NWA Land Trust protects 80 acres with easements

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 44 views 

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has permanently protected 80 acres in Washington County through recent conservation easements.

A 30-acre Mowry property in the War Eagle Creek watershed along U.S. Highway 412 was protected through a perpetual conservation easement donated by landowners Thomas and Karen Mowry.

The property plays an important role in protecting water quality, wildlife habitat and the rural character of the region. Long-term stewardship of the easement is supported by a $13,851 contribution from the Beaver Water District.

The Beaver Watershed Alliance recently presented the Mowry family with the 2026 War Eagle Creek Stewardship Award at the 22nd annual War Eagle Appreciation Day, in recognition of the conservation easement protecting the watershed. The land is in the Beaver Lake source water protection area, benefiting one in five Arkansans who rely on the lake for drinking water. The Mowry property includes more than 1,100 feet of stream, forested slopes, riparian habitat, a pond, natural springs and sensitive karst features, including caves.

“We have 30 acres,” Karen Mowry said. “I was really worried about what would happen when we are gone, and now I can rest in peace. It will be there forever. Thank you to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.”

A 50-acre property adjacent to Mill Branch Park in Goshen was permanently protected through a conservation easement. Landowner Dick Bennett donated the property to the land trust, which placed the easement on the land. The trust has since transferred ownership to the city of Goshen for park expansion.

The land will allow the city to expand Mill Branch Park by about 50%, creating a larger, contiguous green space. The property is fully forested with mature oak-hickory habitat, includes a small pond, and features a stream that feeds directly into Mill Branch, a tributary of Beaver Lake.

“We are so fortunate to receive such a meaningful contribution to Mill Branch Park and the conservation of this property for all to enjoy,” Goshen Mayor Russell Stroud said.