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Oklahoma Conservation Projects

Waterfowl Benefit From 4,000 Acres of Restored Wetland

WATERFOWL BENEFIT FROM 4,000 AREAS OF RESTORED WETLANDS

Before it was drained for agriculture in 1908, the Hackberry Flat wetland in Oklahoma’s Tillman County was the state’s largest isolated wetland and hosted hundreds of thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Thanks to support from Wildlife Forever, a three-year project has restored more than 4,000 acres of wetlands at Hackberry Flat. The wetland is estimated to attract 30,000 Canada geese, 30,000 sandhill cranes, and 50,000 ducks, plus thousands of shorebirds and whooping cranes. An observation tower, viewing platform, and wooden boardwalk provide visitors with a unique opportunity to view wildlife using the new wetland.

MOUNTAIN LION RANGE DOCUMENTED

Sightings of mountain lions in Oklahoma were on the rise, and Wildlife Forever stepped in to help establish a base population figure of the large cat’s presence in the state. Working in conjunction with Oklahoma State University, statistics from nearly 500 natural resources professionals in the state were compiled, providing a map showing regions that held mountain lion populations. Most sightings occurred in large unpopulated landmasses in the western region of the state. River drainages and increased deer populations were considered to be determining factors to mountain lion habitat.