Bruce Westerman

Hot Springs has long stood as a symbol of America's commitment to conserving our natural treasures. It was fitting, therefore, that Congressman Bruce Westerman recently brought the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee to Arkansas for a field hearing focused on the future of our public lands and outdoor heritage.

Arkansans should be grateful for his leadership.

I have had the privilege of knowing Congressman Westerman for many years, and I know his commitment to conservation is not merely a matter of public policy. We have shared many sunrises together in Arkansas duck blinds, watching waterfowl settle into flooded timber and experiencing firsthand the natural resources that make our state so special. Those mornings reinforced what I have long known about Bruce Westerman: his passion for the outdoors is genuine, deeply rooted, and reflected in the work he does on behalf of Arkansas and our nation.

As a professional forester, lifelong outdoorsman, and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Westerman understands something many Americans instinctively know: Conservation is not a partisan issue--it is an American value. The responsible stewardship of our forests, parks, wildlife habitats, rivers, and public lands transcends political differences because these resources belong not only to us, but also to future generations.

By convening this bipartisan hearing in Hot Springs, Congressman Westerman ensured that Arkansas had a seat at the table in one of the most important conservation discussions taking place in Washington today. He brought together lawmakers, conservation leaders, the business community, outdoor recreation advocates, and local stakeholders to examine both the challenges and opportunities facing America's public lands.

One issue stood out above all others: the need to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund established under the Great American Outdoors Act.

When this legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in 2020, it represented one of the most significant conservation victories in modern history. The new fund addressed a growing backlog of serious repair needs across our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands, ensuring these places remain safe and accessible for visitors, user groups, and the communities that depend on tourism dollars generated.

The results have been remarkable.

Across the nation, roads have been repaired, trails restored, campgrounds improved, historic sites preserved, and visitor facilities modernized. Here in Arkansas, investments have strengthened treasured destinations that support tourism, outdoor recreation, and local economies. These improvements have enhanced the experience of millions of visitors while ensuring that public lands remain enjoyable for future generations.

But the job is not finished.

America's public lands still face billions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs. Aging infrastructure, deteriorating facilities, and growing visitation continue to place pressure on the very places Americans cherish most.

Reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act is not simply a conservation issue. It is an economic issue as well.

Outdoor recreation contributes hundreds of billions of dollars annually to the American economy and supports millions of jobs. In Arkansas, outdoor recreation drives tourism, sustains small businesses, and enhances the quality of life that makes our state such a special place to live and visit. Investments in public lands generate returns that extend far beyond the boundaries of parks and forests.

The field hearing in Hot Springs served as an important reminder that conservation and economic growth are not competing priorities. They are complementary goals. Healthy forests, clean waterways, well-maintained public lands, and thriving wildlife habitats create opportunities for recreation, tourism, and economic development while preserving the natural heritage that defines our nation.

Arkansas understands this better than most states. From the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests to Hot Springs National Park, from the Buffalo National River to our countless lakes, rivers, wildlife management areas, and waterfowl habitats, we know that conservation is not merely about protecting land--it is about protecting a way of life.

That is why Congressman Westerman's leadership deserves recognition. By bringing this conversation to Arkansas, he reminded the nation that conservation works best when local voices are heard and when policymakers remain connected to the communities most affected by their decisions.

The hearing also demonstrated something Arkansans have long understood: Conservation and economic prosperity are not opposing forces. Responsible conservation strengthens local economies, creates jobs, supports tourism, and preserves the natural resources that make Arkansas a destination for hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the nation.

Now Congress should build upon that momentum by reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund and when it does, we owe Congressman Westerman a debt of gratitude for leading the charge.

George Dunklin is president and CEO of Five Oaks Duck Lodge. He previously served on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 2005 t0 2012, and as chairman in 2011-12, and served as president of Ducks Unlimited from 2013-15.