On Monday, Aug. 15, OSRC Administrator Ed Fite was notified of apparent illegal gravel mining and dredging activities in Delaware County on Flint Creek, an Oklahoma Scenic River.
Upon investigation, Fite discovered that a trackhoe was in use in the creek in the area of the Highway 412 bridge. The work was reportedly initiated by the owner of Flint Creek Water Park.
Two other apparently illegal gravel-taking operations were noticed in the area.
This comes on the heels of an illegal dam on Barren Fork Creek in Adair County and a nonpermitted dam on Barren Fork in Cherokee County.
It is certain the latest incidents will be investigated and penalties are likely.
The OSRC meets Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Tahlequah.
While Oklahoma battles Arkansas to protect the Illinois River from pollution by poultry companies, local landowners are damaging its tributaries right and left.
