Project Title: Replace 15 Trail Interpretive Signs (FFS #R2GW)

State: Oklahoma

Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), through the Recovery Act, will replace 15 trail interpretive signs within Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Jet, Okla. The signs are intended to mark trails and refuge boundaries, and give information on refuge attributes and boating and fishing regulations. Flooding and intense sunlight have taken a toll on the signs, some of which were constructed 40 years ago. Wilderness Graphics of Tallahassee, Fla. will be responsible for the signs, posts, and sign installation for the project.

The current signage at Salt Plains NWR is faded, damaged and or outdated and inadequate. The 32,023 acres of Salt Plains NWR is home to over 300 species of birds and 30 species of mammals. It is divided into almost equal parts of non-vegetated salt flat, open water, and vegetated land (marsh, woods, grasslands, and croplands).

Salt Plains NWR is internationally known for its Selenite Crystal dig in which 30,000 visitors yearly come to look for unique crystals. Gypsum, iron oxide, and the local soil combine to form hourglass-shaped, chocolate-colored crystals that can be found nowhere else in the world. In addition to the crystal dig, Salt Plains NWR is a habitat for migratory waterfowl, and holds many unique birding events throughout the year.

In addition to improving aesthetics on the refuge, service officials expect the project to reduce visitor confusion about trails and boating and fishing regulations, and bring public information about the refuge up to date.

October 2010 Project Update: Salt Plains Refuge Operations Specialist Greg Birkenfeld says refuge and regional staff are discussing the project’s early stages with the contractor, Wilderness Graphics of Tallahassee, Fla. Birkenfeld says he expects the trail interpretive signs to be installed on the refuge before the end of 2010.

Photos:

Sign needing replacement.

Sign needing replacement.

A view of Salt Plains NWR from the observation deck.

Originally posted 04/06/2010
Updated 10/22/2010