TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces plans to reclaim, enhance, and protect a 66-acre parcel of land on the east side of Widow Moore Creek beginning March 23.
The Lake Texoma Project Office is executing plans to improve public lands through several measures which include, construction of four visitor parking areas, the cleanup and restoration of several acres of land, enhancement of nearly 4,000 feet of roadway, improvement of a primitive boat ramp and installation of almost 4,900 feet of fence.
These improvements are being made to offset impacts from two recently completed actions on Lake Texoma project lands. The first resulted in the clearing of 18 acres of forested uplands during enhancement of the State Highway 199 approach and bridge that crosses Cumberland Cut in Bryan County, Oklahoma. The second project is the result of the clearing of 15.4 acres of forested uplands.
Mitigation costs are borne by the applicants. Project improvements will compensate for impacts to natural resources and visitation on federal lands and ensure no net loss occurs to wildlife habitats and the visitation experience.
According to Paul Balkenbush, Assistant Project Manager at the Lake Texoma Project Office, the endeavor will restore wildlife habitats while offering worthwhile recreational opportunities for visitors.
“We are working with our partners to enhance project lands and water for our visitors,” said Balkenbush. “The intent is to meet the legitimate needs for the trust land use while sustaining natural resources and protecting authorized project purposes.”
Parking Lots
Four parking lots will be constructed along authorized access routes to ensure visitors have ample and well-kept access to public lands. These lots will allow guests to park their vehicles and walk into the recreation area through several approved entrances.
Cleanup and Land Restoration
The Corps has identified several acres of land for cleanup and restoration. These sites will, as much as possible, be returned to their natural state. Natural vegetation will be restored for the benefit of both wildlife and aesthetic beauty for visitors to observe. The Corps will oversee grading and tilling followed by planting of native vegetation for the benefit of wildlife over several acres.
Roadway Enhancement
Access will also be improved through the area by enhancing authorized roadways to make travel possible in all weather conditions by a variety of vehicle types.
Boat Ramp Enhancement
The Corps will improve a primitive boat ramp and related parking area. This effort will allow for safer boat launching by visitors with a variety of vehicles and vessels. Parking enhancements will also provide greater parking area for vehicles and trailers while visitors are on the water.
Fence and Cable Barrier Installation
The Corps will oversee the installation of more than 4,820 feet of fence and 7,140 feet of cable barrier to protect wildlife habitats. Fencing and cable barrier will help restrict access to a few well maintained access points to allow ecological recovery of the Widow Moore Creek area and provide visitors with a better outdoor experience.
Release no. 15-014