How are you liking Oklahoma? Part 3

A word about water in Oklahoma. Knowing that there isn't any natural body of water in Oklahoma it should come as no surprise that water conservation and water quality are two high priorities. The following picture was taken by one of my co-workers at the Watts WMA. It is part of a partnership program to bring even more fishing opportunities to the state. As a result of the land rush very little of Oklahoma is publicly owned. The only way to acquire new lands is for people to donate their properties back to public use. We will talk about how oil impacts decisions to donate land in a future post.

Back on water though . . .

We have pictures here at the office of most of the larger lakes in this state being "made". Oklahoma is a good place to study the engineering of waterways, if you are into that sort of thing. Managing water to sustain wildlife and managing riperian areas. If you are into those sort of things this is kind of an exciting place. It kind of makes me laugh though when I interview fisheries biologists who say such and such species is "not a native species to Oklahoma". I think to myself, "that would pretty much cover all Oklahoma fish species wouldn't it?" Nonetheless, I have seen species of fish that I wouldn't think would be fresh water oriented. Florida strain Largemouth Bass are the biggest sportfish to go after. I have also seen 75 lb catfish that men catch with their hands. (Noodlin' - never heard of it? That's ok because it is only legal in Oklahoma now anyway - google it it's worth the adventure). When you get to looking at a fish that size you realize that is a 75 lb muscle these guys are arm wrestling with. My friend Lesley, you wouldn't think it to look at her but she's a noodler too. That in addition to rattle snake hunter. This woman has amazing depth to her character.
I just thought I would throw in another land scape picture here. This is otherwise known as a mountainous area in Oklahoma. (In the east part of the state there are some actual mountains but it's not like your ears pop when you crest the summit so still they aren't that tall.)

I am currently on a campaign to get this particular co-worker to put together some work that can be displayed in the halls in our building. The posters that are there now are as old as the building and since he is an amazing photographer I think he should be able to leave some sort of legacy here. I think I have finally talked to the right person about it. Hopefully we will see some stuff going up in the hall soon. More amazing that what you see here and as he chooses which he will put up I will get copies so you can see.

What you can't really see in the above picture is the shed/house/falling structure. I know this sort of thing happens everywhere but I would think it would behoove a person to tear these structures down. They are a random hazard out in the middle of nowhere. But then I have to remember some of these structures are the original homesteads. How cool to look at a building that was probably here before Oklahoma was even a state. There are still people alive today who lived here before it was a state. That just blows my mind.