Buffalo Mountain, LLC

Buffalo Mountain, LLC Wildlife Habitat & Forest Stewardship Plan Volume 1 Management Information

Year Plan Prepared: 2007-2008

Landowner: David Adams, Buffalo Mountain, LLC

Address: 10707 S. 69th East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74133-7110

Phone: (918) 591-1937 and (918) 671-4334

E-mail: [email protected]

County of Ownership: Pittsburg and Latimer Counties

Location: Portions of Sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 in Township 6 North and

Range 17 East of the Indian Meridian

Total Acres: 3951

Prepared by: Brian Beauchamp, United States Forestry and Wildlife Consulting, LLC

2 3 Chapter 1: Introduction and Objectives……………………………………………Page 5

Chapter 2: History of Land…………………………………………………...……Page 10

Chapter 3: Public Concerns…………………………………………………..……Page 28

Chapter 4: Geology and Soils………………………………………………...……Page 52

Chapter 5: Hydrologic Resources and Air Quality….………..……………………Page 82

Chapter 6: Forest Health……………………………………………….…………Page 103

Chapter 7: Wildlife………………………………………….……………………Page 114

4 Chapter 1: Introduction and Objectives

5 Land Description

The Buffalo Mountain, LLC property is approximately 3951 acres located in S.E.

Oklahoma in Pittsburg and Latimer Counties. Mr. David Adams of Buffalo Mountain,

LLC has owned the property since 2006. The previous owners had used the property for cattle grazing and timber harvesting as well as a hunting property. It is not fully known to what extent the deer herd was managed. Currently, oil and/or natural gas exploration is being conducted on the property. When Mr. Adams obtained the property and created

Buffalo Mountain, LLC, various land use practices ensued. On the southern part of the property, the merchantable Eastern Redcedar was mostly harvested. Once USFWC was contacted about managing the forest resources on the property, the harvesting operation was recommended to be brought to a halt due to the extensive damage that the loggers were causing to the residual timber and sensitive areas on the property as well as the trash and other debris left behind as a result of their carelessness and/or lack of forest management knowledge. A rock harvesting operation was also taking place upon the west-central part property for a period of time following purchase. The contractor due to feasibility issues discontinued this operation. The overall purpose of this report is to recommend multiple land uses to best suit the objectives of our client, David Adams of

Buffalo Mountain, LLC.

6 Figure 1.1. Trailcam picture taken near wildlife feeder located on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property near Krebs, Oklahoma in Pittsburg and Latimer Counties

7 Land Description (Cont.)

The Buffalo Mountain, LLC property consists of approximately 2902 acres of forestland and 1049 acres of pasture and rangeland for a total of 3951 acres. The pasture and rangeland is currently being grazed periodically by cattle owned by the Irwin family, neighbors to the south of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property that act as caretakers in the absence of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC owner, David Adams. There are some productive soils on the property that are suitable for producing some high-quality, nutritional food plots for wildlife as well as highly-productive forestland. There is evidence of pine harvest in various areas over the last 10 years, this being stumps, wasted logs and slash.

The forested areas vary greatly as far as soil capabilities and species composition. The forested part of the property consists of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginianus) covered hilltops, natural shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), introduced loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), upland oak-hickory, and some bottomland hardwood.

Invasive eastern redcedar has been a significant problem. The owner has been aggressively attacking the issue through mechanical removal and prescribed fire to get the problem under control. An integrated control system needs to be put in place to minimize the inputs both monetarily and time-wise that coincides with the overall, desired objectives for the property. Forest health is good throughout the property, but still can be improved on all sites through active forest management on a stand-by-stand basis.

Rangeland and pastureland is also in overall good health, but may be improved with a more intensively managed grazing rotation and prescribed fire regime.

8 Objectives

The main objectives of our client, Buffalo Mountain, LLC, are as follows:

 Improve wildlife habitat

 Improve forest health and productivity

 Generate revenue when most appropriate

 Minimize costs of management regimes

 Invasive species control

9 Chapter 2: History of Land

10 Significant Problems and Concerns

Overall, the Buffalo Mountain, LLC has few problems that would be considered significant to management. The infestation of Eastern Redcedar has been addressed adequately and will continue to be addressed to reduce its negative effects on the property, the wildlife and the habitat in which they reside. The most pertinent concerns with which need to be dealt are regarding soil stability and water quality. Other management objectives are typical forest and rangeland management when it comes to site preparation for tree and food plot plantings, prescribed fire implementation and rotation, tree harvesting operations, etc.

Ownership

David Adams of Buffalo Mountain, LLC, acquired the property in 2006. It consists of property located in portions of Sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 in T06N,

Harvesting History

There are no known logging records of the area previous to the current landowner; however, there was evidence of recent timber harvest in various parts of the property. This evidence mostly included slash, stumps and wasted logs. Section 27 had a significant amount of harvesting of a mixed pine species where the better quality trees were removed. This has resulted in high grading of the pine in the Section. This harvest

11 Figure 2.1. 131 acres of land that lies outside of Mac Lindley’s Property that is being treated as his, according to the plat map. and thinning resulted in an increased susceptibility to ice and wind damage and in the winter of 2006, the region was hit with an ice storm that significantly damaged the residual stands of pine in the Section. The landowner and forester pursued possible salvage, but the offers received for the damaged timber were not worth the risk of further damage to the residual stand.

There was also evidence of harvest in various parts of Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33.

Clearcuts and selective harvest of mature Shortleaf and mixed pine species were observed. Some very large Shortleaf Pine were felled and left in areas in which that, once they were felled, is believed that the loggers realized that they could not be retrieved due to the terrain limitations of their equipment. Almost all of the merchantable pine species in these Sections have been harvested based on the evident limitations of the loggers upon the terrain and other conditions on the property at the time.

Buffalo Mountain, LLC had contracted with a logger to remove the merchantable

Eastern Redcedar during the first year of ownership. This harvesting operation was put to a halt when inspection of the property by the forester with Buffalo Mountain, LLC owner, David Adams, revealed that the loggers were damaging the residual stand of hardwoods, polluting the area, causing excessive soil disturbance, increasing the risk of severe fire behavior and disregarding State Best Management Practices by having multiple, unnecessary stream crossings, leaving slash in the waterways and possibly disturbing sensitive soils without the proper permits, of which neither Buffalo Mountain,

LLC or its owner had been previously aware nor had given permission to do as it was

12 expected of them to follow all governing laws for all natural resources and land management practices. It was determined from the available information by the forester that the loggers had acted independently of Buffalo Mountain, LLC and David Adams on the matter.

PITTSBURG COUNTY

Located in east-central Oklahoma, Pittsburg County, created at 1907 statehood, incorporates 1,377.85 square miles of land and water. Because of the county's early coal production, leaders suggested the name Pittsburg, referring to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, comparing the county's large coal quantity to the northern state. The county borders

McIntosh County on the north, Haskell and Latimer on the east, Atoka and Pushmataha to the south, and Hughes and Coal counties on the west. At the turn of the twenty-first century Pittsburg County's incorporated towns included Alderson, Ashland, Canadian,

Crowder, Haileyville, Hartshorne, Indianola, Kiowa, Krebs, McAlester (county seat),

Pittsburg, Quinton, and Savanna.

Pittsburg County is generally hilly and in places mountainous. The Ouachita

Mountains extend into the southeastern portion, with sandstone hills contributing to most of the landscape in the northern and western sections. The Canadian River and Lake

Eufaula form the northern boundary and drains most of Pittsburg County. A few creeks and streams, including Jack Fork Creek, drain into Boggy Creek and the Kiamichi River and eventually into the Red River.

13 The Mississippian culture of Caddoan-speaking Mound Builders (around A.D.

850 to 1450), which included the Spiro Mounds Site, also reached into Pittsburg County.

There has been little evidence of Paleo-Indian (prior to 6000 B.C.) occupation, with those few excavated sites usually the location of a large mammal kill. Archaic Period (6000

B.C. to A.D. 1) sites, especially those of the Late Archaic, show an increased use of local resources, and the occupations were mainly open camps. Archaeologists have surmised that the Jack Fork Basin, which encompasses southeastern Pittsburg County, had its most intense prehistoric usage during the Late Archaic through the Early Caddoan time frame.

The Canadian River was explored and traversed by Europeans and Americans as early as

1719 by Jean Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe. Other traders and explorers in the region have included brothers Pierre and Paul Mallet, Stephen H. Long, and Randolph B. Marcy.

In 1830 the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek ceded the Choctaws' remaining land in the southeastern United States and precipitated their final removal into Indian Territory, including present Pittsburg County. The Texas Road and one route of the California Road cut through the area, creating Choctaw settlements that benefited from travelers. One of these, Perryville, was near both trails. Established by James Perry circa 1840, the village at various times had post offices, blacksmiths, a hotel, a stage stand, and Colbert's

Institute, a school for Chickasaw children. When the railroad bypassed the community in

1872, its businesses and residents moved, many to nearby McAlester.

The present county served as a transportation corridor in the mid-nineteenth century. From 1858-61 the Butterfield Overland Mail route crossed this portion of the

14 Choctaw Nation, as did subsequent stage companies following the course. Blackburn's

Station, nine miles southeast of the present town of Pittsburg, served as a stage stop.

Blackburn's Station Site (NR 73001568) was added to the National Register of Historic

Places in 1973.

During the Civil War Perryville served as Confederate post and supply depot. In

1863 Union forces under Maj. Gen James Blunt burned the town after the Battle of

Perryville. In 1972 the Perryville site was added to the National Register of Historic

Places (NR 72001076). The only other county Civil War site was Confederate Camp

Jumper, named for Seminole Chief John Jumper and located approximately five miles north of McAlester.

After the Civil War James J. McAlester, already familiar with the coal deposits in the Perryville vicinity of the Choctaw Nation, moved to the region and eventually owned his own trading post. In 1872 he married a Chickasaw, obtaining citizenship rights in the

Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. These rights and the construction of the Missouri,

Kansas and Texas Railway (MK&T) in 1872 from north to south in the vicinity led him to claim the coal deposits. With partners, McAlester leased the coal lands to the Osage

Coal and Mining Company. Soon, the town of McAlester developed, serving the area's coal industry. Other towns hosted mining interests, including Adamson, Alderson, Dow,

Haileyville, Hartshorne, Krebs, Quinton, and Savanna. In the late nineteenth century the companies imported foreign miners, at first workers from the British Isles, then other

European countries, and finally African American and Mexican miners.

15 The coal industry attracted more railroads, with many owning the mining interests served by their tracks. In 1872 the Osage Coal and Mining Company (owned by the

Missouri Pacific Railway and acquired by the MK&T in 1888) built spurs from the

MK&T tracks at North McAlester to Krebs Junction and from there to Krebs proper. In

1889-90 the Choctaw Coal and Railway (CC&R) laid tracks from Wister to McAlester, and in 1895 the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad (CO&G), which had acquired the

CC&R, built a line from McAlester to Oklahoma City. In 1896-99 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad constructed tracks from Krebs Junction to Mile Post Seven near

Wilburton. In 1902 the Western Oklahoma Railroad, obtained by the CO&G later that year, built a line from Branch Junction, near Haileyville to Ardmore. In 1902 the CO&G also relocated part of its trackage between Wilburton and Haileyville, and the Fort Smith and Western Railroad built a line from McCurtain to the South Canadian River in a northwesterly direction through present Pittsburg County. In 1903-04 the Choctaw

Railway and Lighting Company took advantage of some of the coal town's proximity by building an street railway system and interurban line between McAlester and Hartshorne.

In 1916 the company was reorganized as the Pittsburg County Railway Company, later a subsidiary of the Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

In 1887 a report for the Commissioner to Indian Affairs estimated the Choctaw

Nation coal production at 600,000 tons, with many of the mines in present Pittsburg

County. The 1908-09 Chief Mine Inspector of Oklahoma's report for District Number

Two, which consisted solely of Pittsburg mines, showed 731,298 tons produced. After

16 1920 production slowed, and by 1940 Pittsburg, Haskell, and Sequoyah counties combined produced only 256,507 tons. A brief upswing occurred during World War II, but by 1964 Pittsburg County extracted 448 tons, all strip mined. In 1966 the annual mine report on coal did not mention the county.

The early coal mines had a national reputation as some of the most dangerous, and several mine disasters transpired. In 1892 the Osage Coal and Mining Company suffered one of the deadliest accidents when reportedly one hundred miners died and another two hundred were injured. The other Pittsburg coal communities also suffered tragedies. Haileyville lost twenty-nine miners in a 1908 accident, McAlester sixty-one in a 1929 disaster and thirty in another the next year, and twelve Savanna miners died trying to recover six of their fallen comrades in 1887. Hundreds of others lost their lives during the mining era. They are memorialized at McAlester's Chadick Park, and the Mass Grave of Mexican Miners in Mount Calvary Cemetery is listed in the National Register of

Historic Places (NR 80003297).

Agriculture has been an economic staple, enduring after the coal industry declined. In 1908 corn (39,875 acres planted) and cotton (21,897 acres) served as the two largest cash crops, with barley a distant third (638 acres), and little wheat (80 acres) planted. That year farmers controlled 20 percent of the county's total land. By 1935 the county supported 4,291 farms, with 53,648 acres of corn and 40,976 acres of cotton planted in 1934. In 1960 cotton had been reduced to 3,250 acres and corn to 5,100 acres.

Sorghum was planted on 12,300 acres, oats on 2,800, and wheat on 1,000. In 1960, farms

17 and ranches numbered 1,556, and by 1997, 1,586. In 2000, wheat outnumbered other crops, with 3,000 acres planted. In 1908 Pittsburg County ranchers prospered with 33,679 head of cattle, 4,470 horses, and 16,462 swine. By 1930 the number of cattle decreased to

15,336, with 4,999 horses and 3,918 swine. Cattle raising increased as the coal industry continued to decline, and the county reported 60,000 head in 1960. In 2000 county ranchers grazed 90,000 head. Natural gas and timber also contribute to the economy.

Several educational, charitable, and state-government institutions have been placed in

Pittsburg County. In 1891 near present Hartshorne the Choctaw Nation established Jones

Academy, a boarding school for boys that continued into the twenty-first century with a new mission to serve American Indian students from mostly low-income, single-parent homes. The children attend the Hartshorne public school, but secure counseling and other activities at Jones. A statewide campaign for a state prison brought that aspect of government to the area. In 1911 construction of the Oklahoma State Prison began at

McAlester, and the facility opened in 1914 with more than six hundred inmates. In 1973 the institution gained infamy when one of the nation's worst prison riots occurred, lasting more than a week and causing $20 million in damage. The penitentiary annually hosts a prison rodeo on the weekend before Labor Day.

The military-industrial complex of the World War II era found McAlester's location ideal. In 1942 the U.S. Navy designated the area for the location of an ammunition depot. The plant opened in 1943, and the workforce peaked at eight thousand in 1945. In 1977 the U.S. Army took control of the depot, and at the end of the twentieth century it continued to employ more than eight hundred workers. Also, the creation of

18 Lake Eufaula brought economic prosperity to Pittsburg County. From 1956 to 1964 the

U.S. Corps of Engineers constructed Lake Eufaula dam, creating Oklahoma's largest lake

(102,200 acres). A boon to northern Pittsburg County, Lake Eufaula brought tourism, land development, and implementation of hydroelectric power to the area.

Transportation access and medical resources allowed McAlester to become the center of the region. In 1966 the official dedication of the portion of the Indian Nations

Turnpike that connected McAlester to Henryetta, and the second section, connecting the first to Hugo, opened in 1970. The tollway crossed Pittsburg County from north to south.

Other arteries included U.S. Highways 69 and 270 and State Highways 1, 2, 9, 31, 63, 71, and 113. McAlester also has attracted numerous manufacturing and health facilities, including All Saints Hospital, one of the first in Indian Territory. At the beginning of the twentieth century the city housed McAlester's Regional Health and Cancer Center and a branch of Eastern Oklahoma State College.

The county's population at its 1907 creation stood at 37,677, and it increased to

47,650 by 1910 and peaked at 52,570 in 1920. With the demise of the coal industry and the onset of the Great Depression, by 1940 the population had fallen to 48,985. With the post-World War II rural-to-urban shift the decline continued, reaching 41,031 in 1950 and 34,360 in 1960. The trend reversed, with the 1970 census reporting 37,521 residents and the 1980 census, 40,524. In 2000 Pittsburg County's population stood at 43,953. 77.5 percent were white, 11.9 percent American Indian, 3.8 African American, 2.6 Hispanic, and 0.5 Asian.

19 Pittsburg County has produced several influential state and national politicians, including Carl Albert (Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives), Wilburn

Cartwright, George Nigh, Gene Stipe, Kirksey Nix, and C. Plowboy Edwards. At the beginning of the twenty-first century the county had twenty-five properties listed in the

National Register of Historic Places. These included the St. Joseph's Catholic Church

(NR 80003296) and Hokey's Drugstore (NR 79002020) in Krebs, a town known for its historically large Italian population. McAlester had fifteen properties, including the

Aldridge Hotel (NR 95001408), the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse (NR

00000242), the McAlester National Guard Armory (NR 88001412), the McAlester

Scottish Rite Temple (NR 80004521), and the Pittsburg County Courthouse (NR

84003415). Hartshorne's Sts. Cyril and Methodius Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic

Church originally served the area's Carpatho-Russian parishioners, and its three "onion" domes make it a local landmark.

(Directly from http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/P/PI016.html.)

LATIMER COUNTY

Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Latimer County encompasses 729.12 square miles of total land and water area. Bordering counties are Le Flore on the east, Haskell on the north, Pittsburg on the west, and Pushmataha on the south. With a 1907 population of

9,340, the county was created at Oklahoma statehood and named for James L. Latimer,

20 the Wilburton-area representative in the 1906 Constitutional Convention. Wilburton serves as county seat, and Red Oak is the only other incorporated town.

The countryside is hilly and forested, with the Sans Bois Mountains spanning the northern edge of the county and the western ridges of the Winding Stair Mountains extending into the southern region. Rich coal deposits have been an important economic resource. Fourche Maline, Brazil, and Sans Bois creeks drain the northern part of the county into the Poteau River; Buffalo and Gaines creeks drain the southern part into the

Kiamichi River. In neighboring Pushmataha County, Jackfork Creek is dammed to create

Sardis Lake, some of which extends into southwestern Latimer County.

Archaeologists have identified 124 prehistoric sites in Latimer County, three of which are of the Paleo-Indian era. Fifty-three are of the Archaic period, 6000 BC to AD

1. The McCutchan-McLaughlin Site (AD 400-AD 800), or Alford Mound, near Red Oak has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 72001071). Much of the prehistoric occupation of the area took place along Fourche Maline Creek from 300 BC to around AD 800.

From 1831 the region lay within the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw used the area primarily for pastureland. Important Choctaw places included the county seat at Gaines

Court House, in the vicinity of present Panola, and Red Oak, site of a council house. A

Choctaw gristmill was located at Buffalo Valley. Approximately one-fourth of present

Latimer County was allotted to Choctaw individuals, and the county now incorporates parts of Gaines and other counties of the former Choctaw Nation.

21 Transportation arteries linked this part of the Choctaw Nation with the outside world and profoundly affected the region's development. Whites began to know the area when the Butterfield Overland Mail route was established in 1858. Entering the present county from the northeast, the stages stopped at Edwards's Station near present Hughes,

Holloway's Station near Red Oak, Riddle's Station near present Lutie, and Pusley's

Station near Higgins.

As in most other Oklahoma counties, transportation routes provided access to outside markets. The opening of coal mines in the 1870s stimulated railroad development in the Indian nations. In 1889-90 the Choctaw Coal and Railway (later Choctaw,

Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad and later a part of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific line) built 67.4 miles of track across present Latimer County from Wister to McAlester.

The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway completed a branch line from North McAlester to Wilburton in 1904. In the later twentieth century state and federal road systems served the residents, with State Highways 2 and 82 running north-south and State Highway 1/63 and US 270 running east-west.

The county's early economy was based on coal mining. The principal coal- producing area lay in the northern mountains, in the Choctaw Segregated Coal Lands. By

1895 the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway operated mines near Gowen, Lutie, and

Wilburton. By 1905 mining operations included McAlester Coal Mining Company (from

1897), McAlester Coal and Mineral Company (from 1897), Eastern Coal and Mining

22 Company (from 1899), Great Western Coal and Coke Company (from 1899), and

Missouri, Kansas and Texas Coal Company (from 1904), all near Wilburton; Kali-Inla

Coal Company (from 1904) near Gowen; Bache and Denman Coal Company (from 1905) near Red Oak; and Le Bosquit Coal and Mining Company (from 1902) and Turkey Creek

Coal Company (from 1901), both near Hughes. By 1912 the county had twenty-seven mines working three thousand miners producing five thousand tons per day. In addition, various individuals operated small strip mines. Most of the miners were native-born whites, but an assortment of Europeans, primarily from the British Isles and Italy,

Mexicans, and African-Americans also contributed their labor to mining industry.

Latimer County, like Oklahoma's other coal-producing counties, suffered the decline and collapse of the industry in the 1920s due to labor disputes, the rise of petroleum as a fuel, and the onset of the Great Depression in 1929. By 1932 only one mine operated in the county, and the mining towns' populations had fallen by an average of almost 50 percent.

The county's population was recorded at 11,321 in 1910, peaked at 13,866 in 1920, and fell to 11,184 in 1930. At one point during the Great Depression of the 1930s, 93.5 percent of Latimer County's people were on relief. Federal programs helped them through hard times by providing construction projects such as the Civil Works Administration

(CWA)-built Wilburton Municipal Airport, Works Progress Administration (WPA)-built schools at Panola and other communities, and road-paving projects. The Civilian

Conservation Corps (CCC) developed a park project at the state game preserve, now part of Robbers Cave State Park, which is located closely to the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property.

23 An unusual depression-era venture found a home in Latimer County in 1933 when

Spanish-American War veterans established Veterans Colony. This facility allowed former soldiers to build cabins, live there year-round, grow their own food, and socialize.

In later years membership was opened to veterans of all wars. Veterans Colony still operated at beginning of twenty-first century.

Limited agriculture had always been practiced in Latimer County, with locally grown vegetables and other products sold to residents of the mining towns. Cotton and corn were also commercial crops, and cattle production remained important. However, even by 1930, less than half the county's area was under cultivation, and farm tenancy was a problem. In 1930, of 1,386 farms, tenants operated 869. After the coal industry played out, the economy slowly recovered, relying on cattle raising, with lumbering, coal mining (although limited), and oil and gas production supplementing local income. The census recorded 12,380 residents in 1940, 9,690 in 1950, and 7,738 in 1960.

Latimer County has been home to various medical, educational, and recreational facilities serving eastern Oklahoma. In 1920-21 the legislature created Eastern State

Sanatorium, a treatment facility for tuberculosis patients; now operated as an Oklahoma

Veterans Center, it is located two miles northwest of Talihina. Nearby, the Choctaw-

Chickasaw Sanatorium for Indian tuberculosis patients was opened in 1917. Wilburton became the site of Latimer County's hospital in 1960. In 1909 state government created the Oklahoma School of Mines and Metallurgy at Wilburton, placed centrally within the southeastern Oklahoma mining district. In 2000, as Eastern Oklahoma State College, the

24 school was a two-year, liberal-arts institution. Recreation opportunities in Latimer

County include Robbers Cave State Park north of Wilburton, where camping and cabins are available. Lake Carlton, five miles north of Wilburton, offers fishing and swimming.

The Lutie Coal Miners Museum, in Wilburton, commemorates the region's industrial history.

In the second half of the twentieth century the county's population rebounded, with the census recording 8,601 residents in 1980 and 10,333 in 1990. Of the 10, 692 recorded in 2000, 72.9 percent were white, 18.7 percent American Indian,1.9 percent

Hispanic, 1.0 percent black, and 0.3 percent Asian. Among nineteen Latimer County properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are Pusley's Station (NR

72001068), Holloway's (NR 72001070), Riddle's (NR 720001072), and Edwards's Store

(NR 72001069) stations on the Butterfield route, the Great Western Coal and Coke

Company Mine Number Three (NR 80003269) and the Great Western Building (in

Wilburton, NR 80003268), Cupco Church (near Yanush, NR 80003273), Veterans

Colony Park Pavilion (NR 88001395), and Panola High School and Gymnasium (NR

88001397).

(Directly from http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/L/LA025.html.)

Fire History

There are no official records of prescribed fire use or wildfire on the property before becoming a part Buffalo Mountain, LLC. However, there were several areas that had indications, such as charred and scarred trees, which is evidence that fire has been

25 present on the property at various times in the past. In the spring/late winter of 2008, prescribed fire was implemented on the property to remove slash and other logging debris from a harvest of Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginianus) as well as to kill the smaller remaining cedars and rejuvenate the habitat through release of resources. Due to heavy fuel loadings in some areas, the residual trees were either severely damaged or killed by this fire. In most parts of the property though, conditions for burning were optimal and met the objectives.

Current Use of Land

The Buffalo Mountain, LLC property has 2 main uses at this point in time: cattle grazing and recreational deer hunting. Cattle are mainly managed and owned by an adjacent landowning family to the south of the property, the Irwin family. In exchange for grazing privileges, the Irwin family monitors the property in the absence of the owner of Buffalo Mountain, LLC, David Adams.

The cattle are rotated between sections as deemed necessary by forage level monitoring to maintain vigor in the rangeland and to avoid overgrazing issues. This rotational grazing strategy continues until the start of the deer hunting seasons in October, by which time the cattle are to be removed from the property to avoid conflicts with hunters and to reduce the disturbance to the deer herd.

26 Since purchasing the land, Buffalo Mountain, LLC has improved the road system through maintenance and restructuring. A more efficient gating and access system has also been implemented due vandalism and theft, which also includes the installation of a security system to help deter such activity from taking place. A lodge has also been constructed on the location next to the headquarters on the north-central portion of the property since purchase. Several areas for wildlife food plots have been established and/or improved since property acquisition as well.

27 Chapter 3: Public Concerns

28 Ownership and management of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property can have many effects on members of the local area. Adjacent landowners come in contact with the perimeter of the property and can be affected by certain management techniques.

People within the immediate area will be concerned with their safety, health and property values as well as other valid personal concerns. These issues should be a consideration in the future use of this land.

Aesthetics

A majority of the property cannot be seen from a road; however aesthetics will be an important factor in determining management regimes as it is related to forest health is some situations. There are several areas where some type of management is recommended that are visible from a public road or an adjacent property. In these areas, aesthetics played an important role in determining the recommendations as well as minimizing the attractiveness to certain types of wildlife to help isolate the resource and reduce the effects of outside influences on management objectives.

Recreation

Hunting is a major past time for people in Pittsburg and Latimer counties and there are many landowners who profit from recreational leases for activities like hunting.

Hunting leases are becoming more common in Oklahoma and are trending toward bringing a premium due to the increasing quality of the hunting experiences in the region.

Many Oklahoma landowners already profit from hunting leases and the demand for

29 quality hunting leases continues to increase. They provide significant income potential for rural landowners throughout the state and often provide additional profitable enterprises on land already managed for livestock, crops, or timber (Bidwell et al F-

5032).

Since the property has been acquired by David Adams of Buffalo Mountain, LLC, recreation and effective, responsible utilization of the property have become the priority in management.

Local Economics

Farming, ranching, and forest management (including associated activities, i.e. logging, lumber mills, etc) are economic aspects of this area as well as an expanding natural resource exploration aspect that provides opportunity to the local citizens. These activities account for some types of employment for Pittsburg and Latimer counties. The largest city in Pittsburg County, McAlester, dominates the local economy and, due to its location and proximity to U.S. 69, is a hub for interstate shipping and travel.

Oklahoma State Laws

Oklahoma Forestry Code

Occasionally, timber harvest will need to take place to reach land management and habitat objectives. When this does happen, the Oklahoma State Statutes that pertain to forestry operations and other land management practices must be followed. The particular sections that apply to these practices are commonly referred to as the

30 Oklahoma Forestry Code (OFC). The OFC explains in detail the requirements for lawfully harvesting timber off of any particular property for the harvesters, landowners and other parties with a potential interest in the timber. Following these laws closely while harvesting timber is important in order to avoid criminal charges in the event of an accidental harvest of a neighbor’s timber as well as other sensitive issues. Section 16-60 outlines ‘Wrongful Injuries to Timber’ and the potential criminal penalties. Section 16-61 pertains to the requirements for notifying adjacent landowners of a timber harvest operation on a property. Section 16-62 states the consequences of failing to notify the adjacent landowners of a harvesting operation. Section 16-63 addresses the fraudulent sales of timber and its consequences. Section 16-64 tells of the required documentation for timber harvesters. Section 16-65 covers the documentation requirements necessary for timber purchasers. Section 16-66 establishes the potential penalties for falsification of ownership and/or identification used in documentation of purchase. The complete 2007 listing of the OFC may be found by contacting Oklahoma Department of Agriculture,

Food and Forestry in the Forestry Services Division and also at http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/Images/code,%202007.pdf.

Oklahoma Laws Pertaining to Burning

State laws set guidelines that are to be followed when conducting any controlled burn. Sections, under Title 2 of the OFC, govern the legal use of fire in Oklahoma.

Section 16-24 (Lawful Burning), states the lawful way to use fire to manage and manipulate plant species and to rid unwanted species on croplands, rangelands, or forestlands. Section 16-25 (Unlawful Burning), states the illegalness of setting fire and an

31 unauthorized area. Violators are subject to fines and/or imprisonment as well as shall be liable for any injury to persons. Section 16-28 (Procedure to Lawfully Burn Land), define procedure to lawfully using prescribe fire.

Periodically and when conditions warrant, burn bans are put into place on a by- county or statewide basis. To check and see if there is a burn ban currently in place, visit, http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information, a web page established for communicating where the current burn bans are located within the state of Oklahoma.

This page is a service of Oklahoma Forestry Services, which is a division of Oklahoma

Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

Pesticide Laws and Rules

State pesticide laws under the Oklahoma Statutes Title 2, sections 3-81 through 3-

86 govern and regulate the use of pesticides in Oklahoma. Section 3-82 requires that license, certification, insurance, permit, and pesticide registration be obtain for lawful usage of pesticides. Section 3-83 requires that applicators and dealers keep records pertaining to pesticides activities. Section 3-85 gives the State Board of Agriculture the authority to administer the concentrations of pesticides and the allowable thresholds.

Section 3-86 states the violation and there penalties; also, it gives the Board of

Agriculture the authority to suspend, revoke, refuse to issue or reissue any licenses certificates, or identification.

(Agriculture Laws and Statutes)

32 Noxious Weed Law and Rules

Legislature has found musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.), Scotch thistle

(Onopordum acanthium L.), and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) to be a noxious weed across the state. Title 2 section 220 forces landowners to treat, control, or eradicate all

Canadian, musk, or Scotch thistles; failure to comply may result in a $1000 per day fine.

The degrees of infestation are defined as:

(1) Light infestation Less than two (2) plants per acre.

(2) Medium infestation Two (2) to nine (9) plants per acre.

(3) Severe infestation Ten (10) or more plants per acre.

(Agriculture Laws and Statutes)

Federal Laws

Endangered Species Act of 1973

The purpose of this act is to conserve and provide programs of conservation to ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend. The Secretary of interior and the Secretary of Commerce are responsible for determining, publishing, and updating in the federal register, a list of the endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species. (Section 4 A list can also be obtained from the US Fish and Wildlife website: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/esa.html).

I. Oklahoma's Endangered Species

(An "*" indicates that the species is listed as federally endangered under the Endangered

33 Species Act (ESA); species without an asterisk are listed as endangered by the State of

Oklahoma but not by the federal government)

A. Mammals

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) *

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) *

Ozark Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) *

B. Birds

Whooping Crane (Grus americana) *

Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) *

Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) *

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) *

C. Fish

Longnose Darter (Percina nasuta)

D. Invertebrates

Cave Crayfish (Cambarus tartarus)

American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) *

Ouachita Rock Pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri) *

Neosho Mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana) (considered to be a Candidate species for possible federal listing)

34 Scaleshell (Leptodea leptodon) *

Winged Mapleleaf (Quadrula fragosa) *

II. Oklahoma's Threatened Species

(An "*" indicates the species is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered

Species Act; species without an asterisk are listed as threatened by the State of Oklahoma but not by the federal government)

A. Birds

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) *

B. Reptiles

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) *

(Due to their similarity of appearance to another endangered crocodile species, the

Cayman)

C. Fish

Ozark Cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae) *

Neosho Madtom (Noturus placidus) *

Arkansas River Shiner (Notropis girardi) *

Leopard Darter (Percina pantherina) *

Blackside Darter (Percina maculata)

35 III. Oklahoma's Species of Special Concern

(An "*" indicates the species is also a Federal Candidate Species under consideration for possible listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act)

A. Category I Species

1. Birds

Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)

Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

2. Invertebrates

Pilsbry's Narrow-apertured Land Snail (Sterotrema pilsbryi)

B. Category II Species

1. Mammals

Desert Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi)

Keen's Myotis (Myotis keenii)

Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii)

Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius)

Western Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens)

36 Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)

Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus)

Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

Woodchuck (Marmota monax)

Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis)

Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris)

Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius)

Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodmys elator)

Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)

River Otter (Lutra canadensis)

Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus mesoleucus)

Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)

Swift Fox (Vulpes velox)

Mountain Lion (Felis concolor)

2. Birds

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)

Migrant Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans)

37 Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii)

Bachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis)

3. Reptiles

Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)

Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

Round-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)

Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)

Gulf Crayfish Snake (Regina rigida sincola)

Louisiana Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum amaura)

Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei)

Texas Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens)

Texas Longnosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei tessellatus)

Western Mud Snake (Farancia abacura reinwardtii)

Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii)

4. Amphibians

Three-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum)

Western Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi)

Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum)

Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum)

Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)

38 Ouachita Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus brimleyorum)

Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae)

Grotto Salamander (Typhlotriton spelaeus)

Oklahoma Salamander (Eurycea tynerensis)

Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella)

Western Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca avivoca)

5. Fish

Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae)

Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula)

Arkansas River Speckled Chub (Macrhybopsis tetranema)

Arkansas Darter (Etheostoma cragini) (Federal Candidate Species) *

Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger)

Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus)

Bluehead Shiner (Notropis hubbsi)

Bluntfaced Shiner (Cyprinella camura)

Brown Bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus)

Chain Pickeral (Esox niger)

Colorless Shiner (Notropis peripallidus)

Crystal Darter (Ammocrypta asprella)

Cypress Minnow (Hybognathus hayi)

Flathead Chub (Hybopsis gracilis)

Goldstripe Darter (Etheostoma parvipinne)

39 Harlequin Darter (Etheostoma histrio)

Ironcolor Shiner (Notropis chalybaeus)

Kiamichi Shiner (Notropis ortenburgeri)

Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus)

Mountain Madtom (Noturus eletherus)

Pallid Shiner (Notropis amnis)

Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus)

Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus)

Ribbon Shiner (Lythurus fumeus)

River Darter (Percina shumardi)

Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)

Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)

Southern Brook Lamprey (Ichtyomyzon gagei)

Spotfin Shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera)

Stonecat (Noturus flavus)

Taillight Shiner (Notropis maculatus)

Wichita Mountains Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus wichitae)

6. Invertebrates

Bowman's Cave Amphipod (Stygobromus bowmani)

Oklahoma Cave Amphipod (Allocrangonyx pellucidus)

Prairie Mole Cricket (Gryllotalpa major)

Regal Fritillary Butterfly (Speyeria idalia)

40 Spectacle-case Mussel (Quadrula cylindrica)

Western Fanshell Mussel (Cyprogenia aberti)

C. Federal Candidate Species under consideration for listing/Not a State Species of

Special Concern

1. Birds

Lesser Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)

All information obtained directly from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife website

(http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/endanger2.htm) and it was determined none of the listed species exist and/or inhabit any area of the property according to the Oklahoma

Natural Heritage Inventory (OHNI) data. Below is the correspondence letter to Brian

Beauchamp of United States Forestry and Wildlife Consulting, LLC indicating that fact.

Letter from OHNI:

Oklahoma Biological Survey Telephone (405) 325- 1985 111 E. Chesapeake Street FAX (405) 325-7702 University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma 73019 Caryn C. Vaughn, Director

Brian Beauchamp U.S. Forestry & Wildlife Consulting, LLC 201 E. Central Miami, Oklahoma. 74354

41 OBS Ref: 2009-045-BUS-BEA Re: T06N, R17E

Dear Mr. Beauchamp, Regarding your request for information on the presence of endangered species or other elements of biological significance at the referenced site, we have reviewed the information currently in the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory database and have found no records of elements of concern at or near the locations you describe. Because the ONHI database is only as complete as the information that has been collected, we cannot say with certainty whether or not a given site harbors rare species or ecological communities. For this reason, if you are concerned about species of federal interest, we urge you to consult with the Tulsa office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (918.581.7458), as they may have additional information of which we are unaware. The information we provide to you is a product of a cooperative agreement between the Oklahoma Biological Survey (OBS) and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). For more information about the likely environmental impacts of your project on state endangered species, please contact William Ray at ODWC (405-424-6062). You may also find our web site helpful for expediting your information request. See http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/fastforward.html.

Sincerely,

Joseph E. Collins (for) Ian Butler Biological Data Coordinator

Survey Programs: Bebb Herbarium • Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory • Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory Sutton Avian Research Center • Natural Areas Registry

42 Although the lack of evidence of inhabitance exists for any protected species, vigilance in maintaining observations that will detect and protect any possible inhabitants of concern should be maintained for the continued good of the resource and protection of biodiversity in Oklahoma and the United States as well as the rest of the planet. If any protected species are found to be inhabitants of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property or nearby properties, protection protocols should be established to avoid creating adverse conditions for the species for all land management practices implemented upon the property.

Clean Water Act of 1972

The Federal Water Pollution Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act, gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to implement pollution control programs. This act set water control standards, which regulated the discharge of point source pollutants (http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/cwa.html). Sections 301- 320 set standards and enforcements. Sections 401- 406 cover permits and licenses.

Archeological Resource Protection Act

Section 470 of Archeological Resource Protection Act of 1979; prohibit unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, alteration, or defacement of archaeological resources. “The purpose of this chapter is to secure, for the present and future benefit of the American people, the protection of archaeological resources and sites which are on public lands and Indian lands...” (http://csasi.org/legal/arpa_1979.pdf). If any sites of

43 potential archeological importance are located on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property, advisement should be sought from the National Park Service regarding its protection and integrity and for which should be duly managed.

National Register of Historic Sites

The Historic Sites Act of 1935 (PL 74-292; 16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.) established a national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States. The

Historic Sites Act establishes what is known as the National Historic Landmarks Program to encourage the preservation of nationally significant properties (taken directly from http://recreation.usgs.gov/env_guide/cultural.html#HDR1).

Pittsburg County National Register of Historic Sites and Date Est.

Aldridge Hotel 200 E. Carl Albert Pkwy, McAlester. 1995-12-07

Blackburn's Station Site 9 mi. SE of Pittsburg, Pittsburg. 1973-03-07

Busby Office Building 113 E. Carl Albert Pkwy, McAlester. 1979-12-06

Busby Theatre Washington Ave. and 2nd St, McAlester. 1979-12-06

Canadian Jail and Livery Stable Off OK 113, Canadian. 1980-11-06

44 Choate Cabin 2nd and Walnut Sts., Indianola. 1979-10-03

Cole Chapel School N of Hartshorne, Hartshorne. 1988-09-08

WPA Public Bldgs., Recreational Facilities and Cemetery Improvements in

Southeastern Oklahoma, 1935--1943 TR

Federal Building and US Courthouse Jct. of 3rd and Carl Albert Parkway, McAlester.

2000-03-24

First Presbyterian Church 101 E. Washington Ave., McAlester. 1979-12-11

Hokey's Drugstore Main and Washington Sts, Krebs 1979-12-06

L'Ouverture Gymnasium Jct. of S 14th St. and E Chickasaw Ave., McAlester. 2006-

Lee, Jeff, Park Bath House and Pool Third and Fillmore Sts., McAlester. 1988-09-08

Southeastern Oklahoma, 1935--1943 TR 13

Mass Grave of the Mexican Miners Mount Calvary Cemetery, McAlester. 1980-11-14

McAlester Armory Third and Polk Sts., McAlester. 1988-09-08

McAlester DX 5th St. and Carl Albert Pkwy., McAlester. 1980-08-29

McAlester House 14 E. Smith Ave., McAlester. 1980-08-29

McAlester Scottish Rite Temple 2nd St. and Adams Ave., McAlester. 1980-11-22

Mine Rescue Station Building 507-509 E. 3rd St., McAlester. 1980-03-13

New State School S of Hartshorne near North Fork Elm Creek, Hartshorne. 1988-09-08

45 WPA Public Bldgs., Recreational Facilities and Cemetery Improvements in

OKLA Theater 18 E. Choctaw, McAlester. 2003-06-05

Perryville SW of McAlester on U.S. 69, McAlester. 1972-05-05

Pittsburg County Courthouse Washington Ave., McAlester. 1984-08-23

County Courthouses of Oklahoma TR 23

Pittsburg School and Gymnasium Off OK 63, Pittsburg. 1988-09-08

Southern Ice and Cold Storage Company 338 E. Choctaw Ave., Pittsburg. 1979-10-11

St. Joseph's Catholic Church Off OK 31, Krebs. 1980-11-12

Tipton Ridge School N of Blocker, Blocker. 1988-09-08

Warden's House Penitentiary Blvd and West St., McAlester. 2005-06-17

Latimer County National Register of Historic Sites and Date Est.

Ash Creek School Off Ash Creek Rd., Wilburton. 1988-09-08

Bowers School Off US 270 on county road, Wilburton. 1988-09-08

46 WPA Public Bldgs., Recreational Facilities and Cemetery Improvements in

Cambria School NE of Hartshorne, Hartshorne. 1988-09-08

Colony Park Pavilion Veterans Colony, Wilburton. 1988-09-08

Cupco Church S of Yanush off OK 2, Yanush. 1980-11-06

Degnan School NW of Wilburton off OK 2, Wilburton. 1988-09-08

Edwards Store 8 mi. NE of Red Oak, Red Oak. 1972-04-13

Great Western Coal & Coke Comp. Building 701 E. Main St., Wilburton. 1980-11-06

Latimer County Coal Mining TR 9

Great Western Coal and Coke Company Mine No. 3 Off U.S. 270, Wilburton. 1980-

Holloway's Station About 5 mi. NE of Red Oak, Red Oak. 1972-04-13

Lake Wister Locality Address Restricted, Wister. 1975-08-19

McLaughlin Site Address Restricted, Red Oak. 1972-06-28

Mitchell Hall Eastern Oklahoma State College campus, Wilburton. 1980-11-06

47 Panola High School and Gymnasium Off US 270, on the southside of the railroad tracks, Panola. 1988-09-08

Pusley's Station 2 mi. SW of Higgins, Higgins. 1972-04-13

Riddle's Station Site About 3 mi. E of Wilburton, Wilburton. 1972-06-13

Robbers Cave State Park 7.3 mi. N of jct. of OK 2 and OK 270, Wilburton. 2002-08-23

Rosenstein Building 111 E. Main St., Wilburton. 1980-06-27

Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory 102 Center Point Rd., Wilburton. 1980-

Latimer County Coal Mining TR

National registry search performed on the search engine website of the National

Park Service ( http://www.nr.nps.gov/ ). Although it is highly unlikely that any management practices will adversely affect any of the historic sites in the area, they should always be taken into account when implementing a given practice and protected.

Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899

Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act (33 U.S.C 403) prohibits constructing on, altering, excavating, and filling of navigable waters in the U.S. without permit. Lake

Eufaula is in the Tulsa district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdiction of navigable waters and they may be contacted for necessary permits.

48 USACE Individual Permit Review Process

Projects that exceed the limits and thresholds of NWP’s generally require an

Individual Permit. The review of applications for Individual Permits is more intense and therefore requires additional detail on the proposed projects design, scope, and construction method.

Public Notice. Individual applications are evaluated through a series of steps beginning with the release of a public notice. This notice is issued within 15-days after a complete application is received.

Applicant Participation. Applicants are provided an opportunity to respond to comments received as a result of the public notice. In some cases, the applicant’s response on the issues raised during this process is a necessary element in the district engineer’s review of an application.

State and Local Requirements. In most cases, a state water quality certification for discharges is required. A state denial of water quality certification will, by Federal regulation, result in the denial of a Corps permit. In some cases, the applicant may be allowed to reactivate the Corps application if the water quality certification is granted in the future.

49 Alternatives and Impact Mitigation. The Individual Permit review process will sometimes reveal an alternative project design that creates less impact to the aquatic environment. This determination may require a change to the projects design, scope, or construction method. However, if the original request is determined to be the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative, any impacts to the aquatic environment, which cannot be avoided or minimized, will require compensatory mitigation.

Permit Decision. Following completion of the public interest review, the district engineer will make the decision to issue or deny a permit to the applicant. This decision will be documented with a statement of findings, an environmental assessment, and where Section 404 is involved, with a Section 404(b)(1) guidelines (PDF) assessment.

Permit Issuance. Permits are considered to have been issued once the authorized

Corps official signs them. Permit fees of $100 (commercial) or $10 (non-commercial) are now required for issued permits.

Processing Time. Most individual permits are evaluated within 60 to 90-days receipt of a complete application.

Alternate Forms of Permits

A Letter of Permission may be used when the work is considered minor, does not have significant individual or cumulative impacts on environmental values, and should

50 encounter no appreciable opposition. In such situations, the project is coordinated, generally by telephone, with appropriate Federal and state resource agencies.

Another form of alternate authorization is the General Permit. General Permits are used to authorize a specific activity. The activity or activities covered by general permits are substantially similar in nature and cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts. Another purpose for the use of a general permit is to avoid unnecessary duplication of the regulatory control exercised by another Federal agency. In many cases, activities covered by this authorization may proceed without further review by the Corps.

For more information, the USACE may be contacted via e-mail at CESWT-

[email protected]. Permit applications may be sent to the following address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District Regulatory Office - CESWT-RO 1645 South 101st East Ave. Tulsa, OK 74128

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) is also available for advisement on water resource issues and protection. Contact information may be found at www.owrb.ok.gov.

51 Chapter 4: Geology and Soils

52 Geology

Geology determines the type of soils present, and soils determine the type of vegetation present. When studying a specific tract of land, it is important to determine what type of vegetation exists within the tract. So in order to understand why a certain type of vegetation exists, information on geological history and soil makeup is necessary.

Erosion of outcropping sedimentary rock over the past 70 million years has resulted in the geological features we see today. The age of outcrops in the area range from the Quaternary Peaceable Formation (younger river channel fill: 5.0 to 400,000 mya, or million years ago) to the older Cretaceous Paluxy, Goodland, Kiamichi, and

Eagle formations (Gulf Coast depositional remnants: 90 to 65 mya) sedimentary rocks.

Quaternary deposits are composed of fluvial sandstones, while the surrounding

Cretaceous sediments are composed primarily of marine sandstones and shales. There was considerable tectonic activity to the East of the study area, throughout the Ouachita mountain uplift of southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas (Haley, B. R.,

53 Stone, C. G., and McFarland, J. D. III Description of Selected Outcrops from Oklahoma

Geological Society Guidebook 81-1, from the Field Guide to Surface Geology of the

Ouachita Mountain and Arkansas Valley Provinces, Oklahoma). The major factor that influenced present day outcrops was the slow, steady peneplanation of country rock

(Cipriani, D. R., 1963 General Geologic Sections of Oklahoma and Northern Arkansas

Stratigraphic Column).

General Geology Map of Oklahoma.

Soil Survey

54 Introduction

When studying a specific tract of land for management planning, one has to determine what type of vegetation exists within the tract. The vegetation within an area or tract is linked hand in hand with what type of soils on which it is growing. To understand why these soils are common within the area of interest, you have to be aware of the geology of the tract and surrounding area. By tying together geology and soils, you are better able to understand the patterns of vegetation.

Soil Survey

Soils are defined as a natural body composed of mineral and organic materials and living forms in which plants grow. Soils consist of different particles, which include sand, silt, clay, and organic material. Soils are classified as sand, silt, or clay by the size of the grains present. Sand, silt, and clay all have different water and nutrient holding capacity, which influence the composition of the vegetation.

Although there are several different soils across the breadth of the Buffalo

Mountain, LLC property, the overall variability is quite low. Following are the various soil associations located on the property and the conditions in which they exist. Total acreage for each association as well as vegetative production for important production forestry species have been included.

Latimer County Soils (Section 27)

55 Carnasaw-Clebit association, 8 to 30 percent slopes

Setting Elevation: 500 to 2,700 feet Mean annual precipitation: 42 to 58 inches Mean annual air temperature: 60 to 66 degrees F Frost-free period: 200 to 220 days

Composition Carnasaw and similar soils: 70 percent Clebit and similar soils: 15 percent Minor components: 15 percent

Description of Carnasaw Setting

Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Clayey residuum weathered from shale

Properties and Qualities Slope: 8 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to paralithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low to moderately high (0.00 to 0.20 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Moderate (about 6.0 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 7e Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Typical profile 0 to 4 inches: Stony fine sandy loam 4 to 13 inches: Loam 13 to 37 inches: Clay 37 to 46 inches: Clay 46 to 55 inches: Bedrock

56 Description of Clebit Setting Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Gravelly residuum weathered from sandstone Custom Soil Resource Report 14

Properties and Qualities Slope: 8 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 0.8 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 7e Ecological site: Shallow Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY088OK)

Typical profile 0 to 6 inches: Very stony fine sandy loam 6 to 12 inches: Very stony fine sandy loam 12 to 20 inches: Bedrock

Acreage

42.5 acres

Site Index (SI) and Cubic Feet per Acre per Year (CF/YR) by Species

Loblolly Pine: SI: 70’ at base age of 30 years CF/YR: 86 Shortleaf Pine: SI: 60’ at base age of 50 years

57 CF/YR: 86 White Oak: SI: 60’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 43

Minor Components

Pirum Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Panama Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Octavia Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Footslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex

Carnasaw-Pirum-Clebit association, 3 to 12 percent slopes

Composition Carnasaw and similar soils: 65 percent Pirum and similar soils: 15 percent Clebit and similar soils: 10 percent Minor components: 10 percent

58 Description of Carnasaw Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Clayey residuum weathered from shale

Properties and Qualities Slope: 3 to 12 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to paralithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low to moderately high (0.00 to 0.20 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Low (about 5.7 inches)

Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 6e Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Typical Profile 0 to 4 inches: Stony loam 4 to 9 inches: Stony loam 9 to 24 inches: Silty clay 24 to 50 inches: Clay 50 to 54 inches: Bedrock

Description of Pirum Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Custom Soil Resource Report 18 Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone

Properties and Qualities Slope: 3 to 12 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.60 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None

59 Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Low (about 4.6 inches)

Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 6e Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Typical Profile 0 to 9 inches: Stony fine sandy loam 9 to 14 inches: Gravelly sandy loam 14 to 34 inches: Sandy clay loam 34 to 38 inches: Bedrock

Description of Clebit Setting Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Gravelly residuum weathered from sandstone

Properties and Qualities Slope: 3 to 12 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 1.1 inches)

Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 6e Ecological site: Savannah breaks PE 70-80 (R119XY079OK)

Typical Profile 0 to 6 inches: Very stony fine sandy loam 6 to 16 inches: Very stony fine sandy loam 16 to 25 inches: Bedrock

Acreage

368.5 acres

60 Site Index (SI) and Cubic Feet per Acre per Year (CF/YR) by Species

Loblolly Pine: SI: 70’ at base age of 30 years CF/YR: 86 Shortleaf Pine: SI: 70’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 114 White Oak: SI: 60’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 43

Minor Components

Rock Outcrop Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Custom Soil Resource Report 19 Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex

Ceda Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

Panama Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Octavia Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Footslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex

61 Denman Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

Neff and Rexor soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded

Map Unit Setting Elevation: 300 to 1,500 feet Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 56 inches Mean annual air temperature: 57 to 65 degrees F Frost-free period: 190 to 240 days

Map Unit Composition Neff and similar soils: 45 percent Rexor and similar soils: 40 percent Minor components: 15 percent

Description of Neff Setting Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Parent material: Loamy alluvium

Properties and Qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Custom Soil Resource Report 20 Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.60 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 6 to 30 inches Frequency of flooding: Frequent Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

62 Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 5w

Typical Profile 0 to 16 inches: Silt loam 16 to 35 inches: Silty clay loam 35 to 80 inches: Silty clay loam

Description of Rexor Setting Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Parent material: Loamy alluvium

Properties and Qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 36 to 60 inches Frequency of flooding: Frequent Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 5w

Typical Profile 0 to 10 inches: Silt loam 10 to 46 inches: Silty clay loam 46 to 68 inches: Silt loam

Acreage

.3 acres

Loblolly Pine:

63 SI: 90’ at base age of 30 years CF/YR: 129 Shortleaf Pine: SI: 80’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 129

Minor Components

Cupco Percent of map unit: 4 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy bottomland PE 72-74 (R118AY050OK)

Ceda Percent of map unit: 4 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

Dela Percent of map unit: 4 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy savannah PE 72-74 (R118AY062OK)

Kenn Percent of map unit: 3 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

Rexor silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

Composition

64 Rexor and similar soils: 80 percent Minor components: 20 percent

Properties and Qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 36 to 60 inches Frequency of flooding: Occasional Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

Interpretive Groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 2w

Typical Profile 0 to 10 inches: Silt loam 10 to 32 inches: Silty clay loam 32 to 80 inches: Silt loam

Acreage

.2 acres

Loblolly Pine: SI: 90’ at base age of 30 years CF/YR: 129 Shortleaf Pine: SI: 80’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 129

65 Minor Components

Cupco Percent of map unit: 5 percent Custom Soil Resource Report 22 Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy bottomland PE 72-74 (R118AY050OK)

Dela Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy savannah PE 72-74 (R118AY062OK)

Kenn Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

Neff Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

Pittsburg County Soils (Sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33)

EhE—Bengal-Clebit-Clearview complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes

Composition

66 Bengal and similar soils: 50 percent Clebit and similar soils: 30 percent Clearview and similar soils: 20 percent

Description of Bengal Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Colluvium over clayey residuum weathered from shale

Properties and qualities Slope: 20 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to paralithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Low (about 3.4 inches)

Typical profile 0 to 4 inches: Stony fine sandy loam 4 to 9 inches: Stony sandy clay loam 9 to 24 inches: Clay 24 to 40 inches: Bedrock

Properties and qualities Slope: 12 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches

67 Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 0.9 inches)

Typical profile 0 to 15 inches: Stony fine sandy loam 15 to 30 inches: Bedrock

Description of Clearview Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale

Properties and qualities Slope: 8 to 12 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderatelyhigh to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 24 to 40 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Maximum salinity: Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Available water capacity: Moderate (about 6.5 inches)

Typical profile 0 to 5 inches: Fine sandy loam 5 to 12 inches: Fine sandy loam 12 to 16 inches: Loam 16 to 24 inches: Sandy clay loam 24 to 34 inches: Sandy clay loam 34 to 39 inches: Sandy clay loam 39 to 41 inches: Bedrock

68 Acreage

2563.7 acres

Shortleaf Pine: SI: 50’ at base age of 50 years CF/YR: 72

EhF—Bengal-Clebit-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent

Slopes

Composition Bengal and similar soils: 50 percent Clebit and similar soils: 35 percent Rock outcrop: 15 percent

Description of Bengal Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Colluvium over clayey residuum weathered from shale

Properties and qualities Slope: 30 to 45 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to paralithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low to moderately high (0.00 to 0.20 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None

69 Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Low (about 3.7 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 7e Ecological site: Savannah breaks PE 70-80 (R119XY079OK)

Typical profile 0 to 4 inches: Gravelly fine sandy loam 4 to 9 inches: Gravelly clay loam 9 to 24 inches: Gravelly clay 24 to 40 inches: Bedrock

Properties and qualities Slope: 30 to 60 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 0.9 inches)

Typical profile 0 to 15 inches: Stony fine sandy loam 15 to 30 inches: Bedrock

Description of Rock Outcrop Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex

Properties and qualities Slope: 30 to 60 percent

70 Depth to restrictive feature: 0 to 3 inches to paralithic bedrock Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to high (0.06 to 2.00 in/hr)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 8s

Typical profile 0 to 60 inches: Bedrock

Acreage

342 acres

En—Rexor silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

Composition Rexor and similar soils: 85 percent Minor components: 15 percent

71 Properties and qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 36 to 60 inches Frequency of flooding: Occasional Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 2w Ecological site: Loamy bottomland PE 70-80 (R119XY050OK)

Typical profile 0 to 9 inches: Silt loam 9 to 43 inches: Silt loam 43 to 70 inches: Silt loam

Acreage

70.3 acres

Minor Components

Verdigris Percent of map unit: 10 percent Landform: Flood plains

72 Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy bottomland PE 62-80 (R112XY050OK)

Cupco Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy Bottomland PE 66-72 (R118BY050OK)

Eo—Rexor and Verdigris soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded

Composition Rexor and similar soils: 45 percent Verdigris and similar soils: 35 percent Minor components: 20 percent

Properties and qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 36 to 60 inches Frequency of flooding: Frequent Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

73 Typical profile 0 to 9 inches: Silt loam 9 to 43 inches: Silt loam 43 to 70 inches: Silt loam

Description of Verdigris Setting Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Parent material: Silty alluvium

Properties and qualities

Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: Frequent Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: High (about 12.0 inches)

Typical profile 0 to 15 inches: Silt loam 15 to 90 inches: Silt loam

Acreage

114.5 acres

Loblolly Pine: SI: 90’ at base age of 30 years CF/YR: 129

Minor Components

Cupco Percent of map unit: 10 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy Bottomland PE 66-72 (R118BY050OK)

Lightning Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Heavy bottomland PE 62-80 (R112XY045OK)

Dela Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: Loamy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY062OK)

HaB—Clearview fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

75 Composition Clearview and similar soils: 97 percent Minor components: 3 percent

Description of Clearview Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Shoulder Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale

Properties and qualities Slope: 1 to 3 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 24 to 40 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Maximum salinity: Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Available water capacity: Moderate (about 6.5 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 3e Ecological site: Sandy Savannah PE 66-72 (R118BY075OK)

Acreage

84.6 acres

Minor Components

Clebit Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Shallow Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY088OK)

Bengal Percent of map unit: 1 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Shoulder Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

HaC2—Clearview fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded

Composition Clearview, eroded, and similar soils: 95 percent Minor components: 5 percent

Description of Clearview, Eroded Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex

77 Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 3e Ecological site: Eroded Sandy Savannah PE 66-72 (R118BY875OK)

Acreage

12.2 acres

Minor Components

78 Clebit, eroded Percent of map unit: 3 percent Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Eroded Shallow Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY888OK)

Bengal, eroded Percent of map unit: 2 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Eroded Sandy Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY875OK)

HhC—Clebit-Clearview complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes

Composition Clebit and similar soils: 60 percent Clearview and similar soils: 35 percent Minor components: 5 percent

Properties and qualities Slope: 3 to 5 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None

79 Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 1.0 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 4s Ecological site: Shallow Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY088OK)

Typical profile 0 to 8 inches: Very gravelly fine sandy loam 8 to 15 inches: Very gravelly fine sandy loam 15 to 20 inches: Bedrock

Description of Clearview Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale

80 Acreage

356.7 acres

Minor Components

Bengal Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: Sandy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY075OK)

HhD3—Clebit-Clearview complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded

Composition Clebit, severely eroded, and similar soils: 70 percent Clearview, severely eroded, and similar soils: 30 percent

Description of Clebit, Severely Eroded Setting Landform: Mountain slopes Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Gravelly residuum weathered from sandstone

81 Properties and qualities Slope: 5 to 8 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 2.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Very low (about 1.0 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 6e Ecological site: Eroded Shallow Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY888OK)

Typical profile 0 to 8 inches: Very gravelly fine sandy loam 8 to 15 inches: Very gravelly fine sandy loam 15 to 20 inches: Bedrock

Description of Clearview, Severely Eroded Setting Landform: Hillslopes on hills Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Loamy residuum weathered from sandstone and shale

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 6e Ecological site: Eroded Sandy Savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY875OK)

Typical profile 0 to 5 inches: Fine sandy loam 5 to 12 inches: Fine sandy loam

82 12 to 16 inches: Loam 16 to 24 inches: Sandy clay loam 24 to 34 inches: Sandy clay loam 34 to 39 inches: Sandy clay loam 39 to 50 inches: Bedrock

Acreage

.3 acres

Oc—Dela fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

Composition Dela and similar soils: 95 percent Minor components: 5 percent

Description of Dela Setting Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Parent material: Loamy and/or sandy alluvium

Properties and qualities Slope: 0 to 1 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Drainage class: Moderately well drained

83 Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): High (2.00 to 6.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 36 to 60 inches Frequency of flooding: Occasional Frequency of ponding: None Available water capacity: Moderate (about 8.4 inches)

Interpretive groups Land capability (nonirrigated): 2e Ecological site: Loamy savannah PE 70-80 (R119XY062OK)

Typical profile 0 to 10 inches: Fine sandy loam 10 to 50 inches: Fine sandy loam 50 to 70 inches: Stratified loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam

Acreage

17.5 acres

Minor Components

Rexor Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Flood plains Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear

84 Ecological site: Loamy bottomland PE 70-80 (R119XY050OK)

Land Capability Classifications

Land capability classifications are important to pay attention to when planning and implementing any land management regime. These classifications help determine the best land use for the site and the precautions that need to be taken when implementing a land management practice. Following are the soil associations, their respective land capability classifications and a brief description of each classification. The land capability classifications were interpreted using the descriptions given by the University of Delaware at http://www.udel.edu/FREC/spatlab/oldpix/nrcssoilde/Descriptions/landcap.htm.

Latimer County, Oklahoma 4—Carnasaw-Clebit association, 8 to 30 percent slopes 70%-Carnasaw: 7e - Very highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 15%-Clebit: 7e - Very highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat

8—Carnasaw-Pirum-Clebit association, 3 to 12 percent slopes 65%-Carnasaw: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 15%-Pirum: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 10%-Clebit: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat

26—Neff and Rexor soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded 45%-Neff: 5w – Little erosion, but frequently flooded/water table 40%-Rexor: 5w - Little erosion, but frequently flooded/water table

31—Rexor silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 80%-Rexor: 2w – Moderate limitations and erosion; select land use carefully and take means to protect the resource, frequently flooded/water table

Pittsburg County, Oklahoma EhE—Bengal-Clebit-Clearview complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes 50%-Bengal:

85 7e - Very highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 30%-Clebit: 7e – Very highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 20%-Clearview: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat

EhF—Bengal-Clebit-Rock outcrop complex, 30to 60 percent slopes 50%-Bengal: 7e - Very highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 35%-Clebit: 8e – Soils too sensitive for plant production; recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed or aesthetic purposes only; highly erosive 15%-Rock outcrop: 8s - Soils too sensitive for plant production; recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed or aesthetic purposes only; shallow soils, when present over rock

En—Rexor silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 85%-Rexor: 2w - Moderate limitations and erosion; select land use carefully and take means to protect the resource, frequently flooded/water table

Eo—Rexor and Verdigris soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded 45%-Rexor: 5w - Little erosion, but frequently flooded/water table 35%-Verdigris: 5w - Little erosion, but frequently flooded/water table

HaB—Clearview fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 97%-Clearview: 3e - severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both; erosion-sensitive

HaC2—Clearview fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded 95%-Clearview, eroded: 3e - severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both; erosion-sensitive

HhC—Clebit-Clearview complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes 60%-Clebit: 4s - Severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both; shallow, rocky soils 35%-Clearview: 3e - severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both; erosion-sensitive

86 HhD3—Clebit-Clearview complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded 70%-Clebit, severely eroded: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat 30%-Clearview, severely eroded: 6e - Highly erodible; grazing, forestland, or wildlife habitat

Oc—Dela fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 95%-Dela: 2e - Moderate limitations and erosion; select land use carefully and take means to protect the resource due to erosion

Chapter 5: Hydrologic Resources and Air Quality

87 Watershed

Canadian River

The Canadian River finds its origin in extreme south central Colorado in Las

Animas County. It meanders across New Mexico and the panhandle of Texas before reaching Oklahoma. Where it crosses nearly the entire width of the state before emptying into the Arkansas River. Along the way from Colorado, there are 4 manmade lakes before reaching its confluence with the Arkansas River, 2 in New Mexico, 1 in Texas and 1 in

Oklahoma.

Figure 5.1. Canadian River watershed in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

88 The Canadian River is affected by numerous land uses along its watershed area from forestry and agriculture to recreation and municipal usage. All considerations should be made to help protect this resource from damage due to land usage on the

Buffalo Mountain, LLC property.

Lake Eufaula

Lake Eufaula is located on the Canadian River directly adjacent to the southwest corner of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property. Use of the lake includes flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, regulation of Canadian River flows, improvement of navigation, and recreation. Construction began in 1956, and was completed in 1964. Lake

Texoma has a 47,522 square mile drainage area upstream from the dam (Army Corps of

Engineers Tulsa District Lakes http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/).

Elevation Incremental Storage Cumulative Storage Table 5.1. Lake Eufaula storage and management level parameters (feet) (inches) (acre-feet) (inches) (acre-feet) Flood Control Pool: 597.00 3.19 1429416 7.97 3573731 Conservation Pool: 585.00 3.00 1346325 4.78 2144315 Inactive Pool: 565.00 1.78 797990 1.78 797990

The previous table shows the various flood, conservation and inactive generation pools for management at Lake Eufaula Dam. Note that the top of the flood pool elevation may slightly affect the neighboring property of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property where the elevation is lower than the 597’ mark (Figure 5.2). The Buffalo Mountain,

89 LLC property should not be affected directly by flood waters within the flood pool of

Lake Eufaula.

Figure 5.2 Lake Eufaula 597’ Flood Pool storage level adjacent to Buffalo Mountain, LLC property as indicated by US Army Corps of Engineers.

90 Ash Creek

Located to the north of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property, Ash Creek has

several miles of drainage affected by the watershed area on the property. Approximately

1030 acres of the total acreage are in the Ash Creek watershed area. These areas include

the northeastern and west-northwestern regions of the property (Figure 5.3).

Figure 5.3. This topographical map shows in red the watershed area on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property that affects Ash Creek.

91 Buffalo Creek

Located on the south side of the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property, Buffalo Creek has around 4 miles of drainage distance affected by the watershed area on the property.

Approximately 2921 acres of the total 3951 acres are in the Buffalo Creek watershed area. These areas include the southern and central regions of the property (Figure 5.4).

Operations within approximately ½ mile of the perpetually flowing creek need to take additional care as to not negatively affect the resource.

Figure 5.4. This topographical map shows in red the watershed area on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property that affects Buffalo Creek.

92 Pollution

This section deals with the emission of air and water pollutants in the Pittsburg and Latimer counties. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses many methods to control the release of air and water pollutants into the environment. The EPA has identified nine major pollutants in McCurtain County (EPA: Pollution Control www.epa.gov); view table 5.2 to see pollutant sources and emission percentages.

Ammonia (NH3) is formed by industrial fixation or by the decay of animal proteins. In Pittsburg and Latimer counties, the major sources of ammonia emission are livestock and fertilizer. Ammonia can be used directly as a fertilizer, but it is most commonly used in its combined form urea and/or ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)

(Kimball July 2004).

High levels of lead (Pb) particularly affect young children and infants. Deposits of lead in the soil and water may potentially harm the animals and fish. Lead poisoning induced by the air or indigestion may cause damage to vital organs in people, animals, or fish. In Pittsburg and Latimer counties, there is no current significant source of lead pollutants.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a highly reactant gases, which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. NOx react with other elements to form ground- level ozone,

93 nitrate particles, acid aerosols and NO2, all of which cause respiratory problems. NOx contribute to: the formation of acid rain, nutrient overload that deteriorates the water quality, and to global warming. NOx pollutants can be transported long distances by wind, cause by fuel combustion. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon monoxides (CO) are more pollutants in the area caused by fuel combustion.

Sulfur oxides contribute to respiratory illnesses in children and elderly. They also contribute to the formation of acid rain that damages trees, crops and cause soils lakes and streams to become acidic. SO2 is also a by-product of fuel combustion.

Particulate Matter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) pose a health concern can be inhaled in respiratory system. Particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers, referred as fine particles, are believed to pose the greatest health risk; because of their small size

PM2.5 can lodge deeply inside of the lungs. Scientific studies link health problems such as: asthma, chronic bronchitis, and premature death.

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) are those air pollutants that are known and/or suspected of cause cancer or serious health effect such as reproductive and environmental effects. (EPA: Air Pollutants www.epa.gov )

94 Table 5.2. Source of Pollutants in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma.

95 (Creative Methods, http://www.airgrades.net/)

Climate

Climate plays an integral part of management planning for forest management as

well as other natural resources. Knowing what to expect on a yearly and a month-to-

month basis allows for appropriate species selection to minimize risk of planting failure

as well as when to best implement management practices on a given property. Following

are the climatological data sets for Pittsburg and Latimer counties.

Climatological Information for Pittsburg County, OK Climate Division 6 (East Central)

Mean Annual Precipitation 46.0 inches Mean Annual Temperature 61.7 deg F Mean Annual Cooling Degree-Days 2032 Mean Annual Heating Degree-Days 3199 County Seat McAlester Population (2000 Census) 43,953 Total Area 1378 Sq Miles Land / Water Area 94.8% land / 5.2% water Tornadoes: 1950-2000 63

96 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

97 Precip. (in.) 3.1 3.4 4.8 4.6 6.5 4.6 3.9 2.8 4.5 5.4 5.2 4.8

Temp. (F) 39.3 44.2 52.0 59.9 68.4 76.0 80.5 79.9 73.0 62.5 50.6 42.2

Heating Degree-Days 796 583 406 181 45 1 0 1 18 135 438 708

Cooling Degree-Days 0 1 3 28 149 331 479 462 257 55 5 0

Climatological Information for Latimer County, OK Climate Division 9 (Southeast)

Mean Annual Precipitation 50.4 inches Mean Annual Temperature 61.3 deg F Mean Annual Cooling Degree-Days 1884 Mean Annual Heating Degree-Days 3210 County Seat Wilburton Population (2000 Census) 10,692 Total Area 729 Sq Miles Land / Water Area 99.0% land / 1.0% water Tornadoes: 1950-2000 17

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Precip. (in.) 2.8 2.8 4.3 4.7 6.1 5.2 3.5 2.6 5.0 4.4 5.3 3.7

Temp. (F) 39.3 44.5 53.1 61.2 69.1 76.4 81.6 80.9 73.4 62.7 51.1 42.3

Heating Degree-Days 796 578 374 148 42 1 0 1 18 125 424 703

Cooling Degree-Days 0 3 5 33 167 342 514 492 296 53 6 0

98 Soil-Water-Air Relation

Most of the soils on the property are mostly sandy to loamy soils that are well drained and erodible. Implementing land management practices that best maintain soil integrity is suggested. Keeping these soils stable protects water and air resources

The Buffalo Mountain, LLC property has an extensive road system in place. Most of the roads are well constructed and in good working order. There are a few problem areas in the form of erosion as well as passibility issues during and immediately following rainfall events. Addressing these erosion issues as soon as possible will increase safety and avoid other potential problems created by the soil disturbance that has caused the erosion to accelerate in severity.

Problem area #1, located in Section 33 (Figure 5.5), is an area that was apparently caused by the harvesters of Eastern Redcedar when they established a drainage crossing in a poor location and increased the erosion problem by placing harvesting debris and slash into the drainage area. This area needs to be reformed, stabilized with rock and slash removed from the drainage area as soon as possible with the proper permitting for soil movement and disturbance in the location. It is highly encouraged to address this project with the direct advisement of the Oklahoma Forestry Services’ Water Quality

99 Forester, Daryl Hunkapillar, to avoid any errors in re-establishing soil integrity or omissions in proper permitting.

Figure 5.5. Problem Area #1 on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property where previous disturbance has created an erosion and water quality concern.

Problem area #2 (Figure 5.6) is also located in Section 33 as the road comes down the side of Buffalo Mountain. Several drainages converge upon one location and created a very significant eroded area that threatens the stability of the road. This problem should be addressed by directing the water coming down the drainage ditch above the location well beforehand into an area that is currently vegetated and stable. The eroded area should be filled with large ‘rip rap’ rock to soften the force of the water coming through the established culvert and off of the roadway. Smaller rock should be spread in the less

100 severely eroded area to help reduce the likelihood of further erosion. Areas surrounding should be monitored for potential problems arising from changes in water flow.

Figure 5.6. Problem Area #2 on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property where several areas of water flow converge and create an erosion hazard.

Overall, the roads on the Buffalo Mountain, LLC property are in good shape.

Applying proper water flow management techniques across the breadth of the property will reduce the need for expensive structures being purchased as well as reduce the maintenance needs or the long run. Training for road construction and water flow manipulation is available periodically through Oklahoma Forestry Services in the form of classes and seminars, but hands-on training and advisement can be set up with them by

USFWC for the workers operating the equipment and managing the road system upon request.

101 Best Management Practices

The Oklahoma Forestry Service has documents of Best Management Practice guidelines, discussed in Chapter 11, which are based on research and management experience. The BMP guidelines are proposed as a supplement to the technical BMPs on forest practices and road construction, to be used by forest owners and operators and state agencies for BMP’s implementation. To insure that the long-term objectives of David

Adams, it is in the best interest to implement the state of Oklahoma BMP guidelines that provide minimum effect to the soil resource and water quality, while providing efficient, economical, and productive management. (Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Forestry

Services 1991)

Water Quality

Best Management Practices should be used to insure minimum effect to water quality in accordance with the Oklahoma BMP guidelines. Maintaining the water quality of Lake Eufaula as well as the creeks and ponds in the area is of utmost importance.

Protecting these resources results in a healthier ecosystem overall.

102 Chapter 6: Forest Health

103 Forest insects and diseases are major concern with any tract of land. The Buffalo

Mountain, LLC property is no exception; there are several insects that may be of concern.

The Black Turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans) could be a problem in the areas with stressed trees. This insect could play a major role when harvesting begins, as trees are especially vulnerable when they obtain logging injury.

In late summer, early fall grasshoppers (Various spp) may be a problem, they have are know to cause defoliation in Post Oak stands (Quecrcus Stellata). Scattered tree mortality may occur in Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine on the property due to the Pine

Engraver Beetle (Ips calligraphus).

104 Red oak borer (Enaphalodes rufulus) has also been found in Oklahoma; the Red

Oak Borer is a problem when there is a drought and has been associated with oak decline

(abiotic and biotic influences). It can cause Red Oak mortality and degrade value in lumber causing profit losses.

Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi) should be considered in this area because of the abundance of Elm (Ulmus spp.) as this disease may cause death in the various species of Elms.

Seeds and cones may be subject to insects and diseases as well. Cone worms

(Dioryctria amatella, D. clarioralis, D. disclusa, D. merkeli) may cause total loss in pinecones if left untreated, therefore losing a seed crop. Cone worms are only of concern in Southern pine species. Seed bugs, (Leptoglossus corculus, Tetyra bipunctata) in some cases have caused a 20% loss in seeds in Southern pine.

Another stressor that may cause problems is the beaver. Although there is no evidence of them currently being present, proximity to Lake Eufaula and a significant drainage such as Buffalo Creek draining into the lake creates a potential entrance point for this species. Beavers can cause considerable loss in timber production due to mortality of trees and must be accounted for when present. Since the most productive soils on the property for timber production are located near Buffalo Creek and tree plantings could be susceptible to their attacks, monitoring for this pest species is highly recommended to avoid losses of timber resources and revenue associated with them.

105 Drought and fire may also cause some forest health issues. When there is a drought or a fire that initiates damage to the trees, it makes them more susceptible to insects and disease. Combinations of factors such as this create situations where Oak

Decline or Sudden Oak Death occurs.

Observations should be recorded regularly to analyze the effects of management as well as protecting the forest resources from damage. Monitoring for damage from pest species and for presence of potentially damaging species as well as establishing firebreaks around sensitive resources should be of priority when having a healthy and productive habitat and forest is of concern.

Chapter 7: Wildlife

106 The property’s suitability for various wildlife species is one that can see some immediate improvement when some basic land management principles are applied.

Using such management tools as modifying grazing intensity, using rotational grazing, prescribed fire, manipulation of interspersion and juxtaposition of habitat types should benefit both the wildlife of the area and increase the overall health and value of the land.

This aspect also has important social implications as well. Many of the nearby residents have a history of hunting in the area and would benefit from the increased abundance and quality of wildlife. This would be an added incentive for the local residents to support the management activities that are outlined in this plan and those that may be prescribed at a later date.

107 Three wildlife species of management concern are considered in this plan.

Although there are 4 life requirements for each, Food, Water, Cover and Space, only the first 3 will be addressed. The 4th requirement, space, is considered by myself to be somewhat finite and also consider that the quality of the space is relative to the level of interspersion and juxtaposition of habitat types as well as to the productivity of the land.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

The white-tailed deer is the most sought-after game animal in the area and the increase of numbers and quality of this game animal should have the highest impact locally. Two important factors in the suitability of the habitat for deer are the level of interspersion of habitat types and the juxtaposition of these habitats. Interspersion is the number of habitat types that meet certain requirements that are available in an area and juxtaposition is how the habitats are arranged relative to one another.

Habitat Requirements

The white-tailed deer is a small ruminant that needs a large amount of highly digestible food for survival (Short 1986). They are generalist browsers that pick and choose among the most palatable foods and change their feeding habits as the food sources change throughout the year. This adaptability makes the deer’s habitat somewhat easy to manage and meet their nutritional requirements for maintenance, growth and reproduction.

108 The animal has a highly varied diet. In the spring and early summer, the buds, leaves and twigs of trees, shrubs and vines are the major constituent of the deer’s diet

(Newsome 1984). These plants soon lose their digestibility as the summer progresses and deer must switch to alternate food sources such as seeds and fruits. Acorns, usually available from early autumn to late spring depending on crop success and degree of utilization by various wildlife species, are a staple of the deer’s diet throughout this time.

The leaves of deciduous browse plants are very digestible until leaf-fall and the leaves of evergreen browse such as greenbrier (Smilax spp.) are utilized year-round.

Although foods are readily available, they are not as plentiful as they could be if active management is implemented. If Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is controlled in some locations, total forest basal area is reduced in others and new stands of trees and cover are established, the amount and quality of browse for the animal should increase and reduce the need for individual animals to move around in search of food, which in turn reduces the energy requirements of the animals and result in an overall healthier herd. This will also increase the number of deer the property can support, which is also referred to as carrying capacity.

Water:

The white-tailed deer needs sources of water that are readily available in large amounts (Newsome 1984), but the amount of water the deer actually needs is dependent upon the ambient temperature, physical condition of the individual animal and the kinds

109 of food the animal has been consuming (Marchinton and Hirth 1984). With several sources of water on the property, this living requirement of the species should not be a limiting factor, even in drier seasons due to the fact that there are several areas that hold water year-round. These areas include Buffalo Creek and various manmade ponds and lakes.

Cover:

If management prescriptions are followed, the amount of quality cover will increase and, thus, should the number of deer utilizing the area. Graduating canopy levels along field and various stand boundary edges, also known as ‘edge feathering’, will increase the types of cover that make deer feel secure while transitioning between habitat types as well as into areas that have been prepared for hunting in the form of food plots and feeding stations. Tree plantings that will increase the diversity of native species have been suggested and should improve the quality of the hunting experience as well as the overall health of the habitat and deer herd. These practices will also increase the level of interspersion and juxtaposition of habitat types and create the most optimal habitat for the deer making young deer in the dispersal stage more likely to select the habitat as its new home range.

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

The wild turkey is very abundant in this region; however, some portions of the property are better suited for them than others due to the arrangement and structure of the

110 habitat. Management for this species benefits a variety of wildlife, including the target species of white-tailed deer.

A turkey’s diet is omnivorous and changes with the seasons as well as with food availability. In the spring, they consume various grasses, legumes and any newly emerging insects. Through the summer, their diet consists of insects, grasses, legumes and any available and edible seeds. They have also been known to eat small reptiles and amphibians such as frogs and snakes. As the autumn approaches, the diet changes to include any mast crops that may be present such as persimmons, wild grapes or acorns.

These same foods typically carry them through the winter as well as available crops, grasses and legumes.

Water:

Turkeys require standing water for drinking on a daily basis (Snyder 1992) and watering locations should not be spaced more than 2 miles apart. Since the Buffalo

Mountain, LLC property contains several established waterholes, ponds, drainages and a running creek; access to water should not be an issue.

Cover:

Turkeys are found in a variety of different habitat types with a varying degree of interspersion of cover types and level of juxtaposition. They do, however, prefer those

111 habitats with 60% or more of cover comprised of forest with up to 25% of clear openings.

The birds need roosting trees that are mature and heavily branching. Optimal understory composition can be fairly open to composed of grasses that are approximately 15 to 28 inches tall. This provides good nesting and brooding habitat for hens and their resulting young poults. Openings should be within 1 to 2 miles of one another as to not put undue stress upon the young birds or expose them to too many potential predators.

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

The southeastern part of Oklahoma is well known for its quality quail hunting.

Improving the habitat for this species would also be a beneficial undertaking as its habitat and numbers have been in the trend of a decline over the last few decades.

Insect availability for food is required for nesting hens and quail broods. Open areas of herbaceous plants and grain and seed crops are used for feeding (Masters, R.E. et al. 2005). Burning produces green forage early and a high concentration of insects will be attracted. 30 to 40 percent of the bobwhite’s habitat should be open, grassy and 40 to

60 percent should be food-producing plants such as annual forbs or planted crops this is a criteria for quantity of brood habitat. For forage quail chicks require herbaceous plants spaced enough to provide travel corridors. If vegetation is too dense it restricts chicks’ food accessibility. The adult bobwhite consumes insects and seeds and fruits of native forbs. A single adult eats an average of 0.05 lbs of food per day. Naturally growing

112 foods are preferred over cultivated food because of the nutritional diversity. The home range land should consist of 40 to 60 percent early seral stage prairies, shrubland, or forest. There are over 100 different foods listed in the diets of Oklahoma quail. To fulfill nutritional requirements the quail must consume a variety of foods. They obtain most of their food from the ground. They require at least 25 percent bare soil so they are able to see seeds in plain sight. Bobwhite prefer habitat where herbaceous and woody plants are interspersed and this is why they are referred to as edge species. The best habitat is one that is interspersed with patches of grasses, forbs, vines, shrubs, and clumps of low- growing trees.

Water:

Although standing water is not necessary for the Northern Bobwhite, the bird will utilize it when available. Most of the quail’s water needs are met through its diet.

Herbage, arthropods, dew and snow are all sources of water for the bird. The quail also produces a limited amount of metabolic water.

Cover:

The nesting cover for bobwhite quail is in clumps of last season’s growth of bunch grasses. Most nest sites are found with in 50 feet of an opening or edge. All warm season grasses are potential nesting habitats for bobwhite quail but native bluestem

(Andropogon gerardii), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) are the primary sites for nesting.

113 Cool season grasses such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), tall wheatgrass (Thinopyron ponticum), annual bromes (Bromus spp.), and wild ryes (Elymus spp.) are seldom used for nesting. The optimum percentage of native prairie is 30 to 40 percent within the bobwhite’s home range. Bobwhites begin nesting in

April, so any management activities should be scheduled as to be sensitive to this fact.

If the land-use recommendations outlined later in the report are followed, then the habitat requirements for the 3 species mentioned will be met in a smaller land area. This will, in turn, result in a higher level of interspersion and juxtaposition of habitat types that should be beneficial to many species.