AGFC Prioritizes Water Management and Alligator Research

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has formally urged the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division to prioritize the Little Bayou Meto hydrology improvements. The Commission is requesting that this project be listed as a top priority in funding requests to the Army Corps of Engineers.

The effort is part of a broader water management strategy originally authorized in 1950. The project aims to secure agricultural water supplies, protect aquifers from depletion, and manage floodwaters to preserve wetland habitats essential for waterfowl. While water scarcity is a current concern for many hunters, the AGFC emphasizes that long-term conservation requires managing these resources for future generations.

A primary focus of the initiative is the improvement of bayous and ditches within the George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area (WMA). David Luker, AGFC assistant chief of wildlife, noted that while holding water is important for habitat, removing excess water during the growing season is critical for the health of the trees that migratory ducks rely on. The project also involves collaborating with local landowners and drainage districts to improve water flow toward the pump station in Reydell.

Additionally, the Commission received an update on the 2026 alligator harvest. Herpetologist Amanda Bryant reported that 197 of the 212 available tags were filled, with the majority harvested on private lands. Bryant noted that the increase in harvest numbers has led to a decrease in nuisance alligator reports.

The AGFC is also collaborating with Clemson University on a tagging and recapture study. In its second year, the project has already seen 76 alligators tagged to help researchers track growth and verify population surveys. This partnership has also provided essential hands-on training for fisheries division staff.

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