PLANTNG TREES FOR A HEALTHY RIPARIAN AREA
Development of properties with river frontage has altered river banks, reduced tree coverage and in some instances accelerated erosion. These changes can have harmful effects on habitat for trout and the aquatic organisms they depend on.
Careful planning by the developers to save trees and shrubs essential for healthy riparian areas along our rivers is the hope for us that value a river that functions in a manner that provides the best habitat for trout. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has a Coldwater Habitat Program to assist private landowners with stabilizing their river banks. This past year the AG&FC Trout Habitat folks visited and assessed over eighty sites along the White River and tributaries.
On December 6 & 7, 2025 AG&FC personnel with assistance from White River Chapter TU and Northern Arkansas Fly Fishers volunteers planted close to five hundred trees and shrubs to stabilize some restoration projects on the White River. The largest of these is the Embach Property about three miles upriver of the Norfork River confluence. The project utilized two J-vanes to relieve water pressure on the bank. The trees planted were river birch, flowering dogwood, chestnut oak, willow oak and paw paw. Thanks to the planting holes being drilled with a skidder the planting process moved along smoothly and four hundred trees and shrubs were soon in the ground. Susan Parsons brought River Oat seeds that were sowed on the steepest bank areas. AG&FC personnel working on the project were: Kent Coffey, Eli Powers, Jeremy Risley, Zack Killian, Levi Bowen, Lesley Twiner, Aaron Norton and Megan Brandt. The volunteers were Robin Curtis, Jack Curtis, Susan Parsons and Tom Emerick.
On December 7th three smaller areas on the bank opposite Crainor’s Lodge were similarly planted to help the stabilization process. We all look forward to watching the trees and shrubs grow. It is hoped that our volunteers will grow in numbers for next year’s planting.
Development of properties with river frontage has altered river banks, reduced tree coverage and in some instances accelerated erosion. These changes can have harmful effects on habitat for trout and the aquatic organisms they depend on.
Careful planning by the developers to save trees and shrubs essential for healthy riparian areas along our rivers is the hope for us that value a river that functions in a manner that provides the best habitat for trout. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has a Coldwater Habitat Program to assist private landowners with stabilizing their river banks. This past year the AG&FC Trout Habitat folks visited and assessed over eighty sites along the White River and tributaries.
On December 6 & 7, 2025 AG&FC personnel with assistance from White River Chapter TU and Northern Arkansas Fly Fishers volunteers planted close to five hundred trees and shrubs to stabilize some restoration projects on the White River. The largest of these is the Embach Property about three miles upriver of the Norfork River confluence. The project utilized two J-vanes to relieve water pressure on the bank. The trees planted were river birch, flowering dogwood, chestnut oak, willow oak and paw paw. Thanks to the planting holes being drilled with a skidder the planting process moved along smoothly and four hundred trees and shrubs were soon in the ground. Susan Parsons brought River Oat seeds that were sowed on the steepest bank areas. AG&FC personnel working on the project were: Kent Coffey, Eli Powers, Jeremy Risley, Zack Killian, Levi Bowen, Lesley Twiner, Aaron Norton and Megan Brandt. The volunteers were Robin Curtis, Jack Curtis, Susan Parsons and Tom Emerick.
On December 7th three smaller areas on the bank opposite Crainor’s Lodge were similarly planted to help the stabilization process. We all look forward to watching the trees and shrubs grow. It is hoped that our volunteers will grow in numbers for next year’s planting.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
In addition to needing volunteers for some of the programs listed above, we have more opportunities below. You tell us what captures your interest and we'll make sure you are included. You can contact board members via email listed at the bottom of the page.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
We are a busy chapter with many ongoing programs, recently completed or in=progress projects.
In addition to needing volunteers for some of the programs listed above, we have more opportunities below. You tell us what captures your interest and we'll make sure you are included. You can contact board members via email listed at the bottom of the page.
- VOLUNTEER MENTORS/FISHING BUDDIES ON REQUEST
Casting for Recovery, Boy Scout/Girl Scout Badge Work, Elementary School Field Trips, etc - MONTHLY MEETINGS
- PROGRAM COORDINATOR
- MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
- LEADERSHIP RECRUITMENT
- INCLUSION/DIVERSITY
- WOMENS INITIATIVE
- YOUTH CAMP
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- SOWBUG ROUNDUP
- WILDCAT ACCESS CLEAN-UP
- FUND RAISERS
- ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
We are a busy chapter with many ongoing programs, recently completed or in=progress projects.