UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS STUDENTS AND FACULTY BECOME NEW MANAGERS FOR THE LAKE WEDINGTON RECREATION AREA

To celebrate this new partnership, there will be a "Grand Opening" at Lake Wedington on Earth Day, April 22, 2001. A ceremony will take place at the lodge beginning at 2 p.m. Representatives from the Forest Service, the University of Arkansas, the Friends of Lake Wedington and others will gather to formally begin the partnership.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The Public Policy Ph.D. program at the University of Arkansas, in cooperation with the Health Sciences, Kinesiology, and Recreation Department, is the new manager of the Lake Wedington Recreation Area.

The University of Arkansas will operate Lake Wedington for the public while providing research and learning opportunities for students and faculty. This arrangement will enhance recreational use of the site, support the research, educational and service missions of the university and develop new models for the most appropriate and efficient use of a natural resource area.

"As the population of Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, we must learn how best to use our natural resources to the best of their environmental and recreational potential," said Jean Hughes, assistant professor, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, and Recreation Department. "We are glad to bring the resources of the university to this stewardship effort."

Students and faculty have taken on this responsibility with two goals in mind, explained Will Miller, director of the UA Public Policy Ph.D. Program "Through the policy program we want to develop and run the best public outdoor recreation experience possible. Secondly, the program will provide a learning/research laboratory for students and faculty in such areas as recreation, public administration, biology, landscape architecture and tourism." The final result of this collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service will be a comprehensive study of the recreation area. The study will provide recommendations on the best use of this very valuable natural and historic resource and best management practices.

"We feel that Lake Wedington is a very valuable and largely unknown natural resource," Miller said. "Relatively few people in the area know of the historical rental cabins, and the great swimming, hiking and camping facilities that are available here."

The Wedington Project will largely be supported by the user and rental fees, which are collected at the lake. The University of Arkansas is providing faculty support and initial capital funds to obtain the equipment necessary to run the facility. "We believe that this new partnership will open us up to grants to support outdoor education, recreation planning and environmental study," said Merry Moiseichik, associate professor, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, and Recreation Department.

The University has had a historic relationship with Lake Wedington. The original offices for the management of the lake were in Old Main. The cabins, as well as all the historic structures in the park, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lake Wedington Recreation Area is located in Washington County, Arkansas, approximately 14 miles west of Fayetteville. The area is administered by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Boston Mountain Ranger District. The lake is 120 acres and was constructed in the 1930’s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA also constructed the cabins and many of the facilities. Six historic stone cabins are available for rental. There are eighteen family camping units. The day use area provides swimming, picnicking, canoe rental, recreation and concession services. Groups may rent the lodge, pavilion and a group camp area.

Other features include the Wedington Hiking Trail (7 miles), Wedington Lake Trail (2.8 Miles), Bell-Crozier Trail (0.2 mile accessible trail and fishing access), Wedington Small Game Area, and lakeside picnic and fishing access sites.

The public web site, with information about Lake Wedington, availability and reservation contacts may be found at:

http://policy.uark.edu/lake/

Information about the policy Ph.D. program is at:

http://policy.uark.edu/policyphd/