‘Arkansas Wild’ set for premiere on Arkansas PBS

'Arkansas Wild: The Story of Trout Tourism on the Little Red River' – a film exploring the tourism impact and conservation challenges facing the river, home to the former world-record brown trout and Arkansas' only self-sustaining wild trout population – will premiere on Arkansas PBS Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m.

Filmmaker and University of Central Arkansas Associate Marketing Professor Benjamin Garner, a native of Searcy, returned to his roots to showcase the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the river offers. Through interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Deputy Director Ben Batten, local flyfishing guides Jamie and Kati Rouse, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff fisheries biologist Steve Lochmann and the staff at Lindsey’s Fly Fishing Resort in Heber Springs, Garner sheds light on the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

'The Little Red River holds a special place in my heart,” Garner said. “It's where I learned to fish for trout, and I've seen firsthand the impact tourism has had on the river.

'With this film, I hope to raise awareness about the conservation challenges facing the Little Red and inspire others to take action to protect this valuable resource.'

Located in the Ozark Mountains, the Little Red River is the tailwater of the Greers Ferry Dam, which was completed in 1962. In the 1960s,

See STATE, page A3 STATE

From page A2

trout were planted in the river, and the first brown trout eggs were planted at Cow Shoals in the 1970s by Dave Whitlock and the Arkansas Fly Fishers.

Since then, the Little Red has become a popular spot for anglers across the world looking to catch world-class brown trout. However, local guides and anglers report that in the last 20 years they are seeing fewer large fish than they did in the 1980s and 90s.

A free screening of “Arkansas Wild” will be held Saturday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Thaden School in Bentonville.

Additional information about “Arkansas Wild” is available at www.benjaminrgarner.com. ***

$2 million set aside for clean-up work at

Arkansas Aeroplex

BLYTHEVILLE — A planned project will work to help clean-up areas at the former Eaker Air Force Base, with federal and local officials saying the project will benefit people in the area.

Late Thursday, officials said $2 million in federal funding was awarded to Mississippi County to start a comprehensive clean-up effort at the Arkansas Aeroplex.

Officials said the funding, which was approved by Congress in March, will be used for the “North End Clean Up” project at the Aeroplex. The project will serve as a key part of the revitalization efforts at the facility.

Officials said right now at least 35 commercial businesses operate at the Aeroplex, with the former air base serving as a repair and testing site location for large commercial and military aircraft.

Officials also cite an 11,600foot runway as a key component for the facility and its potential for major industry.

Mississippi County economic development official Clif Chitwood said Friday that the project will help clean up a mess left when the former Air Force base closed in 1992.

According to a media release, the $2 million will be used to offset a portion of the equipment, labor and transportation that will be needed to get rid of 238 abandoned duplexes on the north side of the former air base. Officials said the work will also include disposing of possible environmental hazards and getting rid of debris that has gathered since the base closed.

Chitwood said Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson has worked tirelessly on the project, meeting with federal officials on the issue.

In a statement, Judge Nelson thanked federal officials for their help and noted he believes the Aeroplex will play a major role in the county’s economic future.

“We appreciate the leadership of Congress, specifically Rep.

Rick Crawford and Sen. John Boozman, in approving this funding,” Judge Nelson said.

“The Arkansas Aeroplex is already a growing and vital piece of our economic development strategy, and the federal funding ensures that this work continues to propel us into the future.”

Both Rep. Crawford and Sen.

Boozman said the work on the project will help the county and region, as well.

“The Arkansas Aeroplex has vast potential, and this cleanup project is a critical next step in unlocking that future growth through redevelopment efforts,” Rep. Crawford said. “As a former federal military base, there are numerous structures containing hazardous materials, and the federal government has a responsibility to assist with improvement efforts. With this project underway, Mississippi County is on target to attract new businesses and investment opportunities, further bolstering economic growth in a region already known to be the largest steel-producing county in the United States.”

“This is good news for the community and I was proud to support Congressman Crawford’s leadership in delivering the funding,” Sen.

Boozman said. “We remain committed to working with Mississippi County leaders to pursue economic investment and opportunities to help transform the region.”