Protecting Beaver Lake, Acre by Acre

We are proud to announce the permanent protection of 62 acres on Beaver Lake. Located in Beaver Water District’s Tier 1 Source Water Protection Area, the newly conserved tract plays a critical role in safeguarding water quality, preserving scenic views, and protecting family farming.

Currently operating as a cattle farm, the property will continue its agricultural use under a conservation easement that ensures long-term stewardship and ecological integrity. Between 2017 and 2022, more than 41,000 acres of agricultural land were lost to development in Benton and Washington counties. The protection of the property will prevent at least one farm from this same fate.

Landowner Jacklyn Perry Ryan donated the conservation easement to NWALT, and Beaver Water District contributed long term stewardship funding for the project as part of its source water protection strategy.

“It is important to me to retain the last bit of heritage of my father's land. My home is built where my great grandparents originally homesteaded on a section of land (640 acres).  This will never be split up for development with the future Highway 412 East Bypass forthcoming,”said Ryan.

The property’s lakeshore location and open space contribute to the scenic experience enjoyed by boaters, anglers, and shoreline visitors. Its protection benefits local communities, tourism-related businesses, and water quality stakeholders across the region.

This project aligns with multiple conservation priorities, including the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy—an EPA-approved plan—and the Northwest Arkansas Open Space Plan.

“We’re so thankful to Jacklyn for her commitment to conservation, especially at Beaver Lake. We all depend on the lake for clean drinking water and we’re proud to have this opportunity to permanently protect more critical land in the watershed,” said Grady Spann, CEO of NWALT. “We all need Beaver Lake for clean drinking water, and this project helps ensure it stays that way.”