Oklahoma has experienced severe storms over the past several days, causing widespread flooding in many areas. I recently visited the fishing pier near the Sandtown Nature Trail, part of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, and took a photo shortly after arriving. Soon after, I noticed that the Refuge had closed its tour road due to the rising waters.
The situation escalated quickly. News reports warned residents of Webbers Falls, a town near the Refuge, to evacuate as floodwaters continued to rise. The Refuge issued a statement explaining the impact of the flooding:
“The Arkansas River is rising and affecting the refuge. We have closed the road to the Stony Point Boat Ramp. We are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor projected water levels and flows, which are guiding our management decisions. Currently, river levels are rising rapidly, creating a potential safety hazard. To prioritize visitor safety, we will close the refuge at noon today. We will share updates on our Facebook page, so stay tuned for the latest information. Please avoid flooded roads and areas, and keep yourselves safe.”
Assessing the Damage
As the floodwaters began to recede, the Refuge team assessed the damage. The floodwaters washed away much of the gravel covering the refuge roads, exposing the shale base beneath. The Stony Point Boat Ramp and parking area suffered the most damage. The rushing water carved a hole into the parking area, though the team cannot determine the full depth until the water recedes further.
The floodwaters swept the floating courtesy dock inland, leaving it approximately 300 yards away in a farm field. While the fishing deck remains standing, the team has yet to assess its condition. The road to recovery will undoubtedly take time.
“We are committed to making repairs and ensuring the refuge’s facilities are safe and functional for all visitors. Please bear with us as we work through this process. Some areas, like Stony Point, may take significant time to restore. We will continue to share updates on our Facebook page as we assess the damage and plan for repairs.”
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on the refuge’s recovery efforts, follow the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page. You can also view a detailed damage report with photos on their page: Damage Report
The recent storms have left a lasting impact on the area, but the refuge team is dedicated to rebuilding and restoring this natural haven for visitors to enjoy once again. In the meantime, stay safe and avoid flooded areas as the waters continue to recede.