th nk tha t tha t is a fair am m ent. w [ think e nsed to look at that first premise very ca refully . ’ r l v t k im r m n The l o est Service, as ha e a en from the t he a age ment pla ns and with discussions directly with the Forest S er vice ’ erson nel in the O a rk at ona or st there is a si nfican t difler p z N i l F e , g ence between the actua l tim ber sold i n a given year and the poten tia l ield of a particula r forest i v n t s, tha t yield, gi en an un limited budget a d ma npower , ' tha t could indeed be returned in terms of board feet. That difler r v r once p o ides a ve y signfica nt cushion .
I n other wor s we have t a t ifference. A n d if 5 ercent of the d , h d p th land is set aside, it will ma ke i n rea lity no impa ct on e a mount
of boa rd feet tha t are removed from the na tional forests a t all . i in in t if h You could argue tha t n some dista nt po t time, tha t e f t r to i t a t the a tua sales eac ores we e managed ts maximum, h c l h ea r c u ht u w th the ut the an n a otentia ie y a g p i iel yield, u l p l y ld,
then and only then woul tha t 5 percent ha ve an effect. ’ t n B ut by the Forest Service s own managemen pla , ’ — yield doesn t stay the same each year it grows. r r n nt ni I ndeed , it g ows signficantly, as thei ma ageme tech ques r t e onvert o become more efined , as their budgets allow, as h y c m re a nd more of the forest la nd to lands tha t will support m erchanta ble tim er that otent a e oes te t e r own b , p i l yi ld g up qui high by h i
pro ection . j is ou f too ven the use an te t at on ress has d bly ull , , gi m da h C g r n th vsn the Forest S ervice they are eve goi g to close e ga p . flnlsss that a is ose it is uest oss e t at t ere w be a g p cl d , imp ibl h h ill ‘ ff t n tfl e ono on the 25- er ent 11 1 nlllcant economic e ec o e loca l c my, p c
no 0 0 111 and roads program at all. 65
T he PILT programs a re not going to be affected by wildern ess at
ll . u t r a A s o know t r n owners . So at o ra y , he e i s no change i hip h p g m W be w t ill i hout effect.
O ne other comment that dea ls with the need of wilderness. A s
Mr . McC lure nt if t to assess w at poi ed out, it is very, very d ficul h the needs for wildern ess a re in A rkansas or what those needs will tt e e r en e be ore 2 . ve a e m importa ntly i n 0 , 30 or 40 yea rs I ha li l xp i c w i m h ch ay help . I n m rv e d my work, I a a consulta nt to the Nationa l Park Se ic , an h v een f r v r r r in as a e b o se e a l yea s, wo king with the new part Tex , the n n in th r A f t a t is Wil Guadalupe Mou tai s e pa k . large pa rt o h d ern rve e n t r r t t e r ess, an d I se th m as a a u a l esource consultan to h i d evelopment i n that wilderness area . n v t With that, we have bee ery sensitive to the kin ds of use ha t t n n t r . v pa rk ha s had . That park is ea r o me ropoli a n a ea We ha e wa tched using from a few thousa n d ba ckpa cker user days 1 0 years o to now r 0 0 a er ser a s w t est ates in a g well ove 3 0 , 0 ba ckp ck u d y i h im 2 r the ne t or 3 0 0 er se a s . x years to be 50 , 0 ba ckpa ck u d y Wildern ess is a growing recrea tion al n eed and needs to be at ten ded to . hi n k t at en r ate the o rt n t to I h ds my comments . I a pp eci ppo u i y spe8tk T r t n f r t n s on [ he prepa ed s ateme t o M. Irving appea rs a the co clu i of the hearing ]
Mr . H . I T L E Y an ou ver Mr . rv n . W Th k y y much , I i g ’ Mov n on t n — n n t a nt to i g , an d with the sa me admoni io a d I do w u n ff t v n r t c t anyo e o , bu at the sa me time we have some se e o eigh t Witnesses. A n d I wan t to be sure they a lso have an opportun i y to r be hea d . f th MS . t u r r w is a rt o e Smi h , yo ep esent the Oza rk Society, hich p
C o n servat n v r th rev o s test on . io Coa lition . You ha e hea d e p i u im y A re there specific poin ts you would like to ma ke that have n ot b een a lrea dy covered?
T A T T A A S EMENT OF MA RY SMIT H , CONSERVA ION COCH IRM N , OZA RK SOCIET Y
h r . t r n for t e a MS MI T H . t n a a S Yes. I am he conserva io coch i m Oz k n a t ve Society . I would like to emphasize tha t the society has bee c i — in o erva t n 1 4 1 0 f rs . c ns io issues sin ce 9 6 ,5 0 a mily membe hip T he Ozark Society lead the RA RE 1 1 review in 1 9 76 surveying
a cres with m an hours of effort. Wern ess re reat on u h r wn 73 r ent n at onw e ild c i se as g o by pe c i id , t t t e a rt a r while he o her use has only grown by 27 percen . Thes p icul - a reas Within a 3 0 mile ra dius will serve million ple.
r r rr n t n r e an . I n summa y , this bill is needed fo cu e a d utu e d m d Positive ben efits will result in the a dja cen t areas where in creased n va r r t r r an d so fort w be la d lues deman d ec ea ion goods, esea ch h , ill im roved . rkansas does con ta in the la rgest percentage of Federa l lan ds ’ rta n e between the A ppa lachia ns a n d the Rockies . The lan d S impo c in region a l conservation can n ot be overemphasized . Th r r t t f r t the on s on [ e p epa ed s atemen o Ms. Smith a ppea s a c clu i of the hea ring ] 66
w 1 MS . MI T H . M n r . ha r an a ve a t on a test o h S C i m , I h ddi i l im y ich wou i e to s t f T m M e of the nt ro R ockefel ld l k ubmi rom o cR a , Wi h p ler f h W rn ess Foun dation about the economic in centives o t e ilde ,
and a n . P ul Mea ns, A rkansas Ca oe Club Mr E te ents wi be a ce te an d a ea r in . WHI T L Y . Their sta m ll c p d pp full in the record .
M. [The prepa red sta tements of Mr . Mea ns an d r McRa e a ppear at the con clusion of the hea rin g ]
n Mr . rm r u r . I on o a an we e o st o Ms. MI T H n s n to S c clu i , Ch i , u g y gly
1 a n r n on . give H . R . 29 7 u an imous ecomme dati r f t r ent of A r an and av n l ved in Furthe , as a li e ime esid k sas, h i g i r m five different commun ities and as a public school tea che , I sy pa B ut t et a certa n r ent thise with the school offi cials here. hey g i pe c age of the n ation al forest cut which a mounts to the amount of land r it W ern ess or not a kes they ha ve in their counties . Whethe is ild m ' f ertain er enta e of iffe ence. The orest goes out an d cuts a c p c g ll?eaang f t W rn t e t ve n t er area and et I it is no ilde ess, h y jus mo to a o h g t their percentage just he sa me. I t will not affect their school dis
tricts . in w I n our particular school Bryan t, e have an outdoor class roo . h s assroo is sed a erta n n er of a rea e we ta e m T i cl m u , c i umb c g , k n u ese w ern ss areas o o ent the childre o t to see. Th ild e c uld c mplem school districts they are in .
you .
M. r HI T L E Y . an ou Ms. t . W Th k y , Smi h w w r r Mr . t o e f n w . Erns , e uld lik to hea om you o
T A T T M T A D T I . T ZA S EMEN OF J ERNS , PRESIDEN , O RK HIGHL N S T RA IL A SSOCIA T ION f M. r r r r . e e o r ER NST . L et m e set the eco d st a ight I a m not a m mb h t e Conservation Coa lition . r r r t r i A sso M WHI T L E Y . You ep esen the Ozark Highlan ds T a l ci }‘ ation .
Mr . . ER NST Yes, which is tota lly sepa ra te. ’ t at ou . n u in t n Mr WHI T L E Y . I did t mean to put yo a coa li io h y ’ weren t in . f but we M. r R T . in t t e E NS Hope ully, someday we will be wi h h m, r v n r e ver a ea r a re a ela ti ely ew organ ization , just sta ted a littl o y f r f n v nt m e u and a ha l ago. The membe s o that orga ization ha e se p ’ here to express their support for Represen ta tive B ethune s bill . I might a dd that the last time I ca me to Washington I walked from A rkansas as pa rt of a hiking group which walked across the Un ited Sta tes from one coast to the other to try and lobby for more v n it w ons era eas er to et ere hiking trails. E e though as c id bly i g h r f at reason this time and took a lot less time to get he e, I eel th my for being here is just as importa nt as it was when I wa lked a
couple thousan d miles to get here. O ur ma in con cern is we are currently working on construction and main ten an ce of a hiking tra il that goes through the main divi t hi w be a o t 1 40 es in S ion of the Oza rk National Fores , w ch ill b u mil n th orest rv e sta rte onstru t on on t s tra in length , a d e F Se ic d c c i hi il 67
1977 They spen t a lot of money in man power an d construction l n n t tr n too a d W t to th r . s ha o , yi g build e t a il B f it t and t e had e ore they could complete , their funds ran ou h y to go to volunteer organizations such as the Oza rk Highlan ds Tra il A t n tr an A a an ra a ssocia io to y d pick up the slack . T he ppal chi T il , - a r has een couple thousan d mile tra il just here in your ba cky d, b for an an using volunteer laborers for this sam e purpose m y, m y - rson o rs. yea rs. We have alrea dy contributed more than pe h u We have quite a few women that work With us on construction n d m n it tt n to the o nt r t a a intenan ce of this trail , a d is ge i g p i igh r th t n s to be over n ow, particula rly this time of the yea , e ra il te d wn th v eta t on and w at not and also gro in a big hurry with e eg i h , r n t tr there is a proposal that has been put togethe to li k his a il , w hen it is o ete Wt severa ot er tra s t at a re ro ose to c mpl d , i h l h il h p p d n it to tra whi be built a cross A rkansas, and would also li k a il ch Wil t ross the ent re ta te of sso r to a e it a 60 0 to l s retch ac i S Mi u i , m k - tr hi r a the on a or ki n 7 0 0 mile hiking ail , w ch would be e lly ly m j hi g trail of its kin d in the centra l Un ited Sta tes. I think we are going to have a problem in the very nea r future if ’ we ca n t keep up with the growth on the tra il as far as the vegeta ’ ti n t kin t on t ave eno o a o r r n n t. W g ve , e osio , and what o e jus d h ugh volunteer labor to do the rest of the construction an d to ma intain th tr - - e ail on a year to year basis. e T he Forest Service has basica lly no money to help us out. Th y r t v r un a e doing what they ca n , and I might a dd hat we ha e a ve y ’ n t usua l positive rela tionship with the Forest Service, which you do ’ f n t on t ave fin d too o te in outdoor organ izations. B ut they jus d h m ne to h r n t on fee s uch mo y help us out, an d I feel like, t e o ga iza i l r like, tha t we need to have some sort of drawing cards on this t a il s ste t rin e in f r d nters and y m o b g peopl , to bring lots o hike s an hu fis erm en in to h r r use w e ee h use t e t a il , and just by thei ill h lp k p the tra n f to ontr te il quarter ope , and hope ully they will be able c ibu to some volunteer hours in the future for con struction and ma in te f na nce o the trail . We feel like if these Wildern ess a reas that would be located along the tra orr if w ern ess areas il c idor, they a re not designated as ild , we feel like interest in the trail m ay never develop to what it needs to be to ee the tra o n n n s i we fee e the tra k p il pe a d fi i h t, and l lik il which the Forest Service has S pent a lot of time an d money on an d r n fee voluntee s have spent a lot of time a n d our own money o , we l like the trail just might be overgrown and eventua lly be un usable. S o we feel like that in sort of a roun dabout way these wilderness a reas if t e ar n t the orest erv ce a , h y e desig ated , will a c ually save F S i ’ little bit of money that they won t have to spend in ma inta ining tra in th r the il e futu e. The members of OHTA have asked m e to urge you to support ’ R epresenta tive B ethune s bill establishing 1 1 new wilderness areas
A r n r f re er . e in kansas. We eed this wonderful lan d p otected o v W
h r h r v . ou n eed t e use s t e lan d will bring, we need you ote Thank y r r ti ff fo ou me and e ort.
r . HI T L E Y . an ou ver Mr . rnst an d all of the W Th k y y much , E , other Witnesses who testified on behalf of the A rka nsas Conserva tion Coa lition and its various con stituen t groups . 68
f te I . n r r the sta Mr . HA ML T O N May I simply i troduce o the reco d ment of the National Wildlife Federation in support of Congress ’ ma n B ethune s bill? f the M WHrrL E v. t n it w be e rt Wi hout objectio , ill mad pa o recoid [The information a ppea rs at the conclusion of the hea rin g ]
Mr . HI T L E Y . Mr . orrison do ou ave an est ons for an W M , y h y qu i y members of the pa nel?
M. I o t an ou . r MO R R S O N . N , h k y f f . n u or o r Mr . WHI T L E Y I agai thank all o yo y u We ha ve remaining some six witnesses who I have listed sim ply A r n ask l of ou a in in as citiz ens of ka nsas , and I a m goi g to al y ag , f r n out f r t er ra if the interests o time, which we a e runn i g o a h pidly, u W e f rw a r an d we wi let ou be sea te at yo ill com o ard as g oup, ll y d the table an d we will receive your testimony as time permits:Mr . r r Mr ff . s n M. fla C r T om McKin ne Ms. ssa o so e L e h y, Li Th mp , J , i
T u r n MS . V le an d Mr . eor e eson . llg e , icki Hi m , an G g Ol t m n if of u ave r a re wr tten sta te L e e say agai , any yo h p ep d i w v t in t e r nt ret for the ments, e will be happy to recei e hem h i e i y r d wi n in v a n let ou e t er r efl ecord, an I ll call o you di idu lly a d y i h b i y summa rize your written testimony or make a brief oral sta temen t.
f . Mr . n W r the e Oleso , I ill start at you end o ta bl
TA T T TT A R S EMEN OF GEORGE OLESON , FA YE EVILLE , K.
M L E we o e th s o ortu r . . u Mr . r . O S O N Than k yo , Chai man I lc m i pp ni r n v v ar to t ose of the ty to p ese t my iews, which are ery simil h t others who ha ve spoken for the A rkansas Conservation Coa li ion . n 2- ar-old law st ent e in My a me is George Oleson . I a m a 3 ye ud b g ning law school at the University of A rkansas in Fayetteville. Lik e ost A r n Wi rn v ve a so ve and wor ed m ka sas lde ess a d oca tes, I ha l li d k in A r ka nsas most of my life. T h A r a n I grew up in A rkansas near the Oua chita Mounta ins. e k sas woods have been a pa rt of my life for as long as I ca n remem l n r ber . I have come up here today beca use I feel that the pub ic i te ests of my State would best be served by the permanent preserva tion in a natura l state of the 1 1 remnan t a reas in cluded within the
A rkansas Citizens Conservation Wilderness proposal . n There a re a number of reasons for wilderness preservatio , and I nes the ost thi n k the committee has alrea dy hea rd the major o , m commonly given reasons. f w rn r rvat ns rov e an o ts e First, o course, the ilde ess ese io p id u id laboratory for scientists to observe and study the processes of nature in an environ ment which is la rge enough an d sufficiently isolated to allow for the function ing of the entire natura l systems. f r th w rne r servat on rov es rote t on A nd , o cou se, e ilde ss e i also p id p c i for rare and en dangered species of plants and an imal s. While it is true that many endangered species of plants could be Wt t f w erness rote t on t at is n ot adequa tely protected i hou ull ild p c i , h true of the la rger species of an imal s especia lly la rge carnivores th hi a re fo n in our w ern ess such as the couga r and e bear , w ch u d ild a reas in A rka nsas. These species require for their very survival la rge a reas of un - t T he ro ose w ern ess re spoiled an d un tampered wi h nature. p p d ild p
70
Mr . WHrrL E v. n u Mr . on . Tha k yo , Oles for r fl v r nt. on ou M. r e L e a r, I ha e you prepa ed sta tem I ca ll y brief comments.
T A T T L A R A R K. S EMEN OF JOHN ELI LEF R , ROGE S ,
Mr . L A . u sir . am s re ou Mr . a m er LE F R Thank yo , I u y heard H m schmidt ea rlier spea k of his involvement in the Buffalo Na tional hm ’ t v t f r . H i t s r t ve r t . n M Ri er A S a reside o am m ersc d dis ic , I ha g ea
ly a pprecia ted wha t he ha s done. A r f n ton Who is n of he n ro neighbo o mi e, Neil Comp , o e t lea di g p nt of th ff o v r o n t ponents during the establishme e Bu al Ri e , c uld o
. n nt come to Washington toda y He se t a prepa red sta teme with m e, and I would like to enter it into the record a long with a pa ckage of
photogra phs which he sent.
. it w be re e v . Mr . W n HrrL E v Without objectio , ill c i ed r [T he prepa red sta tement of Mr . Compton a ppea s at the con clu t r r in the o ttee fil sion of the hea ring. Pho og a phs a e held c mmi es ]
Mr . ou ver . . LE F L A R Than k y y much wn r ef state ent whi w O n my o beha lf, I prepared a b i m ch I ould t r . rm er of h like to summarize. M Chai an an d memb s t e subcommi n ife n r ent f n ort tee, my a me is John L eflar and I am a l lo g esid o h h r n n r west A rka nsas , of t e district currently rep ese ted by Co g ess
m i w f r f r efore him . an Ha mmerschm dt, as as my athe and his athe b 1 I am a high school S hop teacher and a father of a 1 75-year-old
n . f r r t n so My fa mily has used the Oza rk Na tion al Forest o rec ea io ,
tr v l t hi n re e er . a e , hun ing, fis g, and ca mping as long as I can m mb I came to Washington beca use of the concern I and my fam ily an d — — friends especia lly in the hun tin g and fishing community ha ve r rv n r about p ese i g ou outdoor heritage. I t is importa nt to us that there be some wildern ess areas set aside for hiking an d ca mping and for deer an d turkey hunting in h n r t e atu al sta te. A rkansa s has a specia l deer season for archery and for muzz le t e t f loa ders. I could ry to ta lk to you about some technical asp c o the Wildern ess question like the loss of oxygen in the atmosphere ’ due to the e r in t t n t t n n erstan d c eas g fores canopy . B u I do hi k I u d d all n t I k ow abou that anyway . I would ra ther ta lk about something that I thin k I know a little — bit about the need to extend some kin d of protection to the Wil was st a l tt e bo derness a reas in our nationa l forests . When I ju i l y, hill my daddy took m e out into the hollers and bluffs of the Ozark s . H f h as i e tried to in still in m e some appreciation or t e lan d, h s t 22 rifl — stil av f t h r He ve m e rs . e I e a her a d done fo him . ga my fi l h f the S a a r it at home but he a lso showed m e the ern beds, h gb k
r . hickory, and the wild o chids, too
This is pa rt of the heritage that I hope to pass on to my son . I t is for him an d others like him who will need a place to go to hun t n fi h— t fr h so n s of v at on a d s a place just to ge away om t e u d ci iliz i , away from the littered ca mpsites and piles of beer cans that repre h sent t e outdoor life to so many . There is plen ty of room for the air-con ditioned recreation a l vehi t re ent of roo for cle in our n a ion a l forest campgrounds. The is pl y m four-wheel drive vehicles on Forest Service a n d logging roads in 7 1
the remain ing 9 4 percent of the n ation al forest. I like to get in my ol tr r n wn f h r d uck an d go explo i g do some o t e back oads, too — — B ut the m ultiple use con cept requires even deman ds that at lea st a sma ll portion of our nation al forest lands be protected in a n t a tural con dition for the enjoym ent of genera ions to come. None of the sportsmen I know a re in favor of con demn ing pri v r r v r rt r are ver im a te land fo wilderness use. P i ate p ope y ights y ’ f f t wn the n portant to A rkansas folks . My Wi e s a mily s ill o s la d t f fr n they origin a lly homestea ded . I is part o their heritage om ge
ra ti n t r r i r n . e o s before them , to be S ha red with hei g andch ld e That is the way it is with the wilderness areas in our nationa l f r r n r r . r fo ests They a e the fra mework, the setting o ou u ique Oza k f r r s it n u t re. We can ro t u t oo er t e an d as o c l u p tec pa rt o o ou d h i ag p , ’
n to ou r r n u r r n s r n . n t too i ta ct, child e , and o child e child e The hey ca n experien ce the la n d of the Oza rk Highlan ds as their pioneer
an cestors did . ’ r n t h n On ly Cong ess can bring this about . I do have t e mo ey to f t r f n buy a piece o lan d la rge enough o make a ea l dif eren ce i this, r even if I went in with some frien ds to ra ise the purchase p ice. B ut ’ w n t v r n n U S . t ens e al we do ha e to a ise a y mo ey, beca use as ci iz ready own some of the finest wilderness lands in the world . They just need the protection of Federa l law . Only you can preserve these small portions of our n ation a l for ’ n n n t an d r vate n str ests; our Sta te and loca l gover me ts ca , p i i du y ’ t n t n a ost to on t. B t r r n s ou an a o a o w u , as ou rep ese ta tive , y c , ddi i l c
e t 1 1 r r W ern ess . th taxpayers, se aside these a eas fo use as ild ’ ease for our r f r h the t ens and Pl , child en s sake, o t e sake of ci iz orts n of th f f n r the A r sp me e Sta te o A rkan sas, vote or a d suppo t w v t ne ka nsas ildern ess legislation proposed by Representa ti e Be hu , 2 1 H . R . 9 7
Tha nk you . Mr . HI T L E . M. W Y s Thompson .
T A T T A A S EMEN OF LISSA T HOMPSON , A RK NS S
t t s ate Ms. T HO MP S O N . Than k you for allowing us to spea k a hi l
o r . r and h u I have submitted a copy of my statement for the reco d, I v ha e some exhibits that I request be in cluded .
M. r HI T L E . W Y We will be ha ppy to receive them .
T H M . . n t A Ms. O P S O N My n ame is Lissa Thompson I am a a ive r ka nsan and have been a residen t of the Sta te for 3 1 yea rs. I am here to a to test f in s ort of . . 29 1 7 on e a f of the A r d y i y upp H R , b h l ka nsans who benefit not on ly from the direct pleasures inspired by ’ ur ta te s n at ra h no advan o S u l heritage, but a lso from t e eco mic a es t e to our on r t g i d e legitimate esource. O ur na tura l bea uty an d associated recreation a l opportun ities e attra t n e e t ve o at on h lp c ew in dustry an d business . A n x cu i l c i r et study was prepa red by an in depen dent resea rch firm , Ma k f v o ent F acts I n c. o f r h tr e e , , Chicago, o t e A rkansas In dus ia l D l pm 0 0 o n Commission [A I DC ] . Executives with top Fortune 5 c mpa ies r ni t es perceived as rea l pluses for the Sta te its recreational oppo tu i , 1 n r ter of n n e . h e a a ra ki g as th No positive attribute, and t e sc ic ch c
ta r . in on . the S te, an king No 3 i n their overa ll op i 72
The A I DC contin ues to tout prospective businesses with these of ferin it is t s v v r a t of fe t at ee s gs, and hi abo e a e age qu li y li h k p
r t t v in r . b igh , produc i e people ou Sta te ’ A rkansas scenic wonders and recreation al opportun ities a re also w Th t n a n for the ta e art hat attract tourists . e promo io l S loga S te D p “ ment of Pa rks and Tourism is A rka nsas is a Natura l . Their current data S hows that tourism is a billion -a-yea r in t r v n ent f r o e and a n 3 1 4 dus ry, p o idi g employm o pe pl p yi g $ nt f 1 9 82 ion in wages and sal a ries. T he depa rtme sa ys or a conservative estimate for specific wildern ess-rela ted expen ditures would be million . t rv w w ern ess use is n reas n The U S . Fores Se ice reports S ho ild i c i g t 4 t r t nw v n n r e 72 er ent in a percen pe yea r na io ide, ha i g i c eas d p c th t w t 27 - r nt n r ase in ot er reere é las decade, compa red i h a pe ce i c e h T h n t f t in A r n rov es w er ational uses. e a ion al ores lan d ka sas p id ild t n . A n ness experien ce for a region S I a nd ma y o hers commo ly see, r fr n e r n of en nessee the e a re people om ighbo i g Sta tes Oklahoma , T , and Louisian a when we a re in wilderness a reas in A rkansas . We are fortunate and ha ve the resources to meet the demand and ca n
profit as a result . ’ A rkansas un disturbed natural a reas provide opportun ities for a growing n umber of its citizens who pa rticipa te in a wide variety of n - recreatio a l and wildlife associa ted a ctivities. I n its 1 9 80 rv of n n nd l fe A sso ated Su ey Fishi g, Hunti g, a Wi dli ci t th a rt ent of e rea on e . f rv f th e R c i , U S Fish and Wildli e Se ice o e D p m the Interior sta tes tha t such a ctivities a ppea l to all kin ds of — eo e a w te fe a r d r ra . p pl bl ck, hi , male, m le, u ban , an u l Expenditures from wildlife-associated a ctivities ma ke up a S ig n ifi t f n a t on to ress ve ca n pa rt o the A merica n econ omy . I ddi i imp i figures given on n umbers engaged in hun ting a nd fishing and the re a te e en t r r n t on v n the non ons t ve l d xp di u es, ecog i i is gi e to c ump i f t r use of w fe. A n t w ro e ildli rka sas pa rticipa e, a ay m h i
o es in rv n r r n n n a e an a s. h m , obse i g o photog a phi g ga me an d o g m im l ’ The State s of ficia l comprehen sive outdoor recreation pla n [SC O R P] mention s the need for contin ued availability of a reas in ’
w as t e eserve. hich our Sta te s people ca n enjoy these activities, h y d A e at rv n v f in w w ern ess is a im d se i g a a riety o interests, hich ild v ta e e en t th r n ra a en es in A r an i l l m , e plan u ges Sta te a d Fede l g ci k sas to provide for wildern ess a ctivities and to protect biologica l di v ersity . T he design ation of a cres of wildern ess to meet the needs i A t on is ons sten t n rka nsas is a reason able proposa l . Such a c i c i with the Multiple U se-Susta in ed Yield A ct and the Nationa l Forest n n A on rv n t 6 r ent of the nat ona Ma ageme t ct . C se i g less han pe c i l
forest in A rka n sas helps provide for more than on e purpose. I t would meet the ma n dated man agemen t objectives for the va r t r t on w ters e fish and w ious mul iple uses, in cluding rec ea i , a h d, ild f n v eav n a ess to the re a n n li e protectio , and pla nt di ersity . L i g cc m i i g t u 9 4 percen t ca n surely meet the singula r goa l of commodi y se. We n t are not asking that any land be removed from curre production . otent a a owa e cut Other la nd ca n absorb the loss of any p i l ll bl , which would probably be very little sin ce the a reas in considera
tion a re n ot the most productive la n ds to begin with . 73
Many people have donated extensive time an d money to this eff rt tr l n n o an d ied to insure a thorough review . Wi der ess desig a tion for all 1 1 areas would be ben eficial econ omically as well as i ecolog ca lly . We have a broad-based support from all types of private individ u l ro s a nd tate a en es who were re t n vo ve in t is a, g up S g ci di c ly i l d h 8 tugy . Wildern ess design ation today would be a wise investmen t for to rr mo ow .
Mr . HI T L E . Y an ou Ms. o son . W Th k y , Th mp T n [ he prepa red statement of MS . Thompson a ppears at the co clu n f h t fi th r . t r sio o e hea ing Exhibi s a e held in t e commi tee les.]
Mr . n r . ll r . WHI T L E Y . M T u g e
TA N T T T L L R T A A R K. S EMEN OF CHRIS U G E , MOUN IN HOME ,
l n n Mr . T r m i n T u l n . r ta U L L GR E N . My ame is Chris g e I a Rep ese ’ v H i t v f 30 v e t re or e r . ti e am m erschm dt s dis rict. I ha e li d he y a s I am
w ou H .R . going to make on e brief commen t. I ould like y to support ’ 29 1 7 e t n n k , R presenta tive B e hu e s legislatio , and I would like to as t th t t nt r tha e res of my sta eme be ente ed . H Th r r t r t e the Mr . W I T L E Y . e Chai a pp eciates hat b evi y a nd I lik n f t n r n a sou d o that hometown , tha has a lways bee a pictu esque me, n Mounta i Home. T h T ull n e r at th on [ e prepa red statement of Mr . gre a pp a s e c clu sion of the hea ring ]
Mr . H I T L E . n i n . W Y . Mr McK ey
TA TE T T O MMcKI NNE Y A E TT A R K. S MEN OF , F Y EVILLE , t Mr . I v e tes C NNE . u M a e so t o r . r n o M K Y I hank y , Chai ma . I d h m i Mr rts D v s . o e tt fr r . an mony I have already submi ed om E , R b , t wante to an d a so Mr . n A ll e l Ern ie Dean i Fa yetteville. of h m d i I f e h not a e t. com to t e subcommittee to testify . They could m k I
o s t t r . c uld ubmi hose, it would be a pp eciated
Mr . HI T L E Y . I f ou w l s t the sta te en ts to the er t e W y i l ubmi m cl k, h y will be received for the record . ’ M f th rd [ r . Dea n s sta tement n ot received or e reco ] r f re M. u . v a so ven o es o MC KI NNE Y . Thank yo I ha e l gi c pi my p in re sta n r e W t ave. a m a pa d teme t. I will briefly summa iz ha I h I r ere little bit of a different S ituation than a lot of the folks he e. Wh i n of the a r as as I am a n a ctua l own er of an in holding n o e e , Wil ern ess r e t own it oint w t t ree d C eek Study A rea , to be xac , I j ly i h h r i n w n it was in the w erness othe prin cipa ls. We bought t k o i g ild r n worr or on erne a o t study a eas, a d if a nybody S hould be ied c c d b u
the effects of a Wildern ess a rea in private property it S hould be us. We are awa re of this information an d the fa lse impression s of many of the loca l folks over in the n ational forest have about what Wilderness areas will do to their property values or to their proper n ty in ge era l . e r n w ai a ove r v if a n . We Th i p operty a lues, ythi g, ill rise p d b
t v f it o at on . ma rke a lue for our property, ma in ly beca use o s l c i Ma ny of the folks were told they would have restrictions put on the use of the property if they were in cluded within the boundaries or
th o n w rn f o rse is a so fa se. on e b u daries of a ilde ess a rea . This, o c u , l l 74
3 1 nd I n the RA RE II sta tement and the RA RE II study, pages a 3 2 t rv f e e of how his m is , the Fores Se ice, kind o as an xampl t n t n s t ree a ra ra s escr n how impressio ca me a bou , spe d h p g ph d ibi g use of private property will be redistributed . n rna t ve I t also mentions condemnation as a man ageme t a lte i , and then proceeds to give on e senten ce sta tin g that these restric I t n w n er t tions will not be applied to the Oza rks . is o o d his misin I f t restr t ons and con e na t on terpreta tion ca me about . hose ic i d m i wer a t n se f not s rt an of t ese policies e actu l , he I my l could uppo y h ’ f f Mr hun t r a t rt . B et e s W ern re . do as a a te o s o ild ess a as I , m c , upp 1 R . 29 bill , H . 7 ’
it. n t t ut on e f Briefly, that is about I probably S hould say his, b o the ea rlier gentlemen who testified gave the impression that there has been some denial of information on pa rt of us who a re worki ng
w rn n a f or w t o n of n for at on . for the ilde ess a rea , de i l o i hh ldi g i m i I l t t t rr i is t th w was r . not e a ta te am so y, t jus e ay I aised I can h s v i ment go past without unequi ocally denying t.
We have a lways been very open with the folks in the county. We v wi n f r n I f e ose to k ha e a lways provided them th i o matio . th y ch loo
a r v r n t t was t r r r t v . v n t o belie e that in fo matio , ha hei p e oga i e E e today there a re people over there who a re sprea ding rumors. There was one exa mple in the loca l County Times recently . Even after it was evident that no private property was con m t n t a de ned , here was a suggestio that a resolu ion be passed by n r justice of the pea ce that such a resolution con demn i g, o asking tha t there be n o condemn ation of private property be passed by the court . o e a m n t ut f n but n ot l t t at o ent o I h p I o o o li e, I can e h c mm g has n past myself without hopefully making that clea r . There bee no sre resenta t on on our rt mi p i pa . v Than k you ery much .
Mr . H I T L E Y . ha n ou Mr . McKin n e . W T k y , y Th r Kin n rs at the on [ e p epa red sta tement of Mr . Mc ey a ppea c clu S ion of the hea ring ]
Mr . H I T L E . M. W Y s Hilema n .
T A T T A TT A R K. S EMEN OF VICKI L . HILEMA N , F YE EVILLE ,
M MA f r thi I w r f. t an ou o s S . H L E N . I ill a lso be b ie I wish to h k y ’ opportunity to en courage you to support Congressman B ethun e s H m ro s l . a m n t v f n on ress an a p po a I a a i e o A rka sas, and C g m ’ m erschm i t tr am r fts a n and fee t at t ese area s d s dis ict. I a c a m , I l h h n on r v eed to be c side ed ery seriously . I frequent the places in question an d I ca n attest to their bea uty ’ r v n w r i n a reat ea to m e to a nd spi itua l a lue. I today s o ld t mea s g d l av h w to ee waterfa s ower h e t e cha nce to alk in quiet places, s ll , fl s,
a nd the S imple thrill of seeing the wildlife these areas hold . ’ I hope we don t lose S ight of the fa ct tha t our wildern ess is S lowly e ave a re but surely vanishing an d something must be don e. Wh s on t v ur r n e it is estro e t ere p sibili y to oursel es a nd o lan d , fo o c d y d h
is no turn ing ba ck . r to k for to r I feel a me e a cres is very little as , secu a n little bit of a future for ourselves and our generatio s to come. 75
I feel most everything that rea lly n eeds to be said has been said . I think this is a very small a mount of acreage that we a re askin g f r n n r r o . Ninety percent of our atio a l forests in A rkansas a e a l eady t eve o e as w rn d if we w t oo d l ped to be classifi d ilde ess, an ai much n er e ast 1 0 lo g th l percent will a lso be undesirable. I believe this is a responsibility tha t we have to ourselves and to
u r w n t r . o land , and I personally a these a reas for child en to come r I thank you very much fo your time.
Mr . M. HI T L E Y . han ou S e a n . W T k y , Hil m I want to express the a pprecia tion of the Cha ir an d the other m em bers of the subcommittee for all of you coming here and shar I r t fi ing with us your views on this matter . t eally helps us to ge rst han d information from people who are directly knowledgeable and r v r ate the t e ou too to ere who a e in olved . We a pp eci im y k come h a nd testify . t w fin t t w v lot in if I am sure tha e would d ha e ha e a common , I ha d an opportunity to stay and visit a little while.
H e w e to e ten an nv tat on . T O MP S O N . W ould lik x d i i i Mr HI T L E v s of i and n a r ane to . W Y . I ha e a ta ck mail to S gn a i pl
ve to e v r t r to s . A a n ca tch, so I am going to ha l a e a he precipi u ly g i I wan t to t all of u and to ass re ou at the test on t at hank yo , u y th im y h you have given her today will be S ha red with all of the members of
u r f f ur f o ttee. o subcommittee, and all o the members o o ull c mmi Wha tever decision and deliberation we arrive at will be done ta king your views and your testimony into consideration . I he re r Mr . A ML TO N . Mr . r an w t o to re ect H Chai m , I just anted c d fl the sa me invita tion to you and the members of your committee t we ave the r t tha g ea lier commi tee to come down . r HI T L E h ff M. W Y . Wha t kind of fish do you have on t e Bu a lo ver R i , sma llmouth?
Mr . A MI L Y . TO N . ir t r r oo H es, S . Las Septembe I had ea l g d luck
Mr . HI T L E . w Mr . n . Y an ou . o e eto W Th k y N , P mbl
TA T T T A T A T E S EMEN OF ED PEMBLE ON , REGION L REPRESEN IV , WE T T A A A T S CEN R L REGION , NA T ION L UDUBON SOCIE Y
Mr B is e eton . . E M i r e L E T O . Mr . an na P N Cha m , my m Ed P mbl
t on . I t has een Mr H I T L E . v r . Y . Mr e eton a e o tes W P mbl , I h y u im y b
n t n w art f h r . submitted , a d without objec io , ill be made p o t e reco d
[The prepa red sta tement of Mr . Pembleton a ppea rs at the con clu sion of the hea ring ] MB Mr . E L f w E T O N . t a n u r t t o P I h k yo o hat . I would like to add points. There is a letter included with my testimony from the A r a nsas A on o n th n e the end of k udub S ciety, a lso, and o e seco d pag , the rst ra r re i a o of the fi pa g a ph , I would like to enter that the s c py - above mentioned letter in the testimony of Mary Smith .
Mr . . HI T L E Y . t o t o e t on it is so or ere W Wi h u bj c i , d d u v Tha n k yo ery much . Mr E MB L i . E T O . an ou r . P N Th k y , S
er . h o rn ed W e n t m . t [ h upo , a p , e subcommittee adj u ] [Prepa red sta tements and submitted material follow 76
PR E P A NT HO NY Jr . A E PR E S E NT A T I V E I N CO NGR ES S A R E D M H N . B E R YL S TA T E E NT or O , , R FR O MT HE S TA T E or A RE A NSA S
to discuss the im orta nt issue of Mr . Cha irm a n :1 a m pleased to be here today p lieve it is vitall im orta nt to resolve the wilderness designation for A rkansas . I be y p wilderness issues associated with RA RE I I both in A rkan sas and in other sta tes as w w he best mea ns of accuratel eter ell. S ta te by sta te ilderness determ ination is t y d m ining the a reas m ost a ppropria te for wilderness while releasing other area s for m ultiple use m anagem ent . Those of us from A rka nsas a re justifiably proud of the natural beau of ou r e te is not la r e but it conta v h v distinct sta te. Th sta g ins a di erse topograp y and sa e natura l regions . T he rugged northern and western sections of the state are separat ed in to the O z a rk highlands a nd the O ua chita highlands and conta in the areas W f under considera tion as wilderness . e a re ortunate that even in a relatively sm a ll w l tions which h ve r rv ner tha t sta te, e ha ve such choice oca a been p ese ed in a man
w wilderness . F r this we we o r r ci tion rea dily allo s them to be managed as o , o u app e a
v n dedica ted ublic servants . ot the U S . Forest Ser ice a d its p v he rk lat a u ext nds into Missouri and con North of the A rkansas Ri er, t O z a p e e - T h the areas ro for Wilder t . ose ta ins the O z a rk S t . Fra ncis Nationa l Fores ree of p p d h f the A rka nsa s 24 rk N ti n rest. Sout o ness in H . R . 52 a re loca ted in the O z a a o al Fo River the O uachita Mounta ins dom inate the Southwestern uadrant of the state , q and conta in the O uachita National Forest which extends in to O klahoma . The other f 4 a e loca ted there. T wo o those four a reas proposed for wilderness in H . R . 2 52 r - v r re resen t the a reas lie astride the A rkansas O klahom a sta te line. T hese se en a eas p recom m endations of the Forest Service as a result of the RA R E I I process and fully qualif as quality wilderness . E ac national forest currently contains one wildern ess a rea designated 11 the t rk ;orest E astern Wilderness A ct in 1 975 . T he U pper B uffalo Wilderness in he O z a contains acres and the Ca ne C reek Wildern ess in the O uachita Forest con w orests in . 2 l N ti na l ta ins acres I f the a reas in . R . 245 become a the a o F , w lieve this would A rka nsas an d O klahom a ould ha ve acres as wilderness . I be be adequate to serve the existing an d projected future needs for wilderness. I t is pa rticula rly appropriate that we legislate addition al wildern ess acreage in A n T h n ew w reness and a recia tion of rka sas at this tim e. e ation has ga ined a n a a pp The in v wilderness in the twenty yea rs since passage of the 1 9 64 Wilderness A ct. en tory and study of existing roadless a reas now provides a wealth of information to e rtici assist C ongress in designating the highest quality a reas as wilderness. Th pa petion of the public in this process assures that a ll voices a re heard and tha t a proper balan ce is achieved . n tant S ec hen the RA RE I I rocess be a n in 1 9 77 Dr . Ru ert C utler, the A ssis W p g , p ’ r d resolution of the reta y of A griculture, set out as one ob ective of the study a S pee y wildern ess issues so that the Forest rvice could plan con fidently regarding the h li v th t the issue of future of all the na tional forests . I s a re tha t goal an d I be e e a wilderness in A rkansas has been studied suf ficiently to determ ine where those areas wi h v ent in A rkansas the th ua li w rn are oca . We do a e excell areas t ilde ess . l ted q y , y have been i dentified through the RA RE I I rocess an d the Forest Service has m ade
i 4 2 ects h recom m nda tions. ts reco n bill H. R . 2 5 r t ose e mm e da i ns. M t o y , , e The RA RE I I process identified two doz en a reas in the two national forest which v been foun d h v . h v n ha e a e m any of the criteria desira ble as wilderness O f t ese, se e to possess the cha racteristics m ost desirable as wilderness including great bea uty
com bined with geologica l form a tions unique in the two m ountain ranges . Their
habitat an d ecos stem s reflect the diverse wildlife found in A rkansas, and their re m oteness from t e m ore developed regions of the state insures that they will not
suffer from excess population pressures. l in ff n timber sa les I n each a rea chosen , socia l a nd econom ic fa ctors inc ud g e ects o , nt sch l r v m i evelo m ent criteria were considered em ploym e , oo e enues, and econo c d p v m ust be considered as ver im orta nt as pa rt of the process . I belie e such factors y p
due to the low r ca pita incom e sta tistics in our sta te . T he Forest rvice environm ental im pa ct studies of the va rious roadless area s i under consideration received extensive a nd quite diverse viewpoints an d opin ons . whatsoever across the s ec Those ra nged from total opposition to any wilderness , p Th is 52 . is a R . 24 trum to support for vastly m ore a creage tha n is covered by H . h other reason wh I believe that the Forest Service recom m endations represent a v w proper ba la nce 0 these di erse vie s. T he first Forest Service recom m enda tions of 1 9 8 2 covered five a reas: uachita Forest B lack Fork Mounta in A rka nsas a nd O klahom a acres O , ( ) , ;
rk n a n kl hom acres. U pper Kia m ichi River (A a sas d O a a) ,
82
ST ATEME NT BY
UA W !) TE AGUE wooeuums MANAGE R BI BL ER EROS I NC RUS S EL LV I L L E . ARKANS AS , . I T ‘I ’E E O F WRE S T FAMI L TO THE Q MTTEE O F IIO I B E AGR I CULT URE AID THE S UMM . Y AND ENE RG FARH. Y
NA! 26 . 1 9 8 3
Hr Cha i am Ha e nd s Ma na e r f o r B i bl e umbe r . rma n . 1 y-0 nd T ea gu , wood l a g r L
Com n and e ak i n t ha t t pa y I sp ca pa c i y t od a y .
The 1 9 7 9 f i na l E nv i r onmen t a l S t a t ement Roa d l e s s A rea Rev i ew a nd
E v a l ua t i o n recommend s se t t i n g a s i d e a c r es i n t he O z a r k a nd O ua c hi t a
' ( 2 ) a e s t a s wi l d e r ne s s . Hr . n n s b i l 26 2 a nd c i t ed Na t i on l For A t ho y l , H. R . 5
as t he A r ka ns a s and O k l a ho ma Hi l d er ne s s A c t o f 1 9 8 3 , recommend s t ha t
' a c r es be d ec l a red wi l d er ne s s . Hr . Be t hune s b i l l H. R . 2 9 1 7 ca l l s f o r
o a t e a c res t o be e s i n e wi appr x i m l y d g a t d a s l d e r ne s s .
C l o s e c o ns i d e r a t i on s ho u l d be gi ven t o t he c o s t /bene f i t r a t i o o f t he a b o ve
w e pr op o sa l s . The f o l l owi n g i s a n ec o nomi c a na l ys i s i n a n a t t emp t t o s ho t h co s t s o r t he t r ans f er i n va l ue i n t o t he wi l d e r nes s pr ogr am t ha t wi l l be i nc u r r ed
n i e a c h o f t he pr o po s a l s .
he s e n f s a e a s T c ompi l a t i o n be l o w s ho w t h amo u t o t i mbe r . a nd i t va l ue by r
o f ea c h o f he t hr ee r s e r c e s f r wn s o n e t p o po s a l . T h sou o t he d a t a a e s ho a f o t o t s .
o t e E xt r ap l a i on o f s ome o f t he Fb r es t S er v i c d a t a wa s ne ce s s a r y . T he d a t a u s ed
e i s pub l i c i n f o rma t i on . and I u r g t ho s e who a r e i n t e r e s t ed t o d o t he i r o wn
s a na l ys i .
( 1 ) RAR E I I S umma r y F i na l E nv i r o nme n t a l S t a t eme n t Ro a d l e s s A r ea Rev i ew a nd n e 6 n Eva l ua t i o Ja nu a r y 1 9 79 Fo re s t S er vi c 3 2 Pub l i c a t i o .
6 c i a ns a s a n e n c t o f 1 9 8 . ( 2 ) H. R . 2 5 2 t ed a s A r k d O k l a homa Hi l d r es s A 3 e t s i ( 3 ) H. R . 29 1 7 c i t ed a s t h Fl a d e Hi l d er ne s s A c t .
89
T he i n c r ea s e i n us a ge o f t he wi l d er ne s s s ys t em i s pro j ec t ed t o f o l l ow a
s t r a i ht l i ne wi t h t he o u l a t i o n i n c r ea s e o f a 1 e c e g p p pp r o x i ma t e l y 2 p r n t .
‘ Wdt h t he c u r ren t u s a e o f t he a rea s a t t he 1 5 30 e e e i t i s g p r c n t l v e l , d i f f i c u l t
' t o s e e t he need f o r a d d i t i on a l wi d e r ne s s c e r t a i n e o f Mr e e l ; l y t o t h ext en t . B t hun s
b i l l . E ven a t t he f o u r er c en t l ev e we ea d h n e ne s s t o p l , a l r y a ve e o u gh wi l d r
s a t s i f y o u r need s t hr o u gh t he ye a r 20 4 5 .
' T e ume i t be f t e e en e h a r g n t m gh , i h a r a s a r t s t a s i d e now, i t wi l l be t o o
a t e t t u u l o d o s o i n t he f u r e . I s bmi t t o yo u t ha t i f t he c r i t e r a f o r wi l d er ne s s
e l i g i b i l i t y t o d a y i s b r o a d en o u gh t o i nc l ud e s ome o f t he c u r r en t l y pr o po s ed
a r e a s a s wi l d er n e s s , t he n t he r e c a n be l i t t l e d own now t o t he a r ea t ha t wo u l d
d i s u a i he q l f y t m f o r co n s i d e r a t i on a s wi l d e r n e s s i n t he f u t ur e .
T hi s c ome s f r om t he f a c t t ha t t he r e i s ver y l i t t l e d i f f e r en c e i n t he p r o po s ed
a re a s a nd t e es t e o e t n f c t e u he s s eem h r o f t h f r s . I a , t h q a l i t y o f t a r ea s
t o be f s e c he e c n e he r e s e i c o no c o n qu e n e i n t s e l t i o pr o c e s s ; o t he rwi s , t Fo t S rv e
r e c o mm e n a t o n s e r c d i wo u l d be ad h r ed t o mo e l o s e l y .
' T e es t S e v i c e e mmend e a c es a s wi l d er n e Mr . An t hon s h For r r c o d r s s . y
' b i l l i nc r e a s ed t ha t amo u n t t o 5 3 e r c en t a nd Mr . Be t hu ne s b i l l i nc r ea s ed p ,
' e c e n t . d a r e ne b i e c ke r o t he Fo r es t i t 360 p r I r e s ay M. B t hu s l l ma k s a mo y f
e o no r f e r i t o e c i t i ens S er v i c e f f r t s . I t a l s o i g r e s t he d es i e s o t h ma j o y f t h z
n e i n s a s e e l e t t e r s wr i t t en t o t he O z a r k i t h O z a r k r e g o n o f A rk a . Th r we r e
Na t i o n a l Fo r e s t s u erv i s i on d u r i n t he RA R E I I r o c e s s o f whi c h 8 5 e r c en t p g p , p
wa n t ed no wi l d e r ne s s .
e c e s t r e i n e a r l 1 9 7 7 I t s ho u l d be no t ed t ha t t h RARE I I pr o s s a t d y .
e h e ed n t i l i t i s s et t l ed he i s a b s o l u t e l y s s en t i a l t ha t t i s i s s u e b e s t t l . U , t
c o u n t r y wi l l s u f f e r u nd er a d e f a c t o wi l d e r n es s s t a t us o n a l l t he a c r e s t ha t
we n c u r e i l d ed i n t he p r o c e s s .
I t i s o ur o s i t i o n t ha t t he r e s o u d be s ome wi l d e r ne s s e es t p h l . Th qu i o n
' i s h ? , ow mu c h C u r r en t us a ge o f t he s e a r ea s i n A r k a n s a s c er t a i n l y d oe s n t
i nd i c a t e t ha t t e amo un t Mr e t hun e r e c ommend ed i s need ed We h . B . c a n a c qu i es c e
t o t he f a c t n eed s s ho u l d be me t t od a y . C er t a i n l y a c ompr omi s e i s i n o r d er
' a nd t he r e f o r e we wou l d end o r s e Mr . nt ho n s b i l l . , A y
1 0 3
swarm 0 ? DO ! P H M . A I L T ON ON B E HA L F
O ? T ilt A R KA NS A S WI L DL I F E P E DB RA T I ON A ND
m oz m S O C I ET Y
m na me i s Do n P . B ami l t o n a nd I a m a r es i d en t o f L i t t l e y ,
Roc k A r k an s a s whe r e I am en a g d i h p v a t r a c t i c o f l aw . , g e n t e r i e p e .
I ha v e l i ved i n L i t t l e R o c k f o r o ve r f or t y s i x y ea r s ex c e p t f o r
a f w e a r s o f s c hoo l i n o u f s t t e y g t o a e a n d my mi l i t a r y s e r v i c e .
mo s t f whi c h wa s i n Ko r a a m s o e l o t 2 5 y e a r s a go .
I wou i T od a y , l d l k e t o s p ea k i n f a vor o f C o n gr es s ma n B d
B ' et hun e s B i l l . B R 2 9 1 7 t o d es i gn a t e l l a r e a s i n o u r O z a r k a nd
Oua c hi t a Na t i o n a l F o r e s t s a w s i l d e r n e s s a r e a s . I o f f e r my com en t s t od ay o n b eha l f o f t he memb e r s o f t he A r k an s a s Wi l d l i f e
Fed er a t i o n and t he O z a r k S oc i e t y b e c a us e I am a memb e r o f t he
Bo a r d o f Di r e c t or s o f b o t h o f t hes e A r k an s a s -b a s ed c o n s e r va t i on
r ou s a nd I ha ve b e en a s k ed t o ma k e a s t a t eme n t r ef l ec t i n g p ‘ g
‘ ws W our vi e . B o t h t he i l d l i f e f ed e r a t i o n a n d t he O z a r k S o c i e t y .
a l ong wi t h s even o t her gr o u p s . ma k e up t he A r k a n s a s C o n s er v a t i on
C oa l i t i on .
T he A r k a n s a s wi l d l i f e F ed e r a t i o n wa s f ound ed i n l 9 3 ! a nd i t i s ,
‘ a f f i l i a t ed wi t h t he Na t i o n a l P i l d l i f e f ed er a t i on . O u r memb er s hi p
g o f over i n c l ud e s a l l a e s o f A r k a ns a n s who no t o n l y hu n t , f i s h hi k c am a nd en o t h ma n v o t h r r e c r ea t i o n a l O p p o r t u n i t i e s . e , g, j y e e
o f A r k a n s a s . b u t a l s o a r e co mmi t t e d t o c o n s e r v a t i o n o f o u r l a nd a nd
w our ma ny r e s ou r c e s . i n c l ud i ng t he t wo n a t i o n a l f or e s t s h i c h a r e
l a r ge l y s i t ua t ed wi t hi n t he s t a t e o f A r k a n s a s .
T he O z a r k S o c i et i s a l s o d ee l c ommi t t ed t o co ns e r v a t i o n y p y , an d i t s memb er s r e s i d e no t o n l y i n A r k a n s a s , b u t a l s o i n s u r r o u nd i n g
s t a t e s i nc l ud i ng Mi s s our i an d O k l a homa . T he O z a r k S o c i e t y wa s
f o un d ed app r o si ma t e l y 2 0 yea r s a go f o r t he p r i n c i p a l p u r p o s e o f p r e s e r v i n g t he B u f f a l o R i ver whi c h a t t he t i me wa s i n d an ger o f
b ei n g p r i v a t e l y o r p ub l i c l y d eve l op ed . F o r t u na t el y , l egi s l a t i on
wa s p a s s ed es t ab l i s hi n g t he B u f f a l o a s a Na t i o n a l R i ver .
h I t ha r d l y s eems po s s i b l e t ha t a l mo s t 1 4 ye a r s t o t e d ay ,
A r k a n s a n s g a t he r ed i n wa s hi ng t o n t o a r gu e t he f a t e o f t he
B u f f a l o . T he q u e s t i o n wa s whe t her t he B u f f a l o s hou l d b e p r e s e r ved
a s a n a t i o n a l r i ve r o r l e f t t o p r i v a t e d ev el opment o r f a l l v i c t i m
T he es t i ma t ed l a nd t o t he C o r p s o f E ng i nee r s t o b e d amme d .
1 1 8
The RA RE I I Env i ronment a l I mpa c t S t a t ement s uppl emen t t o t he O z a r k a nd Oua chi t a Hi ghl and S t a t es pr epa r ed by t he For es t S erv i c e prov i d es
t he f ol l owi ng over v i ew o f t he economi c i mpa c t o f wi l d er nes s even wi t h
a l l 26 o f t he RAR E I I s i t es r ec ommend ed f o r wi l d er nes s .
” The ec onomi c i mpa c t s o f a l l t he a l t erna t i ves and o f - a l l oca t i ons t o wi l d er nes s , f ur t her pl a nni ng wi l d er nes s , a nd - f ur t her pl a n ni ng non wi l d er nes s a r e mi n o r f o r t he i mpa c t a r ea s
o f t he O ua c hi t a a nd O z a r k Na t i ona l For es t s . The pl a c i ng o f
a l l roa d l es s a r ea l a nd s i nt o wi l d ernes s t hr ou gh Al t er na t i ve J
wou l d r es u l t i n no s i gni f i c a n t c ha nge i n empl oyment i n any a r ea .
r o f wi l d er es s d ec i s i ons Fi na l l y , whi l e ec onomi c c onc ern s s hou l d b e a pa t n ,
i t i s i mpor t a n t no t t o l oo s e s i ght o f t he f a c t t ha t t her e i s not hi ng i n t he
Sus t a i ned Yi el d Mul t i pl e Us e A c t or i n t he Hi l d erne s s A c t t o s ugges t t ha t
- O f onl y poo r a nd no n pr od uc t i ve l a nd s s hou l d b e el i gi b l e f or wi l d ernes s . t en when d i s c us s i ng t he ec onomi c s o f wi l d er nes s t he word l o c k- up i s u s ed
- a d o r a i t i s an un f or t una t e met a phor . wi l d ernes s i s no t a l oc k up b u t o ,
d he r es er va t i doo r openn i ng t o s c i en t i f i c i nqu i ry , ed uc a t i on , r ec r ea t i on a n t p on
o f wi l d t hi ngs .
1 23
‘ A d c fi l C
’Ol ZST SI I I I C!
' I I CI I AI I OU U3 I UP TI I I AJI GI I l -70 I I S TS
u sm -u xs y ( m ums) cu m s m s m m
l h erea t i eaa l s e a l a eed wa t er whi ch s 2 s - ° 7 1 A e t t tena l f or es t l and aggregat e 1 par es hour s . ”5 7 n t i l l s s f a t 1 2 hour s 1 2 s on s l et 1 heat a t a n s e i va l ea t sea bi na t i ee at e a par e , per . y e i nd i v i d u l or ou u s e i t he s t i s-ees a t i a t en i t t eet . a gr p . e r t e "n 7 1
I V re y )
- ‘ 7 . . w s ‘ L 3x
I ii!
” Bea r i ngs on A rka ns a s Add i t i ons " t o t he Ra t i on a l wi l dernes s P res erva t i on Sys t em
M 2 1 8 3 a y 6 , 9
My name i s Pa ul Means and I an t es t i f yi ng i n my cap a ci t y as Cons erva t i on
f he C v Cha i rma n o t Arka ns a s anoe C l ub , a gr oup of o er 30 0 f ami l y member shi ps .
The A rkan s a s Ca noe Cl ub membershi p i s s t a t ewi de and our members ac t i vel y en gage
ca d i n noei ng an backpacki ng . I n a dd i t i on , t he Cl ub has a com i tment t o t he
con serva t i on an d wi se us e of the nat ur al and s ceni c res our ces of Arkans as .
On beha f f t he r l o mesme shi p of the A rkan sas Canoe Cl ub , I woul d l i ke t o mak e
t he f o l l owi n c on sen t s on BB 2 1 7 i t du ed Mr Bet une . g 9 n r o c by . h
wi l der nes s i s par t of our Ameri ca n her i t age beca us e i t i s Amer i c a as
our f or e f a t he r s f un d t wi l d t f t o i . ernes s i s he home o Dan i el Boone , Ki Ca r son ,
an d z r l t he O a k hi l peop l e . There i s s omet hi ng pec ul i a r about Amer i c ans i n
t ha t t he l ke t o save nde f y i r emi r s o thei r pas t . Our coun t ry ha s unc oun t ab l e
a r ks memor i a l s and memen t o f ou a t a t f p , , s o r pa s t , r ngi ng f rom he Dec l r a i on o
I nde enden ce t o Moun t Vern t o l l w I f one a e p on Ye o s t on e Na t i ona l Pa rk . c n r c al l
t he en t hus i a sm d ur i n t he B c n t i a e t o e t g i e enn l Ce l b ra i n , t hen he can appr c i a e
our r i de i n our r e r r r p he i t age . wi l dern s s ar ea s a e s i mpl y anot her pa t of ou
her i t a e a l a c wh o g , p e ere a f a t her c an t ake hi s son and s ay thi s i s wha t y ur
t r r t o o ul a r t h gr ea t gr and f a t her s aw when he c ame t o A rka ns as . Con a y p p w ,
hi s i s no t an a t f t t i t ude o j us t urban dwe l l er s .
hoo l and eo l e c ome B a c h yea r t he A rka ns a s C an oe Cl ub ho l ds a ca noe s c , p p
Ele t or Camden e ck b u t f r om com un i t i es s uc h as Dover , c , , not j us t f r om L i t t l Ro ,
e l e t ha t vi s i t wi l dernes s d Bent onvi l l e . Thes e a re t he s ame o A rk a de l phi a , a n p p
w d i n e a r e o u l a r f or hun t i n a nd i n t he manner , a g a r ea s . wi l d er nes s a r a s p p g
T l r es i den t s thes e a rea s a re f ami l i a r and d own s t r eams a nd f i s hi n g . o l oca ,
n A rkans a s wi l derness i s wi des r ead and i n c l ud es o f t en us ed . The i n t er es t i p
e a l l t ypes o f peop l .
w t ern s t a t es or beca us e P erhaps bec aus e of pr ob l ems wi t h l a rge ar eas i n es
u ment re a v ca l f ew o os ed t o wi l dernes s . A r g s of mi s i n f ormed n o t i ons , t her e a o pp
d i n ca us e unem l o men t have been r a i s ed t ha t wi l dernes s wi l l cut s chool f un g , p y ,
1 40
Gent l emen
Thank you for thi s opportuni ty to come bef ore your sub-commi tt ee to speak
i n f avor of house bi l l 0 29 1 7 , proposi ng wi l derness st atus for el even beaut i f ul
areas i n Arkansas .
Mn h T n m m i n h f y ame i s C r i s ul l gre , I a 3 8 years ol d , am arr ed , a d ave our
h M n H m k n h h c i l dren . I l i ve i n ou tai n o e, Ar a sas , w ere I ave resi ded f or over
n 3 0 years . I own a d operat e an i nsur ance agency there.
Mounta i n Home i s a sma l l t own of about popul at i on i n northern Ar
r n h kansas that i s very t ou i st ori e ted . we ave two beauti ful U . S . Army Corps
n f of Engi neers l akes earby , and two beaut i ul r i vers , one bei ng the f ree f l owi ng
Buf f al o Nat i onal Ri ver . Al l f our of these att racti ons l end themsel ves to outdoor
i h h n i n n f h n n m n n h act i vi t es suc as u t g, boati g, i s i g a d ca pi g, but ot to t e sol i tude
that can be f ound i n an undi sturbed wi l derness area .
A m h Mnt i n H m i n the l m re Ran r Di t ri t f bout 25 i l es sout of ou a o e, Sy a o ge s c o
h ” " t e Oz ark Nati onal Forest , i s the proposed L eatherwood wi l derness Area . whi l e
I have vi si ted and enj oyed several of the other proposed wi l derness areas i n
h n k h Arkansas , and know how badl y we need to prot ect t e e t i re pac age of al l t ese
m i h nat ural areas , I have come today pri ar l y to t el l you about L eat erwood .
n h h k For over f i ve year s my wi f e a d I ave camped , i ed , dr i ven and j ust gen eral l y expl ored vi rtual l y every porti on of the proposed L eatherwood wi l derness
r Wh v x ri nced the beaut and ru edness of the l and b erv h a ea . e a e e pe e y gg , o s ed t e
n r n nd marvel t h wi v r i t f i n cl ear cl ean streams a d sp i gs , a ed a t e de e y o vegetat o .
1 42
n i n h n m h of current wi l derness l egi sl ati o . S ce t e al ost everyw ere I go , someone
m of f er s thei r suppor t . I t i s beco i ng very apparent to me that once peopl e f ul l y underst and what i s i nvol ved i n wi l derness desi gnat i on they wi l l overwhel mi ngl y
n h h n r n support i t . Eve peopl e t at ave eve ve tured out of the ci t y.
wi l derness desi gna ti on of thi s area , as wel l as the other ten areas i n Ar
n m kansas , wi l l provi de needed pri mi ti ve rec reati o , but ost of al l , i t wi l l prot ect
n m n r r f r n n f n o e of our ost val uabl e a tu al resou ces e prese t a d ut ure ge er ati ons .
I st rongl y urge you to support thi s l egi sl at i on and of f er an i nvi tat i on to
you for a personal tour of L eatherwood or any of the other ten areas i n Arkansas .
Chri s Tul l gren 1 71 2 Van Buren Mn ou tai n Home, AR 72653 50 1 -az s-269 4 Resi dence 50 1 -A25-3 7S 7 Of fi ce
1 44
t ota l l y f a l s e . L and owner s wi thi n the bound a r i es o f a wi l d ernes s a rea a r ea a l s o gu a r an t eed a c c ess t o thei r proper ty .
I own 60 a c r es wi thi n the Hu r r i c a n C r eek Wi l d ernes s S t udy a A r e and i f any pa r ty shou l d be c onc er ned a bout c ond emna t i on , res t ri c t i on of us e , o r rea s ona bl e a c c es s then i t woul d be me . e However , I am not conc e rned i n th ea s t beca us e I k now tha t I am pro t ec t ed by l aw.
The l os s o f t a x r ev enue t o the count y s chool s who rec i eve t u rnba ck paymen t s f rom the Na t i ona l F ore s t ha s a l s o b een b r ought up a s a pro bl em. I F I t hought tha t any s chool d i s t r i c t woul d l os e even one d o l l a r of t a x revenue f rom the 2 55 t u rnba c k pa ymen t s then I wou l d no t suppor t thi s b i l l The l and i n que s t i on i s l ow i n t i mb er y i el d pot ent i a l and ext r eme l y ru gged . Thi s woul d ra i s e the cos t of bu l l d o z i ng roa d s i nt o the a r ea t o be cu t and c oul d even b ri ng a bout s ome d ef i c i t sa l e s . Wi th on l y 61 o f the O z a rk and Ona chi t a Na t i ona l Fo re s t s i nc l ud ed i n thi s bi l l the t i mb er i nd us t r y l o s s and sub s equ ent ta x l oss wou l d b e i n s i gni f i ca n t .
A l c t u a l y , bo th Na t i ona l For es t s c a n ea s i l y ma k e up a ny l os s of t i mb er produc t i on by a ppl yi ng i t t o the re st of the f ore s t . B oth f or es ts ha ve a l a r ge cu shi on o f unc u t ti mber t o d ra w upon du e t e Mul e Us e S s t ned Yi e l d Ac t o f 1 60 . The wou l d o th ti pl , u a i 9 y not a ut oma ti c a l l y l owe r thei r a c t u a l yi el d i f the s e a r ea s wer e d es i gna t ed a s wi l d e r nes s .
I n c l osi ng I wou l d l i ke t o a dd tha t i f any ef f ec t i s f el t on l oca l proper t y d ue t o the es t a bl i shment of thes e el ev en a r eas i t wou l d be t o a c t u a l l y i nc r ea s e the va l u e of thei r pr oper ty . I pa i d a bove ma r k et va l ued f or the 60 a c r es I bought b ec a us e o f i t s l oc a l e . The sa me wi l l be t r ue f or proper ty owner s i n or nea r the s e a r ea s .
I f ee l s t r ongl y a bou t the need f or mor e wi l d e r nes s i n
A r k an s a s . Any wr ong d ec i si ons now ca n not be c or rec t ed i n the f u t u re . We need t o l ea v e a l ega cy f or ou r chi l d r en a nd gi ve them the O ppor t uni ty t o expl ore and exper i enc e the wi l d A r k an s a s f or e s t s j us t a s thei r anc es t or s d i d over 1 0 0 yea r s a go .
Thank you ,
Tom McKi nney
1 46
‘ s pea k i n f a v or of pr es erv i ng ou r s t a t e s l a nd s f or t ho s e
t c hi l d r en who ha v e y et t o s e f o ot on t hi s ea r t h .
We need mor e wi l d - rn es s a r ea s i n A r k a n s a s t o pr ov i d f or t h e r ec r ea t i on o f l a r ge numb er s of pe o p l e l i k e my wi f e
t i a nd me who en j oy t he i s ol a on o f un s po i l ed na t u r e . of t he r ea s on s I ha v e l ef t t he s t a t e ea c h s ummer f or t he l a s t f our y ea r s 3 t o pur su e wi l d er n e s s exp e r i en c e s t hr ough
w w t r a d w b a ck pa ck i ng , i l d f l o er pho og phy , an i l d l i f e ob s er va
w t i on . O t her s t a t es en j oy hug e i l d er n es s a n d / or na t i ona l p a r k a r ea s wher e p e opl e t hr oughou t t he n a t i on c on e f or
t he sa me r ea s on s ha v e men t i on ed a b ove . A r k a n s a s ha s t he p ot en t i a l t o p r ov i d e a va l u a b l e t r ea sur e of wi l d e r n e s s f or
‘ t omor r ow s c hi l d r en i f we a r e br a v e en ough t od a y t o s e t
a s i d e t hes e mea ger l and hol d i ng s . I n t he t ot a l s p ec t r um
h of pub l i c l and s i n t e s t a t e whi ch wou l d b e l o s t t o d eve l op m t t i mb er cu t t i n a d m t h en g n i n i ng c on c er n s ) , es e 1 1 a r ea s up f or d es i gna t i on a s wi l d er n es s a r e a mer e pi t t a n c e when c ompa r ed t o t ho s e l a nd s a v a i l a b l e f or pr i va t e i nd u s t r i a l
u s e .
Wha t wi l l we sa y t o t he c hi l d r en of t he f ut ur e when t hey a sk why we d i d n ot t a k e t hi s t l ‘ Q t o s a v e s ome l a nd f or t hem s o t ha t t hey c oul d en j oy t he sa me pr i v el eges t ha t
? we ha ve ha d I f t hey cut d own ev er y l a s t t r ee t omor r ow a nd s t r i p mi n e ea c h moun t a i n i n t hi s c oun t r y i n t o n o t hi ng mor e
v e ha d t he o o t t ha n mud ho l e s , we ha pp r uni t y i n ou r l i f et i me s
? t o ha v e s een t hem. Bu t wha t a b ou t our chi l d r en S hou l d t hev n ot ha v e t he r i ght t o en j oy t he sa me f r eed oms a nd
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R t . 1 , B ox 1 5 7
Dur an t , O K 7 4 7 0 1
wa y 2 4 , 1 9 8 3
on r e l Whi t l C g s sman C har es 0 . ey , Cha i rman
S ub c ommi t t ee on F or es t , Fami l y Far ms , 8 E ner gy
5 . o us e o f r es en t a t i v U . H Rep es
wa s hi n t on D C . 2 5 2 2 9 1 g , . HR 4 HR 7
Dear Congr es sman Whi t l ey
we wo ul d l i ke t he f o l l owi ng s t a t emen t a t t a c hed t o t he r eco r d o f hea r i n gs o n t he f o l l owi n Wi l d er nes s bi l l s : 2 4 5 2 a n d 2 9 1 g HR HR 7 .
The O k l a homa O r ni t ho l ogi c a l S o c i e t y s t r o ngl y s uppor t s t he d es i gna t i on o f t he M a M l l d s k I A I CHI nd B L A C K F O RK O UNT A I N a r eas i n O k a homa a nd A r ka ns as as wi er nes . whi l e bo t h a r eas a r e c ur r en t l y d ef a c t o wi l d er nes s es , i t i s f el t t ha t d es i gna t i on a s s uc h wo ul d a s s ur e t hei r con t i n ued p r es er va t i on t hr o ugh t he next cent ur y .
B o t h o f t hes e ar eas wer e r ecom end ed f o r d es i gna t i on a s wi l d er nes s b y the na t i ona l F or es t ser vi c e . P ubl i c c ommen t s wer e i n f a vor of d es i gna t i o n o f
t hes e t wo a r ea s as wi l d er nes s ass a nd 9 0 8 r espec t i vel y .
The t wo a bove bi l l s ha ve l a c ed us n a ua nd r whi l e 2 4 5 2 c ont a i ns t he p i q y . HR
O kl a homa wi l d er nes s ar ea s , i t a l s o c ont a i ns r el ea s e l a ngua ge whi c h we d o no t f a vor .
F a vor a b l e r el ea s e l angua ge i s i n HR 2 9 1 7 , however i t co n t ai ns o nl y t he A r k a ns a s por t i ons o f t he Ki a mi chi a nd B l a c k F or k Moun t ai n wi l d er nes s a r ea s . we hope t hi s bi l l wi l l be a mmend ed t o i nc l ud e o ur O k l a homa a r ea s .
we s uppo r t t hes e wi l d er nes s a r ea s f or t he f o l l owi ng r ea s ons .
1 . O kl ahoma ha s ver y l i t t l e na t ur a l l a nd s l ef t f o r pr es er va t i on and
es s en t i a l l y no wi l d er nes s . The Ki a mi c hi a r ea pa r t i c ul a r l y con t a i ns ma n y i n t er es t i ng p l a nt a nd
ani ma l spec i es whos e o c c ur r en ce i n O k l a homa i s mos t l y i n t hes e .mo un t a i ns . The s e wi l d er nes s es wo ul d be t he c l o s es t s uc h a r ea s t o t he O kl a homa C i t y - and Da l l a s F t . wo r t h met r opo l i t a n a r ea s . The a ver a ge c i t i z en i s a bout
2 5 0 mi l es f rom a wi l d er nes s . The s e c i t i es a r e c ur r en t l y f ur t her t ha n
aver a ge f rom a wi l d er nes s esper i en c e . wi l d er nes s d es i gna t i on wo ul d pr es er ve t he s t r ea m q ua l i t y o f t he upper Ki a mi hi ver c Ri . US For es t ser vi ce s t ud i es s how t ha t d es i gna t i o n o f t hes e a r eas a s wi l d er nes s wo ul d ha ve no a d ver s e i mp a c t on t he t i mb er i nd us t r y i n
O k l ahoma .
Tha nk yo u f o r t he oppor t uni t y t o c omment .
S i ncer el y ,
c c : Repr es en t a t i ve wa s wa t ki ns Gover nor Geo r ge Hi gh