Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell Reacts to Tragedy on the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas

The Forest Service is deeply saddened by the tragic event which occurred early this morning on the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas.  A seasonal summer storm quickly turned into a flash flood incident taking the lives of at least 16 forest visitors, as accounted for at this time.  The Forest Service is working closely with local law authorities as the search and rescue continues.  My deepest condolences, and those of our agency, go out to the families of those lost to this natural disaster.