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Lake Fort Smith State Park Arkansas FireWise State Park |
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On Oct. 29, 2008, Lake Fort Smith State Park was recognized as an Arkansas FireWise Community during the luncheon and recognition ceremony held in the banquet hall of Mount Magazine State Park Lodge. Lake Fort Smith joined 11 other state parks in this honor in 2008. Representatives from six of the parks, including Lake Fort Smith State Park, are pictured.
"Lake Fort Smith State Park is a model FireWise State Park," said David Samuel. "With the new construction, park personnel have had the opportunity to establish excellent defensible space around all of the structures completed thus far. The challenge will be to maintain these areas in future years and not let them grow up on woody vegetation." The park is still under construction, with a projected opening date in late spring. Completed structures include three homes with one or more planned to begin construction in 18 months, a visitor center, group lodge, maintenance shed, pavilion and numerous campsites. The marina, bathhouse and pool are still under construction. Overall, the park is at low risk from wildland fire with only a few recommendations made during the visit. David Samuel noted the road and water system within the park is outstanding, and defensible space is at approximately 30 feet around all structures. The park has been landscaped with low-growing, well-spaced, succulent plants, and the roads, parking areas, sidewalks and hiking trails provide excellent fuel breaks. All structures have asphalt shingles, however the siding is cedar. Lake Fort Smith State Park is eligible to be recognized as an Arkansas FireWise Community (three or more homes). The process includes conducting individual risk assessments on the three residences, organization of a Firewise board and development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
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© 2007 Arkansas Forestry Commission. All Rights Reserved.
Brad Hyman, assistant superintendent, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise coordinator, conducted a park assessment on Jan. 8, 2008. (Pictured at right are Ron Gossage, park superintendent; Jay Schneider, interpreter; Mary Rason, PASC, and Brad Hyman, assistant park superintendent.)
