November 14, 2005
The Honorable Drew Edmondson
Office of the Attorney General
State of Oklahoma
2300 North Lincoln Blvd.
Suite 112
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Dear Mr. Edmondson,
The Greater Tenkiller Area Association Board of Directors welcomes and endorses your efforts to protect Oklahoma’s streams and lakes from excess poultry waste. We believe that clean, safe water is critical to the future of Tenkiller Lake and its tributary Oklahoma Scenic Rivers, the Illinois River, Flint Creek, and Barren Fork Creek.
The Arkansas poultry companies, through their advertising campaigns and public statements, fail to mention that eastern Oklahoma’s tourism industry is dependent on clean, safe water. The poultry companies ignore the fact that thousands of families in our area depend on Tenkiller Lake, the Illinois River, Flint Creek, and Barren Fork Creek for pure drinking water. These families and the many businesses on our lakes and rivers need clean water, free from polluting nutrients and dangerous metals and bacteria contained in poultry and animal waste.
The GTAA applauds your efforts to ensure that this generation and those to come may enjoy the beauty of Tenkiller Lake and the many benefits of our scenic rivers.
Sincerely,
John Ellis, President
Greater Tenkiller Area Association