LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Federal lawmakers are considering a measure to name an expansion of Arkansas' Flatside Wilderness area after former U.S. Rep. Ed Bethune.

The legislation would add about 640 acres (260 hectares) to the area and name the expanded parcel the Bethune Woods-Flatside Wilderness.

The 9,500-acre (3,845-hectare) wooded area is in Perry and Saline counties in central Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , the measure has advanced from the House Natural Resources Committee to the full House for consideration.

Bethune is a three-term Republican congressman from Searcy who fought to preserve the area in the Ouachita National Forest. Bethune says he would be honored to have the area named for him, calling his work on the issue his "signature achievement."

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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com