The Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993 to protect one of the last remaining remnants of bottomland hardwood forest in Oklahoma. Remnants of pecan orchards and the old coal mine railroad bed tell the story of the past, while the trees tell the story of today.
Prescribed Burns Planned for March 18th to 20th, 2024

The areas that will be burned are known as the LeDoux tract (near Southwest Cemetery), Whitehill and the Doneghy Units (near Coalton Bottoms). These areas will be temporarily closed to the public (50 CFR 25.21 (c)). 

The goal of the prescribed fire operation is to enhance and restore wildlife habitat. Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge has conducted prescribed burns in the past. Prescribed burns are considered a good tool used by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for managing wildlife habitat. These burn treatments restore the grassland areas, control brush in bottomland hardwood forests, control invasive woody vegetation and will increase the diversity of native plants and wildlife. Professional fire fighters will monitor the fire until all known hot spots are extinguished

orange topped metal structure in ground
Orphan Wells, remnants of oil and gas extraction, are a scar left on the landscape that we are working to heal.

Visit Us

Deep Fork National wildlife refuge offers us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993 to protect one of the last remaining remnants of bottomland hardwood forest in Oklahoma. Centered largely in the floodplain of the Deep Fork of the North Canadian River, the refuge extends along approximately 34 miles of the river in a northwest-southeast direction. The refuge is approximately 100 miles east of Oklahoma City and 35 miles south of Tulsa. US Highway 75 runs north and south through the Refuge, and Interstate 40 runs east and west roughly 2.5 miles south of the southern Refuge boundary. The refuge is bounded on the west by the Okmulgee Wildlife Management Area and on the south by Eufaula Wildlife Management Area, both of which are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

      Our Species

      Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds. Whether you are searching for one of the 149 species of birds amongst the trees or fishing for catfish in the river, there is something for everyone to see and experience.