Keystone WMA
Cottonwood Creek Unit
Purpose: To enhance 275 acres of moist-soil habitat through construction of 6 cross-levees and the installation of several water control structures. This work was necessary to improve moist-soil management capabilities and create more desirable water depths for feeding waterfowl.
Prior to Keystone Lake construction in the mid-1960รข€™s, the wetland development unit land was primarily cropland. Silt deposition during flood events on the lake created large flats. The levee system was installed on the flats to allow the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to manage the wetlands more effectively. The vegetation management objective for the WMA is to grow important native food plants by strategically lowering water levels in the spring and summer.
Cottonwood Creek provides high-quality habitat for waterfowl, as well as many other species of wildlife. It serves as great public waterfowl hunting and provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Location: Approximately 4 miles west of Mannford, OK (Creek County)
Acres Impacted: 275 acres
Habitat Type: Moist-soil Wetlands
Partners: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
DU Contact:
Scott Manley
Director of Conservation Programs
smanley@ducks.org