Dec 3, 2025 - Climate

Northwest Arkansas watershed conservation funding available

Worth Sparkman

Illustration of a clock face made out of water droplets. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Farmers and landowners in parts of Benton, Madison and Washington counties could be eligible for assistance from USDA for planned conservation efforts in 2026.

The big picture: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers and others to conserve and protect soil, water and wildlife while boosting agricultural productivity.

State of play: Launched in 2023 and led by the Beaver Watershed Alliance, the War Eagle Creek Watershed Initiative is a $2.4 million project designed to help reduce sediment and phosphorus through voluntary land management. Partners will provide up to $2.6 million in matching funds.

The project impacts the water source for more than 500,000 Northwest Arkansas residents.

The bottom line: The NRCS Arkansas office will accept applications for proposed projects through Jan. 30, 2026.

Applications will be evaluated on how well they align with project priorities and those ranking highest will be funded according to priorities and available funds, NRCS said in a news release.
Landowners should contact their local service center for application details.

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Northwest Arkansas watershed conservation funding available

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