Big News! NWALT & Partners Protect 769 Acres on White River

Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Announces Permanent Protection of White River Headwaters Preserve

Madison County, AR — [December 4, 2025] — The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is proud to announce the permanent protection of the White River Headwaters Preserve, a 769-acre tract of upland hardwood forest nestled in the Ozark Highlands Karst region of southern Madison County. This landmark conservation achievement safeguards a critical piece of the Beaver Lake watershed, which supplies clean drinking water to more than 500,000 residents in the region.

The property was purchased with funding through the US Forest Service Forest Legacy Grant, Beaver Water District, and The Conservation Fund and will be held by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission with agreed upon deed restrictions to protect the land’s conservation values. The grant was administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division. NWALT served as project leader and coordinator.

The acquisition was made possible through a bargain sale from owners Charles and Phyllis Johnson. “When we first visited the property, we saw it was a really special piece of land.  So, we spent several years trying to get it into permanent conservation.  Then NWALT began working with us and after five years of persistent effort reaching out to different groups to secure funding, they were successful in getting it into permanent conservation in the Forest Legacy program,” said the Johnsons.

“This project represents the very best of land conservation—strong partnerships, shared goals, and lasting impact. By protecting this forestland, we’re not only preserving critical habitat, but we’re safeguarding water quality in the White River and leveraging local and federal investment for long-term public benefit. NWALT is honored to have helped bring this partnership to life and we thank all the partners and the landowners for aligning to achieve this remarkable outcome for the community,” said Pam Nelson, former NWALT Land Protection Director.

The White River Headwaters Preserve is a mosaic of oak-hickory forest adjacent to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Historically known as part of the “Hardwood Capital of the World,” the tract provides essential habitat for cave and spring-dependent species, including three federally listed bat species—the Indiana Bat and Gray Bat (Endangered) and the Northern Long-eared Bat (Threatened)—as well as five aquatic species of greatest conservation need.

The tract includes 2.23 miles of tributary streams and over a mile of the White River, which flows directly into Beaver Lake. Its protection will safeguard water quality for all those who rely on Beaver Lake. "With more than a mile of pristine headwaters, two miles of tributary streams, and several natural springs that begin right on site, water is at the heart of the White River Headwaters Preserve," said Dr. James McCarty, Environmental Quality Manager at Beaver Water District. “Protecting this land in its natural condition helps reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and ensures that clean drinking water continues to flow to communities across Northwest Arkansas.”

The property also contains a registered archeological site—a bluff shelter once used by the Osage Tribe—adding cultural significance to its ecological value.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the White River Headwaters Preserve will offer future public recreation opportunities and historical and ecological research. The preserve’s scenic vistas and crystal-clear waters make it a cornerstone for conservation efforts along the White River corridor. Planning for the property is still ongoing.

“The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission manages and preserves a system of Natural Areas across the state that represent some of the most unique ecological features and protects some of our most rare species. We are pleased to add the White River Headwaters Preserve to that System. We will work with our conservation partners as we prepare our stewardship plan for the area that will include public access when implemented,” said Jenn Ballard, ANHC Director.