AGP Executive Report

Drought and Wildlife: A 14-month dry spell has left Arkansas Game and Fish able to flood less than half its managed hunting land for duck season, which opens Nov. 21. Rice acreage has also fallen to a 40-year low. Scattered Halloween rain is unlikely to ease the drought. Data Center Oversight: Arkansas’ U.S. Senate candidates say residents should have a say on nearby data centers, as communities raise concerns about their water and power use. Forest Lands: Weyerhaeuser agreed to sell 81,000 Arkansas acres for $146 million; it will retain about 1.2 million acres in the state. Pollution Prevention: The state Agriculture Department collected nearly 15,000 pounds of unwanted pesticides this fall, bringing total removals since 2005 to more than 7.2 million pounds. Invasive Species: Giant salvinia has been identified in a tributary of Millwood Lake, prompting efforts to keep the invasive plant from spreading into the lake.

Timberlands: Weyerhaeuser agreed to sell 81,000 Arkansas acres for $146 million, a deal expected to close by year’s end. The company retains about 1.2 million acres in the state. Drought: Scattered Halloween showers are unlikely to ease the prolonged dry spell. Arkansas Game and Fish says it can flood less than half its managed hunting land, foreshadowing a difficult duck season. Pesticide Cleanup: The Agriculture Department collected nearly 15,000 pounds of unwanted pesticides this fall; its program has removed more than 7.2 million pounds since 2005. Farm Relief: USDA disaster aid makes emergency loans available to producers in Crawford, Polk, Scott and Sebastian counties. Wildlife Threat: Giant salvinia was found in a Millwood Lake tributary, prompting state efforts to stop the invasive plant from spreading.

Pesticide Disposal: Arkansas collected nearly 15,000 pounds of unwanted pesticides this fall, bringing the state’s total safely removed since 2005 to more than 7.2 million pounds. Drought Watch: Scattered Halloween showers may bring less than half an inch of rain to most areas, too little to ease Arkansas’ persistent drought. Water Protection: State officials are working to stop giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant, from spreading into Millwood Lake; meanwhile, Eco-Vista plans to submit a waste-discharge plan to Tontitown, and state regulators issued a stormwater enforcement order involving a Malvern construction site. Groundwater: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will host a free statewide groundwater summit Nov. 10 in Morrilton, with registration due Nov. 1. Wildlife and Wetlands: Drought is also threatening duck hunting as wetlands remain dangerously dry, raising concerns for waterfowl habitat.

Little Rock Habitat: A community group is raising $350,000 to dredge War Memorial Park’s fishing pond, add fishing piers and plant trees to improve fish habitat. Groundwater: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will host a free statewide summit Nov. 10 in Morrilton on groundwater conditions and long-term sustainability; registration is required by Nov. 1. Invasive Species: Giant salvinia has been found in a Millwood Lake tributary, prompting efforts to keep the fast-spreading aquatic plant from reaching the lake. Drought: Dry conditions are threatening Arkansas wetlands and duck hunting, with less habitat expected for waterfowl. Waste Reduction: Northwest Arkansas residents can drop off plain pumpkins for composting at sites in Prairie Grove, Farmington and Springdale, keeping them out of landfills. Lead Prevention: Arkansas health officials are marking Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with outreach events and reminders to test children and check older homes for lead.

Local Conservation: Northwest Arkansas residents can drop off undecorated pumpkins for composting at sites in Prairie Grove, Farmington and Springdale, keeping food waste out of landfills. Data Center Rules: Pulaski County justices overrode the judge’s veto and upheld rules addressing data centers’ noise, light pollution, energy use and water consumption. Wildlife and Water: State and federal crews removed more than 900 pounds of invasive giant salvinia near Millwood Lake and expanded containment as the fast-spreading plant threatened native vegetation and access for boats and fish. Drought: Low or dried-up stock ponds are leaving Arkansas ranchers scrambling for livestock water, with toxic blue-green algae reported in some ponds. Dry wetlands are also threatening duck habitat and hunting prospects. Farm Conservation: USDA announced $65 million for projects developing conservation tools for working lands; Southern SARE is also offering Arkansas farmers grants of up to $20,000 individually or $25,000 for groups to test solutions to farm problems.

Invasive Species: Arkansas Game and Fish crews and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed more than 900 pounds of giant salvinia near the Little River and Millwood Lake. Plant fragments have been found up to a mile from the initial sighting, and crews are continuing containment work. Data Center Rules: Pulaski County justices overrode Judge Barry Hyde’s veto, keeping regulations on data-center noise, light pollution, energy use and water consumption in place. Drought Pressure: Low or dry stock ponds are forcing Arkansas ranchers to find other water sources; some cattle have died after drinking water contaminated by toxic blue-green algae. School Gardens: Eight Arkansas schools won state awards for gardens that teach agriculture, connect students with local food and involve their communities. Disaster Funding: FEMA’s administrator told officials at a Little Rock conference that states may need to cover more disaster recovery costs. Arkansas has received 14 major weather-related disaster declarations since 2016.

Invasive Species: Arkansas crews removed more than 900 pounds of giant salvinia from the Little River near White Cliffs and expanded containment after finding fragments up to a mile away, as they work to keep the plant from reaching Millwood Lake. Water Quality: Eco-Vista Landfill is expected to present Tontitown with a plan for meeting waste-discharge rules; the city will review its proposal. Disaster Response: FEMA’s leader says states should prepare to cover more recovery costs. Arkansas has had 14 weather-related major disaster declarations since 2016, and the proposed shift could also ease environmental and historic-preservation requirements for recovery work. Wildlife and Drought: Arkansas officials warn that dry conditions are likely to reduce duck-hunting opportunities and wetland habitat. River Biodiversity: Researchers described five new freshwater mussel species from rivers in six Southern states, including Arkansas; several are rare and limited to single river basins. Data Center Debate: Mississippi River mayors, including Blytheville’s, are seeking tools to assess data center proposals and their demands on water and electricity.

Landfill Oversight: Eco-Vista is expected to present Tontitown City Council with a plan for meeting city rules on industrial wastewater discharge. The city will review the proposal and recommend changes. Waste Research: Arkansas State received a $177,108 NSF award to study ways to make sewage-sludge processing more efficient and improve waste-to-energy systems. Drought and Wildlife: Dry conditions are threatening Arkansas wetlands and duck hunting; the Game and Fish Commission has warned of reduced waterfowl opportunities. Farm Relief: USDA emergency loans are available to producers in drought-affected parts of Arkansas, including Crawford, Franklin and Sebastian counties. Applications are due May 27, 2027. Data Center Expansion: More than 75% of Mississippi River communities surveyed have been approached about data centers, raising concerns over water use, power demand and public costs. Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan says Arkansas communities need tools to assess proposals. Research Facilities: A $2.5 million USDA grant will help the University of Arkansas modernize aging Fayetteville greenhouses, supporting agricultural research and education.

Walkable Northwest Arkansas: A regional growth forum spotlighted how sidewalks, greenways and nearby destinations can cut car use while supporting public health and the environment. Data Center Pressure: More than 75% of Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative communities have been approached about hosting AI infrastructure. Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan joined river leaders seeking tools to weigh economic promises against water use, grid capacity and public costs. Drought & Waterfowl: Arkansas Game and Fish officials warn that dry wetlands could hurt habitat and waterfowl hunting this season, despite some recent moisture. Native Habitat: Keep Texarkana Beautiful is adding native, pollinator-friendly plants and educational signs to the Museum of Regional History courtyard. Trails & Transit: Arkansas awarded $2.4 million for Northwest Arkansas projects, including trailhead improvements and pedestrian infrastructure.

Trails and Access: Arkansas awarded $2.4 million for Northwest Arkansas projects, including trailhead upgrades and pedestrian improvements in Bella Vista, Fayetteville and other communities. Drought and Wildlife: A prolonged dry spell has left much of Arkansas more than 20 inches behind in rainfall. Only 42% of state-managed moist-soil wetlands had enough water to flood in early October, raising concerns for duck habitat and hunting; Lake Maumelle has also reached a historic low. Clean Energy: A 7-megawatt solar system is complete for Beaver Water District. Conservation: Ozark Society grants of $500 to $2,500 will support hands-on conservation projects for students across the Ozarks and Ouachitas; applications are open through November. Environmental Oversight: Arkansas regulators entered consent orders involving wastewater operations in Craighead County and construction stormwater controls in White County.

Drought and Wildlife: Arkansas’s 14-month dry spell is putting duck season and wetlands at risk. The state is more than 20 inches behind in rainfall, and only 42% of AGFC-managed moist-soil wetlands had enough water to flood in early October. Lake Charles is more than eight feet below normal. Water Supply: Lake Maumelle has reached a historic low, adding to concerns over drought’s strain on Arkansas water resources. Conservation: The Ozark Society is offering $500–$2,500 grants for hands-on environmental projects led by schools and nonprofits; applications are open through November. Environmental Oversight: Arkansas regulators reached wastewater and stormwater enforcement agreements with Craighead County’s municipality and a White County construction site.

Drought and Wetlands: Arkansas’s prolonged dry spell is shrinking water supplies and threatening duck season. The state is more than 20 inches behind in rainfall, Lake Maumelle has hit a historic low, and AGFC reported enough water to flood just 42% of its managed moist-soil wetlands in early October. The first duck season segment opens Nov. 21. Conservation: The Ozark Society is offering $500–$2,500 grants for hands-on K–12 conservation projects across the Ozarks and Ouachitas; applications are open through November. Clean Energy: A 7-megawatt solar system is complete for Beaver Water District, while Arkansas State researchers are working to make waste-to-energy systems more efficient.

Flood Readiness: FEMA has launched an online tool for Arkansans to buy National Flood Insurance Program policies, making coverage easier to access in participating communities. Drought and Wildlife: Fourteen months of dry weather have left much of Arkansas more than 20 inches behind on rainfall; Lake Maumelle is at a historic low, and only 42% of AGFC-managed moist-soil wetlands had enough water to flood in early October. Officials warn duck hunters to expect fewer opportunities as the season approaches. Conservation Education: The Ozark Society is offering $500–$2,500 grants for K–12 projects that give students hands-on conservation experience; schools and nonprofits can apply through November. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $1.1 million for repairs to Izard County’s Antioch Bridge after 2025 storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Drought and Wetlands: Arkansas’ prolonged drought is threatening duck season and wetland habitat. The state is more than 20 inches behind in rainfall, and at the start of October, only 42% of AGFC-managed moist-soil units had enough water to flood. Lake Maumelle has also reached a historic low, according to Little Rock Public Radio. Conservation: The Ozark Society is offering $500–$2,500 youth grants for hands-on conservation projects at schools and nonprofits; applications are open through November. Pollution and Clean Energy: Arkansas regulators issued wastewater and stormwater enforcement orders involving a Craighead County municipality and a White County construction site. A 7-megawatt solar project for Beaver Water District also highlights a local investment in cleaner energy.

Exceptional Drought: Clark County has joined much of southern Arkansas in the state’s worst drought category. Nearly one-fifth of Arkansas is now in exceptional drought, raising wildfire risk and straining forests, farms, ponds and wildlife water sources; burn bans remain in effect across South Arkansas. Wetlands and Waterfowl: After 14 months of drought, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission warns that low water could reduce wetland habitat and hunting opportunities when duck season opens Nov. 21. Water and Energy: A 7-megawatt solar system is complete for Beaver Water District, while Arkansas regulators have reached separate enforcement agreements over wastewater operations in Craighead County and stormwater controls at a White County construction site.

Land and Conservation: An opinion piece criticizes plans to end farmers’ leases at Prairie Grove Battlefield Park, arguing that conservation of the battlefield and Illinois River watershed should account for farmers’ livelihoods and stewardship. Drought and Wildlife: After 14 months of drought and rainfall deficits exceeding 20 inches in parts of Arkansas, the Game and Fish Commission warns duck hunters to expect less wetland habitat when the season opens Nov. 21; just 42% of agency-managed moist-soil units had enough water for flooding in early October. Clean Energy: A 7-megawatt solar project for Beaver Water District is complete, adding renewable power for the Northwest Arkansas water provider. Wastewater Oversight: Arkansas environmental regulators ordered the City of Egypt to file a complete renewal application for its wastewater discharge permit, citing a missed deadline and assessing a $1,000 penalty.