Arkansas landowners will have new opportunities to improve wildlife habitat thanks to nearly $10 million in federal conservation funding awarded to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded approximately $9.45 million for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Forests to Farms: Igniting a Private Lands Wildlife Legacy project through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The Arkansas wildlife habitat grant will support restoration projects on privately owned land throughout Arkansas over the next 5 years.
More Than 70,000 Acres Targeted for Wildlife Habitat Improvements
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the program is expected to reach hundreds of private landowners and improve up to 70,000 acres of forests, grasslands and wetlands.
Nearly 90% of Arkansas land is privately owned, making partnerships with landowners essential to protecting wildlife and improving natural habitats throughout the state.
Conservation practices supported by the program include:
- Prescribed burning
- Forest improvements
- Removing smaller understory trees
- Establishing firebreaks
- Winter flooding of rice fields
- Restoring wetlands
These improvements can benefit deer, turkey, quail, ducks, geese and numerous other wildlife species while supporting healthier ecosystems and improved water quality.
Governor’s $5 Million Commitment Helps Secure Federal Funding
Randy Brents, assistant chief of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Private Lands Habitat Division, said a $5 million commitment from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ discretionary set-aside funding helped Arkansas compete for the federal award.
“Gov. Sanders’ investment in private land conservation helped make our proposal very competitive for this grant funding,” Brents said.
Of the governor’s commitment, $3 million was designated as a cash match for the federal conservation project. Brents said the state investment demonstrated Arkansas’ willingness to commit its own funding alongside federal dollars to improve wildlife habitat.
Arkansas Conservation Partnership Valued at More Than $30 Million
The federal award is part of a much larger conservation partnership involving state funding, nonprofit organizations, private companies and other supporters.
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, additional support includes:
- $350,000 in cash from Ducks Unlimited and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation
- More than $17 million in partner contributions
- $300,000 in donated equipment rentals from Greenway Equipment
Together, these contributions bring the overall conservation effort to more than $30 million.
Nearly 2,700 Applications Show Growing Interest
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Conservation Incentive Program began in 2024 with state funding approved by the Arkansas General Assembly. Another round of conservation practices received reimbursement support in 2026 through a $2.5 million USDA grant.
Brents said landowner interest has been strong, with nearly 2,700 applications submitted from 74 of Arkansas’ 75 counties since 2024.
“Wildlife doesn’t know boundaries, and all Arkansans will benefit from healthy wildlife, cleaner water and restored ecosystems,” Brents said.
The new federal partnership is expected to build upon these efforts by expanding conservation opportunities across Arkansas.
How Arkansas Landowners Can Learn More
Arkansas property owners interested in improving wildlife habitat can contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Private Lands Habitat Division.
Private lands habitat biologists can help property owners evaluate their land, discuss conservation goals and learn about available financial assistance or cost-sharing opportunities.
Landowners can also express interest in future Conservation Incentive Program opportunities. Eligibility, application requirements and funding availability vary by program.
For more information, visit: https://www.agfc.com/habitat
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