In October ALC joined with local dignitaries, outdoor enthusiasts, and other supporters in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas to celebrate the conservation of Buck Island and the opening of the first leg of a new Lower Mississippi River Water Trail. 

The first-ever public access to the 1,500-acre island was made possible when ALC established a public access easement on the property with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). "We strive to engage more people in protecting and using our state's natural resources, and Buck Island and the new water trail give local communities and others exciting new ways to do so,” said George Dunklin Jr., chairman of AGFC. 

Last fall ALC negotiated a conservation easement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to protect native forests on the island, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus bill).

"Buck Island’s 880 acres of native trees are a critical part of its conservation value and in time it will become an old growth forest,” said Reed Cripps, PhD, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Easements. Buck Island is also home to Arkansas' largest Mississippi River nesting site for the endangered Least Tern.

ALC presented both AGFC and NRCS with awards for their contributions to the project, as well as to other supporters who made the project a reality.

The Lower Mississippi River Trail was first proposed by ALC’s partner, the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC), a coalition of twelve natural resource agencies from the six states that border the lower river. “Establishing the first segment of the Lower Mississippi Water Trail from Helena-West Helena to Arkansas City has been part of the LMRCC's long-term vision for the river for several years,” said Ron Nassar, PhD, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coordinator of the LMRCC. Mr. Nassar was also recognized by ALC for his many contributions to the project. "What is used is valued: Buck Island allows more people to experience the river, which means more will care about conserving it," said Nassar.

“The Mississippi is one of Arkansas’ great natural treasures, and Buck Island gives Americans a new way to enjoy it,” said Arkansas State Representative Clark Hall, an early and avid champion of the project and another ALC award recipient who spoke at the event. “The water trail means tourism growth and jobs for the Delta.”

His sentiments were echoed by Helena-West Helena Mayor Arnell Willis: “This is a good day for the American Land Conservancy as well as for the citizens of Phillips County.”

The dedication event was attended by Willis, Hall, other local business and political leaders, and ALC staff, and caps a six-year campaign to protect Buck Island. ALC first pursued protection of the wildlife-rich island in 2005 to create a public access launching point for a new river trail and a user-friendly way for people to enjoy the riches of the river. Buck Island is just a three-minute boat trip or thirty-minute canoe paddle from AGFC’s public boat ramp in Helena Harbor, making it easily accessible. 

The newly created public access also extends upstream water trails into Arkansas for the first time, linking Helena-West Helena to the Freddie Black Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Deer Research Area 106 miles downstream, and to the famed White and Arkansas Rivers in between.

The island is also a key stopover site along the Mississippi flyway, used as a migration corridor by 60 percent of the North American migratory bird species. It is also a known spawning site for the endangered pallid sturgeon.

"The conservation, recreation, and nature-based economic benefits of Buck Island are a unique national and regional opportunity, and we were excited to help create a river trail where none existed before,” said ALC president Kerry O’Toole. “The natural beauty of the island, its benefits to wildlife, and its excellent recreation opportunities will attract a wide range of visitors to Arkansas and the Delta.”

Local businesses are already seeing a positive impact from the project, as new visitors from around the country and around the world come to the region. This has resulted in new customers for nearby hotels, outfitters, and restaurants.

“As a river guide and outfitter, I know what a tremendous resource Buck Island is for Helena-West Helena,” said John Ruskey, owner of Quapaw Canoe Company and another ALC awardee in recognition of his longstanding and enthusiastic support for the project.

 John Ruskey (right) speaks at the dedication event alongside Mighty Quapaw, Captain James "Woody" Sykes. Photo by:Sylvester Jacobs

“People all over the world know about the rich culture of the Delta and the mighty Mississippi. With Buck Island and the river trail they finally have a way to access it directly.” 

In addition to providing guide services, Ruskey’s company also builds voyager-style canoes and provides long-term apprenticeships for local disadvantaged youth.

Ruskey has attracted national media attention for his extensive knowledge of the river and is currently developing a paddlers guide the Lower Mississippi Water Trail. “Helena-West Helena is the only place on the lower river with easy and safe access to explore a nearby big island. New public access to Buck Island makes this unique situation even better for Helena.”

Featured speakers at the dedication event were Arkansas State Rep. Clark Hall, Arkansas State Rep. and Speaker of the House, Robert Moore, Jr., former state senator Kevin Smith, AGFC chairman George Dunklin, Jr., NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Easements, Reed Cripps, PhD, LMRCC coordinator, Ron Nassar, PhD, and Arnell Willis, mayor of Helena-West Helena. ALC was represented at the ceremony by president Kerry O’Toole, Mississippi River Program director Jenny Fraizer, and Government Affairs director Tim Richardson.

ALC extends its sincere thanks to the funders, sponsors and advocates who helped make the Buck Island project possible: The McKnight Foundation, AEP River Operations, Ingram Barge, Cargill Corporation, CHS, Inc., Entergy Foundation, Mississippi River Trust, Waterways Council, Inc., Goggans, Inc., James Cummins, and ALC members and supporters. Thank you!

To view a list of current Buck Island Supporters, click here >>

To learn more about the event, read our press release here.
For photos, facts and maps, visit our Buck Island feature page! 

View the Dedication Event Slideshow!
(Click on images for captions)