Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees is the terminal for waters from the Neosho River Watershed, the Spring River Watershed, and the Elk River Watershed. In addition there are other tributaries that drain into Grand Lake include Honey Creek, Tar Creek, Horse Creek, and Drowning Creek.

Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, which has about 1,300 shoreline miles, is impaired for Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity (Sediment). Experts believe elevated levels of nutrients entering Grand Lake are one cause of lower levels of Dissolved Oxygen.

A 2004/2005 report from the Oklahoma Office of the Secretary of the Environment documents evidence that Grand Lake water quality is becoming increasing threatened by elevated levels of nutrient enrichment. Elevated levels of nutrients can trigger algae blooms potentially causing water quality issues ranging from harm to fish to potential health issues to animals and humans from toxic blue/green algae blooms.

The Grand Lake Watershed Alliance Foundation Inc. 2008 Grand Lake Watershed Plan documents that much of the large 10,298 square mile watershed is experiencing elevated levels of nutrients. Of particular concern is the elevated levels of phosphorous entering Grand Lake from sediment transport, from waste water treatment plants, from septic systems, from excess application of commercial and poultry litter fertilizers and from other sources.

Each of the three major rivers flowing into Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees (Neosho, Spring, and Elk) are documented as having elevated levels of nutrients. Therefore, reducing the nutrient risk to Grand Lake is dependent in part to reducing nutrient levels in the major subwatersheds: Neosho River Subwatershed; Spring River Subwatershed; and the Elk River Subwatershed.

However, those living near Grand Lake and/or its tributary streams do need to actively participate in the battle against pollution against nutrients, especially phosphorous, entering Grand Lake. Those living near Grand Lake should only use commercial fertilizers that do not have phosphorous;otherwise, much of the phosphorous that you apply will enter Grand Lake or its tributary streams. Encourage your friends, neighbors, associates, and others to use only phosphrous free fertilizers.

MAP:  Click: Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees-OK

CITIZENS GROUP:

The Oklahoma portion of the Elk River Watershed is represented by the Elk River Watershed Improvement Association (ERWIA), P.O. Box 6, Pineville, MO 64870 which is a non-profit organization.  New members are welcome!

OKLAHOMA WATER QUALITY RELATED AGENCIES

Office of the Secretary of the Environment, 3800 N Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Oklahoma Conservation Commission, 2800 N Lincoln, Suite 160
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405)5212384

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, P. O Box 1677
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Oklahoma Water Resources Board, 3800 N Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Oklahoma Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, 2800 N Lincoln Blvd,
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4298 (405)5213864

Grand River Dam Authority, 226 W Dwain Willis Av
Vinita, OK 74301 (918)2565545