Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill expands the protected wilderness area in the Ouachita National Forest by designating an additional 2,212 acres of land to be included in the existing Flatside Wilderness. This new acreage is specifically depicted on a map dated November 12, 2024, and amends the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984. The legislation officially renames the entire expanded wilderness area as the Flatside-Bethune Wilderness , ensuring all future official references reflect this new designation. A key provision also clarifies that the Act does not limit the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to manage fire, insect outbreaks, and diseases within the wilderness area, consistent with the Wilderness Act.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1966-1969)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1612.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1967)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1967)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 219.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
ArkansasForests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingWilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
Flatside Wilderness Additions Act
USA119th CongressHR-1612| House
| Updated: 10/27/2025
This bill expands the protected wilderness area in the Ouachita National Forest by designating an additional 2,212 acres of land to be included in the existing Flatside Wilderness. This new acreage is specifically depicted on a map dated November 12, 2024, and amends the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984. The legislation officially renames the entire expanded wilderness area as the Flatside-Bethune Wilderness , ensuring all future official references reflect this new designation. A key provision also clarifies that the Act does not limit the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to manage fire, insect outbreaks, and diseases within the wilderness area, consistent with the Wilderness Act.