Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Colorado for the time, and I appreciate the opportunity today to be on the House floor to talk about H.R. 5636, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, to preserve the wilderness areas for future generations of Arkansans.

On October 19, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Arkansas Wilderness Act, which set aside the first wilderness areas in the State of Arkansas. One of those wilderness areas created by this act was Flatside, which is located in both Perry County and Saline County, both of which are in my district.

In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service recommended that these 640 acres be included in the national wilderness program, stating that adding these lands to the wilderness program would establish a more logical and manageable boundary for these areas and is consistent with the forest management plan.

This measure is a first step in enhancing Flatside. Additional measures are being considered to study other U.S. forest lands that are suitable for addition to the area adjacent to Flatside. We are also working to restore certain adjacent areas that were in former private ownership to native species.

Perry County offers something very special for Arkansans, visitors young and old alike, seeking a unique, authentic outdoor recreation experience. This tourism has had a positive effect on Arkansas' economy, especially in these largely rural counties. By increasing the wilderness area and promoting it, Arkansas, especially in Perry County, can attract more people to enjoy these natural resources and continue the trend of tourism's positive impact on Arkansas' economy.

It is important to note that this bill is narrowly tailored to only place lands carefully selected by the U.S. Forest Service into the wilderness area. It will not affect any private property.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, this bill is of particular importance to me because, as a young Senate staffer working on the Hill in 1984, I was able to work with then-Senator Dale Bumpers' office from Arkansas and Representative Ed Bethune's office and helped to secure the passage of the Arkansas Wilderness Act in the Senate. What a treat, three decades later, for me now to represent the Second District of Arkansas and see this good work continue, while also being able to recognize my predecessor, former Congressman of Arkansas' Second District, Ed Bethune.

I believe naming this tract for Congressman Bethune is a proper way to recognize him for his dedicated service for conservation causes important to The Natural State. This enthusiasm is shared by the entire Arkansas delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friends, Chairman Bishop and Representative Westerman, for their help in advocating for this bill that is so important to my district, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill

(H.R. 5636) to designate additions to the Flatside Wilderness on the Ouachita National Forest, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5636 adds approximately 640 acres to the 9,500-acre Flatside Wilderness in the Ouachita National Forest.

This land has been studied and recommended as an addition to the wilderness by the U.S. Forest Service.

The bill also names the addition after Congressman Ed Bethune, who served the people of Arkansas from 1979 to 1985.

This relatively minor change will establish more manageable wilderness boundaries, allowing the Forest Service to take better care of the land. Most importantly, this new wilderness designation has local support and support from the Arkansas delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Congressman French Hill, for introducing this legislation to benefit his district. I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), who introduced the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This bill amends the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 to designate 640 acres in the Ouachita National Forest. We are pleased to work with our colleagues across the aisle to identify areas that deserve wilderness designation and to increase conservation opportunities for our most wild and serene places.

This bill adds to a conservation legacy signed into law by President Reagan and demonstrates that protection of public lands can be a bipartisan priority. We look forward to continuing this work as we wrap up the year and move into the next Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Agriculture Committee be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 5636.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.

Mr. President, I know of no further debate on the bill.

I ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.