About the Streams Management Program
The Oklahoma streams management program is charged with enhancing angling, water quality and fish habitat in streams using applied management practices. The rapidly evolving program was created in 1998 with minimal resources and the hiring of one biologist. Today, a crew of two biologists, two supporting technicians and a program coordinator stationed at three regional offices work together on improving Oklahoma’s streams.
Almost all successful
endeavors start with a solid foundation of knowledge. ODWC streams program
personnel have over 30 years of cumulative experience in applied fisheries
management. Even so, program coordinator Paul Balkenbush notes that
“streams are highly dynamic systems which present complex challenges that
require intricate solutions. This requires our staff to understand a broad
range of disciplines and to stay abreast of current stream research.”
Extensive formal training in applied streams management is ongoing for all
stream management staff so program goals can be effectively accomplished.
A key element of the program is improving advocacy and stewardship of stream ecosystems on a state and local scale. Other goals include assessing condition of in-stream habitat, sport fish populations, and watershed health in key Oklahoma streams. Tailraces fisheries also receive significant attention from the program. “Managing tailraces, such as the Lower Mountain Fork River and Lower Illinois River, constitutes over 50% of our time,” Balkenbush adds.