Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353

Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) recently recognized the Buffalo National River in the Congressional Record as part of his initiative to highlight Arkansas's National Parks in celebration of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. You can find the full text of Senator Cotton's recognition in the Congressional Record below, or here.


In honor of the National Parks Service's 100th birthday year, I want to recognize the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. The Buffalo, nestled in within the picturesque Ozark Mountains, runs across four Arkansas counties and remains of the few undammed rivers in the entire United States. It spans 135 miles total and boasts many outdoor trails along which visitors experience beautiful bluffs, adventurous rapids, and have the opportunity to take part in a whole host of outdoor recreational activities. Undoubtedly, visitors to the Buffalo National River leave with a deepened understanding of why Arkansas is proudly billed as "The Natural State."

This year the Buffalo National River has planned several celebratory events to commemorate the National Park Service's 100th birthday. This includes the "Centennial Iron Ranger Challenge 2016," which is taking place in all Arkansas national parks this year. The challenge seeks to encourage good health and fitness, and by tasking people to take up a physical activity of their choice and complete 100 miles of that activity in any of Arkansas' National Parks. If you need a place to begin your centennial year challenge I highly recommend the Buffalo National River.

In the spirit of the National Park Service's centennial motto, "Find Your Park," I encourage everyone to find the Buffalo National River, and enjoy the outdoor adventures and relaxation that awaits in The Natural State.