RUSSELLVILLE, Ark – July 26, 2022 – Forest Managers have announced weekday closures of the White Rock Recreation Area from Monday, July 25 through early September.
Construction projects, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, will improve future access to the White Rock Recreation Area. Phased improvements include drainage enhancements and road resurfacing and realignment of the entrance and access roads into the recreation area. The work is expected to help mitigate impacts from erosion and help stabilize heavy use areas. The campground, cabins, and overlook will be open and fully accessible on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).
White Rock Mountain Trail Surprise“This project, well-timed to coincide with a slower time for summer visitation, will position White Rock Recreation Area to provide enhanced access and recreation opportunities now and into the future,” said Amy Burt, Forest Planning and Public Services Staff Officer.
In August 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law. GAOA established the new National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and assured permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 2022 marks the second year the agency is leveraging the two funds to address the deferred maintenance backlog, enhance public access to national forests and grasslands, and expand the conservation efforts on both public and private forests. Multiple projects on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have been completed since the funding’s inception, and many more are planned and funded through 2025.
“This project, well-timed to coincide with a slower time for summer visitation, will position White Rock Recreation Area to provide enhanced access and recreation opportunities now and into the future,” said Amy Burt, Forest Planning and Public Services Staff Officer. “Addressing critical infrastructure needs and improving emergency response access is a priority for the District and the Forests. GAOA funding will allow us to make critical improvements to this area.”
For additional information on the temporary closure at White Rock Mountain, please contact the Boston Mountain Ranger District Office at 479-667-2191.
