Northwest Arkansas’ Beaver Lake is the West Fork-White River Watershed drinking water source for Spring Creek Callahan Mountain West Fork-White River Watershed is one of seven subwatershedsUV264 in the Beaver Lake Watershed. one in eight UV112 WASHINGTON Beaver Lake WatershedBethel Heights is a part of the White River Watershed. Arkansans. Elm Springs UV45 Friendship Creek Brush Creek Fitzgerald Mountain Lake Elmdale White River Webber Mountain Beaver Lake Been Mountain Watershed Mississippi River BEAVER LAKE 412 ARKANSAS Tontitown Price Mountain 412 Springdale

265 Roberts Creek

Whitener Branch 71 Harp Mountain Hindsville Clear Creek White River Tater Hill Vaughan Mountain Johnson Beaver Lake Watershed is a Lake 45 subwatershed of the White River Basin. Little Wildcat Creek Fayetteville 112 Former The White River is a tributary Water of the Mississippi River. Supply Keefer Mountain Goshen Clear Creek Mill Branch 180 Mud Creek Scull Creek Scull Benson Mountain Wedington Bohannan Mountain Gilliam Mountain

Hamestring Creek Glade Creek

Dry Creek Brush Creek UV16 Cave Creek Pierce Mountain Boyd Mountain Owl Creek Archias Mountain UV74 Trammel Mountain

265 Millsaps Mountain Razorback Stadium University of Arkansas Mount Sequoyah Lake Water from West Fork-White River Watershed Sequoyah 265 Round Mountain Richland Creek Former Farmington Water 62 and other subwatersheds flows in a Farmington Branch Supply Washington Mountain Fayetteville UV Root Hill northerly direction into Beaver Lake. Goat Hill The Old Pumphouse Former 74 170 Water Cherry Creek South Mountain Supply Pigeon Creek Tuttle Branch Kessler Mountain Puddin Hill Robinson Mountain 156 Town Branch McCullom Mountain Elkins

Drake Field Miller Mountain Raid Mountain Round Top Mountain West Fork White River Ward Slough Lake Wilson Koger Branch Former Foster Creek Water Mossy Creek Supply 16 Greenland Lollars Creek Chicken Bristle Mountain 265 White Faulkner Mountain Roundtop Mountain

71 Bushart Mountain Thorney Branch Rock Creek Sulphur City

Wasburn Mountain Snyder Mountain Stevenson Mountain McCullah Hill Fritts Creek Round Mountain Potato Knob Shooting Creek

Durham West Fork Pinnacle Mountain Eubanks Mountain

Dye Creek Parker Branch

Grose Mountain

Eye Creek Fraker Mountain Riverside Park Lacy Mountain

Lingebaugh Mountain Snake Creek Bloyd Mountain

Little Ole Opry Mill Creek Panther Creek Shumate Creek 156 West Mountain

Hughes Creek Ledbetter Mountain 170 McConnell Branch

Hobbs Mountain Sugar Mountain Everett Mountain Massey Mountain 265 UV John Turner Fork High Rock Mountain Thomas Creek

Hannah Branch

Hammond Mountain Cannon Creek

Stacy Mountain

Peach Branch London Creek Standley Mountain

Brentwood Jones Branch Greasy Creek Brown Mountain Dabney Creek

WEST FORK- Riley Creek 71 16 Anderson Knob Ritchey Branch Hutchins Creek Mast Creek WHITE RIVER West Greasy Creek Patrick Branch Baker Knob

Denny Mountain Brannon Mountain

Winn Creek Mahaffey Knob Middle Fork White River White Fork Middle Dry Creek 74

74

Crosses Creek Sinclair Creek

Hickory Creek

Possum Creek

Boone Mountain Parker Mountain 170 Devil’s Den Winslow Weedy Rough Mountain

East Fork Ellis Branch State Park Ozark Allard Mountain Ellis Branch National Phelps Mountain Anderson Branch Forest Delaney Creek

Henderson Mountain Mill Creek West Fleming Creek

Ozark Mill Branch Gaylor Mountain Burrell Mountain

National ShraderWASHINGTON Branch MADISON McHone Creek

Forest Riley Creek Riley

Clear Creek CRAWFORD Whiting Mountain Jones Fork UV23

Frog Bayou 540¤£ Wakefield Mountain

Government Knob Drake Mount London BEAVER Map Scale Ben Doodle Branch Field Sequoyah Bee Branch Creek LAKE 540 Whiting Mountain LEGEND Potato Knob Mountain COUNTIES ROADS, NATIONAL CITIES POINTS OF MOUNTAINS CREEKS & LAKES 1 2 3 4 www.ar.audubon.org www.bwdh2o.org HIGHWAYS & FORESTS INTEREST STREAMS Patrick Mountain INTERSTATES & STATE PARKS Hoyle Mountain Miles

Salt Fork Creek West Fork-White River Watershed Native Species Ecological Services Living Lightly on Karst Why is the watershed important? An indicator of safe drinking water The economies of our environment Taking special care

he West Fork-White River Watershed cities, forest is still the dominant land use, along he West Fork of the White River Watershed The Ozark Cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae) is listed iparian areas are streamside vegetation he terrain in the Ozark Plateau is T includes tributaries Town Branch, Cato with pasture and agricultural lands. There are T is home to a variety of plant and animal as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species R zones that form the transition between T characterized by “karst” features, such Springs, and Rock Springs. Part of the 438 miles of roads and 195 miles of streams in the species. They rely on a healthy watershed Act. Called the “Ghost Fish of the ” because aquatic life and upland life. Riparian as caves and sinkholes, losing streams city of Fayetteville and all of the cities of Greenland watershed. The population of the West Fork-White for food and shelter. of its lack of pigment and absence of eyes, the Ozark areas are pivotal points for conservation and and underground rivers, limestone cliffs and and West Fork fall within the West Fork-White River watershed increased by 21.8% between 1990- White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidium) was cavefish has long been an indicator for local residents. If preservation. Most animal and plant species are waterfalls. Karst areas are extremely vulnerable to River Watershed. Even with the presence of these 2000, according data from the U.S. Census Bureau. given its name due to its mottled leaves resembling the it was present in a well or cave, the water was believed dependent upon this transition zone at some stage environmental impacts. skin of a trout. Its leaves are also edible. The lily grows safe to drink. This sensitive species is on the decline in their life cycles. Guidelines for living lightly on karst include do in rich forest soil of the Ozarks. due to decreased water quality on the karst terrain of Not only are they wonderful places to watch not dispose of anything in sinkholes; avoid the use of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis the Ozarks. wildlife, but undeveloped riparian areas are essential chemical fertilizers and pesticides by incorporating virginiana) grows along riparian W i l l i a m ’ s to stream health. Tree roots act as anchors, holding native plants into your garden; protect the recharge areas on the Ozark Plateau. This Crayfish (Orconectes soil in place and adding stability to streambanks. areas of known caves; keep your septic or sewage shrub can grow up to 15 ft high and williamsi) is endemic When left intact, riparian areas naturally buffer the unit in good working order, cleaning regularly and www.bwdh2o.org has many medicinal qualities such to small headwater impacts of floodwater. It is only when we begin replacing before problems arise; and have your Water can move quickly through karst terrain. as a refreshing tea made from the streams in the upper placing homes and buildings in these zones that our spring or well tested for coliform bacteria and Illustration courtesy of Mark Raithel, Department of Conservation. www.ar.audubon.org twigs and ointments from the bark. White River basin. communities are negatively impacted by seasonal nitrates at least every three years. flooding. Highly-developed urbanized areas are typically comprised Photo courtesy of Brian Wagner, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Riparian zones are also great places for of greater than 75% impervious surfaces. This can lead to recreation such as multi-use trails. One can exercise increased water runoff that picks up contaminants. Then while seeing nature and wildlife around them. Cities the water enters streams without the benefit of filtration through riparian buffers. History of the West Fork Watershed West Fork EPA across America are finding that their residents are Keep it Where it Falls Seeking a better life A Community Action Group happier and healthier with public trails. Property nutrients, produce food that supports entire food values also increase with nearby trails. chains and provide habitat for thousands of aquatic Gardening to improve water quality and terrestrial plants and animals. Wetlands offer he West Fork Environmental Protection As- rbanization increases impervious areas soil is completely saturated and water can no longer arly evening, 1819, Frank Pierce raised FPO opportunities for recreation like fishing, canoeing, sociation (WFEPA) formed about five years on our landscape. An impervious infiltrate. Impervious surfaces not only reduce E his gun at a herd of buffalo grazing T hiking, photography, and bird watching. U ago in opposition to a proposed landfill in surface can be defined as a structure ground water in-flow, but increase surface runoff. in the valley of the West Fork of the Each watershed, even down to the smaller a limestone quarry near the West Fork of the White that prevents precipitation from infiltrating into the Rain gardens can be used as a best management White River, to the southeast of the present site of subwatersheds, must maintain a certain percentage of practice to minimize hydrologic cycle changes Fayetteville’s town center. River. After an extended resistance to the dump by the wetlands in order to remain healthy. Intact wetlands soil. Impervious surfaces therefore reduce ground encountered because of urbanization. Rain gardens Just as he took aim, he noticed a group of group, the application was withdrawn. can reduce the impact of non-point source pollution water recharge by simply preventing water from promote infiltration by temporally detaining runoff Osage Indians who also had their sights on the Since that time WFEPA has remained active, through filtering contaminants, thus improving infiltrating through the soil. Runoff occurs when the animals. Frank then hunkered down, out of view from impervious surfaces, and allowing the water working on projects with other environmental groups, Members of the West Fork Middle School Star Club and the water quality. Intact wetlands function like sponges. Local Hydrologic Cycle to percolate into the soil. Habitat for local wildlife is and spent an uneasy night under a sheltering elm such as Audubon Arkansas on the annual river festival Science Club joined to help with the annual river clean-up. They store flood and surface water in isolated They are (from left) Mikey Canfield, science teacher Matt also enhanced with rain gardens. tree on the banks of the West Fork. and clean-up of the West Fork of the White River. depressions and slowly release it, countering some The next morning the young pioneer scurried For many generations, rivers were revered as a sacred body, a WFEPA assumed sponsorship of that project in 2007. Pledger, Amy Faulkner, Paula Ortiz, and Hunter VanBrunt. means to wash away spiritual dirt. 1922, Reverend Cameron Wetlands provide habitat for plants and animals. of the negative effects impervious cover (surface up the hillside to the Illinois River watershed, WFEPA is particularly proud of its work to performing a baptism at Woolsey bridge for members of the recycled more than 40 tons of material during its first World Peace Wetland Prairie in south Fayetteville. that does not allow water to soak into the ground). followed it to its confluence with the Arkansas develop and operate the West Fork Renewable Resource Christian Church, possibly the oldest church in West Fork. year of operation. Examples of impervious cover include roads, parking River and went back home to Batesville, Arkansas. Center. In cooperation with the City of West Fork, the Photo courtesy of Shiloh Museum of Ozark History / Washington County Observer. WFEPA is a non-profit corporation dedicated Wetlands are diverse and important convergent lots, rooftops, sidewalks, and driveways. It would be nine years before Frank returned with Washington County Environmental Affairs Office, to projects which will protect our environment and areas where water flow, nutrient cycles, and his family to settle in that exact spot where the And that number is growing every day. When Boston Mountain Waste management District, and the improve the lives of people in Northwest Arkansas. solar energy meet. They maintain water reserves Before Construction After Construction mighty elm tree stood. asked the reason for moving to the Northwest enthusiastic support of the community, the center has and water quality, recharge groundwater, cycle Image courtesy of Maryland Department of Environment Image courtesy of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Frank Pierce was the first Caucasian of Arkansas area, newcomers are likely to answer recorded history to set foot on the banks of the something along the lines of “seeking a better life.” West Fork, tributary to the White River, also known People come for vacation in the Ozarks and realize as the “Hudson of the West” during his time. The that they can live like this everyday. Folks come The White River Corridor Osage are believed to be the first people in the for the low unemployment rate; they come for the Why is the West Fork Watershed Important? area, followed by the Cherokee in 1817, and then atmosphere of our award-winning “Front Porch” Making the Bird Connection the Shawnee and Delaware Indians. (One Hundred or “Bedroom” communities in this corner of the Years of Fayetteville, 1828-1928. WS Campbell). state. A common reason for moving to this area Tributary to Our Drinking Water plan to reduce accelerated streambank erosion in the West irds need food, water, and shelter to stream channelization, and removal of dead trees that This region was founded because of its is the natural beauty that encompasses our towns Fork watershed. The project partners are taking a close live. Riparian areas (the transition zones provide nest cavities. Ensure that future generations The West Fork-White River Watershed is a vital watershed B abundance of natural resources, the fortune found and green spaces. Local residents know the value look at this problem using data collected on the West between aquatic and upland life) provide enjoy this bird by protecting riparian areas from because it is a tributary to Beaver Lake, Northwest by those who seeked a good life. Cool year-round of nature. Fork White River (WFWR) to identify the streambanks in all those things. Birds such as Green Herons, Least logging and pesticides, enrolling marginal farmland Arkansas’ drinking water source. With increases in springs, large trees, vast prairies, and an abundance greatest need of restoration. By restoring these sites, the Terns, Belted Kingfishers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, in the Wetland Reserve Program, and leaving dead population, quickly changing land uses, and lack of of wildlife and native edibles attracted our first water quality, as well as aquatic and terrestrial habitat, can and Prothonotary Warblers feed and nest along trees where they stand. zoning or building codes comes increased threats to residents. be improved in and along the WFWR. many of Arkansas’ rivers including the West Fork and demands on freshwater. Forests and family farms, A major attraction gave these early pioneers A demonstration restoration design using natural of the White River. converted to subdivisions, alter naturally vegetated land the ability to flourish here: The West Fork of the channel design techniques will be developed for a priority Cool Ozark streams White River. This river gave rise to navigation, and change the hydrology of the watershed considerably. have always been a site. Through the early results of this project, funding has entrepreneurial operations, fresh fish for dinner, The conversion of vegetated (pervious) landscape to non- recreation destination. been obtained to begin restoration on the highest priority porous (impervious) surface is also an issue. crystal-clear swimming holes, and Sunday baptisms. 1920’s, Elsie Davis and areas. Currently, the project is nearing completion and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that address Today, the river still allows us to thrive. The Virginia Parks walk the a list of prioritized reaches and the project plan will be sources of sediment on construction sites are one way of West Fork of the White River is among several old footbridge in the available in 2009. The project is funded through an NRCS reducing the consequences of a developing watershed. tributaries to Beaver Reservoir, the source of town of West Fork. Conservation Partnership Initiative Grant, with project BMPs include preventative measures such as installing silt drinking water for over 350,000 Northwest Photo courtesy of Shiloh Museum partners contributing in-kind services for match (CPI of Ozark History / Mr. & Mrs. fences, strategically placing hay bales, and immediately Arkansas residents. Project). Roscopf Collection seeding exposed soil before it is washed into nearby creeks. As a result of the CPI Project, the WCRC in partnership with the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arkansas Game & Fish Restoration of the West Fork The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is commonly found Commission, Beaver Water District, and WFEPA obtained What is a Watershed? In 2006, the Watershed Conservation Resource Center along forested rivers and streams. Look for them perched on (WCRC), the West Fork Environmental Protection a 319 grant to restore a priority reach on the WFWR. The branches hanging over the water. They often sit and wait What does it contain? Association (WFEPA), Beaver Water District landowners, WCRC has completed the data collection and is in the for fish, frogs, and insects to swim by, and then plunge their This photo shows how far the stream bank has regressed in one year’s time. government & non-government organizations, and local process of developing the stream restoration design for dagger-like bill into the water to catch their prey. The bank was previously located where people are standing in the center. “watershed” is the area of land that groups formed a partnership to develop a locally based 1,600 feet of river at Brentwood, just south of West Fork. Photo courtesy of Dr. Dan Scheiman, Audubon Arkansas catches rain and snow which drains or A The stream restoration is based on natural channel seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake, or Vegetated riparian habitat is especially Prothonotary Warbler design principles and will improve the aquatic groundwater. Tributaries are smaller streams that important in landscapes where much of the land Photo courtesy of Robert Herron and terrestrial habitat, while reducing sediment flow into other larger streams. away from the water has been cleared for urban and phosphorus to the West Fork White River Watershed protection is a key piece of the and agricultural uses. In these landscapes, riparian and ultimately Beaver Lake. It is scheduled to be ecosystem puzzle. Watershed conservation areas serve not only as habitat for birds, but also as implemented in 2009. A conservation easement encourages proper land use and uniform protection corridors along which birds travel. In this way, the program is also being developed through this of tributaries within the watershed. West Fork is connected to the entire White River project for priority sites on the WFWR. ecosystem through more than just water. Watersheds contain: The Prothonotary, pronounced “pro-thon- • Businesses • Pastures Landowners from the West Fork White River Watershed atary,” (Protonotaria citrea) Warbler, locally known as • Industries • Riparian zones participate in a discussion of stream restoration Illustration courtesy of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and the “swamp canary,” lives in wooded wetlands, river • • Rivers & Streams approaches during a CPI field tour hosted by the Water Farms Environmental Affairs bottoms, and sloughs across the state. Populations Conservation Resource Center and the Washington • Forests • Wetlands County Conservation District. have declined by 85% due to loss of bottomland • Homes • Wildlife Stream restoration goes a long way toward restoring water quality. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Photo coutesy of the WCRC. hardwood forests, changes to hydrology caused by • Lakes Photo coutesy of the WCRC. Photo courtesy of Scott Michaud