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Natural Heritage Tourism
Arkansas’ many state and national parks, national forests, wildlife natural areas, management areas, campgrounds, and outdoor education activities sites provide ample options for natural heritage tourism. Natural heritage tourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism - that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations - while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. It also takes a principle from ecotourism - that tourism revenue should promote conservation - and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.

Some forms of agritourism may be considered a subset of natural heritage tourism, particularly if the agricultural operation emphasizes maintenance of biodiversity, organic practices, wildlife compatibility, or hands-on experiences relating to farming, local culture or cuisine.


Learn more about Natural Heritage Tourism Learn more about Natural Heritage Tourism


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A Bird Trail is more than a trail in the literal sense.  It is a “necklace” of sites, usually linked by a physiographic feature such as a river, that are united by the theme of “great for bird watching!”  Birding Trails are essentially driving routes that help you get from one prime birding spot to the next.   Read More »


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A Bird Trail is more than a trail in the literal sense.  It is a “necklace” of sites, usually linked by a physiographic feature such as a river, that are united by the theme of “great for bird watching!”  Birding Trails are essentially driving routes that help you get from one prime birding spot to the next. 
Read More »


Natural heritage tourism (or geotourism as defined by National Geographic) is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Read More »


Arkansas lays at least partial claim to birthplace of bluegrass, but also the blues.  Here is a sampling of some great blues festivals in the Diamond State. Read More »


The Ozark Mountains, within both Arkansas and Missouri, are characterized by karst.  As a consequence of its karst formations, the state of Arkansas boasts a variety of limestone caves, subterranean streams, and mazes, with crystals, stalagmites, stalactites, and rare creatures exquisitely adapted to life in the cool, dark, moist underground. 
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Renowned for its hunting, Tara Wildlife also offers birding, hiking and a well-equipped conference and recreation facility. Read More »


At least one of the birth places of bluegrass is the Ozark Mountains, thus it’s fitting that Arkansas has a slew of annual bluegrass festivals from which to choose! Read More »

Ecotourism in the news in Arkansas
The following news articles are provided by the Google News service and do not reflect the views or imply an endorsement by the Arkansas Conservation Center and its affiliates. We cannot guarantee the relevance of the content of this page or any links that may be followed from the articles herein.
Google News

WTM Latin America 2013 finalizó con éxito
Hostnews (Comunicado de prensa)
Nilde Brum, Directora Presidente de la Fundación de Turismo del Mato Grosso do Sul, que anunció en WTM Latin America que el estado será sede de la Conferencia de Ecoturismo y Turismo Sostenible (Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference ...

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Google News
Outdoor Recreation
calico RockThe great outdoors! That’s the one element common to the scores of activities falling under this category.

Outdoor recreation activities take place in whole or in part outside. Accommodations run the gamut from wilderness tent camping to farmstays to luxury golfing, and physical pursuits can occur in the water, on land, and even in the air (hang gliding, kite boarding).

Outdoor activities may be consumptive, such as hunting, fishing, or mushrooming, or nonconsumptive, such as bird watching, biking, or photography. They may even give back, as in volunteer programs to maintain trails and the growing passion for native gardening. Pursuits that take place outside can be relatively high impact, such as the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs), or low-impact, such as leave-no-trace hiking, or something that requires great care in protecting native species, such as spelunking.

Arkansas offers a greate range of outdoor activities from exploring one of the 2,000 documented caves, underground lakes and streams, boating on one of the hundreds of lakes, rafting down the Buffalo National River, hiking in one of the 52 state parks, or birdwatching on the Missisiippi Flyway there is no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. Click on the Find Local Resources to find a place to pursue your favorite activity.


Learn more about Outdoor Activities Learn more about Outdoor Activities


The Ozark Mountains, within both Arkansas and Missouri, are characterized by karst.  As a consequence of its karst formations, the state of Arkansas boasts a variety of limestone caves, subterranean streams, and mazes, with crystals, stalagmites, stalactites, and rare creatures exquisitely adapted to life in the cool, dark, moist underground. 
Read More »


Tree Planting Program

Dovetail Partners, Inc. has created an interactive map of organizations that provide resources, information, and assistance for people interested in planting trees. Each organization offers opportunities to get involved, whether it’s planting trees or making donations for trees and seeds. Click here. 
It’s no secret that planting a tree is one of the best actions that you can take to improve and protect the environment. What you may not know, however, is that there are already hundreds of programs and efforts dedicated towards planting trees. By planting trees, we can improve air quality, harbor wildlife, and reduce carbon emissions that affect our climate. 


Outdoor Recreation news in Arkansas
The following news articles are provided by the Google News service and do not reflect the views or imply an endorsement by the Arkansas Conservation Center and its affiliates. We cannot guarantee the relevance of the content of this page or any links that may be followed from the articles herein.
Google News

Sister lakes were milestones
Russellville Courier
In the darkest days of World War II, outdoor recreation and fishing in general took a major change in Arkansas. Lake Nimrod was completed in 1942. Work on a companion project, Blue Mountain Lake, was set aside for the duration of the war then was ...




Family fishing clinics in May
The Lamar Ledger
Boys and girls of all ages are invited to attend Colorado Parks and Wildlife's free fishing clinics in lower Arkansas River Valley this month. "These events are geared toward children and are a great way for kids to learn how to improve their fishing ...

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Outdoor Adventures: Paying to play in the outdoors
Concord Monitor
Leave it to a mostly flat paved path through a well-manicured canyon in the rolling Ozarks leading from Missouri to Arkansas to remind my why people pay to play in the outdoors. From the seat of a one-speed rental bicycle with coaster brakes, a friend ...




Web Extra: Arkansas Crappie Fishing Lauded by Fishhound.com - KARK.com
KARK
Fishhound.com and a host of industry experts including veteran outdoor writers, professional crappie anglers, and organizations such as Crappie USA, Crappie Masters and Crappie Nation list Lake Dardanelle as the ninth best crappie lake in the U.S. and ...

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Another residential development files plans for area near recreation center ...
Lawrence Journal World (blog)
As we previously have reported, it basically will be just east of the recreation center and Rock Chalk Park site. The Arkansas-based developers say they are going to start the project this year, but they have had timetables in the past that haven't ...




Proposals made for city's parks system
Blytheville Courier News
To solicit any grant applications, you have to comply with that, and Mr. Brown has been doing an excellent job in communicating with the staff of the Arkansas State Parks and Outdoor Recreation grant, which has come here, cited and identified that as a ...




Share the river - Great Bend Tribune
Great Bend Tribune
We are fortunate to live in a region with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of the most diverse of these opportunities is the Arkansas River. This body of water winds its way through the area, passing close to several communities along ...

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Parks and Rec departments plan for future
Blytheville Courier News
He said the department will seek funds through the Trails for Life Grant, Fun Park Grant Program, Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods and the 50/50 matching grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grants ...




Vicksburg District, US Army Corps of Engineers (press release)

Ward Returns From Afghanistan
Vicksburg District, US Army Corps of Engineers (press release)
The Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. The primary mission of the Mississippi ...




ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)

Weird taxes: 'The List' finds the country's strangest taxes
ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)
The archery industry requested the tax to help fund some of its programs across the country. "Basically, it's a 50 cent per arrow tax that ends up going back to each individual state for outdoor recreation," said Randy Phillips, owner of Archery ...

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Google News
Hunting & Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas HuntingThe big three for hunters in Arkansas are deer, waterfowl, and turkey. But the opportunities do not stop there. The Natural State also allows hunting for bear, elk, squirrel, rabbit, quail, duck, dove, furbearers, and other game species, including those razorbacks! The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), which regulates and licenses hunting in the state, has regional centers across the state. The AFGC encourages the hunting or trapping of the state’s feral hogs “year-round, day or night, by a landowner or anyone with the landowner’s permission,” and without a hunting license with the landowner’s permission on private lands only - due to the rapidly increasing populations of this destructive introduced species.

The AGFC regularly offers hunter education classes, which are listed with date, location, and signup contact and searchable by county. To pinpoint local hunting opportunities in the 127 Wildlife Management Areas scattered throughout Arkansas counties, visit the AGFC’s Where to Hunt page.

From cool, clear rivers that host trout, bass and bream to deep lakes and warm ponds where large mouth bass, brim, and catfish are abundant, Arkansas has wonderful freshwater fishing opportunities. The AGFC regularly offers boater education classes, which are listed with date, location, and signup contact and searchable by county. The AGFC is charged with oversight of fishing and posts general regulations and license requirements for all fishers. A total of 233 distinct fishing locations can be found on the AGFC Where to Fish page.

Click on the Find Local Resources to find local hunting and fishing guides and lodges.


Learn more about Hunting in Arkansas Learn more about Hunting in Arkansas


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Feral (wild) hogs are widespread in Arkansas, and these prolific animals are nuisances, extremely destructive to wildlife and are unwanted. Persons who release hogs into the wild are subject to arrest and stiff penalties.

Texas has an experiment that appears to be successful. It’s not something to reduce feral hogs, but to control their interfering with deer feeders.

Read More »


There’s nothing better than a lazy afternoon on the bank of your favorite fishing hole, dreaming about a lunker that’s about to make your bobber disappear.

If you’re already a fisherman, then you know the thrill of anticipation. If you’re not an angler, this publication will help you get started.

Now that we’ve piqued your interest, you may realize that you’ve got a few things to learn about fish and angling. No problem – the basic fishing techniques described in this guide don’t require a huge tackle box. A rod, reel, hook, bobber and a few worms will work just fine.

After you land your trophies, we’ll help you identify them and show you how to prepare and cook your catch of the day.

You’ve made it this far – let’s get moving.Take a gander at the guide and head out to enjoy the best of what Arkansas water has to offer.

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Feral animals are those that have returned to an untamed state after having been domesticated.  Such is the case with almost all the wild pigs in North America.  Although some of the truly wild Eurasian or “Russian” boars have been brought to the U.S., they are rare, and most feral hogs descend from livestock or are a hybrid of the two species. Read More »


This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.  It applies to just about anywhere in the U.S. where wild pigs are found. Read More »


Arkansas has a wealth of ducks and doves, thanks to public support for maintaining and improving wildlife habitat and hunters who abide by hunting rules and regula- tions. Setting out bait for waterfowl or doves, or even hunting over a baited agricultural field, is not only unsports- manlike and unethical, it is illegal. Determining what is “baiting” can be a problem if hunters and landowners do not understand federal regulations about baiting migratory game birds. Waterfowl and doves are treated differently under these regulations.

Read More »

Hunting news in Arkansas
The following news articles are provided by the Google News service and do not reflect the views or imply an endorsement by the Arkansas Conservation Center and its affiliates. We cannot guarantee the relevance of the content of this page or any links that may be followed from the articles herein.
Google News

THV 11

2013-2014 deer hunting seasons set in Arkansas
THV 11
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has set the state's deer hunting seasons for the state. Archery season will be from Sept. 28-Feb. 28, 2014 in all zones and modern gun season will open Nov. 9 with the length of the season ...

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6-foot-10 Arkansas transfer Hunter Mickelson picks KU
Lawrence Journal World
Kentucky's Terrence Jones, right, puts up a shot under pressure from Arkansas' Hunter Mickelson (21) and Marvell Waithe during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Email; Post a comment; Print ...

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Mosby: Turkey hunt looking a little better
Log Cabin Democrat
After a week of turkey hunting in Arkansas, things are looking good — but not great. The numbers, meaning turkeys checked by hunters, are running a little ahead of the previous year and a good bit ahead of 2011, the low point for Arkansas in ...

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Mosby: Quail hunting just a memory
Log Cabin Democrat
There are a few spots in Arkansas where wild quail are cultivated and monitored, but not many. Shooting preserves offer pen-raised quail for paying customers to hunt. Usually, these customers are middle-aged or elderly people who remember the good ol' ...




Arkansas hunting dates set
Hot Springs Village Voice
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has set hunting dates and rules for most game species. Migratory bird seasons will be set in July and August. Modern-gun deer season will open Nov. 9. The length of the season will depend on the hunting zone.

and more »



Arkansas Catholic

David Mounsey: Texarkana parish's supreme volunteer
Arkansas Catholic
Arkansas Catholic's theme this year is “Arkansas Catholic delivers a year of faith.” What have you done or plan to do to strengthen your ... in the backyard and do woodworking and leather crafting. When the seasons are right, I enjoy fishing and deer ...




9NEWS.com

US Senator Mark Udall pushing for new national monument in Colorado
9NEWS.com
Mark Udall is asking for the public's help in crafting legislation to create a national monument that would include 22,000 acres on both sides of the Arkansas River between Salida and Buena Vista in south-central Colorado. Udall says his draft proposal ...

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Game and Fish Commission OKs Maumelle wildlife area
Log Cabin Democrat
It is owned by Central Arkansas Water. The new management area will be open to public hunting. It totals 18,861 acres — 9,861 of this land and 8,000 acres of the lake. The Game and Fish Commission and Central Arkansas Water agreed on a 99-year ...

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Sister lakes were milestones
Russellville Courier
In numbers of birds that come in for the winter, Nimrod and Blue Mountain don't have the tallies of the Grand Prairie and northeastern regions of Arkansas, but local hunters are well versed in chasing the migrating birds from the Central Flyway that ...




Mosby: Deer picture continues to brighten
Log Cabin Democrat
A deer hunting record was set last season. By far, it produced the most deer every taken by Arkansas hunters. This is good, biologist Cory Gray told the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at its Thursday meeting in Little Rock. It is also a strong ...

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Google News
Birding & Wildlife Viewing
Arkansas Wildlife ViewingThere is a near universal reaction among people, especially children, when they view animals in the wild - that of awe, excitement, amazement, and sometimes fear. No wonder the pastime of wildlife watching, and in particular bird watching, is growing across America. With 25 of Arkansas’s 52 state parks chosen for the national Watchable Wildlife program, the state provides many opportunities to experience its diverse avifauna.

Individually we can all gain from being in and observing nature by learning about birds, other wildlife and the local countryside. Wildlife watching is a fascinating, ever-changing activity that increases our awareness and appreciation of the natural world and our place in it. Best of all, it’s an inexpensive hobby that is easy to learn, and there are many places in Arkansas to get started!


Learn more about Birding & Wildlife Viewing in Arkansas Learn more about Birding & Wildlife Viewing in Arkansas


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A Bird Trail is more than a trail in the literal sense.  It is a “necklace” of sites, usually linked by a physiographic feature such as a river, that are united by the theme of “great for bird watching!”  Birding Trails are essentially driving routes that help you get from one prime birding spot to the next.   Read More »


By:
A Bird Trail is more than a trail in the literal sense.  It is a “necklace” of sites, usually linked by a physiographic feature such as a river, that are united by the theme of “great for bird watching!”  Birding Trails are essentially driving routes that help you get from one prime birding spot to the next. 
Read More »


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Renowned for its hunting, Tara Wildlife also offers birding, hiking and a well-equipped conference and recreation facility. Read More »

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Shop for Conservation
Robin Schiele, a dedicated conservationist and talented painter of exotic birds has generously agreed to donate 20% of the sale of his paintings to help support our conservation efforts.  Visit Resource First Foundation's Conservation Art Sale and put a life-size original watercolor of an endangered, endemic or rare bird from the Neotropical forests on a wall in your home or office.