Withrow Springs State Park

Arkansas FireWise State Park

On Jan. 10, 2008, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator David Samuel met with the staff at Withrow Springs State Park to discuss the Arkansas FireWise recognition process. The park has three residences, thus making it eligible for Arkansas FireWise Communities recognition.

Attending the meeting were (photo at right) Earl Minton, park superintendent; Walt Reding, assistant park superintendent; Diane Atwell, park administrative support coordinator; Nikki McGourty, front desk; Ken Yeazel, park technician, and Roy Kurry Park, park technician.

Following the meeting, Earl Minton provided David Samuel with a tour of the park who was impressed with the measures the park had already taken to reduce wildfire risk to structures. "All of the homes, visitor center, maintenance area, pavilions, swimming pool and restrooms had adequate defensible space," said Samuel. "And, in spite of the recent leaf fall, they were still maintaining at least 30 feet of defensible space and many times more."

Park staff had also already begun the process of developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and planned to provide the Arkansas Forestry Commission County Ranger James Bolinger and Forum Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief a copy of the final plan.

"Withrow Springs State Park is a great model for FireWise," said David Samuel.