Oklahoma Wetlands Reserve Program

Oklahoma Wetlands Information

• Map of Project Locations

Overview

Oklahoma is not traditionally thought of as a state with abundant wetlands. Lingering images of the "Dust Bowl" sometimes makes it difficult to acknowledge the number and variety of wetlands within the state. Many people are especially surprised to learn that Oklahoma ranks among the top ten states in the nation in terms of total acres enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Some of the largest individual WRP projects are also found within the state, including the 7,300 acre Red Slough Project and several other projects in excess of 2,000 acres. Landowners with small wetland tracts also have an opportunity for participation, as evidenced by completed WRP projects as small as eight acres. Wetland types being restored under the program vary from small depressional wetlands in the more arid western part of the state, to sloughs and bottomlands in the Red River basin of Southeastern Oklahoma.

Oklahoma currently has 60 active WRP projects where restoration efforts are being carried out on 24,293 acres of wetlands and associated buffer areas. The average WRP project size is 405 acres. Special emphasis is placed on restoration of shallow water conditions by filling old drainage ditches, constructing low dikes, and installing water control structures to regulate water depths. Re-establishment of natural vegetation such as bottomland hardwoods, herbaceous wetland plants, and native grasses is also an integral component of restoration efforts.

Landowner interest in WRP remains strong. Oklahoma currently has 40 eligible WRP projects, totaling 6,300 acres on the waiting list for funding. Approximately 32 of these projects and 4,500 acres will be enrolled using FY99 allocations. Enrollment of the remaining projects and all new applications received under the continuous signup will be contingent upon future WRP funding levels.

Benefits

Following restoration, the landscape changes on WRP lands are often immediate and strikingly observable. Extensive areas of shallow water and increased plant diversity act as a magnet to attract both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species and other organisms. Waterfowl management is a high priority for most WRP participants and early results indicate tremendous success in attracting ducks, geese, and wading birds. Wildlife use will continue to increase in response to changes in plant communities over time. Restored wetlands act as filters to trap sediments and nutrients that would otherwise enter the streams and tributaries that are typically associated with WRP projects. WRP projects also provide flood storage by slowing the flow of water and retaining it onsite. The following elementary example helps emphasize the flood reduction benefits:  A 1,000 acre wetland with an average depth of 12 inches is effectively storing 1,000 acres feet of runoff. That amount of water compares with a 10 foot deep, 100 surface acre lake of which several thousand have been built for flood control in Oklahoma and around the country.

Most WRP projects in Oklahoma occur on lands that are marginal for agricultural use because of continuing wetness problems. WRP provides landowners with the economic incentive needed to justify land use changes. Continued ownership and control of the land is particularly attractive to most participants. Farmers are also recognizing that income derived from hunting, fishing, and other recreational uses can rival, or in many cases, exceed income from more traditional agricultural uses. Several large WRP projects in Oklahoma have been acquired by state or federal agencies and made available for public use. Local communities are already benefiting from increased sales and revenues provided by visiting hunters, sight-seers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The result is an excellent blend of environmental and economic considerations that benefits both the landowner and society as a whole.

Partnerships

In addition to the participating landowners, active partners in WRP include:  Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FS), Conservation Districts, Ducks Unlimited (DU), Nature Works, Conservation Fund, and Forest Service. The ODWC provides equipment and operators for construction of dikes and are also actively involved with management activities. DU has provided technical assistance on some of the larger complex restoration projects. Conservation Districts have provided equipment and act as a sounding board for local involvement. Financial contributions by Nature Works and the Conservation Fund have facilitated the acquisition of several large WRP projects by ODWC and FS. These projects are now available for public use and enjoyment.

Landowners are the most important partner and are responsible for the success of WRP in Oklahoma.

Contact

Steve Tully, 405-742-1239

Last updated: 1/1/2000

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