Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation

Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation
ODWC

Information provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

                                        
                             Durant State Fish Hatchery                                                                    Paul Balkenbush
                  Southeast and Southcentral Regional Offices                                   SE Oklahoma Regional Supervisor
 

                                                                            
                                              Higgins Office                                                                       James Vincent
                                                                                                                                            Fishery Biologist

Where are we now?

Oklahoma is fortunate to have a relatively clean, unpolluted and abundant aquatic environment. It ranks second in the nation in reservoir surface acres. Thirty-four major lakes, which total 555,450 acres, 4,914 smaller public and private lakes totaling 156,434 acres, 330,000 acres of farm and 12,294 miles of rivers and streams all contribute to this impressive figure.

The variety of fish species available to anglers includes both native and introduced species. Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, white bass, sunfish, flathead catfish, sauger, paddlefish, spotted bass and smallmouth bass are native species, whereas striped bass, striped bass hybrids, walleye , saugeye, rainbow trout, brown trout and Florida bass have been added to the sportfishing opportunities list through innovative management programs initiated by the Fisheries Division.

The Fisheries Division faces many challenges as it moves into the 21st century. Fisheries management has become mostly people management; traditionally, we are better resource managers than we are people managers.

Decreased rates of population growth, an aging population, an increase in minority populations and changes in household composition are four major demographic changes projected to occur in the future (Demographic Change and It’s Impact on Fisheries, Ditton, 1991). These trends will likely have significant impacts on resource management and recreational fishing in Oklahoma as the characteristics of the clientele change.

Other major issues that will shape our future include, continued loss of aquatic habitat, water resource allocation (hydropower, water supply, irrigation demands vs. resource and recreational fisheries needs), access opportunities (stream fishing, urban fishing, private ponds), staffing and professional training needs and new sources of program funding.

The Fisheries Division has set a course to address these challenges head-on and is called Fisheries Future 2000. It provides the framework from which the Fisheries Division will operate and aspire to succeed. It is not the golden spike, the final nail in the track, because over the course it will be modified and amended many times. It is simply a plan; an organized way of making the Division’s future and the future of sportfishing in Oklahoma happen on purpose. Hopefully, it will make things happen that would not otherwise have happened and much better than whatever has happened in the past.

Core Values

Resources

• Wise stewardship for diverse aquatic resources in Oklahoma is fundamental.

Constituents

• Professionalism, honesty, and integrity guides our conduct.
• Efficient and innovative service to our stakeholders is encouraged.
• Work Environment
• Open and honest communication is encouraged.
• Positive attitudes and teamwork are valued.

"Total commitment To Our Core Values Is Essential To Our Future Success"
Total Commitment Starts At The Top!

Purpose

To conserve, enhance and develop the aquatic resources and promote angling opportunities for present and future generations of Oklahomans.

Vision

While experiencing the natural beauty and tranquility found in Oklahoma’s aquatic habitats, all anglers can enjoy vast fishing opportunities, expecting to hook excitement with every cast.