Oklahoma’s NRCS-Assisted Flood Control Program.pdf

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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

Oklahoma's NRCS-Assisted Flood Control Program Protecting Our People - Protecting Our Natural Resources
Flooding was common in Oklahoma in the early 20th century, causing damage and loss of life.
Two approaches to control flooding were considered: large dams on rivers or smaller dams on tributaries.
Oklahoma chose the latter, with the USDA Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) approach, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The first flood control dam was built in 1948 in the Cloud Creek Watershed, and since then, 1,107 dams have been constructed in the Washita River watershed.
The program reduced flood frequency and severity, and Congress passed the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to fund more projects.
2,107 flood control dams have been constructed in 61 counties, providing over $81 million in average annual benefits from reduced flood damages, flood protection for bridges, roads, and farms, and creating water for fish and wildlife habitat.
Oklahoma has 74 watershed projects authorized by the PL 566 Program, with 1,000 flood control dams constructed, and local communities have utilized NRCS programs to construct 2,107 flood control dams.