Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness announces temporary area closure 

TULSA, Okla. — UPDATE (02/07; 3:14 p.m.) — Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness announced a portion of their red trail will be temporarily closed as their crews are working near that area.

On certain days in February and March, portions of Turkey Mountain will be closed to the public.

The River Parks Authority and Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) are partnering to address hazardous fuels on around 40 acres of the wilderness area.

Beginning in February, OFS will be treating the area, subduing wildland fuels to help lower the chance of wildfire.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to team with OFS and receive the benefit of their expertise,” said Ryan Howell, Turkey Mountain Project Manager for River Parks. “The OFS mission ‘to conserve, enhance and protect Oklahoma’s forests and natural resources for present and future generations’ represents River Parks’ own vision for Turkey Mountain.”

Eastern Redcedar and a large amount of Chinese Privet near 71st and Elwood will be removed. Winds and topography could work together in causing extreme fire danger for residents in the area.

“When we manage our forests, we leave only the best, native trees; that is important to us. We get rid of the vegetation that only works to raise the risk of wildfire,” said Aaron Williams, Hazard Mitigation Coordinator for OFS. “What we leave is a stand of healthy, vigorous trees with branches high enough off the ground to prevent any wildfire from climbing.”

This project is projected to take six to eight weeks and the work area will be closed to visitors.

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