The Canadian River is the largest tributary of the Arkansas River. It is about 760 miles long, starting in Colorado and traveling through New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle, and most of Oklahoma where it joins the Arkansas River, about 40 miles west of the Arkansas border. In much of Oklahoma the Canadian River riparian forest is a shell of its former self. Whereas riparian forests of cottonwood, American elm, pecan, western soapberry, black walnut, and black willow once dominated, overgrazing and deforestation by agriculture interests have resulted in stream bank erosion, invasive species encroachment, and the loss of wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services.
This project is designed to enhance and restore the riparian forest and habitat along a portion of the Canadian River and its tributaries located in western Oklahoma, thereby enhancing the ecosystem services provided.
Landowners within the project area are given technical assistance, provided by OFS foresters, and cost-share opportunities. Cost-shares of up to 75% will include riparian fencing, invasive species control and reforestation activities that promote the use of native trees and shrubs.
For more information, contact the OFS Forester near you.