Located in far southern Arkansas, Huttig Pine Flatwoods is comprised of Open Pine-Hardwood Flatwoods, a natural community that once covered approximately 1 million acres along the lower two terraces of the Saline and Ouachita rivers. Identified as the most endangered forested ecosystem in Arkansas, Open Pine-Hardwood Flatwoods have been altered by fire suppression, leading to a closed-canopy forest. Other areas have been converted to pine plantations, diminishing the diversity of these flatwoods. Open-Pine Flatwoods were historically dominated by widely spaced, mature pines with some scattered hardwoods. These woodlands have diverse prairie-like ground cover and support many plant and animal species of concern found primarily in this habitat. Huttig Pine Flatwoods provides direct protection to the largest population of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, RCW) in the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas.
DIRECTIONS
From Strong (Junction of Interstate 82 and State Highway 129) head east on Interstate 82 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Jones Lake Road and travel 1.9 miles. Turn right to stay on Jones Lake Road for an additional 3.7 miles. The area is on the right side of the road.
HUNTING
Specific types of hunting are allowed on this natural area. For details, see the Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA listing in the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Take all necessary safety precautions when visiting this area.