More than 300 acres of Ouachita National Forest under review; residents urged to comment
A federal proposal to allow quartz mining in the Ouachita National Forest is drawing attention in Saline County, where several of the nominated sites are located near Paron and within watersheds that feed into the Saline River.
Read more below.
The U.S. Forest Service has opened a 30-day public comment period on its draft environmental assessment for the “Mining Nominations Project” in the Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District.
The plan includes eight tracts totaling approximately 337 acres across Saline and Garland counties, with multiple sites in or near Saline County communities.
Mining sites near Paron
Several of the proposed mining and prospecting areas are located in Saline County near Paron – including tracts identified as OQC-293P, OQC-294 and OQC-295P. Together, those sites account for roughly 100 acres of potential activity in the area.
Maps included in the Forest Service proposal show these sites clustered west of Little Rock, with access roads extending into forest land near Paron and surrounding rural communities.
Additional sites are located near Crystal Mountain and Lake Ouachita, but the Paron-area tracts place the proposal directly within Saline County.
Native American tribes affiliated with this project area are The Quapaw Nation, The Osage Nation, Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Shawnee Tribe, and Cherokee Nation.
Why mining is being considered
According to the Forest Service, the proposal is driven by demand for quartz and the possibility of viable deposits in the region.
“This action is needed because market conditions suggest that a demand for quartz exists, and preliminary reconnaissance determined that a viable quartz deposit may be present,” the draft assessment states.
Initial activity would involve exploratory mining, including small pits and trenches. If deposits are confirmed, the project could expand into larger-scale operations, including open-pit mining using heavy equipment.
Potential impact on Saline County waterways
The draft environmental assessment identifies several concerns, including impacts to water quality in the Saline River watershed.
Several of the Saline County tracts sit near creeks that flow into the North Fork of the Saline River. According to the assessment, sediment runoff from mining activity in those areas would eventually drain into the river system.
The Saline River watershed has been designated as an important conservation area and supports sensitive aquatic species, increasing concern about potential environmental effects.
Lake Winona — which supplies drinking water to a large portion of Central Arkansas — is also part of the broader study area. The assessment notes that increased sediment could raise water treatment costs and impact quality.
Other concerns outlined
The Forest Service analysis highlights additional potential impacts, including:
- Loss of timber and forest cover in mined areas
- Reduced soil productivity from topsoil removal
- Effects on wildlife habitat, including threatened species
- Changes to the scenic character of the Ouachita National Forest
The report also notes that some watersheds could see increased sediment levels and higher risk ratings if the full proposal moves forward.
Smaller alternative also proposed
An alternative plan would reduce the footprint to about 206 acres, removing one tract and limiting activity in steeper or more sensitive areas.
That option would still include several Saline County sites near Paron but with reduced disturbance overall.
Timeline and public input
The public comment period began in early April and will remain open for 30 days following the official legal notice. Only those who submit comments during this time will be eligible to file objections later in the process.
The Forest Service estimates the following timeline:
- Public comment period: April–May 2026
- Objection period: July 2026 (estimated)
- Final decision: August 2026 (estimated)
- Possible implementation: September 2026 (estimated)
How Saline County residents can respond
Residents in Paron and across Saline County are encouraged to submit comments if they want their input considered in the final decision.
Comments can be submitted online at:
https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=63480
Written comments may also be mailed, faxed, emailed or delivered in person to the Jessieville Ranger District office.
For more information, contact:
Michael Welker, District Ranger
8607 N. Hwy 7, Jessieville, AR 71949
719-553-1515 or 719-553-1400
[email protected]
Officials say public feedback — especially from residents near the proposed sites — will play a key role in determining whether quartz mining moves forward in Saline County.
