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This publication is issued by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, in cooperation with the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service, as authorized by Mike Thralls, executive director. Copies
have not been printed but are available through the agency website, http://conservation.ok.gov.
October 2011
Deep Red Run - Coffin Creek
Watershed Project
The Deep Red Run Creek Watershed Project consists of two flood control dams in Tillman County and thousands of conservation practices applied to the land.
Dam No. 1, known as Lake Frederick was constructed in 1974 by the City of Frederick and the Tillman County Conservation District with the assistance of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program.
The dam, located 13 miles northeast of Frederick, was built for flood control, municipal water supply and recreation. The City of Frederick paid for 8,300 acre feet of storage above that needed for flood control for municipal water and recreational uses.
The dam creates a 925 surface acre lake with 18 miles of shoreline. Recreational facilities around the lake include boat ramps, boat dock, fishing dock, RV and tent campsites, picnic areas, outdoor grills, playground, showers/restrooms, pavilion and bicycle trails.
Dam No. 2, one mile west of Dam No. 1, was constructed in 1979. It has 134 surface acres of water and also provides municipal water for the City of Frederick along with flood control.
Flooding was a frequent occurrence in the watershed before construction of the dams. Floods destroyed crops, damaged bridges and county roads, and caused soil erosion. The City of Frederick had depended on water wells for municipal water, but water levels kept declining and the lack of available water was limiting industrial growth. Water-based recreational areas were limited in the area.
In 1970 the Tillman County Conservation District requested assistance from the NRCS in planning and implementing the watershed project to address these resource needs.
The Deep Red Run - Coffin Creek Watershed Project is one of 129* projects in Oklahoma that have been planned and implemented by local people with assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
2,107 NRCS-assisted flood control dams have been constructed in 61 Oklahoma counties. These watershed projects, that also include thousands of conservation practices, provide over $81 million in average annual benefits.
For additional information about watershed projects in the state visit the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website at: http://conservation.ok.gov or visit your local conservation district and NRCS office.
This is one of 129* examples of how local, state and federal government agencies have worked together to utilize the Natural Resources Conservation Service Watershed Program to address natural resource needs and improve the quality of life for thousands of Oklahomans.
Deep Red Run - Coffin Creek Watershed Project Benefits
Provides $3.6 million in average annual benefits from reduced flood damages
Provides municipal water and recreational areas
Provides flood protection for bridges and county roads
Provides flood protection for 80 farms and ranches
Impounded water has created fish and wildlife habitat, waterfowl nesting areas and livestock water
350 acres of wetlands have been created or enhanced
Sedimentation has been reduced by 95,000 tons of soil each year
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