Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Program Opens Private Waters to Anglers
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is unlocking the doors to private waters across the state, providing anglers with new and exciting opportunities to cast a line. The imaginative program, titled Public Access to Private Waters, is a cornerstone of the AGFC’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), which aims to expand public access to fishing areas while fostering cooperative partnerships with private landowners.
For private landowners holding large reservoirs and oxbow lakes, these collaborations come with tangible benefits. AGFC offers up to ,000 in incentives per landowner, contingent on the number of acres opened to public access. To manage usage, public access is granted through a controlled drawing system. Furthermore, bodies of water with boat-launching facilities are eligible for additional funding. Landowners, too, receive assistance in crafting management plans tailored to their specific waterbodies, ensuring balanced ecosystems and encouraging the responsible enjoyment of their property.
For anglers, these newly accessible waters promise adventure and a more varied fishing experience. Public access permits are awarded through a drawn permit system, mirroring the AGFC’s thriving Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program. Winning anglers are permitted to access these pristine waters for a full weekend, sans hunting and camping privileges. Their permits serve a dual purpose: providing a less crowded fishing experience and aiding landowners in maintaining a healthy fish population.
This daring initiativeởi, funded by the Arkansas General Assembly, marks a significant step in the AGFC’s ongoing mission to preserve and enhance Arkansas’ natural heritage.
