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This publication is issued by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in cooperation with the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service as authorized by Mike Thralls, executive director. Copies have
not been printed but are available through the agency website, http://conservation.ok.gov.
October 2011
Kadashan Bottom
Watershed Project
The Kadashan Bottom Watershed Project consists of five flood control dams that were constructed in a 9,326 acre watershed in western Wagoner County near the town of Coweta.
The dams were constructed between 1969 and 1979 by the Wagoner County Conservation District and the Kadashan Conservancy District with the assistance of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program.
The dams were constructed for flood control and sediment reduction. Two thousand acres of alluvial terrace bottomland in the watershed were subject to flooding before construction of the dams.
Much of this area would flood frequently, as many as four or five times a year. Creek channels were filled with sediment caused by soil erosion during flooding. Thousands of dollars were spent each year repairing county roads and bridges, fences, channels and levees.
Benefits of the Five Flood Control Dams
in the Kadashan Watershed Project
Provides $189,000 in average annual benefits from reduced flood damages
Provides flood protection for 2,000 acres of floodplain
Provides flood protection for bridges and county roads
Provides flood protection for 39 farms and ranches
Sedimentation is reduced by of 6,800 tons of soil annually
Impounded water has created fish and wildlife habitat, waterfowl nesting areas and livestock water
The Kadashan Watershed Project is one of 129* projects in Oklahoma that have been planned and implemented by local people with assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
2,107 NRCS-assisted flood control dams have been constructed in 61 Oklahoma counties. These watershed projects, that also include thousands of conservation practices, provide $81 million in average annual benefits.
For additional information about watershed projects in the state visit the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website at: http://conservation.ok.gov or visit your local conservation district and NRCS office.
The Oklahoma Golf Club has built an 18-hole golf course around the lake formed by Kadashan Creek Watershed Dam No. 2. The 33-surface acre lake is a beautiful setting for the course, club house and other buildings.
This is one of 129* examples of how local, state and federal government agencies have worked together to utilize the Natural Resources Conservation Service Watershed Program to address natural resource needs and improve the quality of life for thousands of Oklahomans.
