The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) was established by the Arkansas Legislature in 1987 by Arkansas Act 729 (now codified as Arkansas Code Annotated 15-12-101 through 15-12-103). The act created the ANCRC to manage and supervise a grants and trust fund for the acquisition, management, and stewardship of state-owned properties acquired or used for ANCRC approved purposes. The grants are funded through the state's real estate transfer tax. The ANCRC consists of eleven voting members. Grants from this fund are for projects that protect and maintain state-owned natural areas, historic sites, and outdoor recreation.

On February 21, 2018, Ted Mullenix, Richard Davies, Aubra Anthony and Mike Wilson were invited to participate in a panel discussion regarding the original philosophy and history behind the legislation that created the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Click here to view a recording of the panel discussion. The first ANCRC grants were awarded in 1989. Since that time, ANCRC grants have benefitted every county in Arkansas.