Analyzing the Lake Texoma Watershed: Overview, critical issues, restoration strategies, and implementation

This study examines the water quality and quantity challenges within the 25.3 million-acre Lake Texoma Watershed. The study region is comprised of two USGS HUC-4 subregions: the Red Headwaters (1112) and the Red-Washita (1113) subregions, and spans across New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. The Chickasaw Nation contracted Oklahoma State University (OSU) to address four key tasks in this study: (1) develop a comprehensive overview of the watershed (2) identify critical watershed needs and issues (3) develop watershed restoration strategies and (4) develop watershed implementation strategies such as best management practices (BMPs) implementation. A specialized geodatabase was developed to support watershed stakeholders. This tool enables users to visualize data layers, analyze spatial relationships, and build on existing watershed data. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data from federal, state, and tribal sources, this study identified critical areas of concern, including surface water pollutants, water supply issues and land use practices. Ten core BMPs were recommended based on proven 319 funded success stories in similar watersheds and ecoregions. The economic feasibility of implementing these conservation practices within the Lake Texoma Watershed was evaluated using publicly available, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost data. Due to significant variability in costs at the state and local levels, federal NRCS-reported funding provided the most reliable estimates for the various conservation practices. The results of this study will collectively inform future watershed management activities within the Lake Texoma Watershed.