H2Ozarks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting water quality in the Ozarks, is launching the Mill Creek Cost-Share Program to provide landowners with financial and technical support for conservation practices that benefit both their land and local water resources.
This program builds upon the conversations and needs identified during H2Ozarks’ series of landowner workshops last fall, where participants expressed interest in improving land management but often cited funding as a barrier. By offering 80%-100% cost coverage (up to a maximum of $7,500) for eligible projects such as livestock fencing, prescribed burns, and riparian plantings, H2Ozarks aims to remove financial obstacles and encourage mutually beneficial partnerships that support landowners while enhancing water quality.
“We understand that implementing conservation practices can be costly, even when they align with a landowner’s goals for their property,” said Erin Scott, Program Director at H2Ozarks. “Through this cost-share program, we can help bridge the gap, ensuring landowners have the resources to carry out projects that improve soil health, support productive agriculture, and protect water quality for future generations.”
In addition to funding conservation practices, landowners can receive free assistance in developing land management plans through partners including the Boone County Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Quail Forever, the Arkansas Forestry Division, and others. These plans, such as nutrient, grazing, forest, and soil health management, help landowners determine how they can sustainably address their management needs.
To qualify, applicants must own or manage land within the Mill Creek subwatershed or the Dogpatch Springs drainage area (within the Crooked Creek watershed) and commit to implementing approved conservation practices. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling monthly basis. This small pilot program is expected to fund ten conservation practices for landowners, so interested individuals should apply soon.
This cost-share program is part of a larger initiative to reduce nonpoint source pollution and promote sustainable land use in Mill Creek and Crooked Creek. Funding is provided by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division (ANRD) through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program. This program is also made possible through partnership with Boone County Conservation District, NRCS, Quail Forever, and other valued partners.
How to Apply
Interested landowners can learn more and apply by visiting www.h2ozarks.org/landowner-assistance-program or by contacting Ayla Grace at Ayla@h2ozarks.org.
About H2Ozarks
H2Ozarks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving water quality throughout the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri. Since 2001, H2Ozarks has worked with communities, landowners, and partners to promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship through education, financial assistance, and technical support.
