AGFC seeks public comment on updated Arkansas wildlife action plan

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is seeking public input on its newly revised Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan, a statewide conservation blueprint designed to protect the state’s most at-risk species and habitats.

This is the second revision of the plan, which was first developed in 2005 and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2007. The latest draft is available at www.agfc.com,

where public comments will be accepted through September 3.

The plan outlines strategies for conserving Species of Greatest Conservation Need, aiming to proactively protect wildlife before populations reach threatened or endangered status.

“Once a species becomes listed as threatened or endangered, it can be much more difficult to work on the habitats that support them,” said Allison Fowler, assistant chief of wildlife management for the AGFC. “We’re proactively helping those species before they reach those levels that cause alarm.”

The revised plan includes 520 animal and plant species prioritized by a new tier-based system that replaces the previous score-based model. The updates also streamline species profiles with clearer information on habitats, threats, and conservation actions.

Nick Goforth, AGFC Wildlife Diversity Program coordinator, said the action plan has already guided numerous conservation efforts across the state, including grassland and glade habitat restoration, and red-cockaded woodpecker reintroduction at Warren Prairie.

The new plan also highlights a statewide bee survey, with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission estimating the state is home to more than 400 native bee species—many of which are important pollinators.

In addition to a condensed and reorganized document, the AGFC has released a highlight summary and a detailed index to help readers navigate the updated plan.

The final version of the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later this year.