Arkansas moves to establish Blanchard Springs State Park
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Blanchard Springs Caverns. Photo: Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Arkansas took the first step toward designating Blanchard Springs Caverns as the state's 53rd state park, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Monday.
Why it matters: Located near Mountain Home in north-central Arkansas, Blanchard Springs draws nearly 70,000 visitors a year.
- State park status would bring new investment, expanded programming and environmental protections, the state said in a news release.
The big picture: It's estimated that all outdoor recreation industries combined had a $7.3 billion impact on the Natural State in 2023, the most recent data available.
State of play: Sanders and Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service that begins the formal process of the designation.
- The agreement outlines a joint management model between Arkansas State Parks and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, where Blanchard Springs is located.
- The park will be called Blanchard Springs State Park.
What they're saying: "The creation of Blanchard Springs State Park will enrich the experiences across the caverns as well as outdoor recreation like paddling, camping and mountain biking," Lewis said in the news release.
- "Its proximity to the Ozark Folk Center will bring more overnight guests and support local communities."
Context: Blanchard Springs includes more than 8 miles of explored caverns, a campground, a swim beach, a picnic area and multiple trails.
- The visitor center provides guided tours of various caves on the property.
Flashback: Sanders established the Natural State Initiative in 2023 with the goal of capitalizing on Arkansas' natural resources to increase tourism and boost its economy.