Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Lost Creek Restoration Project

 

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma was awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to restore a 1000 foot section of Lost Creek.  In addition the tribe has received funding from the Fish and Wildlife Service which will be used to purchase trees for the project. The site is located on 160 acres of tribal trust land west of Seneca.  The Environmental Department has conducted a site assessment of approximately 1037 foot section of the creek.  The banks on the west side are severely eroded and are sparsely covered with vegetation.   The banks on the eastside are covered with large chunks of roadway and parking lot pavement which includes cement with rebar and asphalt.  Across from the bank of cement and asphalt is a wetland area.  Upstream where the section begins is moderately populated with woody debris.  There is no riparian area to speak of.  

 

 

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department plans to use this area as an outreach tool for tribal members and the surrounding community.  With its impaired banks and wetlands it will serve as an educational outlet for the importance of wetlands and riparian areas, and the role they play in improving watershed health.  The surrounding area will be a pristine ecological classroom with nature trails that will be utilized by tribal members, area schools and community members.  The Eastern Shawnee Tribe is very excited about the upcoming restoration of Lost Creek, and look forward to accomplishing this goal.