A FireWise meeting and assessment of the risk to state park homes and facilities was conducted at the Loboly State Park on December 11, 2008. State park employees Jim Gann, park superintendent; Pat Swearingen, PASC; Jennifer Gammon, park iInterpreter; Bobby Joe Lewis, maintenance supervisor; and Michael Greer, maintenance crew; joined FireWise Coordinator David Samuel and Arkansas Forestry Commission personnel Josh Smith, Columbia County Forester; Donald Vaughan, Columbia County Ranger III; and Scott Morehead, Columbia County Ranger II for the assessment process.

"The park is doing an outstanding job of maintaining defensible space around the homes and structures. All of the buildings are wood frame but have non-combustible roofs," Samuel said.

Two homes, visitor center, maintenance area, rest room building and pavilion were evaluated. The team also hiked to the power line (fuel break) between the facilities and railroad.  All agreed that the present condition of the power line right-of-way is adequate.

 

The assessment team agreed upon the following recommendations:

 

1. -          Continue to maintain defensible space around all structures.

2. -          Extend the defensible space to at least 50 feet on the southeast corner of the following structures:

1. o       Interpreter’s residence

2. o       Maintenance area

3. -          Support a fuel reduction burn in the 200-acre natural area that is being planned by the Natural Heritage Commission.

4. -          Consider coordinating a fuel reduction in the 160-acre buffer area with the AFC Columbia County fire team.

 

"It was a very productive meeting and in my opinion all attending agree that with the heavy timber within the park that FireWise measures are essential to reduce the risk from wildland fire. We are very pleased to add Loboly State Park to the Arkansas FireWise Honor Roll," said Samuel.

 

According to state park literature, Logoly is Arkansas's first environmental education state park. At the park interpreters present workshops on ecological/environmental topics. The park's natural resources provide a living laboratory for students and visitors. Most of Logoly's 368 acres comprise a State Natural Area that includes unique plant species and mineral springs.

Park facilities include six group tent sites, unfortuntaly there are no hookups; a bathhouse with hot showers; standard pavilion, which is free to educational groups; picnic sites; a playground; trails; and a visitor center with exhibits and an indoor classroom. Please note that educational groups have preference and must make reservations. Individuals may use campsites on a first-come basis, but must vacate for groups.

 

From U.S. 79 at McNeil, go one mile on County Road 47, Logoly Road, to the park.