Northwest ’ is the War Eagle Creek Watershed drinking water source for War Eagle Creek Watershedis one of seven subwatersheds in the Beaver Lake Watershed. one in eight Beaver Lake Watershed is a part of the White River Watershed. Arkansans.

Blackburn Creek Polecat Mountain 23 MADISON CARROLL Pension Mountain Bluff Field Mountain White Hobbs State Park Swain Mountain River Stanley Mountain Beaver Lake Sandstone Mountain Madison County Flower Pot Point Watershed Mississippi Wilderness Management Area River Lookout Samuel Mountain Warm Fork ARKANSAS Kenars Mountain War Eagle Mill 127 BEAVER LAKE

Ozark Natural Science Center Bear Hollow Natural Area

Piney Creek Clear Creek Best 12 Rockhouse Creek Clifty Creek

War Eagle Creek Clifty 23 Madison County Beaver Lake Watershed is a Wilderness Management Area subwatershed of the White River Basin. The White River is a tributary of the . BENTON 45 WAR WASHINGTON

303 EAGLE Pine Creek Nob Hill CREEK Water from War Eagle 21 412 Been Mountain Forum Dry Fork 23S Creek Watershed and other Withrow Springs State Park subwatersheds flows in a Roberts Creek BEAVER LAKE- 303 HINDSVILLE LAKE WHITE RIVER Whitener Branch 412 Alabam northerly direction Hindsville Tater Hill 23 127 Vaughan Mountain into Beaver Lake. War Eagle Creek 412 45 Smyrna Branch Old Berry Branch

Keefer Mountain Alabam 412 Horine Mountain Slaven Mountain Goshen Diera Mountain

Mill Branch Carlock Mountain Big Onion Creek Boatright Creek Benson Mountain Kings River Dry Creek Bohannan Mountain Mitchell Branch Purdy Mountain Gilliam Mountain Brush Creek 295 Big Sandy Mountain Round Mountain Glade Creek Huntsville Reed Creek

Town Branch Cave Creek

Trammel Mountain Boyd Mountain RICHLAND 74 21

Spanker Branch Round Mountain CREEK Richland Creek

Jones Mountain

Holman Creek Fayetteville Cherry Creek

74 Coon Branch 74 Tuttle Branch Pigeon Creek Phillips Mountain Wharton Creek Hock Creek Elkins Long Branch Parson Hill

Reynolds Mountain 303 Koger Branch Aurora Yates Mountain

Foster Creek

War Eagle Creek Mossy Creek

16 Chicken Bristle Mountain Lollars Creek Pollys Branch

Ferrel Creek

Jackson Creek Henderson Creek Jackson Knob Roundtop Mountain Faulkner Mountain

Bushart Mountain 127

Thorney Branch

23 Gusses Creek Gusses Mitchell Branch Fritts Creek Mccullah Hill Potato Knob Durham Eubanks Mountain Pinnacle Mountain Shooting Creek Seals Creek

Pine Creek 16 Witter Grose Mountain

Lacy Mountain Snake Creek 295 Panther Creek

Penitentiary Mountain Moore Mountain Venus Mountain

Panther Creek

Shumate Creek Kings River Falls Natural Area

Kecks Creek Allen Knob

Hughes Creek Parker Hill Ledbetter Mountain McConnell Branch

Hobbs Mountain

Massey Mountain John Turner Fork Thomas Creek

Panther Knob Hannah Branch High Rock Mountain

Hammond Mountain Mink Creek Dry Fork Pine Creek Mitchell Branch Cannon Creek Ozark National Forest Hall Mountain Ogden Creek

Peach Branch Stacy Mountain Standley Mountain Vandeventer Mountain Whittmore Mountain Red Star

Keck Knob Dabney Creek

Brown Mountain 295 Ritchey Branch

Mast Creek

Anderson Knob West Greasy Creek Barker Knob HEADWATERS- Pool Knob Boston Patrick Branch Mack Mountain Baker Knob Crosses Creek WHITE RIVER Sugar Tree Mountain Dog Branch Little Mulberry Creek Greasy Creek Denny Mountain Brannon Mountain 23 Mahaffey Knob 16 Dry Creek Ozark National Forest Dutton Pettigrew

MADISON High Davey Mountain

Hickory Creek

Possum Creek St. Paul

WASHINGTON Mill Creek Beech Hurricane Creek Jones Fork Boone Mountain Parker Mountain 23 Chimney Rock Mountain Garrett Mountain

Gregory Branch Fleming Creek Fleming Allard Mountain Anderson Branch Source: National Resource ConservationCooper Mountain Service-Arkansas State Office, Arkansas Watershed Information System: http://watersheds.cast.uark.edu/codes10.html

Delaney Creek

War War Eagle Carlock BEAVER Map Scale Mtn Eagle LAKE LEGEND Mill Creek COUNTIES ROADS, NATIONAL CITIES POINTS OF MOUNTAINS CREEKS & LAKES 1 2 3 4 www.ar.audubon.org www.bwdh2o.org HIGHWAYS & FORESTS INTEREST STREAMS INTERSTATES & STATE PARKS Miles War Eagle Creek Watershed Recreation & Outdoor Education Opportunities Destinations for Outdoor Fun and War Eagle: A Peaceful Place for Birds Why is the watershed important? Education in the Watershed Songs, Diversity, and Grandeur in the Trees

ar Eagle Creek Watershed is an ’ ithrow Springs State Park is nestled in a obbs State Park free shooting range. In addition, there estled within the Ozarks, War Eagle Creek W treasure, extending from its headwaters W shaded hardwood forest along the banks H Conservation Area are many educational opportunities, N Watershed is home to many birds typical near the town of Red Star in the Boston of the War Eagle Creek. The park, with 790 is located about 12 including interpretive lessons in early of the region plus a few surprises. The key Mountains to its confluence with Beaver Lake near acres, offers campsites, canoe rental, fishing, hiking, miles east of Rogers on Hwy. 12. industrial history and nature walks to finding a wide variety of birds is to explore many the town of Nob Hill. The watershed contains 215,779 swimming, tennis, picnic sites, pavilions, and a gift At 12,045 acres, it is the largest with park staff. Construction of a different habitats in different seasons. acres of mostly rural land, including 468 miles of shop. The park works with area residents to provide state park in Arkansas. The park 17,000-square-foot Visitor Center is From the dry pine-oak ridge tops to the streams and 664 miles of roads. In 2000, the population an inspiring outdoor venue for annual community includes ridges, hollows, wildlife, now under way. Call (479) 789-2380 hardwood hollows below, a cornucopia of colorful of the watershed was 8,735, a 26% increase over the events, such as Madison County Pet Shelter’s Paws & wildflowers, unique geology, and for more information. Visit www. Neotropical migrants feed and breed during spring, 1990 population. When settlers came to this part of Claws road race and pet hike in March, and War Eagle lots of history. Much of the park friendsofhobbs.com. summer, and fall including warblers, vireos, thrushes, Arkansas, they came in part because there was clean Appreciation Day. remains timeless, recalling what and tanagers. Black-throated Green Warbler, Worm- water, good hunting and fishing, and land available Withrow Springs State Park is located five early Arkansas settlers glimpsed eating Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Wood Thrush for farming. miles north of Huntsville on Ark. 23 or 20 miles south of the beauty of the Ozarks are ones to watch out for. These tiny jewels breed in of Eureka Springs on Ark. 23. Call (479) 559-2593. Visit and the resources of the region. Arkansas but winter in Central and South America www.arkansasstateparks.com. Springs abound at Withrow Springs State Park Hobbs offers many opportunities Eastern entrance to Hobbs State Park on and the Caribbean. The bluff at Big Eddy including hiking, hunting, state Hwy. 12. The park is known for its On summer nights listen for the persistent www.ar.audubon.org www.bwdh2o.org Photo Courtesy Robert Swain bicycling, horseback riding and a tall stands of Shortleaf pine trees. songs of Chuck-will’s-widows and Whip-poor-wills. People often confuse these two species, but you can The Eastern Bluebird or Sialia salia is a popular year round easily separate their songs with practice. The area’s resident of the area. About 7 inches long, this bird is known for substantial Shortleaf pine stands are perfect places its vibrant color, cheerful song, and territoriality. The War Eagle Creek Steward Program for Pine Warblers year-round, but an even better find Photo by Julie Durham Best Management Practices for Land Owners is a family of Pine Siskins, a species that rarely lingers Recognizing friends of War Eagle Creek beyond winter to breed in Arkansas. Bald Eagles nest Greater Roadrunners range across many in small numbers during spring and summer, but habitat types throughout the region, but Grasshopper s stewards of their property, local n an effort to recognize in place, the source of drinking water for dead bird composter will help to prevent contaminants Fencing & Rotational Grazing thereby changing the route of the river. These types of in winter many birds roost together near sources of Sparrows are restricted to the scattered prairie I individuals and groups thousands of people in Arkansas land owners are in the best position from permeating into the soil and environment. Fencing along with a rotational grazing plan helps to changes in the stream ecology can alter the habitat of open water and food. remnants. Prairie habitat within the War Eagle who have made will be protected from unwanted toA protect the quality of water in War provide better pasture management. When cattle are many species of fish, crawfish and macro-invertebrates Creek Watershed is a rare commodity that should be important contributions War pollution and degradation from rotated within a series of fenced areas, grasses are not that live there. Ultimately, these changes in stream protected whenever possible. to conservation efforts unsafe influences, and War Eagle Creek and Beaver Lake, into which depleted below their metabolic reserve, and they are ecology will affect the birds and forest wildlife that Need a peaceful place to go birding? In the in the War Eagle Creek Eagle Creek will remain the creek flows. Practices that land able to renew themselves once the cattle are moved feed there. War Eagle Creek Watershed and its vicinity, visit the Watershed, Beaver Water Eagle a vital source of life and owners may implement to protect the to the next grazing area. A well managed pasture will Landowners within the War Eagle Creek Ozark Natural Science Center located in Madison District and Audubon progress for Northwest creek include: improve soil and water quality by preventing erosion, Watershed have the potential to make decisions that County Wildlife Management Area, Withrow Springs Arkansas have created the Creek Arkansas. Additionally, increasing infiltration and reducing runoff. influence the health and vitality of this magnificent State Park, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, or War Eagle Creek Steward birds and other wildlife river. Timber management plans allow landowners to the War Eagle Minnow Farm. Program. This program that have historically relied Poultry Litter Application carefully plan activity within forested areas for both seeks to identify and reward Steward on this water source will be In 2004, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission the long term benefit of neighboring water bodies and members of the community assured of a future habitat. To identified War Eagle Creek Watershed as a nutrient continued benefit of the landowner. The regal symbol of our nation, the Bald Eagle or Haliaeetus whose actions promote the nominate a group or individual, surplus area. Poultry growers within the watershed A hydroseeder is used to sow grass seed in riparian areas. The Arkansas Forestry Commission offers leucoephus, is always a thrilling sight on the War Eagle. The long-term health of War Eagle please contact Audubon Arkansas are now required to comply with Arkansas Natural Photo courtesy of Madison County NRCS landowner’s guidance developing timber management presence of this bird is evidence of a healthy river. Creek. With the stewardship program at (479) 527-0700. Resources Commission rules and regulations regarding plans, at no cost. For more information about the Photo by Julie Durham application of litter and other fertilizers at rates that Erosion Control consultation services offered to landowners, contact will protect the water quality in the watershed. Pasture and hayland planting helps prevent erosion of the Arkansas Forestry Commission office in Huntsville soil after clearing. When areas are cleared to provide at (479) 738-2037. pasture, it is important that grasses are quickly planted. Managing Trash and Recyclables Trees on the right show a healthy riparian buffer. The Legend of War Eagle Heavy rains will wash away unprotected soil causing Freeze Proof Tanks How to recycle and dispose of waste with water in mind soil degradation and increased turbidity within local Freeze proof tanks provide water to cattle throughout How War Eagle Creek got its name waterways. Riparian Buffers the year and help protect water quality within the adison County may be a little off the beaten Beaver Lake. The center also hosts volunteers and Maintenance of a strip of native vegetation along watershed. When freeze proof tanks are used, cattle can aps dating back to the 1820 Louisiana Later ambushed, all of War Eagle’s friends M path as far as shopping malls and interstates field trips. Heavy Use Area Protection streams helps to prevent stream bank erosion, shades have a dependable year round source of water. Cattle M Purchase refer to this area as War Eagle, were killed, leaving him alone. Refusing to give up on go, but it is the home of a remarkable state- Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling Stacking shed Areas frequently and intensively used by people, and cools the water, filters pollutants, and improves can then be kept away from the source and water quality with early settlers reportedly telling the his beloved, War Eagle searched fruitlessly for months, of-the-art recycling center. Started in 1986 by Larry Center is 1 mile south of Huntsville on Airport Road Photo courtesy of Madison County NRCS animals or vehicles are susceptible to erosion. By fish and wildlife habitat. protected by reducing trampling on stream banks and tale of fateful lovers, one of them named War Eagle, living off the land with stealthy acumen. Finally, on Karigan-Winter, the center boasts an ingenious and off Highway 74 West. For a full list of services, visit Stacking Sheds establishing vegetative cover, surfacing with suitable direct deposition of animal wastes. who was the son of a Cherokee chief. Legend has a beautiful stream bank, War Eagle spied Se-qua-dee streamlined design, maximizing recycling as well as www.madisoncounty.net/~recycle. Stacking sheds are an important part of animal waste materials, and/or by installing needed structures and Timber Management Plan it that the young brave lived in a village in Eastern as she prepared a meal for the drunken trapper. War resale opportunities. “Our goal is to generate enough storage. In order for litter to be managed properly, vegetated filters, land owners can reduce soil erosion, A timber management plan is an essential part of the Oklahoma. His childhood sweetheart, Se-qua-dee, Eagle attacked and killed the Frenchman. He was revenue to provide countywide trash service without it must be stored out of the rain until it is needed. A improve water quantity and quality, improve air quality, Best Management Practices (BMP) line-up. The timber lived in a neighboring village. Their families hoped then set upon by several of the trapper’s company, tax dollars,” says Larry. He is well on his way. well built stacking shed will keep litter dry so that the improve aesthetics, and improve livestock health. management on forested lands within the watershed for a wedding in the spring, but plans went awry who killed War Eagle. Legend has it that, overcome The center has a resale shop with clothes, nutrients remain stored in the litter until it is time to can have significant impact on the water quality. Timber when a French trapper became smitten with Se-qua- with grief, Se-qua-dee persuaded the men to allow toys, electronics and books. The center also buys and apply the litter as a fertilizer. Dry storage of litter also Constructed Ponds and other vegetation that grows adjacent to stream dee and asked her to marry him. When she refused, her to stay with her lover as they moved on. She died resells stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum cans, prevents potential fires due to the heating of the litter A well planned and constructed pond will provide banks prevents erosion and stabilizes the soil. the trapper kidnapped her and fled into Arkansas. at his side of a broken heart. and other items. Most importantly, the center properly during microbial decay if it gets wet. water storage. Ponds constructed on newly cleared land Without proper planning, harvesting Enraged, War Eagle and his closest friends led a Today, beautiful War Eagle Creek still bears disposes of waste, helping to keep the watershed clean will also capture sediment and prevent degradation techniques can create soil erosion and sediment- heavy furious pursuit of the trapper. Soon chased by a posse the name of the brave and determined Cherokee by reducing vast amounts of trash and chemicals that Composters of water quality within the watershed. Fencing helps runoff, which often leads to an increase in sediment of white settlers for venturing out of Indian Territory, warrior and is a testament to the rich and colorful might otherwise end up in the streams and ultimately The natural decay of dead animals produces maintain water quality in the pond and in discharge in the water. Heavy runoff can lead to erosion, which Freeze proof tanks help protect water quality. War Eagle and his band lost the trail of the trapper history of . Recycling cans at Madison County Recycling Center contaminants. A properly constructed and utilized from the pond. ultimately threatens to alter the stream geometry, Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service but evaded the posse.

What is a Watershed? Wastewater Treatment in the Watershed Water Quality in War Eagle Creek Watershed War Eagle Creek Watershed History What does it contain? How to properly take care of wastewater Monitoring the quality of water resources From Ozark Bluff Dwellers to European Settlers

“watershed” is the area of land that catches s in any other rural area of the state, olman Creek, which flows into War Eagle hroughout history, War Eagle Creek has rampant logging was evident in the erosion of topsoil. A rain and snow which drains or seeps into a A most homeowners are not connected H Creek, and War Eagle Creek down to its provided energy for mills and habitat for At the end of World War II, electricity came to the area marsh, stream, river, lake, or groundwater. to a centralized sewer system. These confluence with Holman Creek are listed on T fish and other wildlife. and cattle and poultry became the new cash crops. Tributaries are smaller streams that flow into other homeowners work with state and county health the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality The War Eagle area has hosted inhabitants The region has been the birthplace of several notable larger streams. departments to site septic systems so that proper (ADEQ) 2004 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring for at least 3000 years according to archeologists. persons including early rocker Ronnie Hawkins and Watershed protection is a key piece of absorption of effluent occurs. Septic systems should be and Assessment Report 303(d) list as impaired streams. Ozark Bluff Dwellers were hunter-gatherers but there former governor Orval Faubus. the ecosystem puzzle. Watershed preservation monitored regularly and pumped to prevent leaking The 303(d) list identifies stream reaches that do not is also evidence of primitive agriculture. encourages proper land use and uniform protection and contamination. Those not on septic systems in currently meet state water quality standards. Both Early Anglo settlers arrived in the 1820s, of tributaries within the watershed. the War Eagle Creek Watershed are connected to a creeks have a medium priority rating on the 303(d) many coming from Huntsville in Madison County municipal wastewater treatment facility that holds list. The pollutants of concern are chloride, sulfate Alabama, naming the area after their previous home. Watersheds contain: a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Septic systems should be pumped regularly. and total dissolved solids. Many also came from Tennessee. These ancestors • Businesses • Pastures (NPDES) permit. This permit is issued by the Arkansas There are two active water quality hunted, trapped, fished, and farmed. Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The pollution is water and rainwater runoff that collects monitoring sites within the War Eagle watershed: After the Civil War, the railroad and the • Farms • Riparian zones Illustration courtesy of Massachusetts Executive Office • Forests • Rivers & Streams of Energy and Environmental Affairs NPDES permit includes contaminant limits for the pollutants as it flows across lawns, fields or impervious ADEQ WHI0070 on Holman Creek and USGS 704900 timber trade brought prosperity, and towns like • Homes • Wetlands effluent, or the discharge from the plant, also known surfaces such as urban streets or gravel roads. on the main stem of the War Eagle. There are also five Pettigrew and St. Paul grew. Many small canneries • Lakes • Wildlife as point source pollution. In contrast, non-point source legacy water quality sites throughout the watershed. Waterfall at War Eagle Mill emerged as well. With the depression of the 1930’s Grand Opening of War Eagle Bridge, January 4, 1915 Photo by Cory Holbert however, the area was hard hit and the impact of Photo courtesy Shiloh Museum of Ozark History