Staff members from Northeastern Oklahoma US Fish and Wildlife Service facilities visited Turkey Mountain and Mooser Creek today. The federal agency is interested in exploring partnerships for environmental and conservation education.
Here’s the deal: If this mall gets approved, what is pictured above is just a sampling. Much more acreage will be cut down. Drainage issues look problematic: storm water runoff from a parking lot (which would include toxic things like spilled motor oil, gasoline, other auto fluids and whatever leaks from trash dumpsters) looks like it would flow downhill into a ravine, which eventually drain into Mooser Creek, itself a delicate ecosystem maybe a mile to the north. And who knows what erosion issues we’re talking about.
As for those of us in Tulsa, it’s time for a little action. There is a petitionyou can sign where you can show support in keeping Turkey Mountain wild. You can write and call your City Council representative to let them know what you’re not keen on an outlet mall at Turkey Mountain. And if you’re on social media, post your photos and opinions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tag it with #KeepTurkeyWild.
This Mooser Creek Greenway Plan celebrates the rich natural, cultural and political history of the basin, and presents a plan developed by the citizens that preserves the best of what is there, while ensuring that quality future growth and development can continue to enhance the livability of the southwest Tulsa area.
-Bill LaFortune Mayor, City of Tulsa
In line with the Comprehensive Plan, residents want to see as much of the basin’s wildlife habitat and vegetation retained as possible, its floodplains and steep slopes protected, and its rural-residential character preserved. Although the Okmulgee Expressway Corridor is zoned for commercial development, there is a clear consensus against the creation of a sprawling, high-intensity, 24-hour business complex like the one at Woodland Hills, which would obliterate the watershed’s natural beauty and unique character. (V-6)