River currents.

              Michael Fuhr
River Currents
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission
Commissioners
Steve Randall
Chairman
Dr. Riley Needham
Vice-Chair
Rick Stubblefield
Secretary/Treasurer
Staff
Ed Fite
Administrator
Cheryl Allen Administrative Manager Kevin Stevens Operations Manager Larry Setters Administration
Cassandra Carter Education Outreach Assistant
James Hickman Maintenance Supervisor
Josh Baird Maintenance Department
Stephanie Stephens
Ranger Supervisor
Monte Bradford
Larry Clark
Randy Corp
Gerald Hilsher
John Larson
Archie “Trey” Peyton, III
David Spears
Jeff Bashaw
Volume 8 Issue 3 October 2011
Some Good News for Oklahoma Scenic Rivers
Ed Fite, Administrator
E-mail: ed.fite@oklahomascenicrivers.net
Phone: (918) 456-3251
As a small state agency, the OSRC often finds itself overlooked. Because our state’s designated scenic rivers are located in the furthest eastern tier of Oklahoma, many legislators have trouble recognizing not only the importance of these special waters, but also of understanding the resources necessary to care for them. The Commission has found operating on increasingly dwindling state allocations alone are not sufficient to achieve the purposes set forth within the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Act.
The previous summer season proved particularly challenging, but the Commission has been greatly blessed over the past 35 years to have forged long-standing partnerships with groups, organizations and individuals who desire to protect and preserve scenic rivers for citizens and visitors of this generation and of future generations to come.
Such partnerships have helped the Commission to operate in these difficult economic times. Our scenic rivers partners include those who donate their personal time to assist in our state’s scenic rivers protection and preservation efforts. Individuals, such as students from elementary school to college, and community groups, including boy scouts, girl scouts, and church members, serve as some of the Illinois River’s most consistent advocates. The labors of these public conservationists have been especially valuable, due to the budgetary constraints placed on our maintenance team this summer.
We have also received a substantial outpouring of support from governmental and local organizations; from local municipalities and county governments that provide their personnel and equipment to maintain roads, access areas, and assist with additional law enforcement, along with medical and rescue support in the summer months; to state agencies and universities who provide resources allowing for education outreach, as well as other important efforts including water quality monitoring; to maintenance, construction and clean- up support after a flooding event; and to those federal and tribal agencies who provide additional personnel and funding to assist our state’s efforts with stream gaging, analyses, riparian protection strategies, as well as recreational and transportation projects. This conglomeration of individual, organizational, governmental and non-governmental supporters has contributed substantial resources that have helped the Commission to realize successes that would not have been possible with state funding alone.
So, in these uncertain times, there is some Good News. The OSRC Board and Team are very thankful to those of you who have taken your time or resources to partner with the Commission in our efforts to preserve Oklahoma’s scenic rivers. A view of the Illinois from Diamondhead Resort during the recent Illinois River Cleanup. Look on pg. 3 for more pictures and info! River Currents Vol. Issue
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OSRC Board and Agency News
The 2011 summer season brought many challenges and successes to the OSRC. The Commission began its summer operations with limited resources. Accumulated budget cuts forced the agency to make several cuts of our own, leaving a handful of seasonals to perform the duties of a much larger crew.
Rangers Dustin Davis, Skylar Green, and Cobey Soap patrolled the river basin. Together they took on the duties usually dealt with by a much larger crew. The officers focused on interaction with Illinois visitors, as well as educating the public about the rules created for the river’s protection as well as their own.
The summer maintenance staff consisted of Kyle Leatherwood, Andrew Carr, Reuban Garner, and Barry Emmons. Unlike many other students who view summer as an opportunity to slack off, Kyle, Andrew and Reuban spent their vacation on river conservation. They, along with returning team member Barry, worked tirelessly to repair damage caused by the April floods. They focused on maintaining the beauty and accessibility of the Illinois and of public parks during the rest of the summer.
One difficulty the OSRC faced at the beginning of the summer was lack of funding for water sampling. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission has offered to cover funding throughout the rest of the year, after which the Department of Environmental Quality will once again sponsor the project.
The grimmest and most shocking challenge of the summer was the unfortunate string of drownings which occurred. Tragically, six individuals lost their lives. The entire staff and the Board of Commissioners would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who passed.
As the year continues, the OSRC will focus on recovering from the struggles of summer and moving to off-season work. Vol. 8 Issue 3
Ranger Dustin Davis has been a dedicated and diligent seasonal ranger for the past two summers. This season, Ranger Davis completed the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) requirements for full time certification.
The fourteen and a half week program consisted of educational courses and hands-on training exercises. Shooting exercises were a staple of the program in which Ranger Davis excelled, earning Top Shot among the 102 participants.
The OSRC is proud to have such an exemplary agent as a member of our team!
Seasonal Ranger Becomes
Full Time CLEET Certified
The OSRC would like to dedicate this newsletter to the cherished memory of our dear friend, Jim, who unfortunately passed away this summer.
Jim was a special part of the agency for nearly twenty five years; he was a valued friend and a committed member of the maintenance team. Prior to his seventeen years of service, Jim had friendships with many members of the staff. His ornery sense of humor and genuine heart endeared him not only to his friends at the agency, but to everyone who knew him. He was also a dedicated worker, and he maintained a high standard of service to the Commission and to the public.
The loss of such a spirit was felt deeply by all of his family and friends. To honor his life and his wishes not to be mourned, we will celebrate our memories of him. We love and miss you, Jim, and hope you have found peace.
Tulsa World once featured Jim as the ‘Crawdad King,’ shown above. To the right, Jim and friend James Hickman enjoy themselves at the 2008 Riverfest.
In Our Thoughts Jim Sherril
OSRC Overcomes Seasonal Struggles River Currents Vol. Issue
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Spotlights in the River Basin Vol. 8 3
Cleaning up the Illinois
The THS Science Club arrives with canoes full of trash at Diamondhead.
The 2011 Illinois River Cleanup, held Friday, September 9th, was one of the OSRC’s most successful cleanups in recent years. Approximately two hundred and twenty volunteers, all of different ages and affiliations, came together in sup-port of one of Oklahoma’s most loved and most important natural resources. These dedicated, giving helpers removed hundreds of bags of trash, collecting alumi-num, glass, and metal waste materials. Overall, a staggering 2,600 pounds of litter were taken from the Illinois, leaving the river healthier and more beautiful.
Several groups lent their support to this year’s cleanup. Corporate and local organizations donated items and services, without which the event could not have been possible. The Illinois River Association, made up of the majority of commercial flotation operations, allowed helpers the use of their canoes and buses. Participating operations included All American Floats, Arrowhead Resort, Eagle Bluff Resort, Peyton’s Place, Sparrow Hawk Camp, and War Eagle Resort. Red Neck Yacht Club and Riverside Resort donated giveaways. Diamondhead Resort also offered their property for the lunch and prize drawing.
Cobb Vantress was one of the cleanup’s biggest sponsors. They not only provided delicious chicken sandwiches, ribs, baked beans, chips, and drinks, they also delivered and cooked the lunch. Cobb also donated one of the two kayaks given away at the drawing. Armstrong Bank, a long time supporter of many of the OSRC’s events, purchased the other kayak prize. Both organizations also had several of their employees participate in the cleanup. Budweiser also supported this year’s cleanup with a great group of workers, as well as a donation of trash bags used at the event.
Volunteers consisted of individuals, groups of friends, and organizations. Poultry companies Simmons and Cargill had several representatives at the event. Other organizations present included Cherokee Nation Entertainment, Cherokee Nation Businesses, and the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section. Commissioner Gerald Hilsher was present with the OBA-ELS. Another Commissioner at the event was Chairman Steve Randall. Many other individuals who have been participating for many years, such as Phil Lorenz, who has attended the past cleanups, were also present. There was also a strong presence of young people, thanks to Tahlequah High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and Science Club.
A summer of extraordinarily high temperatures did lead to a decision to hold the cleanup much later than normal. The September date gave a welcome reprieve from the heat of our usual events.
The OSRC would like to thank all those who were involved in this event and continue to support river conservation. We look forward to throwing another successful cleanup again next summer!
Northeastern State University junior Heather Butler was the lucky winner of a kayak sponsored by Armstrong Bank.
Cobb Vantress kayak winner Wylie Laher poses with his new kayak and the group from Cobb. River Currents Vol. Issue
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We must all do our part to protect the Illinois.
The Visitor’s Center
Welcome to the Illinois River
How Can You Help Us?
Illinois River Fest 2011
Did You Know...
the OSRC provides free trash bags for visitors! These bags can be used to dispose of your own trash or to help remove litter from the river. Pick one up at the agency’s headquarters before you head out for your fun in the sun and do your part to help!
Join the OSRC as we celebrate at the fourth annual Illinois River Festival! The River Fest will take place October 29h at War Eagle Resort. Attendants will find tons of information about river conservation, as well as fun activites, delicious food, and a chance to win some great prizes!
The connection you feel with the Illinois River may have rooted itself in your heart when you were young; perhaps you grew up on the gravel bars, skinning your young knees on the rocks as you raced to jump in spar-kling water. It could have begun when you moved to attend Northeastern State University or to take a new job, and the first time you came to the river, you instantly fell in love with its serene beauty. Maybe you are a local who can’t go one summer day without coming down to your favorite swimming hole. It does not matter how the river pulled you in, whether you are a local, serious recreationalist or occasional visitor - your spirit has left a piece of itself in these gentle waters.
The Illinois River has created several opportunities for many groups, and the love shared between people for this important natural resource has led people to ask: how can I help care for the river I enjoy so much? There are several simple ways visitors can give back to the river that has given them so much joy. Lending a helping hand does not require intense labor or time, special equipment or tools, or a large group. Impacting the river in a big way can result from many small actions, such as taking time out from a float or swim to remove debris from the river, or walking those extra few feet to dispose of trash in a barrel instead of leaving it on a gravel bar.
Trash is unsightly, unsanitary, and damaging to the environment. An easy way to protect the environment, as well as the natural beauty offered by the river, is to throw trash away in the proper containers. Those enjoying OSRC parks and gravel bars can easily locate a trash barrel to deposit waste, while floaters can keep their trash under control by bringing a small garbage or shopping bag from home, or picking up a trash bag at the agency headquarters. Floaters can also help by removing trash from the water while they float.
Another easy way visitors can help the river is to remember the simple mantra: pack it in, pack it out. Whatever visitors bring to the river, they should take from the river. Leaving trash, personal items, and other belongings can harm the environment, detracts from the beauty of the basin, and can be hazardous or inconvenient for others trying to enjoy the river. In the same token of this message, please leave what you find the way you find it. Rocks, trees, and other natural features, as well as the OSRC’s property, do not need to be moved or changed, and doing so may result in ticketing or fines.
One of the most important things people can do to take care of Oklahoma’s rivers is to remain mindful - of nature, of laws, and of others. It is easy for ones mind to be swept away at the river; the calm, crystal waters lapping at a gravel bar, the warm air, the sounds of splashing children and family fun lulling one into a state of blissful relaxation. It is possible to indulge in a day of fun and do something for the river at the same time, though - all visitors need to do is set a goal of leaving their area in better shape than it was in when they arrived.
Throw away trash, leave nothing behind, and pay attention: these three efforts, though seemingly small , can have an incredible overall impact on the river basin. If you allow your actions to be guided by the river, not impulse or convenience, you will find helping the Illinois is simple and satisfying. River Currents Vol. Issue
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Two cranes performing the sandhill mating dance.
Photo courtesy OK Audobon Society.
on the Wild Side.... Vol. 8 3
Fall Migration of the Sandhill Crane
Oklahoma is home to a myriad of diverse species. The state, much like the Illinois River, is also popular among out-of-towners who flock to enjoy its natural resources. One tourist in particular has made the state their home away from home: the dancing sandhill crane. Each year, these cranes migrate to Oklahoma.
Sandhill cranes are a fascinating species whose annual visit brings excite-ment to bird enthusiasts and hunters alike. Sandhills are currently one of the most common crane species, with an estimated population of 650,000. There are five crane subspecies, three of which are migratory groups that travel great distances to reach winter grounds in Oklahoma. The greater sandhill is the largest of the migra-tory subspecies, followed by the Canadian and lesser sandhills. Sandhill wingspans vary from 5-6 feet, which allows them to soar long distances.
Mating rituals of the sandhill crane are both peculiar and captivating. Sandhills are monogamous and do not compete for mates, meaning their rituals, such as the sandhill dance, are not performed to attract mates or to appear more desirable, but to strengthen the bond with their current mate. Scientists also believe the dance could serve as a stress reliever, as it is performed by both sexes of various ages at different points throughout the year. Sandhills also perform a mating ‘duet’ with their partner. These unison calls, coupled with another complex sandhill dance, are thought to synchronize mates breeding conditions.
Sandhills also have two other distinct calls, known as the contact call and the guard call. Many describe these calls as trumpeting, sometimes deafening, while some describe the calls as having a French rolled ‘r’. To listen to a sample of each of these calls, pay a visit to the International Crane Foundation’s sandhill crane page at: http://www.savingcranes.org/sandhill-crane.html.
Cranes generally arrive in October and remain at their winter grounds until March. One popular wintering area for sandhills is the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitats for many waterfowl species.
Of course, there are those that are more interested in hunting migratory birds than merely observing them. Hunters will have the opportunity to bag sandhill’s when the season opens on October 23, 2011. The season lasts through January 23, 2012. There are a few restrictions hunters should keep in mind while hunting sandhill’s this season, such as information about waterfowl hunting in your area, which can be found in a current Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide or at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/laws_regs/waterfowlguide.htm. Hunters should note other information, such as shooting hours, possession limits, and legal means of taking migratory birds.
Hunters can take advantage of many guided hunts offered by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation officials, as well as private guides. Youth’s who are interested in sandhill hunts can also participate in ODWC youth waterfowl week-ends, taking place in the panhandle from October 2-3, in zone 1 from October 16-17, and zone 2 from October 30-31.
It is also important for hunters to educate themselves on the differences between sandhill cranes and whooping cranes. These cranes may look similar, but the taking of a whooping crane is illegal. It can become especially confusing as both species fly and eat together. Keep in mind that whooping cranes are snowy white with black tips on their wings, while the sandhill is solid gray with two white patches on its cheeks. Adult sandhills also have a distinctive red ‘crown’ on their head.
The sandhill crane migration is almost upon us, so keep a look out for some of these spectacular creatures.
Sandhill Crane Hunter Checklist
Sandhill hunting season is just around the corner! Make sure you have the following items so you may legally hunt sandhill cranes. All licenses can be purchased at the ODWC website, though a convience fee may apply.
Hunting License.................................Price Varies
Migratory Bird HIP permit..................................$3
Federal Sandhill Crane Permit..........................$3