Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Big news for outdoor recreation in Arkansas! The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced the latest of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Grant Awards! More than $3.8 million in funding will go to projects that enhance parks, trails, and outdoor spaces across the state. 🌳🚴♂️🏕️ These grants help communities invest in outdoor recreation, supporting local economies and expanding access to nature for all Arkansans. Check out the full list of awardees and project details here: ⬇️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJN6SgjH 📢 Also, mark your calendars! Applications open March 10 for The Arkansas Great Strides Program and May 1 for Matching/FUN grants. #ArkansasOutdoorRecreation #ExploreArkansas

📢 What an incredible turnout for the inaugural Natural State Day at the Arkansas Capitol! 🌟   Thank you to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her team's support, and thank you to the hundreds of attendees who filled the Capitol rotunda and explored exhibits from more than 30 amazing companies and organizations that make Arkansas a leader in outdoor recreation.   Yesterday was the perfect demonstration of the collective strength and growth of our outdoor economy in Arkansas. We’re all working together to connect people to nature, enhance quality of life and create jobs in our communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this day possible - Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ARKANSAS GAME & FISH FOUNDATION, CJRW Bass Cat and Yar-Craft Boats, PRADCO Outdoor Brands, Remington 1816, SeaArk Boats, Xpress Boats, PeopleForBikes, Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, National Park College, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), USA Cycling, Runway Group, LIVSN, Gearhead Outfitters, Buffalo Outdoor Center, and so many more!

We are looking for partners in the design phase of the Trails at Mena project, a mountain bike trail system that would, through phased development, ultimately connect the City of Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This project is a unique opportunity to help shape a community’s future through outdoor recreation. The model of a downhill gravity park designed specifically to create exceptional mountain biking experiences is a rare opportunity. A willingness to think creatively, work collaboratively, and develop an operating model that matches the character of Arkansas, the Natural State and the community of Mena will be critical to success. Check out the Master Plan for more details: https://lnkd.in/e_TumSpZ Apply to join the project through the RFI process here - https://lnkd.in/eVRA_qge #TrailsAtMena #OutdoorAdventure

Arkansas Heritage recognized recipients of Small Museum and Arkansas Heritage grants last week. These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’ small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $55,600 to 17 recipients from across the state!

We’re excited to be featured in AY Magazine (About You)’s article about the upcoming 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! This event celebrates the incredible diversity of Arkansas’ culinary scene – from beloved local restaurants to food-themed events and standout proprietors. This year’s spotlight is on honey, the 2024 Food of the Year, highlighting Arkansas' rich agricultural heritage. 🍯 Join us on Sept. 30 from 5-7 PM for the induction ceremony, and don't forget to bring a nonperishable item to support the Arkansas Foodbank. Let’s continue honoring the flavors and traditions that make Arkansas truly unique!

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission is currently hiring for a part-time (extra help) Land Management Specialist. Are you passionate about restoring and maintaining our state's natural diversity? Join our team at the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in Little Rock, Arkansas! While this position is based out of our Little Rock office, the Land Management Specialist will spend much of their time in the field within the 74,000 acres comprising 79 natural areas spread across all eco-regions of the state. Responsibilities: Conduct on-site land management, including prescribed fire, boundary demarcation, trail maintenance, and invasive species removal. Collaborate with stakeholders for impactful initiatives. Manage budgets and resources efficiently. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in land resource management, biology, forestry, or a related field Strong organizational and communication skills Experience in land management Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gkvdv-he Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the natural state!

🌟 Exciting Opportunity! 🌟 We're looking for a dynamic leader to join our team as the ADPHT Chief of Communications! As our media liaison, you'll be the voice of ADPHT, coordinating with news outlets, the Governor's Office, and the public. If you're passionate about storytelling, leadership, and making an impact, this role is for you! #ArkansasJobs #Communications #LeadershipOpportunity #ADPHT

Tune into Arkansas Week tonight to hear about the incredible progress being made with the Main Street Arkansas program at Arkansas Heritage. Their efforts are aimed at preserving, revitalizing, and developing downtown areas throughout the state. Is your community part of this initiative? If not, you’re missing a great opportunity. Greg Phillips and Arkansas Heritage director Marty Ryall recently discussed this with Chris Kane. Catch the episode tonight at 7 PM and Sunday at 10 AM on Arkansas PBS.

ICYMI: On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Secretary Shea Lewis, Secretary Renee Mallory and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Katherine Andrews to present $500,000 in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects in seven counties across the state. The Sanders Administration revived Great Strides after the program went dormant in 2017, fulfilling one of the recommendations of the Natural State Initiative. Read the full press release below.

🛶Exciting News from Conway County!🚵♂️ The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway County Economic Development Corporation has announced the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Entrepreneur Program! This groundbreaking initiative is designed to help new outdoor recreation businesses succeed. As the first program of its kind at the local level in Arkansas, we’re confident it will be a game-changer for entrepreneurs in Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley. In 2023, Petit Jean State Park and the surrounding area were designated as a Natural State Initiative Economic Opportunity Zone by the State of Arkansas. Managed by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, this designation offers special sales tax and income tax benefits to qualifying businesses within the zone, creating even more incentives for growth and success. This is a fantastic opportunity for the outdoor recreation industry! #Arkansas #OutdoorRecreation #NaturalStateInitiative  #ArkansasStateParks