ADA, OKLAHOMA – The Oka’ Institute at East Central University is proud to congratulate the Lake of the Arbuckles Watershed Association (LAWA) on being awarded the Oklahoma Water for 2060 Excellence Award. This prestigious recognition honors LAWA's exceptional efforts to promote water use efficiency and conservation within the Lake of the Arbuckles watershed, a critical water source for approximately 51,000 residents across Murray, Garvin, and Pontotoc counties.
LAWA was formed as a voluntary, landowner-run conservation organization dedicated to addressing water quality and sustainability challenges in the Lake of the Arbuckles watershed. Guided by a grassroots approach, LAWA’s initiatives are driven by the commitment of local stakeholders and supported by partnerships with organizations like the Chickasaw Nation and the Oka’ Institute. LAWA’s Board of Directors includes community leaders and landowners whose vision and leadership have been pivotal in advancing conservation efforts.
LAWA Board of Directors:
· Larry Keenan, President
· Ronald Trett, Vice-President
· Ty Albright, Secretary
· Marilyn Bearden, Treasurer
· Jerry Lancaster, Board Member
· Bill Wright, Board Member
· Dusty Baker, Board Member
· Charles Rohla, Board Member
· Wes Hilliard, Board Member
The Lake of the Arbuckles is vital to the region, providing a stable water supply supported by groundwater from the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. It lies within the Gulf Coast Prairie Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) and the Cross Timbers eco-region, highlighting its environmental and economic significance. Operated by the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, the lake serves as an essential resource for municipal water supply, recreation, and agriculture.
In collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation and the Oka’ Institute, LAWA has spearheaded innovative projects to improve water quality and quantity. A pivotal initiative was the 2016 Lake of the Arbuckles Watershed Restoration Plan, funded through the Bureau of Reclamation’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP). This grassroots effort has driven significant progress in addressing sediment and nutrient runoff, ensuring the lake's long-term sustainability and removing it from its impaired status.
One standout achievement was the completion of a BOR WaterSMART project (April 2022 – December 2023), focusing on soil health and water management across the watershed. LAWA collaborated with landowners to implement best practices, such as no-till drilling, riparian buffer strips, and the revegetation of riparian zones. These efforts enhanced water infiltration, reduced erosion, and improved water retention, ultimately minimizing future demands for new water supplies.
"This award is a testament to LAWA’s leadership and dedication to sustainable land and water management,” said Duane Smith, Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute. "Their efforts have not only benefited the watershed but have also had a measurable positive impact on the region’s economy and environment."
The project's outcomes included annual measurable water savings, improved soil health, and significant reductions in sediment and nutrient runoff. These achievements were documented through rigorous water quality monitoring and soil assessments. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project supported the local economy by reducing irrigation costs, preserving water resources for agricultural productivity, and fostering a shift in attitudes among landowners toward proactive stewardship of land and water resources.
The Oklahoma Water for 2060 Excellence Award was presented during the Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference. The Oka’ Institute celebrates this honor with LAWA and looks forward to continued collaboration to advance water sustainability in Oklahoma.
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