769-acre Madison County preserve to be protected, opened to public

BusinessNorthwest ArkansasTourism / Heritage

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) ago 129 views 

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust announced Thursday (Dec. 4) the permanent protection of the 769-acre White River Headwaters Preserve, comprising upland hardwood forest in the Ozark Highlands Karst region of southern Madison County.

This safeguards a key piece of the Beaver Lake watershed.

Money from the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Grant, Beaver Water District and The Conservation Fund paid for the property, which will be held by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission with deed restrictions to protect the land’s conservation values.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division administered the grant. The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust was the project leader and coordinator. The sellers were Charles and Phyllis Johnson.

The property provides 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) and five aquatic species of significant conservation need. The property includes 2.23 miles of tributary streams and over a mile of the White River, which flows directly into 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 includes a registered archeological site – a bluff shelter once used by the Osage Tribe.

The White River Headwaters Preserve will offer opportunities for public recreation 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,” according to a news release. “Planning for the property is still ongoing.”

Jenn Ballard, director of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, said it will work with its “conservation partners as we prepare our stewardship plan for the area that will include public access when implemented.”