It’s no secret that it has been extraordinarily wet in northeastern Oklahoma over the past several weeks, particularly since Christmas weekend. Given the lower temperatures, a lower sun, dormant foliage and the added rain and snow this weekend, the ground here is saturated.

This has created some concern about the condition of the trails at Turkey Mountain. All accounts from visitors there indicate that while there are some dry areas, most of the trails are muddy, slippery or covered with standing water.

This has become a bigger issue, partly because of the success the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition has had in promoting the value of Turkey Mountain. People are visiting Turkey Mountain in record numbers, and many current users only recently started going there. Those higher numbers also mean more wear on the trails, something that is magnified when they are inundated by recent rains.

Another unfortunate fact to consider: The trails themselves were not all planned. Some grew organically, without much thought into how heavier traffic and natural erosion would affect them later. These sections are particularly susceptible to erosion. This wasn’t a big problem in the past, when there were fewer people, but is a larger concern now.

The TUWC has worked with the River Parks Authority to shore up some sections of the trails, but there is still work to be done. We will continue to do so in the future.

In the meantime, there are some things we, as users, can do to help, given the current conditions. Primarily, this is a good time to let the trails “rest” and absorb the recent moisture. Check out some of the River Parks paved trails on your next walk, run or ride. The temporary reprieve will help mitigate the problems of developing ruts that often come with heavy usage on soggy trails.

And when you are out there, avoid trying to go around muddy or wet spots on the trail. Go through them. By going around, this creates wide spots and social trails that add to trail degradation and erosion. This may leave you with muddy shoes, but it will help keep the trails intact.

Lastly, we know that increased traffic has also meant more trash filling the trash cans at the trailhead. We appreciate people using the trash bins and not littering, but the bins are overflowing. Please consider taking your trash with you when you leave to avoid overflowing trash blowing around the parking lot and into the woods.

This is a lot to digest, and may put a temporary crimp on your plans. But paying attention to trail conditions now will help us build on a sustainable and successful future for Turkey Mountain and its users.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the TUWC Trail Crew please contact Ryan Howell or Tyler Hanes

Waterlogged: When it’s time to give the trails a break

But there comes a time when you have to think bigger. The places where I run are pretty busy, and not just with runners. Cyclists, hikers and other trail users frequent my local trails by the hundreds every day, at a minimum. All that use has an impact on trails under the best of conditions. Add enough rain to the mix and trail erosion and degradation is greatly accelerated.

What to do when you encounter a muddy trail?

THE TRAILS ARE MUDDY!!!! Updated Jan 2nd, 2016

As of Saturday, January 2, 2016, trails are very muddy and slick. We recommend avoiding muddy trails for the sake of preserving them, and if you find yourself on a muddy trail, to walk/run/ride right down the middle of it instead of trying to sidestep. Sidestepping widens trails and increases likelihood of significant erosion.

River Parks board OKs loan deal tied to Vision funding to expand Turkey Mountain lands

The River Parks Authority approved two measures on Thursday designed to make its plans to acquire more lands around Turkey Mountain more attractive to Vision 2025 renewal voters.