Trail work report: It’s unlikely that we’ve seen this level of work being done at Turkey Mountain, maybe ever. That, and with the new trails systems that have opened up at Lubell Park and Bales Park, the River Parks Authority and the city of Tulsa have been busy creating and enhancing trail systems that serve the region’s outdoor community. By now, you’ve probably seen some of the new multi-use and bike-only downhill trails at Turkey Mountain. Now, you’ll see something else: a stone staircase leading from one of the mountain’s lower trails that will ascend all the way to the top, linking up to existing trails that will give users the opportunity to ascend Turkey Mountain and gain access to some its more popular overlooks.
I’ve walked it with RPA’s Ryan Howell, and I can tell you this: It’s a work of art. It’s newly finished, and will be a popular go-to place for people to climb to the top of Turkey Mountain and will feature its own photogenic scenes. All of the rock used in the staircase was sourced from Turkey Mountain itself, and erosion-prone uphill trails that had become nightmare washouts will be left to remediate naturally. What’s more: The staircase is just part of what’s going on there now, and there will be work to create a variety of different trails – from multi-use, beginner-friendly routes to wilder paths that will challenge runners and cyclists. RPA, through various private, local, state and federal sources, has procured millions of dollars to turn its master plan into reality, and do it in a way that’s sustainable and erosion resistant.
Update on the deer: A few weeks back, we all learned that someone poached a deer at Turkey Mountain. As of this writing, we are still unsure who illegally harvested the deer. It is very difficult to find and prosecute poachers unless they are caught in the act of shooting wildlife. That said, this reminder needs to be said: It is illegal to shoot firearms within the city limits, and hunting isn’t allowed at Turkey Mountain. The park is designed to be an urban wilderness, which means that part of its mission is to provide good habitats for plants and animals that live there.
So if you or anyone you know is tempted to hunt at Turkey Mountain, don’t. There are plenty of places in Oklahoma to hunt, and discharging a firearm at a place known to have a high level of human traffic is dangerous to other Turkey Mountain users. If you see someone hunting at Turkey Mountain, call Tulsa police.
