2800 N. Lincoln, Suite 160
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-2384 - FAX (405) 521-6686
www.conservation.ok.gov

House Commends Water Quality Specialist Otis Bennett

(Mike Thralls, OCC executive director (left) and Area III Commissioner congratulate Otis Bennett, Water Quality specialist on his Commendation from the House of Representatives.

At an April 27 meeting in Decatur, Ark., OCC’s Water Quality staff presented the successful findings of the Beaty Creek Water Quality Project (see May 2005 issue of Oklahoma's Conservation Conversation) to the Beaty Creek Watershed Advisory Group. OCC Area III Commissioner
George Stunkard, introduced by OCC Executive Director Mike Thralls, presented OCC Water Quality specialist Otis Bennett with a Commendation from the state House of Representatives. The Commendation was sponsored by Rep. John Auffet.
The House commended Bennett for helping
design and refine OCC’s watershed-based approach
for assessing problems, educating the public, and
implementing large scale programs to install best management practices. The Commendation stated
that the solution largely designed by Bennett led to a 14 percent reduction in phosphorus loading to
Beaty Creek and is now being implemented in other impaired watersheds. Bennett received thanks
for his dedication to the protection of Oklahoma’s natural resources and congratulations for his
success. The Commendation stated “The Oklahoma House of Representatives recognizes Mr. Otis
Bennett as an ‘Architect of our Success’ in protecting Oklahoma’s environment.”