Arkansas Forests &
Drinking Water Collaborative
Welcome
Welcome to the Arkansas Forests and Drinking Water Collaborative, a partnership committed to keeping our forests healthy and forested, particularly in key watersheds that provide clean drinking water for Arkansans today and for generations to come. Our efforts are focused on building partnerships between water professionals, forest industry professionals, conservationists, and other stakeholders to plan for the future collaboratively. We promote awareness of the connections between forests, water, and the economy, and work to ensure that Arkansas' natural resources are used in strategic and sustainable ways. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about what we do, contact us today.
SAVE THE DATE!
2025 Arkansas Agriculture, Forests,
and Water Conference
2025 Theme: Building Resilience through Sound Science and Practice
The Arkansas Agriculture, Forests and Water Conference was held July 22-24, 2025. With over 250 attendees, this three day event featured technical research presentations, state-wide topics on forestry, land protection and source water protection. The conference serves as the annual meeting for the AR Forests and Drinking Water Collaborative and the AR Nonpoint Source Program.
Conference Organizers: Arkansas Water Resources Center (AWRC), Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture, Arkansas Forest and Drinking Water Collaborative (AFDWC), Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA) and the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP).
Conference Sponsors:
Watershed Sponsors ($1,000): Beaver Water District, Olsson, AR Farm Bureau, UA Extension, ISG
Stream Sponsors ($500): Atlan Stormwater, RES, Water Monitoring Solutions, Conway Corp
Thank you to Central Arkansas Water for sponsoring coffee!
Arkansas Story Map
Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service's Southern Research Station, you can now learn so much more about our drinking water resources in Arkansas. Click here or on the map for more info.
Sixty-one percent (61%) of all Arkansans drink water that originates in forested watersheds. Maintaining healthy forests is the best protection that we can provide for our water.
This group meets quarterly in a hybrid setting (both virtual and in-person). See our events page for more details and RSVP info.
OUR PROJECTS
The Arkansas Forests and Drinking Water Collaborative is implementing the Arkansas CommuniTree Program and we could use your help! Learn More
We are always in need of helping hands. If you like to volunteer on river side tree plantings, help organize meetings/field tours, brainstorm project ideas, and/or research funding, we can use your help. Contact us below.
The Arkansas Forests and Drinking Water Collaborative is supported by the Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water, a partnership effort of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the U.S. Forest Service. Did you know that clean water grows on trees? Click below to learn more about how the Southeast Partnership is working to help communities plan for the future.
The Southern Group of State Foresters and the Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water have released a great video series regarding forests and source water protection. Click on our Video page to see these.