Mill Creek
The Mill Creek Cost-Share program is a partnership between local landowners and H2Ozarks to improve landowner operations while benefitting water quality. Through our grant funding we can provide financial and technical assistance that empowers landowners to adopt conservation practices for their lands, farms, and operations. We want this program to provide both economic and environmental benefits. Our vision is to enhance natural resource management, improve water quality, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
We’re seeking landowners to partner with in the Mill Creek and Crooked Creek (also known as Flatrock Creek) areas of Boone and Newton Counties. These subwatersheds are important to water quality in Northwest Arkansas, and are a priority area for nonpoint source pollution control by the Arkansas Department of Natural Resources (ADNR). Eligible homeowners can receive between 80-100% of cost coverage of up to $7,500 to implement conservation practices (see FAQ for more details).
Are you located in this region and interested in learning more? Do you have goals for your land but lack the funding to implement them? Please review our eligibility requirements and contact us today!
What is the Mill Creek Cost-Share Program?
The program is a partnership between local landowners and H2Ozarks. We provide financial assistance and technical support for land management projects that implement conservation practices, sustainable land use, or promote water quality. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that will yield both economic and environmental benefits!
What kind of funding do you provide?
Funding assistance is provided to landowners to offset the cost of implementing conservation practices. Eligible participants can receive 80%-100% cost coverage for approved land management practices, up to $7,500 per project. Landowners are responsible for any costs that exceed the program’s maximum limits.
Please review all program documentation for full details on eligibility, funding, and program requirements. The cost-share rates and caps vary by practice, and are outlined in Appendix 1 of the Program Description & Eligibility form.
What kind of projects can receive funding?
There are many NRCS approved land management practices that benefit water quality.
Examples of Eligible Conservation Practices (CPs) include:
- Livestock fencing
- Prescribed burns
- Prescribed grazing
- Riparian (streambed) plantings
- Tree plantings
- Pond installment
- And more!
See the full list of eligible CPs, including the percentage reimbursed by H2Ozarks and the maximum amount paid in Appendix 1 of the Program Description and Eligibility form.
Who can receive this funding?
To participate in the Mill Creek Cost-Share Program, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must own or have management authority for the land where the conservation practice is installed.
- The land must be located within the program’s designated area – inside the Mill Creek (a.k.a., Flatrock Creek) subwatershed of the Buffalo River Watershed OR the Dogpatch Springs Recharge Area. See figure 1 of the program area; H2Ozarks staff can help verify eligible locations.
- The proposed project must be for practice(s) listed in Appendix 1 of the Program Description & Eligibility.
- Applicants must agree to allow program staff or their designees access to the project site for a final inspection after installation is complete. The site will only be accessed with landowner approval and at scheduled times.
- Participants must provide all required documentation, including a completed application, maps, and any other supporting materials specified by the program.
- Applicants must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations related to the proposed practices.
- Please review the Program Description & Eligibility form for further details about eligibility and applying.
How is this program funded?
This program is made possible through funding from the Arkansas Natural Resources Division 319 Non-Point Source Pollution Program and the Environmental Protection Agency. We are also grateful for the partnership of the Boone County Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Quail Forever, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, and others.
I'm interested. Where can I learn more?
We welcome you to read all our program documents, available for download below!
Please contact our Program Coordinator, Ayla Grace, if you have any questions.
Ayla@h2ozarks.org
479-866-7220
Step 1 - Review Program Information
Step 2 - Verify your eligibility
Contact us directly to verify that your project site is within the program area. Our project coordinator, Ayla Grace, will be happy to help you!
- By Email: ayla@h2ozarks.org
- By Phone: 479-866-7220
- By Mail: 1200 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72758
Step 3 – Complete and Compile the Following Items
- Proof of land ownership or management authority – may be a deed, lease agreement, or similar documentation.
- Application form (found in Program Files) – On this form you will provide applicant information, property and site location information, and a description of your proposed project. This form also indicates other supporting documentation that is needed to process the application.
- Cost-Share Fund Allocation Request form (found in Program Files) – On this form you will provide an estimate of the project costs based on the NRCS payment schedule or other approved cost benchmarks. H2Ozarks will assist with this as needed.
- Cost-Share Agreement form. (found in Program Files) – This form must also be reviewed by NRCS and submitted to H2Ozarks.
H2Ozark will assist with paperwork as needed. You can find the required forms under Project Files, or you can contact Ayla Grace, ayla@h2ozarks.org or 479-866-7220 to have the forms emailed or paper mailed to your address.
Step 4 – Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the project coordinator, Ayla Grace:
By Email: ayla@h2ozarks.org
By Mail: 1200 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72758
Step 5 – Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed on a monthly rolling basis. All applications submitted from the first day through the last day of the month will be evaluated together.
Program staff will notify applicants of approval decisions within 15 business days after the application deadline.
Step 6 – Agreement and Implementation
Approved applicants will be required to:
- Sign a program agreement outlining responsibilities, timelines, and funding terms.
- Collaborate with program staff to finalize project details and schedule implementation.
- Allow a site visit upon completion of the project as a means to document the final inspection.
By following these steps, you can participate in a program that helps enhance your land management practices while protecting vital natural resources. We look forward to partnering with you!