“I am proud to recognize the Ouachita National Forest and all the people who have helped it reach this memorable landmark today,” Ross said. “As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this national forest, we are reminded of all it has meant to generations of Arkansans and Americans who have been fortunate enough to enjoy this national treasure. This special day is also an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to ensuring its protection for future generations.”

On June 5^th, Ross successfully passed legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives commemorating the 100^th Anniversary of the Ouachita National Forest. The legislation (H.Res. 390) was cosponsored by the entire Arkansas Congressional Delegation.  

“It was a privilege and honor to lead the effort to ensure that the historic anniversary of the Ouachita National Forest remains a source of pride, as well as an invaluable natural resource for years to come,” Ross said.

On December 18, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Arkansas National Forest on reserved public lands south of the Arkansas River and in 1926, President Calvin Coolidge issued an executive order to change the name of the forest to the Ouachita National Forest after the Ouachita Mountains, which stretch from near the center of Arkansas to southeast Oklahoma.

For the past one hundred years, the vast region that makes up the Ouachita National Forest has offered spectacular recreation, scenic, and wilderness areas for visitors.  Today, the Ouachita National Forest encompasses more than 1.8 million acres and is one of the largest and oldest national forests in the southern region of the United States. The forest provides an array of activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding trails and swimming as well as providing timber and forestry products throughout the United States.  The forest also contains five lakes, often referred to as the "Diamond Lakes," which are known for their crystal clear quality and beautiful scenery. 

– 30 –