The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began its October meeting Thursday with an emotional tribute to Joel Campora, a wildlife officer who died May 31 in rural Scott County along with Scott County Sheriff Cody Carpenter while trying to rescue a family from a flood.
A standing-room only crowd watched a tribute video for Campora. Afterward, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr issued a proclamation declaring Campora an “Arkansas Natural.”
“Our state is thankful for the service and sacrifice of your husband, and the sacrifice of your family,” Darr said in addressing Campora’s widow, Rebecca Campora. “Arkansas is the Natural State.
“To see what your husband did, not just this time but each and every day he went to work, putting other people before himself and his servant leadership, he is an Arkansas Natural.”
Also, the Greenwood Fire Department presented Rebecca Campora with the American Flag that flew over Campora’s funeral service on June 8.
Mike Breedlove, representing Shikar Safari Club, named Campora its Outstanding Wildlife Officer of the Year and also presented Rebecca Campora a check for $20,000. Breedlove said Shikar Safari Club gives that amount to the families of wildlife officers who die in the line of duty.
In wildlife management related business, the commission passed a new regulation for the 2013-2014 hunting seasons regarding boating on wildlife management areas. A boat operator that is cited for a boating violation on WMAs will be assessed six points against his hunting privileges.
The commission also approved a budget increase of $1,342,687 to buy 1,611acres in Ashley County that will be added to the Saline-Longview Natural Area WMA. The funds will come from U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants.
The commission also approved a budget transfer of $92,642 to be used for state wildlife grant projects, and a budget increase of $306,245. The higher sum will come from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants.
In fisheries related items, the commission approved a slate of expenditures for boating access around the state. The money will come from federal marine fuel tax funds. These include:
$79,000 to pave Pine Ridge Road, leading to De Queen Lake in Sevier County $60,000 to pave the Palarm Creek Access in Pulaski County
$45,000 in Marion County to improve access to Ranchette Access on the White River and Kelley’s Slab Access on Crooked Creek
$40,000 to add gravel to the Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
$40,000 to add gravel to the Wattensaw WMA access road in Prairie County
$83,000 to build a new boat ramp, pave the parking area and improve the access road at the Old Factory Site Access on the Little Missouri River in Pike County.
Sports, Pages 25 on 10/25/2013