Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) has permanently protected more than 10,000 acres across Northwest Arkansas. The milestone was reached Thursday following the execution of a conservation easement on the 62-acre Patterson-Oulette property in Washington County. This marks the largest acreage total the land trust has managed since its inception over three decades ago. The Patterson-Oulette tract is a forested area situated in the Winfrey Valley near Winslow. The topography includes sandstone bluffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and mature timber stands. The property offers habitat for native wildlife and contains significant geological features consistent with the Boston Mountains region. Under the terms of the easement, the land will remain in its natural state forever, preventing it from being subdivided for development or cleared for agriculture. NWALT facilitates voluntary land conservation agreements with landowners to ensure that natural landscapes are retained in perpetuity. While the land remains privately owned and may be used for recreation or timber production, the owners permanently give up the right to subdivide or develop the parcel. NWALT is responsible for monitoring the property annually to ensure the conservation terms are upheld. The organization currently holds 12 active easements in Benton County and two in Washington County. State legislation passed in 2011 allows landowners to defer or eliminate state capital gains taxes when they donate a conservation easement. This financial incentive has encouraged many landowners in Northwest Arkansas to prioritize conservation over development. Without these tax exemptions, the acceleration of residential subdivisions across the region would likely reduce the amount of forested land available for public access and wildlife habitat. The preservation of the Patterson-Oulette property helps maintain the regional watershed health. The protection of over 10,000 acres represents a critical threshold for local environmental defense. In an area experiencing rapid growth, agreements like the one at Patterson-Oulette directly correlate with controlling urban sprawl. These easements keep land in private hands rather than converting it into public parks, preserving the working landscapes that define the local rural character for generations to come. Landowners considering a conservation option should contact NWALT to assess the value of their land’s conservation features. The organization continues to seek funding and volunteers to support the stewardship of existing preserves, including Backbone Mountain and Haw Creek. By securing these land use rights now, local residents ensure that clean water and open space remain viable long into the future.
Read the full press release from the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.
Source: NWA Land Trust
