Arkansas – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved two significant budget transfers on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing fishing access and amenities at two popular fishing destinations in the state. The meeting was held virtually due to hazardous driving conditions caused by Tuesday’s winter storm.
The first approved transfer focuses on Lake Wilhelmina, which is undergoing infrastructure repairs and habitat improvements. Originally, $250,000 was allocated for access improvements at the lake, but further opportunities to enhance the fishing experience were identified. As a result, the AGFC approved an additional $350,000 in funding from the Marine Fuel Tax to complete the following upgrades:
– A 1,200-square-foot covered fishing pier
– A 40-foot-wide staging area and turnaround at the existing boat ramp
– An 8-foot-by-20-foot courtesy dock
– A new concrete sidewalk from the boat ramp to the courtesy dock
– New parking areas to accommodate 13 trucks with trailers and 16 passenger vehicles
– Road improvements into the new parking areas
The second transfer, approved unanimously, is focused on enhancing amenities for trout anglers on the White River. The AGFC voted to allocate $155,000 from funds raised by the 2019 increase in Arkansas trout stamp prices. This money will be used to construct bathroom facilities at Wildcat Shoals, a popular access point on the river. This continues the AGFC’s commitment to using funds from the trout stamp price increase to improve trout management and related amenities. The completion of the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery was the first project to benefit from these funds.