This year's extended triple-digit summer may already seem a memory, but the results of volunteers stepping up to help maintain Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management areas will be evident as hunters begin making their way to the woods later this fall. Sixty-six volunteers sacrificed their Saturday, Sept. 12, to help clean up litter, clear boat lanes, improve mobility-impaired access trails and perform other tasks at seven selected WMAs alongside AGFC staff.
Initially requested by hunters who frequented AGFC-owned WMAs, volunteer workdays have slowly grown during the last three years. This year's workdays were held at Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, Big Lake WMA, Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA, Holland Bottoms WMA, Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA and Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA.
David Luker, assistant chief of wildlife management for the AGFC, said volunteers have always helped with smaller-scale cleanup efforts at random intervals with the approval of WMA managers, but the volunteer workday initiative is aimed at coordinating those efforts toward specific tasks needed on each selected WMA.
"A few are coordinated to help clear boat lanes, and others are to help remove old fences and other obstructions that make access or certain management activities like prescribed fire more difficult. It really boils down to what's needed and what the volunteers are able to get done in one day," Luker said. "Some may be litter cleanups at campgrounds and parking areas, and some of those can be a massive effort if someone has started trying to use public land as a dumping area."
Luker said Big Lake WMA in northeast Arkansas had the greatest turnout, with 24 volunteers arriving to help clear boat lanes and trails that will be enjoyed by hundreds of duck hunting parties in the future.
"There are always some lanes that need clearing from trees and branches that fall from storms throughout the year, and AGFC staff are stretched thin over multiple WMAs, so they have to prioritize habitat improvement work over access some years," Luker said. "Those extra hands from this volunteer effort really make a difference. We appreciate everyone who shows up and participates in these focused efforts."
Johnny Waldrup, regional wildlife supervisor at the AGFC's Brinkley Regional Office, said there's still another opportunity in his district for volunteers to help clean up. The sixth annual Pine Tree Wildlife Demonstration Area Cleanup will take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in Colt (St. Francis County).
"This is a cleanup organized by local sportsmen, and it's a great event to give back if you enjoy this, or any other public area in east Arkansas," Waldrup said. "It's also a great way for high school students to earn the volunteer public service hours they need to graduate. Everyone will meet up at the station office in Colt at 8 a.m. to get their assignments and trash bags, then we'll clean until noon. The event wraps up with a nice lunch and drinks for everyone who participates."
Contact Michael Burns at 870-317-4703 for more information on this cleanup.