Forests and Drinking Water The Arkansas Forestry Commission's mission is to protect Arkansas's forests from wildfires and natural hazards while promoting forest health, stewardship, and conservation. The Commission's vision is that Arkansas's healthy rural and urban forests provide clean air and water as well as economic and social benefits. Over half of Arkansas is forested, there are nearly 12 billion trees in the state, and the timber is growing faster than it is being harvested, helping to ensure clean drinking water for Arkansans.

1. Forests and Drinking Water
AFA Annual Meeting
October 5, 2016

2. Arkansas Forestry Commission
MISSION
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

3. AFC VISION
Arkansas’s healthy rural and urban forests provide clean
air and water, functioning ecosystems, economic and
social benefits. An agency of leaders in forest protection,
emergency response, and forest management is
committed to maintaining and enhancing these attributes.

4. Facts About ArkansasFacts About Arkansas
• Arkansas ranks 27Arkansas ranks 27thth
in size among the States, with a area of 53,187in size among the States, with a area of 53,187
square miles (34 million acres)square miles (34 million acres)
• 56% of Arkansas is forested (19 million acres)56% of Arkansas is forested (19 million acres)
• There are 2.97 million people living in ArkansasThere are 2.97 million people living in Arkansas
• There are 11.8 billion trees growing within Arkansas’s forests (3,973There are 11.8 billion trees growing within Arkansas’s forests (3,973
trees/person)trees/person)
• The private non-industrial sector owns 68% of the forestland.The private non-industrial sector owns 68% of the forestland.
• The timber in the State is growing faster than being harvested.The timber in the State is growing faster than being harvested.
• In 2014, 14.7 million tons of pine were delivered to mills, $533 milIn 2014, 14.7 million tons of pine were delivered to mills, $533 mil
• Ouachita National Forest is the oldest national forest in the SouthOuachita National Forest is the oldest national forest in the South
• The State has over 600,000 acres are lakes with 9,740 miles ofThe State has over 600,000 acres are lakes with 9,740 miles of
streams.streams.
• The Arkansas River is the longest stream to flow into theThe Arkansas River is the longest stream to flow into the
Mississippi-Missouri river system. Its total length is 1,450 milesMississippi-Missouri river system. Its total length is 1,450 miles
• The lowest point in the state occurs along the Ouachita River, 54ftThe lowest point in the state occurs along the Ouachita River, 54ft
elevationelevation
• The State’s highest point is 2,753 feet elevation at Mount MagazineThe State’s highest point is 2,753 feet elevation at Mount Magazine

11. QUESTIONS?