2026 Annual Ag, Forest and Water Conference

Get ready to dive into the latest trends and innovations in agriculture, forestry, and water management at this year’s must-attend event! Join fellow enthusiasts and experts in person to share ideas, network, and explore new opportunities in these vital fields. Whether you're passionate about sustainable practices or cutting-edge tech, this conference has something for you. Don't miss out on a fantastic chance to connect and learn!

Info: Technical research presentations on PFAS, water quality, and more with guest speakers from Univeristy of Arkansas, Arkansas Water Resources Center, Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment

Info: Engage, interact, and learn more with conference poster presenters!

Info: Understanding Groundwater in Arkansas: Historic Trends, Current Status, and Future Availability, with Moderator, Laura Ruhl-Whittle. Session Summary: Groundwater is a vital component of Arkansas’s economy, supporting irrigation for agriculture which accounts for $12 billion in annual economic activity. Arkansas is one of the top water users in the United States, with over 71percent coming from groundwater sources. Arkansas’s aquifer systems span two major physiographic regions, the Coastal Plain and the Interior Highlands. Join this session to learn more!

Info: Evening Social Event: Marley’s Pizzeria & Bar – 609 W Dickson St. #103

Info: Session Summary: Northwest Arkansas is experiencing rapid growth, placing increasing pressure on infrastructure and the environment. Sewer capacity limitations and proximity to existing infrastructure result in many properties relying on individual septic systems. Although Arkansas has minimum standards for septic systems, the unforeseen density in parts of the region have revealed potential gaps in how we manage onsite wastewater.
This roundtable will explore the practical next steps for improving onsite wastewater management in Arkansas. Using a collaborative discussion format, the session will focus on identifying shared priorities and opportunities for action.

Info: This session highlights practical, collaborative approaches to source water protection. Speakers will emphasize targeting high-risk and high-value lands, using conservation easements, supporting farmland transitions, and integrating restoration with community benefits. A key theme includes pairing science with strong communication and equity-focused strategies to drive lasting watershed impact.

Info: Engage, interact, and learn more with conference poster presenters!

Info: Stormwater and Growth: Why Regional Stormwater Management Matters, Moderator, Leif Kindberg, Executive Director, IRWP . This session will focus on rapid population growth, increasing precipitation intensity, and expanding urban development in NWA communities, and will examine why a regional approach to stormwater management is becoming essential, and also explore what is working—and what is not—across the region. This session features a panel and presentations from guest speakers ranging from growing communities, dense urban areas, City of Springfield, and more!

Info: Following the session on stormwater and growth, participants are invited to tour an urban area downtown Fayetteville to see green infrastructure in practice and learn more about stormwater management at the city level. Tour led by staff with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership and the Beaver Watershed Alliance.

Info: Arkansas’s 319 Program Updates and Success Stories, with Tate Wentz and Blake Forest, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division

Info: Explore how science, policy, and on-the-ground capacity come together to shape the future of watershed management. This session highlights real-world strategies—from prescribed fire and cross-jurisdictional water agreements to building local capacity and advancing zero-pollution farming transitions. Speakers will share practical insights on overcoming barriers, aligning stakeholders, and scaling solutions across Arkansas. Ideal for practitioners, policymakers, and partners looking to turn complex challenges into coordinated, actionable outcomes for healthier watersheds.

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Host or Publisher Beaver Watershed Alliance