Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 038 - Board of Dental Examiners
The Arkansas Administrative Code, specifically Agency 013 — the Department of Parks and Tourism, governs various aspects of the operations, regulations, and policies that affect the state's parks, tourism initiatives, and related services. While the Arkansas Administrative Code as a whole is extensive, the specific regulations and policies under Agency 013 cover a broad range of topics, including park management, tourism promotion, permits, fees, and more. Here’s an overview of several key areas in detail, based on commonly applied legal frameworks for parks and tourism agencies:
1. Regulation of State Parks and Recreation Areas (Rule 013.00.01)
Case Overview: State parks in Arkansas are managed under specific guidelines to ensure they are preserved for public enjoyment while minimizing environmental impact. This rule outlines the criteria for establishing, managing, and maintaining state parks.
Key Points:
Establishment of state parks and recreation areas requires approval from the Arkansas Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Commission.
A clear management plan is required for each park, including provisions for sustainable land use, environmental conservation, and educational programs.
Regulations often include restrictions on activities within the parks, such as hunting, fishing, and camping, to ensure the parks are preserved for future generations.
Case Example: The management of Lake Ouachita State Park—one of Arkansas's largest state parks—would be governed by these guidelines. The park’s development, management of resources like the lake, and its infrastructure (including cabins, campgrounds, and trails) would be covered under this rule.
2. Tourism Marketing and Promotions (Rule 013.00.02)
Case Overview: This rule governs how the Department of Parks and Tourism promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination, including funding for marketing campaigns and partnerships with local tourism boards and businesses.
Key Points:
The department is tasked with developing and implementing strategies to promote Arkansas as a tourist destination, including advertising, social media campaigns, and participation in national and international tourism conventions.
Marketing strategies focus on the state's natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, cultural heritage, and unique attractions like Hot Springs National Park and the Ozarks.
Case Example: The "Arkansas: The Natural State" campaign, which promotes tourism to the state's natural areas, such as the Buffalo National River and the Ozark Mountains, would fall under these regulations. These efforts aim to draw tourists through digital media and print advertising.
3. State Park Fees and Charges (Rule 013.00.03)
Case Overview: This rule establishes the fees charged to the public for services within the state parks, including campground reservations, day-use passes, and entrance fees.
Key Points:
The rule provides for the creation of a fee structure for various services and amenities offered in state parks, such as guided tours, boat rentals, and event spaces.
Fees are structured to support the maintenance and operations of the parks without making access prohibitively expensive.
Discounts may be offered to certain groups, such as seniors, military personnel, and residents of Arkansas.
Case Example: Fees for Petit Jean State Park, including the cost of reserving a cabin or a campsite, would be governed by this regulation. These fees help fund the park's operations, such as staffing and maintenance of park facilities and trails.
4. Concessions and Permits for Events (Rule 013.00.04)
Case Overview: The rule focuses on the management of concessions and the permitting process for events that are held within state parks and recreation areas.
Key Points:
The Department of Parks and Tourism has authority to issue permits for activities such as outdoor festivals, music concerts, and guided tours within the parks.
It also oversees concession contracts for food vendors, retail stands, and other services within the parks.
The rules ensure that all vendors and event organizers adhere to state guidelines for safety, environmental impact, and public convenience.
Case Example: A food vendor operating at a festival in Devil’s Den State Park must comply with regulations about food handling, waste disposal, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, organizers of an outdoor music festival at Lake Dardanelle State Park would need to obtain the necessary permits, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
5. Natural Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection (Rule 013.00.05)
Case Overview: This rule sets out guidelines for the conservation of Arkansas’s natural resources within state parks and tourism-managed areas, ensuring that tourism does not negatively impact the environment.
Key Points:
There are specific environmental protection standards related to land use, waste management, water conservation, and habitat preservation.
The Department of Parks and Tourism collaborates with other state agencies like the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to monitor environmental conditions in state parks.
Efforts to maintain biodiversity, protect endangered species, and manage the ecological health of parks are outlined in these rules.
Case Example: In Hot Springs National Park, where the protection of natural hot springs is paramount, these regulations ensure that geothermal resources are not overexploited. Similarly, conservation programs may focus on managing native wildlife populations within the parks, such as ensuring that deer populations in Cossatot River State Park do not overgraze local plant species.
6. Special Use and Film Permits (Rule 013.00.06)
Case Overview: This rule outlines the permitting process for special uses of state parks and tourism-managed lands, including film productions, commercial photography, and scientific research.
Key Points:
A permit is required for any commercial activity within state parks, such as filming, professional photography, or conducting research.
The department assesses the potential impact of the activity on the park’s environment, wildlife, and the general public before granting approval.
Specific conditions are outlined in the permits to ensure that the activity adheres to state regulations for safety and environmental stewardship.
Case Example: A film production company seeking to shoot scenes in Harrison State Park would need to submit a request for a special use permit. The department would review the potential environmental impact of the shoot, such as disturbance to wildlife or the degradation of trails, and require the company to adhere to specific guidelines, such as ensuring minimal waste production and restoring the area post-filming.
These cases demonstrate how the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism operates under the authority of the Arkansas Administrative Code to manage natural resources, encourage tourism, and provide safe and accessible recreation for the public. Each rule serves to balance the preservation of the state's natural beauty with the needs of its citizens and visitors, all while maintaining economic sustainability.
RELATED Blog
comments