Outdoor Briefs

Boating accidents spur concern, caution

LITTLE ROCK Warm weather plus a glittering expanse of water spark boating excursions, but tragedy can invade even the most polished of plans. To date, 12 fatalities have resulted from boating accidents in 2009, a spike considering last year's 14 total fatalities.

Drowning is most often the cause of death: of the 11 found bodies (one is missing), 10 had drowned, stressing the importance of wearing life jackets.

"They [the victims] either weren't wearing one properly or at all," said Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, AGFC boating law administrator. "In most of these accidents, they actually had the life jackets on board."

In addition to 2009's already high number of fatalities, 42 boating accidents have been reported; in contrast, 29 accidents had been reported by this time last year.

Weatherington cited several reasons for this year's rise in accidents and fatalities. Early warm spellseven in Februaryhave attracted boaters to the water, allowing for a longer boating season and more chances for accidents. High floodwaters have covered areas in lakes otherwise not navigable, sometimes littered with stumps and debris just below the surface that can harm boats at high speeds. But by far, most accidents in any year are collisions from "operator inattention," when navigators fail to pay attention to their surroundings.

To prevent accidents and fatalities, Bob Cushing, AGFC boating education coordinator, recommended that boaters make wearing U.S.-Coast-Guard-approved life jackets a priority.

"There's no excuse for not wearing a life jacket," Cushing said. "Make sure it fits you; make sure it's snug. It's like any other piece of clothing."

Cushing suggested that boaters test their life jackets by wearing one and wading into shallow water in a pool or lake to see if it will float your body.

Additionally, defensive boaters operating a vessel should refrain from drinking or using drugs; take care to not overload their boats; be attentive and keep a proper lookout; and take a boating education course. Individuals born after 1985 are lawfully required to complete a boater's education course before operating a powerboat, sailboat or personal watercraft in Arkansas, but Cushing encourages every boater to take the course regardless of age. A boating education course can be completed in the following ways: in an instructor-led course free of charge, online for $15, or via a home study course which includes a DVD or video available for purchase online. For more information about boating courses, visit www.agfc.com/boating and click on "Boating Education."

Cushing said boating accidents peak around the 4th of July, so holiday boaters are especially encouraged to practice caution.

"The majority of accidents happen when weather conditions are good," Cushing said.

Foundation's Smith to graduate from Leadership Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK Steve Smith of Little Rock will soon graduate as a member of Leadership Arkansas Class III, which is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas. Smith is the president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Leadership Class III graduation will be held on June 26.

A total of 77 individuals from throughout the state were recently selected for this prestigious honor. More than 130 applications were received for the coveted spots in the class.

Leadership Arkansas is a program designed to take a statewide view of the economic and political challenges that face Arkansas. The Program offers leadership opportunities that expand the impact of community leaders across the state.

Glenwood lake named after former commissioner

GLENWOOD A cooperative effort between several state and local agencies have resulted in a new fishing opportunity for western Arkansas residents. The John Benjamin Glenwood Community Fishing Lake is the end result of a project between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, City of Glenwood, Pike County and Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

The lake is named after former commissioner John Benjamin of Glenwood. Benjamin was appointed by former governor Mike Huckabee in 2004 and served until 2006 when he resigned.

The project began in 2004 and was completed earlier this year at a cost of $250,000. The lake includes nine fishing piers, a boat ramp, asphalt roads and parking areas, as well as a pavilion. It is located in the Glenwood industrial park just south of the city.

AGFC reopens access routes on management areas

MONTICELLO The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has reopened several roads that were closed earlier this year due to flooding in eastern Arkansas. Roads on the Trusten Holder and Choctaw Island wildlife management areas have now been repaired and are again open to the public.

The flooding conditions caused several washouts in the roads and created a very hazardous situation for the public, according to AGFC Regional Supervisor, Roger Milligan. "At this point, the flood waters have receded, most repairs and debris removal have been accomplished, the roads have sufficiently dried and they have been graded. They're ready for the public," he said.

There are still a lot of fishing opportunities this time of the year, Milligan said. "We would like for the public to have as much opportunity as possible to enjoy the resources," he said. "In the case with opening the Trusten Holder Road, this will allow for many deer club members on Big Island to return to their camps to repair roads, camp buildings and infrastructure," Milligan added.