History
The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission contacted the Weyerhaeuser Corporation, the land's owner, about developing a park from the wilderness along the Cossatot River in 1975. Although receptive of the offer, Weyerhaeuser was concerned that the Commission would not properly manage the dangerous rapids. It wasn't until 1984 when the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism offered to join the Commission in a joint venture to acquire the land in an attempt to allay the fears of Weyerhaeuser. After a joint meeting, The Nature Conservancy held the land in trust until state funds were allocated for the park. The duality of the park-natural area's management is still represented.
The park was expanded after Arkla Gas Company donated 160 acres (65 ha) in exchange for crossing the Cossatot River with a 36 inches (910 mm) gas pipeline.
Read more about this topic: Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
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