Very unfortunately, the existing Elevated Walkway on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail had deteriorated and become unsafe. A decision was subsequently made to remove the Elevated Walkway and to hopefully replace it with more modern materials that would last much, much longer than the previous structure. A number of Traildogs, led by Jerry Shields, have begun a project to define the replacement structure with materials that are better equipped to last a long time. Needless to say, the expected cost of replacing the Elevated Walkway will be substantial, and we are therefore hoping all who enjoy the LOViT, and especially the Elevated Walkway, will be able to contribute to the cost of rebuilding. You may do so by clicking on the “Donate” icon on the home page. Below is a link to the “Elevated Walkway Replacement Proposal” for your consideration. Many, many thanks to you for your consideration from all …Click to read the full article
Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:00 am to 11:00 am Tompkins Bend Day Use/Picnic Area, Shangri-La Road, Mt. Ida, Arkansas Water, Restroom, free parking, hand sanitizer, and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, grabbers, bug and sun protectors and anything else they might need.It is an easy way to make a difference in your community…find something you and your whole family can do together or bring a group of your friends along. Use your boat or take a hike. Trash that is picked up is left on the boat ramp and will be picked up and hauled away. Hosted by the Friends of Lake Ouachita (FOLO) and the US Army Corps of Engineers and Keep America Beautiful and Keep Arkansas Beautiful.
Attached are photos of some of the ongoing issues faced with the management of the Lake Ouachita Vista on Hickory Nut Mountain. Over the Memorial Day weekend, there were large crowds on the mountain, filling the campground with extra campers spilling out into the nearby woods and many along FS Rd 47 between FS RD 50 and Crystal springs Rd. Two of us traildogs went up the mountain on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, to pick up litter and look for further damage after we received photos of two vehicles parked on at the Vista, one of whom decided it would a great idea to pull the front wheels of his jeep up onto the Vista’s wall. Fortunately, someone took photos of this event and sent them to the sheriff’s office and to our email. We are actively trying to identify the jeep owner and have requested the U.S. Forest …Click to read the full article