Protecting Arkansas’s forests, and those who enjoy them, from wildland fire and natural hazards while promoting rural and urban forest health, stewardship, development, and conservation for all generations of Arkansans
The mission of the Forestry Division is to protect Arkansas’s forests, and those who enjoy them, from wildland fire and natural hazards while promoting rural and urban forest health, stewardship, development, and conservation for all generations of Arkansans.
The Forestry Division (Division) was established with the passage of Act 234 by the 1931 session of the Arkansas Legislature.
The Division assists the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) in accomplishing its mission to promote forest resources, health, conservation, and stewardship. The AFC is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. AFC members must be Arkansas residents with a longstanding interest in the state’s forest resources. Three of the nine members are required to be tree farmers owning 250 acres or less of timber. Act 691 of the 2023 legislative session required that three members must be registered foresters. Act 691 also abolished the Board of Registration for Foresters and required the AFC to assume its duties.
The Division has 63 offices and work centers located in timbered counties that cover all 75 counties of the state. With a field staff of approximately 200 foresters and forest rangers, citizens of the state receive valuable technical assistance through many different programs. The Division’s responsibilities are arranged in three general areas: (1) Emergency Services; (2) Forest Management; and (3) Poison Springs State Forest.