Natural Area Stewardship
The very concept of "natural areas" would seem to imply that these are places that should be left untouched. However, the reality is often just the opposite. Today, many natural areas exist as "islands" of natural habitat in a veritable "sea" of altered land. What happens, or in some cases, does not happen on surrounding lands can have a profound impact on the ecological integrity of natural areas.
As a result, we cannot simply fence these lands in and just walk away. Rather, long-term viability of remnant natural communities requires active and sound management. In some cases, natural areas must undgo restoration activities to improve their overall condition.
The System of Natural Areas encompasses a wide range of environments and supports a rich diversity of animal and plant species. To oversee and manage these natural areas, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission relies upon staff from its Stewardship Section. Stewardship staff take methodical steps, based on sound scientific research, to restore ecosystem functions and maintain or enhance habitat conditions required to perpetuate rare species and natural communities. Work activities are conducted within the framework of a conservation vision and guided by natural area specific management plans. Management plan updates incorporate research findings and the results of proactive land management practices within a three-year review cycle.
The foundation of stewardship work includes routine ground maintenance activities such as boundary demarcation, installation of appropriate signs, removal of trash, and establishing public access points. Where appropriate, staff also apply a variety of techniques to maintain, or restore, a site's ecological integrity including prescribed burning, invasive species control, and timber stand management.