AGFC to Hold Public Meetings on Black River WMA Renovation Plan

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will present updated plans to renovate infrastructure and greentree reservoirs at the Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) will host a public meeting on March 5 to present updated plans for the renovation of infrastructure and greentree reservoirs at the Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area in northeast Arkansas. The meeting will focus on the AGFC's plan to renovate the WMA's water-control structures and flooding schedules to continue providing flooded bottomland hardwood habitat for ducks while maintaining the critical red oak component.

Why it matters

The renovation of Arkansas's greentree reservoirs is a critical component of habitat management on public land that the AGFC has undertaken to ensure long-term opportunities for waterfowl and duck hunting in the state. The public meetings allow the agency to gather feedback and address concerns from the community about the planned renovations.

The details

The AGFC plans to reengineer solutions to address issues raised by the public during previous meetings in 2024. The renovations are required to continue providing the same duck-hunting opportunities in both the short and long term. The March 5 meeting will include a brief project overview followed by opportunities for attendees to speak one-on-one with AGFC biologists and engineers.

  • The public meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on March 5, 2026 at Black River Technical College.
  • Similar public meetings were held by the AGFC in 2024 to gather feedback on the renovation plans.

The players

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The state agency responsible for managing Arkansas's wildlife and natural resources, including the Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area.

Luke Naylor

AGFC chief of wildlife management, who said the agency has worked to reengineer solutions to address public concerns raised in previous meetings.

Doug Schoenrock

AGFC Director, who said the renovation of Arkansas's greentree reservoirs is the most critical component of habitat management on public land the agency has undertaken in the last 40 years.

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What they’re saying

“We've worked since that time to reengineer solutions to some of the issues the public was concerned about, and we should be able to conduct the renovation with nearly zero acres lost to flooded timber hunting opportunity.”

— Luke Naylor, AGFC chief of wildlife management (ktlo.com)

“The renovation of Arkansas's greentree reservoirs is probably the most critical component of habitat management on public land this agency has undertaken in the last 40 years.”

— Doug Schoenrock, AGFC Director (ktlo.com)

What’s next

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