The Commission grew out of Act 112 of 1973 which established the Arkansas Environmental Preservation Commission. This initial legislation provided for an inventory to assure the protection of a network of sites illustrating the range and diversity of the state’s natural environment. Two years later, after the development of the Arkansas Natural Area Plan, Act 227 of 1975 changed the name of the commission to its current “Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.” This original group was composed of nine members appointed by the Governor for staggered terms of nine years each. In 2001, Act 1228 added six additional commissioners, three appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The current commission consists of 15 members. Since its creation the commission membership has been as diverse as the lands they work to protect.
The Commission is made up of 15 members dedicated to conserving Arkansas’s natural heritage. Nine members are appointed by the Governor for staggered terms of nine years each. In addition, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate appoints three members, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints three members. The commission provides general direction to ANHC professional staff, acts on staff proposals for acquiring and dedicating natural areas, establishes rules and regulations, and adopts and amends natural area management plans that conserve Arkansas’s ecosystem biodiversity.
Governor Appointee
Robby Bevis
Scott
Chairman
Governor Appointee
Tammy Browning
Hot Springs
Governor Appointee
Lucien Gillham
Sherwood
Governor Appointee
Doug Harton
Monticello
Governor Appointee
Deborah Hoofman
Enola
Governor Appointee
Vacant
Governor Appointee
Deborah Smith
Mountain Home
Governor Appointee
Ellen Turner
Rogers
Governor Appointee
Vacant
House Appointee
Aubra Anthony
El Dorado
House Appointee
Ashley Gillam
Conway
Secretary
House Appointee
Stanley Taylor
Pelsor
Senate Appointee
Todd Hart
Little Rock
Vice-Chairman
Senate Appointee
Robin Lipton Ingram
Little Rock
Senate Appointee
Patti Wilkerson
Stuttgart