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RIVER
RESOURCES
Located 15 miles southwest of the city of
Fayetteville, Arkansas in the Boston Mountains, the Illinois River
begins its northerly and westerly flow through the Ozarks region.
Crossing the Oklahoma-Arkansas State line near Siloam Springs,
Arkansas, the course of the river flows southerly to its
confluence with the Arkansas River in east-central Oklahoma. Two
major tributaries of the Illinois include the Barren (Baron) Fork
and Flint Creeks. Both tributaries are traced to similar origins
within the Ozarks and both flow generally west and south until
uniting with the Illinois River in Oklahoma. The River Corridor,
totaling roughly 38,000 acres, encompasses 119 miles of the
Illinois and its two tributaries, along with a 1/2 mile wide
corridor (1/4 mile either side of the streams). The 119 miles of
streams studied comprise a drainage area in Oklahoma of
approximately 900 square miles.
Thirteen miles upstream from its confluence with the Arkansas
River in east-central Oklahoma, the Illinois was dammed forming
Tenkiller Ferry Reservoir. The reservoir provides for flood
control, water supply, power generation and recreation. In many
cases the water in Tenkiller is backed up to Horseshoe Bend Public
Recreation Area at the lower portion of the River Corridor. During
times of flooding the reservoir has been known to back up all the
way to the city of Tahlequah.
The two impoundments found on Flint Creek include a small narrow
reservoir located near the New Hope Ranch Youth Camp and an
additional impoundment located outside the town of Flint on US
Highway 412. The Youth Camp reservoir provides recreation for camp
purposes and is located about four stream miles west of the
Oklahoma-Arkansas State line.
The Illinois River and its tributaries are among the primary
tourist attractions within northeastern Oklahoma. Canoeists and
tourists from across Oklahoma, and parts of Arkansas, Missouri,
Kansas, and Texas are drawn to the River Corridor. Significant
cities found within a few hours driving time of the river are
Tulsa , Oklahoma City, Fort Smith (Arkansas), Fayetteville
(Arkansas), Joplin and Springfield (Missouri).
No other streams in northeastern Oklahoma and few in the
south-central part of the nation are as accessible or convenient
to float as the Illinois river. Picturesque bluffs flank the river
over much of its course, affording the user much scenic variety.
The pastoral setting of the agricultural valley adds to the
recreation enjoyment. Water quality continues to support diverse
fish resources, although some deterioration has taken place over
the last 20 years. Water clarity is one of the stream's most
attractive attributes.
Several significant events of local Native American history have
taken place in the Illinois River area. The Cherokee Tribe, having
been ousted from southern Appalachian and after enduring the
infamous "Trail of Tears," founded their national
capital at Tahlequah. Their cultural influence on the river valley
area continues today.
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