RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are exploring the potential of a partnership or collaboration that provides increased services at the Lake Wedington Recreation Area west of Fayetteville, Ark.
Natural areas in proximity to significant urban development are becoming progressively more difficult systems to maintain for public land managers. While increases in population, urban growth, suburban development, and ecological degradation adversely affect wildland-urban interface areas, local people continue to depend more on these areas for recreational opportunities than ever before. The population growth in proximity to the Forest Service’s Lake Wedington Unit in the Boston Mountain Ranger District will warrant more attention and consideration in the years to come.
Realizing the challenges associated with this ever-increasing need, the Forest Service has the desire to develop a partnership in one of the fastest-growing counties in the state through a Concession Agreement, Historic Lease, or other potential avenues. A Request for Expressions of Interest invites the submission of concepts that would explore the development potential of the Lake Wedington Recreation Area. The Forest Service seeks proposals from individuals, governmental, quasi-governmental agencies, non-profit or for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.
A site visit is scheduled with Forest Service staff at the Lake Wedington Recreation Area: Friday, August 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the site visits, interested parties will be able to tour the Lake Wedington Recreation Area and associated infrastructure, including any areas that may normally be closed to the public. If you are interested in attending, RSVP to Amy Burt, Planning and Public Services Staff Officer, by phone call or text to 479-280-0452 or by email at amy.burt@usda.gov.
More information and a copy of the full project document can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/osfnf/workingtogether/partnerships.
