State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission Summary

The following is a synopsis of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission meeting held February 18, 2010, at Mount Magazine State Park. 

Ouachita National Forest Transportation Plan Update

Richard Davies reported that correspondence from Senators Pryor and Lincoln and Congressman Ross was sent to the Chief of the Forest Service in regards to the Ouachita National Forest Transportation Plan. At this time there has not been any movement on the situation.

US Marshals Museum

Claude Legris reported that the US Marshals Museum kicked off its national fundraising campaign with a reception held at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion on Dec. 18. The event was hosted by President Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Beebe.

Congressman Boozman has introduced House Bill 2799 to produce a coin commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the US Marshals Service. The first 5 million dollars raised from the sale of the coin will go to the US Marshals Museum. Legris noted the Robert Westphal Family donated an additional 2.36 acres of land adjacent to the museum, ensuring easy access parking for visitors. The design of the museum will be in the shape of a Marshal’s badge.

Parks Division

The State Parks Spring 2010 television and radio creative was presented by Joe Jacobs and approved by the Commission. For more information, contact Joan Ellison at 501-682-2873.

State Parks Director Greg Butts reported that there is not a current policy directive in place for the display of non-department related brochures in Arkansas State Parks. Several operators have requested to display brochures at the Visitors Information Centers at various state parks. Butts advised that the brochure racks have limited space and were not designed to hold large quantities of brochures. Butts presented Parks Directive 1160 – Policy on the Display of Tourism Industry Brochures to the commission for review. A discussion ensued and the Commission approved implementing the policy on a pilot basis. For more information, contact Greg Butts at 501-682-7743.

Butts provided an update on the status of Jacksonport State Park’s sunken historic stern-wheeler, the Mary Woods II. The staff is expecting to receive four “no cure, no pay” bids by Feb. 25, meaning that if the vessel is not recovered, payment will not be charged.

The Lodge at Mount Magazine was recently recognized by AAA Southern Traveler as a resort for all seasons, offering exceptional recreation, accommodations and beauty. A new release from Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area boasts high numbers of eagles spotted on recent eagle watch cruises.

Joan Ellison reported that a two-carat light brown diamond was recently found at Crater of Diamonds State Park by a regular diamond hunter, Glenn Worthington. He named it the “Brown Rice Diamond” because of its shape. For more information, contact Joan Ellison at 501-682-2873.

Tourism Division

Joe David Rice, Tourism Director provided an update on the International Women’s Forum board meeting in Little Rock. The decision for the 2014 conference has not yet been made.

Richard Davies and Joe David Rice reviewed ERA Longwoods Report. As part of a multi-phased project beginning in 2008, ERA/AECOM was hired by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to provide strategic recommendations on how to strengthen and expand the successful state tourism program. The Commission agreed that the department will proceed with recommendations in the plan.

Nancy Clark, Assistant Tourism Director provided an update on the 36th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, reporting that she has received 184 registrations so far. The Governor will open the conference at lunch on Monday. The program and a list of speakers are posted on Arkansas.com.
Aristotle reported that visits to Arkansas.com are up 15.4% over this time last year. Arkansas.com remains number one among contiguous states. Over 73,324 links were sent out from Arkansas.com to industry partners. A status update on the Hot Deals and Packages iPhone Application was provided. The estimated launch window of the iPhone application is mid-to-late March. Beta tests are being performed at this time.

CJRW presented the new Arts and Culture niche video and three new 30-second television spots. The marketing strategy for spring/summer 2010 cable television media was presented. All were approved by the Commission.