are there bears in ouachita national forest

Why bears mark trees, however, is not well under­ stood by biologists, though there are numerous males they are in the area, since most markings are made during the breeding season in late spring or early summer. The insecticide DDT accumulated in the food chain causing eagles’ eggs to become fragile and break easily. Use existing fire rings if they exist. First, I must apologize for the quality of the pictures in this blog. Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/arkansas/ouachita-national-forest I didn’t realize I had the phone setting on ‘Live’. Ouachita National Forest Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place. Talihina Chamber of Commerce and Ouachita National Forest Interpretive Association 900 Second St, Suite 12, Dept 03, Talihina, OK 74571 (918) 567-3434 www.talihinacc.com vera@talihinacc.com Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus. This portion of the WMA was acquired in 1997 from Weyerhaeuser as part of a Forest Service/Weyco land exchange. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. You should not cut branches from live trees. Red-cockaded woodpeckers are Federally endangered birds that live in southern pine forests. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/camping-cabins/?cid=fseprd727994. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. The vast majority of Upper Ouachita NWR is bottomland hardwood forest comprised of willow oak, Nuttall oak, overcup oak and water hickory. The swimming beach by the 3 Sisters Springs is the best place for a swim. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. The forest encompasses 1,784,457 acres (7,221 km ), including most of the scenic Ouachita Mountain Range. The bear population in the White River Basin is known as an isolated population, cut off from other bears in the state. High risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting the nearest Forest Service office. Pre-settlement there was thought to be over 50,000 bears in Arkansas, but then numbers dwindled down to just 50 bears in the 1930s. Ouachita National Forest … Today only 20% of bottomland hardwood forest is left, and what remains is highly fragmented and of reduced quality. Other Trails in the Ouachita National Forest. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. Deer, turkey, bear, quail, fox, raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, chipmunks, and gray squirrels are common to the area. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. OuachitaNationalForest.Arkansas-Oklahoma WATERSHEDSANDDRAINAGEAREAS Theforestedwatersheds oftheOua chitaNationalForestexerciseahighly beneficialinfluenceontheflowof manyimportantstreams. This is very important! Huge! Eagles mostly eat fish but will also scavenge. It is one of the largest and oldest national forests in the Southern U.S., created through an executive order by President Theodore Roosevelt on December 18, 1907. Some of the day-use areas on the Ouachita National Forest that were closed at the end of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reopened to the public, but not all … Bears breed in the summer, generally from June to August, and cubs are born in the den in late winter. Select a site that is not in a meadow or clearing, that is not next to a tree with low overhanging branches, that is at least 100 feet from any water source to protect fragile vegetation. Waldron, AR They choose trees usually over 80 years old which often have the heartwood fungus causing the wood to become soft. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Mena, AR Be Bear Aware. If you like to hike, the campsites are located close to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail or the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker inhabits the upland loblolly pine forest on the western edge of the refuge. Campsites with and without water and electric. Historically bottomland hardwood forests covered the Mississippi River floodplain. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. Facebook. Book the best Ouachita National Forest cabins with Glamping Hub! Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 53,000 acres of cypress swamps, bottomland hardwood forest, moist soils, agriculture, and upland pine/hardwoods. Agriculture and moist soil provide habitat for migrating shorebirds and wintering waterfowl. This beach is past the marina and is not nearly as crowded. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker inhabits the upland loblolly pine forest on the western edge of the refuge. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. Over a dozen species of ducks spend their winters on Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. The forest is noted for its picturesque scenery, clear lakes and rivers, waterfalls, natural springs, untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. Jennifer Long says she spotted the 8-foot tall beast beating his chest while singing what sounded like the chorus of the Rage Against the Machine song “Killing In The Name.” Bald eagles have been recorded nesting on the refuge now for 15 years. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. has ne one ever hunted black bear or deer in the ouachita national forest in arkansas. Wood permits are not needed for usage on the forest. Many of these are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. The Ouachita National Forest is a vast 1.8 million acre mountainous forest and is the South’s largest national forest. Jessieville Winona Fourche has Jessieville and Peeler Gap. State Parks, beautiful. Mt Ida, AR Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. These flatwoods have gone through a tremendous loss in Arkansas and Louisiana to where extensive coverage is mainly left on three National Wildlife Refuges: Felsenthal, D’Arbonne and Upper Ouachita. The Ouachita National Forest … Phone:  (870) 867-2101, Jessieville/Winona/ You're signed out. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. If you follow these tips you can save a safe, low impact, primitive camping experience. I had done little to no research about the wildlife residing in Ouachita National Forest, but apparently it is a prime location for black bears. Carry water or a water filtration device with you. Please bear … The red-cockaded woodpecker is the only one which excavates cavities exclusively in living pine trees. Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. NOTE: Due to COVID-19, groups larger than 10 people are discouraged from congregating. Hochatown, OK Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. Sign Up. The lack of fire in pine ecosystems and the loss of old pine forests have largely contributed to the red-cockaded woodpecker's decline. Where Can I Disperse Camp? Hot Springs, AR 71902 Or a marked tree may announce the availability of a potential mate. This area contains the Ouachita Mountains foothills and also surrounds the Lower Mountain Fork River. Full of beautiful Deer, Birds Bobcats and yes, there are Bears! These birds are cooperative breeders meaning that offspring from previous years often stay with their parents to help raise the nestlings. Phone:  (479) 394-2382, Poteau/Cold Springs stretching and scratching. Phone:  (501) 984-5313, Mena/Oden Ranger You need to be self-contained. There are six wilderness areas within the Ouachita National Forest, which are protected areas designed … There's no disputing it! Dens are usually in tree cavities or on the ground. In life there are two kinds of pain, the pain of self discipline and the pain of regret Choose wisely. The climate in the Ouachita Mountains is very pleasant. Cubs usually stay with their mother until their second summer, when they leave her and begin searching for their own territory. While most improved campsites are closed during the COVID-19 public health emergency, there are other camping options available for Arkansas residents. Hydrological modifications of rivers with the use of dams, levees and channelization have contributed to the degradation of these forested wetlands. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. P.O. The Ouachita National Forest spans more than 1.8 million acres across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. (KATV) -- The state of Arkansas was once known as the bear state, and for good reason. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Animals that survive in this biome are deer, wild turkeys, black bears, gray and fox squirrels, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and other species. Click here for information from the Forest Service (FS) on the Ouachita National Forest, with links to maps and other publications. INFORMATION. What added to my mini freak-out was the fact that the picnic area was surrounded by bear-proof garbage cans. Albert Pike. For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, contact your local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. It’s called dispersed camping and it’s available in both the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. So stop what you are doing and check out these Ouachita National Forest camping cabins! Such storms will cause flooding in the rivers and tributaries within the forest. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. More information here. Dynamic floods allow nutrient cycling, prevent sedimentation, and disperse plant seeds. Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Bottomland hardwood forest is home to Neotropical migratory songbirds, wintering waterfowl, deer, squirrels, and the Louisiana black bear. These same streams will usually be dry in the late summer and early fall. Some of the more common species include mallard, green-winged teal, pintail, gadwall, northern shoveler, ring-necked duck, and canvasback. The diversity of ecosystems provides habitat for many species of wildlife. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. Navigation onthelowerArkansas,andindustrial poweranddomesticwaterusealong theFourche,Ouachita, LittleMis souri,Poteau,Cassatot, Little,Kia-michi,Caddo,andthetwoSaline Save Share. The Ouachita Mountain population has been in existence the longest and supports an annual bear harvest in the counties of Latimer, LeFlore, McCurtain, and Pushmataha. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil, and plants by using existing fire rings. Water gets contaminated by visitors who do not take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. With large-scale conversion of millions of acres of bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley to agriculture, habitat loss severely impacted bear populations. If food is abundant and easy to find, bears don't have to move very far. In the Caddo-Womble District there is Reed Mountain, Pigeon Roost, and Bear Mountain. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. Reviewed September 1, 2013. The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest National Forest in the southern United States. The nation’s symbol, the bald eagle, has made an impressive comeback from near extinction. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. Well, as long as they aren't Grizzlies right? There's nothing quite like staying at a Ouachita National Forest cabin rental. Both parents work to raise the eaglets, which can take two to three months after they hatch. Located just south of the more well-known Ozark National Forest, the Ouachita National Forest is another great regional hub for camping, hiking and a variety of outdoor activities.. Get the Most Out of Ouachita National Forest Showers can be locally heavy and occasionally have been known to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain in a few hours. The diversity of ecosystems provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Bears are becoming more and more plentiful throughout the #ouachitanf. This habitat type stays fairly wet and has mostly loblolly pines mixed with willow oak, post oak, and red oak. Log In. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Can you hunt the national forest around Pine Ridge? Today, visitors to the refuge have a good possibility of seeing a bald eagle, particularly during the winter over refuge waters. Ranger District They require old pine stands with an open understory maintained historically with wildfire. There is a native stone dam that forms a swimming area with a grassy beach. Males typically move much farther than females in search of mates and young males may travel extreme distances dispersing from their families. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year. There is also a pleasant hike on the Dogwood Trail of 1/2 mile. Word from Locals: Bears,yeah, but not very often. It's located along Walnut Creek in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. Phone:  (501) 321-5202 In the Ouachita National Forest, there are lots of things to find…..My fellow hiker, Raymond Haynie, and I, found something called Crystal Vista just outside of Mt Ida. or. Its Beautiful! The water was clear and refreshing and there are picnic tables with grills next to the beach. Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. It could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. District OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST, Ark. If you plan on going hunting or just need some shooting practice, go ahead and pack your guns in the RV before heading out because there are 11 different shooting ranges here in the Ouachita National Forest. Forest Farm Retreat Center is my new and expanding 15 acre retreat property which offers cabin rentals: a 3 bedroom/2 bath Guesthouse, Black Bear's Brown Cabin and Tiny House Row (still under construction) I am also offering my personal home on 7 acres, an underground house to limited retreat groups for more accommodations. Box 1270 See more of US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest on Facebook. The Forest Service proposes to make changes in the long-term management and use of the Albert Pike Recreation Area, located on the Little Missouri River in the Ouachita National Forest. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. The mountains are home to many lakes and streams and at least 190 native fish species. For more detailed information on disposing of human waste in the forest, check out this page. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. The National Forests define dispersed camping as: “Dispersed camping is the term used for camping […] While they do consume meat, but it is generally carrion or an opportunistic kill Distribution and abundance of food have a direct correlation to Louisiana black bear movement. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Untouched! Phone:  (479) 637-4174, Oklahoma Ranger District Bottomland hardwood forest is home to Neotropical migratory songbirds, wintering waterfowl, deer, squirrels, and the Louisiana black bear. Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST — A Little Rock woman claims she saw Bigfoot while hiking Thursday in the Ouachita National Forrest north of Mount Ida. Bears love isolated, rugged territory, and the Ozark Highlands and the Ouachita Mountains and National Forest are prime territory for bears to forage for some of their favorite foods – acorns, hickory nuts and berries. According to Only In Arkansas, you can find Black Bears in Arkansas in three places; the Ozark Highlands area, the Ouachita National Forest, and the lower White River basin. Review of Ouachita National Forest. With an increasing population and visitation to our National Forest, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Unless a map link is shown, find maps for the trails below by following this link. Create New Account. im goin on a hunt there for both in late november just curious to what to expect. ... Ouachita national forest. Fourche Ranger District Ouachita National Forest Trails in the Hot Springs Area Phone:  (580) 494-6402. Reactions: ouachitamac and jackie53. Tap to unmute. The 3 Sisters Springs are a short walk from the beach. These remnant flatwoods must be managed with fire to create historical conditions such as pine/hardwood mix with a somewhat open canopy and grassy understories. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. The Louisiana Black Bear is one of 16 recognized subspecies of the American black bear, and was once widespread in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out. Armadillos, coyotes, and roadrunners are now common. Eagles begin nesting in December through February and usually lay 1-3 eggs. The Columbia Lock & Dam causes the flooding to occur deeper and longer into the growing season than what naturally would have occurred. Six locations in the forest, comprising 65,000 acres (263 km ), have been congressionally-designated as wilderness areas. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned, it should be cool to the touch. If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Clean an area and make a ring of rocks about two feet in diameter. Have you seen one this big ... Press alt + / to open this menu. These periods of inundated forest provide structure for spawning fish and food for wintering ducks. Louisiana black bears may be seen on Upper Ouachita NWR. The many baldcypress swamps provide habitat for nesting wood ducks, wading birds, and bats, including the Rafinesque's big-eared bat. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly. Fax:  (501) 321-5305, Caddo/Womble Ranger There is NO safe water source anymore. Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. (501) 321-5202 . Many tribes used these mountains as seasonal hunting grounds and today the Ouachita National Forest, including the area around the Talimena National Scenic Byway provide valuable hunting opportunities to the public. Eastern Oklahoma now has two black bear populations; one in the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma and one in the Ozarks region of east-central Oklahoma. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws. District 100 Reserve Street Collect only dead wood that is on the ground. Upland pine flatwood forest is present on the western edge of the refuge. Please use existing sites and fire rings. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. The National Forest has wildfires each year. Wood ducks, hooded mergansers and black-bellied whistling ducks nest in tree cavities on the refuge. Thank you for helping care for YOUR National Forest. The Louisiana black bear is an opportunistic omnivore who mostly eats fruits, nuts, plants, and insects. Email or Phone: Password: Forgot account? Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating. Jessieville, AR Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. 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