More than 50 years after its creation, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission continues working to protect the landscapes, ecosystems and biological diversity that make the Natural State unique.
The Commission grew out of Act 112 of 1973, which established the Arkansas Environmental Preservation Commission. The original legislation called for an inventory of Arkansas lands to help protect a network of sites illustrating the range and diversity of the state’s natural environment.
Following the development of the Arkansas Natural Area Plan, Act 227 of 1975 changed the organization’s name to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.
The original Commission included 9 members appointed by the governor for staggered 9-year terms. In 2001, Act 1228 added 6 commissioners, expanding the organization to its current 15-member structure.
Under the current structure, the governor appoints 9 members. The President Pro Tempore of the Arkansas Senate appoints 3 members, while the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives appoints another 3 members.
Commission members provide general direction to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission’s professional staff. They also consider proposals involving the acquisition and dedication of natural areas, establish rules and regulations, and adopt or amend management plans.
Those responsibilities support the Commission’s central mission of conserving Arkansas’s ecosystem biodiversity and protecting significant natural areas for future generations.
The roster information provided by the Commission includes members representing communities across Arkansas.
GOVERNOR APPOINTEES LISTED
Tammy Browning — Hot Springs, Arkansas
Bob Connell — Searcy, Arkansas
Doug Harton — Monticello, Arkansas
Jody Pagan — Searcy, Arkansas
Landon Downing — Batesville, Arkansas
J.D. Neeley — Camden, Arkansas
Dennis Nelms — Fayetteville, Arkansas
Scott Simon — Fayetteville, Arkansas
HOUSE APPOINTEES
Aubra Anthony — El Dorado, Arkansas
Ashley Gillam, Vice-Chair — Conway, Arkansas
Finos “Buddy” Johnson, Chairman — Maumelle, Arkansas
SENATE APPOINTEES
Todd Hart, Secretary — Little Rock, Arkansas
Robin Lipton Ingram — Little Rock, Arkansas
Patti Wilkerson — Stuttgart, Arkansas
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