Lower Arkansas B Service Area ILF Stream & Wetland Mitigation Site 1 - Elk Creek Muskogee County, Oklahoma
The Elk Creek Mitigation Site is Terra Foundation's first approved mitigation site within the Lower Arkansas B Service Area. This mitigation site is being constructed in two phases. This 76-acre mitigation site along Elk Creek compensates for authorized impacts to wetlands and streams throughout the Lower Arkansas Watershed (HUC 1111) in eastern Oklahoma.
The restoration efforts occur along approximately 1/2 mile of Elk Creek. Significant portions of Elk Creek are incised with substantial bank erosion. In addition, the riparian corridor along Elk Creek is highly degraded with a dominance of agricultural and invasive species.
To address the impairments at the site, a number of restoration efforts are being undertaken, including:
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Restoration, enhancement, and preservation of over 48 acres of riparian and upland buffers.
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Restoration of over 6 acres of forested and emergent wetlands.
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Installation of rock riffles in Elk Creek and construction of a floodplain bench along stream meanders to stabilize the streambeds and enhance pool and riffle aquatic habitat.
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The riparian buffer is undergoing a significant restoration effort with prescribed burning, chemical treatment of invasive species, reseeding with a diverse mix of grasses and wildflowers, and planting of over 6,000 trees.
Restoration efforts are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.
