The Mill Creek Cost-Share program is a partnership between local landowners H2Ozarks where we provide funding for land management projects that also implement conservation practices, sustainable land use, or promote water quality. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that will yield both economic and evironmental benefits!

Funding assistance is provided to landowners to offset the cost of implementing conservation practices. The cost-share rates and caps vary by practice (see Appendix 1 of the Program Description & Eligibility form for a full list), but eligible participants can receive 80%-100% cost coverage   for approved land management practices.

100% Cost Share 

• Certain high-priority practices are covered at 100%, up to a maximum of $7,500 per project. Landowners are responsible for any costs that exceed the program’s maximum limits. 

80% Cost Share 

• Other eligible practices are covered at 80%, up to a maximum of $7,500 per project. Landowners are responsible for 20% of the project costs plus any costs that exceed the program’s maximum limits. 

All conservation practices must be guided by an existing land management plan and site assessment. The reimbursement amount for projects costs shall be the lesser between the estimated project cost based on NRCS Payment Schedules and the actual project cost. All project expenditures must be identified in itemized receipts to be eligible for reimbursement. Please review all program documentation for full details on eligibility, funding, and program requirements.

There are lots of ways to manage land that also benefit water quality! You may not realize just how much of a difference small changes can make. 

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. 

To participate in the Mill Creek Cost-Share Program, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria detailed below.

• Applicants must own or have management authority for the land where the conservation practice is  installed. (Must have proof of ownership or management authority, such as a deed, lease agreement, or similar documentation.) 
• 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 (which covers a portion of the Crooked Creek subwatershed to the north.) See figure 1 (above, or in the Program Description & Eligibility form) of the program area; H2Ozarks staff can help verify eligible locations. 
• For conservation practice installations, an appropriate Management Plan must already exist or be developed first.  See the Program Description & Eligibility form below for more information on Management Plans
• Participants must be committed to implementing and maintaining the conservation practices funded by the program for the period of life expectancy of the practice, which is outlined in the program agreement. 
• The proposed project must be for practice(s) listed in Appendix 1 of the Program Description & Eligibility   
• The project must address one or more program goals, such as improving water quality or reducing nonpoint source pollution. 
• 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. 

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. 

We welcome you to view all our program documents, which are available for download below! 

Please contact our Program Coordinator, Ayla Grace, if you have any questions.

• Ayla@h2ozarks.org
• 479-866-7220