The Trails at Mena project is a proposed development on Rich Mountain north of Mena, within the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest. Over a period of 5-10 years, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism – Division of State Parks (ASP) would develop over 100 miles of mountain bike trails along with chair lifts and shuttle roads to move people and their bikes around on the mountain. In July 2024, Arkansas BHA entered comments on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project.

Our chapter’s comments were centered on two main themes: preservation of hunting rights and black bears. After the comment period closed, we were invited to a series of meetings with ASP, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and the US Forest Service to review and further discuss our comments. We found state officials very willing to listen and to consider our positions.

The first area of concern involved current hunting practices and the lack of assurances that hunting could continue within the almost 9000-acre project area. The draft EA talked about the likelihood that hunting would be impacted but did not really quantify how much impact there would be. There was vague language suggesting that ASP and AGFC might have to work together to manage hunting, but there were no assurances that current hunting practices would be allowed to continue.

During our meetings it became clear that state officials did not intend to eliminate hunting within the project area, but they also had not considered including safeguards to ensure that hunting could continue in a safe and effective manner. After our discussion, the EA was revised to include language within the Project Design Criteria (PDC) requiring ASP and AGFC to sign a memorandum of agreement to work together to manage hunting within the project area. Our involvement facilitated some of the first discussions between the state agencies about how to work together on the project.

The second area of concern was the total omission of black bears as a species to be considered amongst the many other species present on Rich Mountain. As Arkansas public land hunters will know, bears thrive in wild places and Rich Mountain certainly qualifies as good bear habitat. With no mention of black bears at all, we were concerned about potential bear/human conflicts, as well as out-migration to adjacent private property. All these things might lead to the development of “problem bears” where no such problem currently exists. Once again, project leaders were attuned to our concern and language was added to the EA and to the PDC to try to avoid creating these problems.

Arkansas BHA’s stated preference was for no development to occur, but we acknowledged strong support for the project from many in the community. It is our duty to stand up for the rights of public land hunters and wildlife and to advocate for the best possible outcome considering all the stakeholders and potential user groups. If development were to occur, we supported Alternative 3 which allowed for some development but also preserved some of the best habitat and views.

On November 24, 2024, a draft Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact was published by the Ouachita National Forest for the Trails at Mena project. The publication of the draft decision started a 45-day objection period when citizens and organizations who have already commented on the project may object to the findings of Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen. He has chosen to approve Alternative 3 for the project.

Arkansas BHA believes that citizen involvement in processes like the National Environmental Policy Act review are critical to preserving our rights to hunt, fish, and recreate on public lands. In this instance we were told that the comments we shared had a direct impact on the Environmental Assessment and the Project Design Criteria. These comments were initiated because our members asked us to get involved, and we will need our members to continue to monitor the project if it gets developed.

While Arkansas BHA considers our next steps during the Objection Period, we welcome further input or suggestions from stakeholders. Please send your thoughts to [email protected] by December 31 so we will have time to consider them and formulate our response before the January 7 deadline.

To support our volunteer efforts to preserve your rights to hunt and fish on public lands in Arkansas and throughout the continent, please join BHA, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media. Your voice is important, and we thank you for your support.