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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
Lower Bayou Creek Watershed Project
The Lower Bayou Creek watershed consists of 98,455 acres in Carter and Love Counties in south central Oklahoma. Fifteen flood control dams have been constructed in the watershed, all in Love County.
Flooding was a common occurrence in the watershed before the watershed project was implemented. From 1941 to 1960 there were 63 major floods (flood water covered over one-half of the flood plain) and 49 smaller floods. Floods destroyed crops and fences, washed out county roads and bridges, and deposited sediment in stream channels.
In 1963 the Arbuckle Conservation District and the Love County Conservation District requested assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in developing a watershed project that would include construction of flood control dams and installation of conservation practices. The fifteen flood control dams were constructed between 1971 and 1990. As the dams were constructed flooding became less frequent and severe.
The Lower Bayou Creek 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 over $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.
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.
Benefits of the 15 Flood Control
Dams in the Lower Bayou Creek
Watershed Project
Provides $994,772 in annual benefits from reduced flood damages
Provides flood protection for bridges, county roads
Provides flood protection for 125 farms and ranches
Impounded water has created fish and wildlife habitat, waterfowl nesting areas and livestock water
Sedimentation is reduced by 41,000 tons of soil annually
213 acres of wetlands have been created or enhanced
Provides flood protection for 13,516 acres of floodplain
Lower Bayou Creek Watershed Dam No.13 is one 15 dams that provide flood control in the watershed.
If the four remaining planned dams were constructed they would provide an additional $1.4 million in estimated annual benefits.
