U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

Protecting the Ozarks

The Ozark National Forest is one of Arkansas's most cherished treasures. Its 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, includes the tallest point in the state, Mount Magazine, and Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living underground cave. During the fall, the trademark purple, orange and yellow leaves of this majestic oak forest line the roads as fans travel to Fayetteville to watch the Hogs play at Razorback Stadium. However, all of this beauty is subject to dramatic change if we do not continue to protect the forest responsible management practices.  To raise awareness of the Ozark national Forest, during the 110^th Congress I introduced a resolution recognizing its 100^th anniversary, H. Res 1158, which passed the House of Representatives on June 9, 2008. 

As a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus and Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I believe our natural treasures and wildlife should be managed in a way that ensures their enjoyment for generations to come.  It is important to note that in order for environmental conservation efforts to receive broad support a respect the rights of taxpayers, they must take into consideration private property rights, public use of federal lands, second amendment rights, and the unintended consequences that may sometimes limit our environmentally responsible access to our natural resources. 

I will continue to assist the U.S. Forest Service as they work to preserve the Ozark National Forest and our other treasures that make Arkansas “The Natural State.”  I will also continue to correspond with Arkansans and the Forest Service to ensure that any future proposals serve the best interest of our citizens who own the land, and the forest itself.

Congressional Research Service Reports:

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