Commission hears update on conservation plan; agency Campbell Awards announced 

LITTLE ROCK — Last Thursday’s meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission was dominated by a predicted shortage of stockable rainbow trout and an emergency order to limit harvest on trout in four key fishing areas, but the meeting also held many high points for conservation-minded outdoors enthusiasts.

Nick Goforth, Wildlife Diversity Program coordinator, gave an update on the 2025 revision of the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan. AWAP focuses on regaining and maintaining biodiversity and habitat restoration for all species, and places special emphasis on species and habitats in decline, regardless of their status as game species. State wildlife action plans essentially serve as the playbook to keep agencies on task and focused on conservation priorities in the long term. While many wildlife management actions serve game species because of their popularity and the economy surrounding hunting and fishing tourism, nongame species play just as vital roles in many other aspects of the outdoors. Nongame wildlife serve to pollinate crops, reduce damage from pests, recycle nutrients and improve water quality for other wildlife as well as people.

“The AGFC, through Amendment 35, has the responsibility to maintain and improve habitat for all wildlife in Arkansas, and AWAP is one of the guiding documents in that effort,” Goforth said.

During his monthly update to the Commission, AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock said Arkansans should be proud of the progress made on AWAP, as many states were not as far along in their plans for conservation of species of greatest conservation need.

“I encourage all of you to take a look at it … it’s very thorough, it’s enlightening and it’s extremely educational,” Schoenrock said. “[State wildlife action planning] was a significant topic at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies [conference] this year, and I was amazed when I sat among the other 50 directors on how many states aren’t even close to the thoroughness of the state of Arkansas’s plan. What we do for all of these species of greatest conservation need is going to help game species as well.”

Commissioners also recognized Tim Burnley, Elizabeth Kimble and Scotty Quarles as this year’s recipients of the 2025 Campbell Awards. The awards, created by former Little Rock Commissioner Craig Campbell, honors the legacy of his grandfather, former Commissioner John C. Campbell Jr., and his father, J.C. Campbell, an avid outdoorsman. The award annually recognizes three AGFC employees for their leadership, spirit and community service.

Tim Burnley, AGFC Stream Habitat Program coordinator, has been with the AGFC for 30 years and has been a part of the agency’s trout program since 2002. He annually participates in the Casting for Kids Bass Classic Tournament as well as annual kids camps on Collins Creek and Dry Run Creek to share the joy of fishing with the next generation. He has made tremendous strides in stream barrier removals throughout the state and has developed an extensive list of partnerships to accomplish true on-the-ground conservation for the natural resources and people of Arkansas.

Elizabeth Kimble is one of the shining stars of northeast Arkansas, where she serves as regional educator for the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. She works with several volunteers from Arkansas State University, as well as other area schools to showcase the AGFC in community events and leads people into the outdoors with a positive outlook and passion. In addition to classroom outreach and in-person workshops, Kimble works tirelessly to coordinate with many mentored hunts through the AGFC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program to break down barriers for female hunters and anglers to learn how to enjoy these traditionally male-led outdoor pastimes.

Scotty Quarles shares dual duties at the AGFC, serving as the agency’s only printer, fulfillment and mailroom specialist. In addition to fulfilling all of the orders for brochures and publications throughout the state, Quarles steps in wherever needed to add a hand in everything from warehouse and fleet management to printing, assembling and even hand-delivering valuable educational materials when needed, even when such duties require him to work additional hours on long weekends to complete the task.

Alex Zachary, AGFC biologist who oversees Ed Gordon Point Remove Wildlife Management Area near Plummerville, received the 2025 George Dunklin Award for excellence in wetland and waterfowl management. Zachary has modernized the waterway and wetland habitat at Ed Gordon Point Remove. He has led on-the-ground efforts to update infrastructure improvements, and is vital in not only management of the area but also reviewing regulations to ensure they are as concise and effective as possible.

In other business, the Commission:

• • Recognized 18 employees with a combined 260 years of service to the natural resources of The Natural State.

  • Authorized a budget transfer of $55,000 to purchase a boating safety simulator, portable educational cave exhibit and a stage to be used at AGFC Education Division events, such as the upcoming Generation Conservation Summit, which will be held at Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena Nov. 5-6;

  • Approved a budget increase of $80,000 to purchase trout that will be used to restock the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery and help bring that hatchery closer to capacity following the April 2025 Spring River flood that caused significant damage and loss to the hatchery’s output.

  • Authorized a budget increase of $62,221 from Marine Fuel Tax Funds to repair and repave the road leading to the public boat ramp at Shangri-La Resort on Lake Ouachita near Mt. Ida.

  • Authorized Director Schoenrock to complete permanent property easements on portions of C.B. “Charlie” Craig State Fish Hatchery in Centerton to Carroll County Electric Cooperative to provide electricity to essential components of the hatchery.

  • Authorized Director Schoenrock to resolve an encroachment issue on Lake Charles where a neighboring landowner inadvertently placed a nonmovable structure on Commission-owned property.

  • Formally elected all AGFC game wardens and staff to serve as employees in accordance with personnel policies and procedures adopted by the Commission.

  • Approved a new remote work policy for office employees to coordinate with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ recent remote work policy changes.

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CUTLINES:

SPEAKER
Director Doug Schoenrock gives an update on a busy month at the AGFC and the many accomplishments of individuals throughout the agency. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

PLAN COVER
Learn more about the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan www.agfc.com/awap. 

TWO PEOPLE GREEN BACKGROUND
The Commission recognized this year’s Campbell Award recipients: Elizabeth Kimble (left), Tim Burnley (right) and Scotty Quarles (not pictured). AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

TWO PEOPLE INDOORS
Alex Zachary (left) received the AGFC’s George Dunklin Award for excellence in wetland and waterfowl management. George Dunklin (right) made a special trip to deliver this prestigious award to Zachary. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.