Welcome to the Spring Creek Coalition Website!
Mission: to unite as citizens and actively engage in the preservation of the Spring Creek Watershed.
Members of Blue Thumb, part of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, monitor water quality monthly along Spring Creek
Public Forums We Have Hosted...for the Benefit of the Oklahoma Ozark Region
Poultry Forum - Panelists from OSU Extension, Family Farm Alliance, Governor's Animal Waste Taskforce, Oklahoma Broiler Council, and the Department of Agriculture come together to discuss issues.
Smart Growth Forum - What actions must be taken to assure that growth will be planned to benefit both developers and residents? Landowners, businesses, community leaders, and residents prioritize goals and concerns.
Solid Waste Forum - Whether we support or oppose waste disposal sites, we need to learn what is involved so good decisions can be made. Scientists discuss "karst terrain" which is predominant in the area, and how it functions in relation to the siting of waste disposal facilities.
Supporters
Spring Creek Conservation Coalition
Cherokee Nation
Grand River Dam Authority
Indian Nations Audubon Society
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Northeastern State University
Oklahoma Conservation
Commission
Oklahoma Cooperative
Extension Services
Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation
Oklahoma Native Plant
Society
Oklahoma Scenic
River Commission
OSU - Div of Ag Sciences & Natural Resources
Oklahoma Water Resources
Board
STIR - Save the Illinois River
Three Springs Farm
Spring Creek Meets All
Water Quality Standards
The Department of Environmental Quality released its "Water Quality in Oklahoma-2008" report. Spring Creek is one of only five bodies of water, out of the thousands of lakes and streams monitored in Oklahoma in 2008, that were found to be clear of harmful levels of pollution. The rest of the waters watched by the state either weren't tested or are polluted beyond federal standards.
"The state doesn't have enough money to monitor all of its waters," said J.D. Strong, chief of staff for the state secretary of the environment (The Oklahoman).
New Ecological Reference Bill
The Spring Creek Conservation Coalition (SCCC) is supporting a bill that would create a new stream designation: Ecological Model. If passed, this designation could then be applied to bodies of water in Oklahoma, such as Spring Creek, that serve as models for the rest of Oklahoma. HB 1703, the Ecological Reference Bill, was introduced in the Agricultural and Rural Development Committee in January 2009.
Why should HB 1703 become a part of Oklahoma Legislation?
- HB 1703 distinguishes the Ozark Region as a unique Eco-system of Oklahoma.
- HB 1703 validates the term "Ecological Model" as an analytical tool for Resource Management.
- HB 1703 defines how the Ecological Model functions by designating a healthy habitat such as Spring Creek which can provide valuable baseline data for use in conservation efforts throughout the Region.
- HB 1703 authorizes all State Agencies and Officials to assist Stakeholders in maintaining the natural integrity of the Ecological Model and directs same Agencies and Officials to avoid taking or approving acts in derogation thereof.
