A final decision was released today on off-highway-vehicle use of trails and roads in the Wolf Pen Gap portion of the Ourachita National Forest near Mena.

The plan preserves use of 40 of 42 miles of trail during various times of the year. Monitoring of conditions on account of rain will allow for temporary closure to prevent damage to trails or runoff of sediment.

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I am reminded that then-Rep. Mike Ross and then-Sen. Mark Pryor opposed sharp restrictions in ATV use of the national forest beginning four years ago after the Forest Service proposed elimination of cross-country travel and more restrictions on ATV use in the forest. The congressmen said the plan could harm an important tourism lure.

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