The Mulberry River on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is one of Arkansas’s most treasured recreation destinations, drawing anglers, paddlers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts to its waters each year. Through the Mulberry River Restoration Project, the National Forest Foundation is helping restore a critical stretch of river while protecting the experiences that make the Mulberry so unique.
Reversing Decades of Change
The roots of this project stretch back decades. Following major flooding in the 1990s, a low-water crossing was rebuilt using six 8-foot culverts, but the design did not provide enough capacity for the river’s flows, and over time the crossing failed. Each year, the riverbanks in this section lost an estimated 10–15 feet, sending large amounts of sediment into the river. That sediment filled deep pools and created new gravel bars, which in turn contributed to additional erosion problems downstream.
When The Nature Conservancy acquired the property in 2012, partners began evaluating long-term restoration opportunities. By 2016, surveys and planning efforts were underway to address riverbank instability, improve aquatic habitat, and determine the future of the crossing. Multiple approaches were considered, but floods, changing site conditions, and COVID-19 delays forced the project team back to the drawing board.
A Natural Approach to River Restoration
In 2026, the National Forest Foundation advanced a long-sought solution for this stretch of the Mulberry River. This current restoration effort focuses on rebuilding natural river function rather than relying on traditional hard infrastructure.
At the heart of the project are six engineered log structures designed to slow water, encourage sediment deposition, and stabilize the riverbanks. Constructed from native wood, soil, and gravel materials, the structures are installed below the existing streambed and arranged to work with the river’s natural processes.
By reducing the erosion of riverbanks each year, the project aims to decrease the hundreds of tons of sediment that currently enter the river annually. This work is expected to improve conditions along approximately 800 feet of the Mulberry River and a quarter mile of Bull Creek.
Beyond the Bank
This project delivers benefits that extend well beyond stabilizing streambanks. By reducing erosion and restoring natural river function, this work helps protect rare fish habitat, support local communities, and preserve the river’s renowned recreation opportunities.
Rare Fish Habitat. A healthier river benefits far more than the banks themselves. Excess sediment can fill deep pools and block the passage of critical fish species, such as the Neosho Bass. This rare, genetically distinct smallmouth bass subspecies is only native to the Ozark Plateau and brings visitors from far and wide to fish along the Mulberry.
Residents. By reducing excess sediment deposition and improving bank stability, the project helps protect nearby agricultural lands, improve floodplain function, and reduce flood-related impacts for neighboring communities and landowners.
Paddling Recreation. As one of Arkansas’s top floating destinations, the Mulberry River is defined by its scenic character and quality paddling opportunities. Slowing channel erosion and preventing further widening will help preserve the river’s natural features and maintain enjoyable experiences for paddlers.
The Mulberry River Restoration Project represents more than a solution to a long-standing erosion problem. It is an investment in the future of one of Arkansas’s most beloved rivers. By working with natural processes to restore channel stability, improve fish habitat, and enhance recreation opportunities, the project creates the conditions for the Mulberry to support healthy ecosystems, local communities, and memorable outdoor experiences for generations to come.