Latest news with #ArkansasGameandFishCommission
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Registration opening soon for alligator hunting in Arkansas this fall
VIDEO: Alligator sightings increasing across Arkansas LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Registration is opening next week for the 2025 alligator season in Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is opening applications for permits from 8 a.m. on June 15 through midnight on July 14. You can apply at . Arkansas Game & Fish Commission joins other agencies on website for tips on living with alligators Those looking to bag a Natural State gator will be able to do so in one of 10 public land hunting areas in the southern half of the state. AGFC officials said each permit authorizes the harvest of one alligator, which must be at least four feet long. Officials added that alligator hunting is allowed 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the approved alligator hunting season dates, Sept. 19 to Sept. 22 and Sept. 26 to Sept. 29. Alligator sightings increasing across Arkansas All alligator hunters must do an online orientation before going out to hunt, AGFC officials said. More information can be found on . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Batesville's big vision takes shape with major park and water projects
BATESVILLE, Ark. — Less than two years after Batesville voters overwhelmingly approved the 'Building a Better Batesville' initiative, the city is already seeing significant progress, without a single tax increase. Approved in August 2023, the $25 million plan focuses on revitalizing public parks and modernizing aging water infrastructure, two areas city leaders say are key to Batesville's long-term success. 'Our citizens stepped up absolutely and they said yes to a new event center, a totally new park, Riverside Park and so we are very excited about that,' Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh said. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plans public meeting for Lake Conway updates The crown jewel of the initiative is a completely renewed vision of Riverside Park, which is now closed for redevelopment. When it reopens in 2026, the park will feature expanded walking trails, splash pads, pavilions, sports courts for tennis and pickleball, and an all-inclusive playground. 'We're especially proud of the all-inclusive design—it'll serve special needs children, adults, and the whole community,' Elumbaugh said. Elumbaugh, a former physical education teacher who managed the city's pools for over three decades, has long advocated for accessible, active public spaces. 'I'm passionate not just about recreation, but about quality of life and place for our residents,' he said. In addition to parks, the initiative includes major upgrades to the city's water system. The current water plant, built in the 1960s, is expanding with a new facility that broke ground earlier this year. The mayor says it's a necessary step for ensuring clean, reliable water for the next 50-plus years. Maumelle set for 40th-anniversary celebration on June 20 Elumbaugh also sees the improvements as an investment in the city's identity and economic future. 'There are 500 incorporated cities in Arkansas—we want to be one of those cities known for quality of life, quality of place, and being a great place to raise a family,' he said. From infrastructure to inclusivity, the 'Building a Better Batesville' initiative is shaping the city's next chapter—one park bench and water pipe at a time, with the mayor stating he is excited to see the initiative through to the end and what the future then holds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State agencies launch new Arkansas outdoor education program
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders discusses an outdoor education pilot program during a press conference on June 4, 2025 in Little Rock. (Screenshot from livestream) The governor announced on Wednesday the creation of a new outdoor education pilot program that will accept up to 30 Arkansas school districts that apply to participate. A partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the program will help equip students for a career in outdoor recreation, according to a press release from the governor's office. During Wednesday's announcement at AGFC's Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said if the pilot is successful, the program could be expanded to schools across the state and provide a model for the entire country. Getting kids outdoors will help improve their education, health and quality of life, Sanders said. 'Starting today, districts across our state can apply to be one of 30 schools to offer outdoor education built around the standards taught in core and elective content areas, experiences in outdoor learning engagement and projects that empower students to think critically and solve problems about the world around them,' she said. Doug Schoenrock, who was named AGFC's 20th director in April, said the 'truly unique' pilot program will bring the outdoors into the classroom and vice versa. 'And most importantly, this program will bring outdoors to the hearts and minds of our students, and build a connection with the Natural State, which we as Arkansans hold so dear,' Schoenrock said. The new initiative combines several of the governor's priorities, including education, workforce development and outdoor recreation. The pilot program responds to a recommendation made by the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council in its 2023 report to expand outdoor recreation programs to schools. Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative in an effort to expand Arkansas' outdoor economy, and its advisory council is chaired by her husband, Bryan. Tourism is the state's second largest industry behind agriculture. In the most recent year for which data is available, Arkansas welcomed more than 50 million visitors who spent nearly $10 billion, much of which went to outdoor recreation, according to the press release. Applications for the outdoor education pilot program are available on AGFC's website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announce new outdoor education pilot program
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a new pilot program focused on education and outdoor recreation. On Wednesday, Gov. Sanders held a press conference at the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center in Little Rock to announce the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program. The governor said the pilot will be a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and is intended to equip students for a future career in outdoor recreation such as becoming an ecologist or researcher. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders grants over $460,000 for outdoor recreation Districts across the Natural State can apply to be one of 30 schools that implement new curriculum centered around outdoor education into classrooms that meet core and elective requirements, the governor said. 'If this program is successful in our first 30 pilot schools, which I know it will be, we have the opportunity to bring it to schools all across our state and establish a model for the whole country to follow,' Sanders said. Gov. Sanders said one of her priorities is to expand the state's outdoor economy. Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative, which is under the leadership of First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. The pilot program is one of this initiative's key objective, according to the governor. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch, Arkansas Secretary Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks Shea Lewis, and Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Doug Schoenrock also spoke at the press conference in support of the new pilot 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews work around clock after extreme storm damages fish hatchery facility: 'We won't know the total cost of renovation'
A trout hatchery is dealing with the consequences of intense rainfall that left the Arkansas facility with significant damage. According to K8 News, the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery in Mammoth Spring was flooded after massive amounts of rainfall in April. It's one of five hatcheries operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that produce millions of fish each year for public waters. Jason Miller, assistant chief of the AGFC's Fisheries Division, said debris was brought into the hatchery during the storm. Crews started their repairs after a damage assessment. "The Commission authorized $500,000 to get us started on both the hatchery recovery and the initial work on other infrastructure throughout eastern Arkansas, but we won't know the total cost of renovation until we can get a few more inspections complete now that we've cleared off a lot of the debris," Miller said, per K8 News. The AGFC said crews removed 26 dump truck loads of silt from the area, per the outlet. About 150,000 rainbow trout remain, but many were killed or escaped in heavy waters. Over a four-day period in April, eight states in the Mississippi River Valley experienced the heaviest spring rainfall on record in the region since 1950. Researchers found that rising global temperatures made the flooding even more intense. Human activities contribute to heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere that increase temperatures and trigger more frequent and powerful extreme weather events. Burning dirty fuels such as coal, gas, and oil affects the climate more than other human activities, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Due to the warming climate, a larger percentage of precipitation occurs during strong single-day events. Extreme weather events can lead to dangerous conditions for communities. In fact, the Climate Risk Index 2025 found that extreme weather has killed nearly 800,000 people and displaced millions over the last three decades. Do you think your home has good insulation? Definitely It's just all right It's good in some rooms Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Experts have issued warnings that extreme weather events will only become more destructive in the future. However, new technological advancements may help anticipate the storms and the aftermath. Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists developed technology using artificial intelligence to predict flooding, and experts at Columbia University created an interactive tool to help governments prepare for natural disasters. While resources to mitigate extreme weather continue to be developed, people can take steps to protect their homes. Installing solar panels with battery storage can help make homes more resilient during weather-related grid outages and lower energy costs. Resources such as EnergySage allow homeowners to compare quotes from local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installation. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
