Searcy County, AR (AP)-Forestry officials are in the Ozark National Forest where work is beginning to restore the Bearcat Hollow region to the way it was pre-1900. 

National Forest Foundation President Bill Possiel (poh-SEAL') says the project is part of its "Treasured Landscapes" restoration program in 14 national forests in 12 states nationwide. 

The officials toured the area about 45 miles north of Russellville on Saturday. 

Possiel says the goal of the $1.5 million project is to restore the region to the way it was before logging that began about 1900 and wildfire suppression efforts that began after World War II. 

He says restoration can increase the number of species from about seven per acre to as many as 75 per acre. The species include trees, insects, birds, deer, elk, turkey and bear.

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