Arkansas § 15-11-702 - Findings.

§ 15-11-702. Findings.

The General Assembly finds that: Arkansas is a state of natural cultural and scenic beauty, natural resources, and wildlife; Enjoyment of the natural cultural and scenic beauty, the natural resources, and the observation of wildlife in Arkansas is a favorite pastime of many; There will be a positive impact on the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of our youth through enhanced access to the state's natural resources and wildlife by establishing wildlife observation trails in local communities; The potential for growth in the tourism sector of the economy through the development of wildlife observation trails is significant; The growth of the economy through the development of wildlife observation trails is “green growth” that is good for the environment; The development of wildlife observation trails is also good for encouraging and promoting a healthy lifestyle for our citizens; Wildlife observation trails rank high among the list of local amenities that an industry desires when it considers locating within the state; In permitted hunting and fishing areas of the state, the creation of wildlife observation trials can improve access to those activities; and The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission are interested in continuing a Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program to ignite interest in the natural cultural and scenic beauty and natural resources of Arkansas and to promote economic development in a healthy and environmentally sound manner.