Summer Fading

The sun is setting earlier at Lake Hefner but its been a great summer!! Tens of thousands have enjoyed the lake and surrounding area. The trails continue to have relentless action. Races, regattas, fishing derbies, and many other events have occurred. Trees have been planted, a biodiversity study is ongoing, PlanOKC is working with FOLH to develop a long term plan for Lake Hefner. Also, the hatchery was saved!!!!! Thank You OKC city council!!!!!

SAVE THE HATCHERY!! CALL YOUR CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE!!!
Important facts to relate to them!!

*The hatchery costs $160,000.00 per year, but it can be run on $140,000.00
*Anglers bought 1804 City permits in 2008 totaling $140,640.00 which could pay for the hatchery.
*Retail sales from fishing was $14,825,937.00.
*Retail sales tax from fishing was $610,696.00 from state and $574,241.00 city.
*168 median wage retail jobs were supported by fishing in 2008.
*Hatchery staff cost is matched annually by a $3 to $1 federal grant totaling $210,000.00
for fishing related infrastructure in OKC
*State wildlife department provides the hatchery 1.2 million hatchlings to raise for the Lakes
Hefner, Overholser, Draper, and 13 smaller ones annually.
*Losing the cost for maintaing fishing stocks would be $500,000.00 annually. (not happening!!)
*****LOSING THE HATCHERY MEANS LOSING MOST OF THE FISH, A LOT OF THE
RETAIL SALES AND PERMITS, AND ALL OF THE $210,000.00 ANNUALLY!!!!!

Winter Beauty At The Lake

An unusually cold and wet winter has slowed action at Lake Hefner. However the lake is quite full and the spring thaw is just around the corner!! Soon we will all be enjoying the trails, trees, animals and the wind!!!! Check the FOLH calendar to keep up with the events that affect the Lake and trails!!