Volunteers Clear Paths, Clean Outdoor Spaces to Aid Public Land Access
Initially requested by hunters who frequented AGFC-owned WMAs, volunteer workdays have slowly grown during the last three years. This year’s workdays were held at Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, Big Lake WMA, Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA, Holland Bottoms WMA, Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA and Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA.
David Luker, assistant chief of wildlife management for the AGFC, said volunteers have always helped with smaller-scale cleanup efforts at random intervals with the approval of WMA managers, but the volunteer workday initiative is aimed at coordinating those efforts toward specific tasks needed on each selected WMA.
“A few are coordinated to help clear boat lanes, and others are to help remove old fences and other obstructions that make access or certain management activities like prescribed fire more difficult. It really boils down to what’s needed and what the volunteers are able to get done in one day,” Luker said. “Some may be litter cleanups at campgrounds and parking areas, and some of those can be a massive effort if someone has started trying to use public land as a dumping area.”
Luker said Big Lake WMA in northeast Arkansas had the greatest turnout, with 24 volunteers arriving to help clear boat lanes and trails that will be enjoyed by hundreds of duck hunting parties in the future.
“There are always some lanes that need clearing from trees and branches that fall from storms throughout the year, and AGFC staff are stretched thin over multiple WMAs, so they have to prioritize habitat improvement work over access some years,” Luker said. “Those extra hands from this volunteer effort really make a difference. We appreciate everyone who shows up and participates in these focused efforts.”
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