News Release

Agricultural Special Use Permit Application Period Opens September 15

Hay bales sit in an agricultural field.

NPS

News Release Date: September 14, 2026
Contact: Concessions Management Specialist, 870-365-2724 

HARRISON, Ark. – The National Park Service will accept public bid applications September 15 through October 15, 2026, for twenty-four Agricultural Special Use Permits for haying of specific designated fields located within Buffalo National River in portions of Newton and Searcy Counties.

Through the permit program, Buffalo National River maintains hay fields that visually preserve the unique agricultural history of the area and continue providing important habitat for game animals, such as elk and deer, and non-game animals, such as ground nesting birds and small mammals.

The permit bid package includes details about each permit and associated fields, including maps, approximate acreages, bid instructions, and a sample permit with conditions. To request a copy, call or email Buffalo National River’s office at 870-365-2724 or e-mail us. Each permit will have a term of five years.

The park’s hay field management strategy and permit conditions have been developed to be consistent with collaborative conservation efforts throughout the Buffalo River watershed and follow guidelines from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The permit requirements include:

• Fertilizer and lime shall be applied at the rates recommended for individual fields by the University of Arkansas Extension Service’s soil sample reports.
• Hay shall not be transported outside of the Arkansas chronic wasting disease zone.
• Spill trays will be required to be placed under tractor motors, if tractors are left in fields.

Agricultural Special Use Permit applications must be received by mail no later than 4 p.m. on October 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts shortly after bidding closes, and each applicant will be notified of the status of their submission.

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