By Jeff Williams
Editor, Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
LITTLE ROCK — Dad doesn’t need another tie for Christmas and Mom’s not wishing for perfume. Instead, give them and other loved ones something they’ll enjoy and explore for years to come.
“River to Ridge: Arkansas’s Wildlife Management Areas” is the perfect present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and has a sense of adventure. This 3-pound book from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is packed with 490 photographs and 436 pages of information about WMAs, wild places sometimes overlooked as outdoor destinations.
WMAs are rightly known for their abundant hunting and fishing opportunities. But they’re also places where birders add to their life lists, campers get away from it all, paddlers ply peaceful water and photographers capture special moments. No matter where you live in Arkansas, you’re near some of the 118 WMAs in this lavish book, which required five years of research, writing and editing by AGFC staff members.
Although WMAs are the stars, “River to Ridge” includes everything from fish hatcheries and shooting ranges to nature centers and Arkansas Water Trails. Two-thirds of Arkansas’s state parks are represented, along with many state natural areas, three national forests, national wildlife refuges, national parks, Important Bird Areas and Army Corps of Engineers lakes.
The histories and mysteries of WMAs are the meat and potatoes of the book, although surprising tales add seasoning. What does “Don’t Do Fescue” mean? What’s a mountain boomer? Who’s Trusten Holder? What do members of the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo do? Have you been spooked by the Gurdon Light or shopped at Monster Mart?
They’re all here — and much more. Even lifelong Arkansans will find something new.
It’s a steal for $20 (plus shipping). Order at www.agfc.com/rivertoridge or save on shipping costs by purchasing from AGFC headquarters at 2 Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock, AGFC nature centers, Wordsworth Books, Cynthia East Fabrics, Ozark Outdoor Supply, Buffalo Outdoor Center, Pack Rat Outdoor Center and Two Friends Books.
