Water in the Arkansas

[Hometown]

Why does the Arkansas need to have water in it?  I think I predate Keystone Dam and to my knowledge the Arkansas has always had sandbars and dry areas and times when there was more or less water depending on the season and weather.

One expert told me that the river's condition is typical of plains rivers.

Instead of a jerry-rigged, over-developed mistake, I'd like to see the river as close to its natural state as possible.

Before every monied interest in town stakes a claim on the river, how about preserving the river with public parklands and low key, community based recreation facilities.

[YoungTulsan]

I think we have.  Heard of the Riverparks?

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

I think we have.  Heard of the Riverparks?

YT, did you miss the discussions of the Channels and INCOG's multiple lowater proposals? The mayor's remarks that the first consideration of river development is "..to put water in the river"?

[grahambino]

The North Canadian (Oklahoma) River now has water.
Therefore the Arkansas River needs water too, right?

I dont agree w/ any development in the floodway or floodplains of the river...any river.  talk about a disaster waiting to happen, especially a completely preventable one at that.

[cannon_fodder]

For some reason, I feel embarrassed when I drive over the Arkansas with people from out of town and they exclaim "That's the river?"  Not sure why.

I would like water in the Arkansas for three main reasons.  1) It looks better.  Pretty simple, a river with water in it is more appealing that a dusty mass of sand bars and bugs.  2) Entertainment:  boating, fishing, and watching others enjoying themselves on the river is always a good time.  I know we wont have drag boats on it, but something like dragon boat races or kayaking would be nice.  3) people are drawn to water.  I dont think there is a river in the world that is nicely developed around a mostly dry river bed.  If you want to develop the river, it needs water.

Maybe all that doesnt make sense, but that's what I think.

[Hometown]

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

I think we have.  Heard of the Riverparks?

Yes, I too have seen the animal art.

But I'd like to see Sunoco and Sinclair contribute their land to a public park after a little clean up.  You know, expand the park any where we can.

[MichaelC]

From KTUL

quote:Tulsa - You might find yourself doing a double-take the next time you drive by the Arkansas River. There is actually water in it. Heavy rain from the past couple of weeks has filled what had been a dry section. NewsChannel 8's Elizabeth Kinney found out it has a lot of people talking about what the future could hold. But, keeping it full could take years of work and a lot of Tulsans' tax dollars.

There are no dams in place to keep water in the river. Right now, it depends on how much rainfall Tulsa gets. But people at the Riverwalk hope some dams are built soon. Because when the water goes up, so does business.

Los Cabos is busier than normal on this weekday. They're serving up sizzling plates of food to crowds of customers all out enjoying a view they don't get to see very often.

"Considering we looked at an empty river bed for a year and a half, it's a nice pleasant surprise," says Managing Partner Jimmy Blacketer.

"I come out here, it's right on the water, beautiful atmosphere, a good thing for Tulsa," says DeWayne Corvin.

The patios stay full when the river is full, making the water a lifeline for developer Jerry Gordon. The problem is, the river isn't full very often.

"We've been promised for years we'd have water in the river," Gordon says. "Only due to rains do we end up getting it."

There is a plan to build two or three low-water dams in the Arkansas River. But, building them is going slower than the river flows.

"At times I've actually given up," Gordon says. "Been to meeting after meeting, been given timelines, doesn't seem to go anywhere."

A best case scenario is two years before the dams are built. But even the city's not sure. The only sure thing about the river?

"I think the majority of people would like to see more water in the river," says RiverParks Authority Director Matt Meyer. "Elected officials understand that, too."

But, while they decide how to keep the river flowing, customers here will enjoy their chips and salsa with a waterfront view while it lasts.

"People are attracted to water," says Donna Peters. "That's why it's so successful out here right now."

Right now, the Corps of Engineers is doing an environmental impact study that has to be finished before the dams are built. But, then they still need money to build them. Each dam will cost between 25 and 30 million dollars.

Vision 2025 will match money for the project. But, right now, now cash has been raised.

[Hometown]

We need a made for TV movie about life on the plains rivers.  Lots of close ups of sand bars and such.  Tulsans will be clammering to have one too.

I don't know folks.  I just like natural.  It looks better.  You know all you guys with hair plugs.  You'd look better balding.

[waterboy]

Geez. Can you imagine what the river would look like right now had we built two more low water dams, or the amazing Channels? Especially during and extended rainy season north of us? You could drive your boat on the river parks paths. The planned piers would be submerged or washed away. The bluffs below Gordon's project would be eroded into the stage. Get real, this is only 51,000 cubic feet per second. Not even the highest level for these dates. 1973 it drained 67,000 cfs. on this date. Its rated top end flow is what...300,000cfs? Plug those numbers into your low water model.

When the spring rains come the lake fills, the river fills.  Its been lower levels for the last two years but its not going to last. Talking like there hasn't been any water in the river for a year and a half is silly. It usually rises during the night while everyone sleeps.

Bear with me. You need to see the river in its normal state before you decide to create a new environmental monster. I hope to make that happen someday.

[Chris]

My favorite part of the river has always been Zink Lake. Without the low-water dam it would not exist and I don't know of any flooding it has caused. We have already completely ruined the river's natural state by building the Keystone Dam. I would personally much prefer the extra low-water damns. I think they can be built safely with no extra flooding. I seem to recall the river flooding plenty all on its own before it was tamed.

[AMP]

http://www.cityoftulsa.org/CityServices/FloodControl/History.asp

http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/pubs/harmsway/overview.shtml

[deinstein]

The river stinks.

[Chris]

quote:Originally posted by deinstein

The river stinks.

Good to know.

[perspicuity85]

"...river's condition is common for plains rivers."

-That may be, but Tulsa receives more rainfall than other plains river areas, such as Wichita and OKC.  Tulsa's treelined neighborhoods and lush public parks invoke a city image of greenery and life.  The absence of water in the river sort of goes against the image of "green country," don't you think?

I think there is a way to preserve natural habitats and acheive higher water flow in the river.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by perspicuity85

"...river's condition is common for plains rivers."

-That may be, but Tulsa receives more rainfall than other plains river areas, such as Wichita and OKC.  Tulsa's treelined neighborhoods and lush public parks invoke a city image of greenery and life.  The absence of water in the river sort of goes against the image of "green country," don't you think?

I think there is a way to preserve natural habitats and acheive higher water flow in the river.

Its not the rainfall that Tulsa receives. Its the rainfall from the watersheds north and west of Tulsa. If Tulsa is all about image and appearance, and I think you are correct, then we are on the right track. Fill 'er up, pump in some blue dye and plastic ducks. Thank goodness we didn't name ourselves mountain country![]

Nonetheless, please share your views on preserving the natural habitats and increasing water flow.