Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Protects 66 Acres in the War Eagle Creek Watershed

Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Protects 66 Acres in the War Eagle Creek Watershed
Madison County, Arkansas

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is proud to announce the permanent protection of a 66-acre forested tract in Madison County that safeguards important wildlife habitat, stream corridors, and water quality within the War Eagle Creek watershed. The property has been protected through a conservation easement, ensuring its conservation values will remain intact for generations to come. 

Located within the greater Beaver Lake watershed, the property owned by Rebecca Livingston and Billy Minter hosts more than 3,400 linear feet of riparian habitat along two streams and a healthy mixed hardwood forest. The land remains free of permanent structures and provides valuable natural habitat in an area experiencing increasing development pressure.  

“We wanted to ensure our 66 acres would remain true to the rural landscape we value. Placing a conservation easement was a straightforward and rewarding way to protect the land for wildlife and habitat," said Rebecca Livingston. 

The property received a strong conservation ranking due to its intact forests, riparian resources, and ecological significance. Field assessments documented healthy early-successional hardwood forest conditions with minimal invasive species and identified wetlands, natural springs, forest habitat, and stream resources among the property's key conservation features. 

The conservation easement also advances regional water-quality protection efforts. The project supports the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Plan and contributes to the goals of the War Eagle Creek Watershed Initiative, helping protect lands that directly influence water quality for communities throughout Northwest Arkansas. 

“Every acre we protect in the War Eagle watershed is an acre that protects the water quality of Beaver Lake. We’re proud to partner with Beaver Water District and Beaver Watershed Alliance on this effort and grateful to the landowner for making conservation a permanent part of this property’s future,” said Ben Speight, NWALT's Land Protection Director. 

Beyond its water-quality benefits, the property provides important wildlife habitat and lies within a US Forest Service Forest Legacy Area. Conservation assessments found that the property supports multiple state and regional conservation priorities, including habitat protection, riparian corridor conservation, and watershed resilience. 

Funding for the project was provided in part by Beaver Water District and a Natural Resource Conservation Service grant managed by Beaver Watershed Alliance.  

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, projects like the Livingston-Minter conservation easement demonstrate how strategic land conservation can protect the natural resources that support thriving communities. By permanently protecting forests, streams, and watersheds today, NWALT and its partner landowners are helping ensure clean water and the region's natural heritage remain part of the landscape for forever.