§ 15-11-701. Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program”.

§ 15-11-702. Findings

The General Assembly finds that: (1) Arkansas is a state of natural cultural and scenic beauty, natural resources, and wildlife; (2) Enjoyment of the natural cultural and scenic beauty, the natural resources, and the observation of wildlife in Arkansas is a favorite pastime of many; (3) There will be a positive impact on the physical, […]

§ 15-11-703. Definition

“Wildlife observation trail” means a trail route designed to promote conservation and management of wildlife resources of the state and to promote tourism and economic development through the enjoyment, use, protection, and improvement of the natural resources of Arkansas.

§ 15-11-704. The Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program

(a) There is continued a program to be known as the “Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program”. (b) The program shall be developed, implemented, and administered by the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism with the assistance of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. (c) The purpose of the program is to: (1) Increase public […]

§ 15-11-705. Wildlife Observation Trails — Development

(a) To accept a wildlife observation trail into the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program and be eligible to receive grant moneys under this subchapter, the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall require that the wildlife observation trail: (1) Meet the criteria established by the department after consultation with the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program […]

§ 15-11-706. Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program Advisory Board — Created

(a) (1) There is continued an advisory body to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to be known as the “Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program Advisory Board” to provide recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to develop criteria to establish […]

§ 15-11-707. Funding

(a) (1) The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission agrees to make available an amount not to exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000) for fiscal year 2011-2012 for the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program for the development of wildlife observation trails under this subchapter from moneys that the commission has received from oil and gas leases […]

§ 15-11-708. Grant distribution

(a) (1) A grant application under this subchapter that meets the criteria under § 15-11-705 shall be submitted to the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program Advisory Board by the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for review and comment. (2) The board shall recommend grants for approval by the secretary. (3) The […]

§ 15-11-709. Reporting

(a) The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall report the status of the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program biannually to the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee of the Legislative Council and the Parks and Tourism Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee. (b) The report shall address […]