TULSA, Okla. – Words like stilling basin and dewatering are not terms most people use in everyday conversations; for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, they represent an important part of maintaining the district’s infrastructure. At Canton Lake, crews recently dewatered the stilling basin, the reinforced concrete structure below the dam’s outlet works, to inspect areas that are normally submerged and help ensure the dam continues to operate safely and reliably for the communities it protects.
Most visitors to Canton Lake may never think about what lies below the water at the bottom of the dam. Hidden beneath the water during normal operations, the stilling basin remains out of sight until water is removed during...
07.14.2026 | TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US |
Story by Stacey Reese
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of its birthday, June 16.
Work continues on the Tenkiller Bridge replacement project near Gore, Oklahoma, July 22, 2026, where crews have erected sidewalk forms and made pours on Spans 9 and 10.
Replacing the spillway bridge is a major infrastructure modernization effort. The original structure was removed completely and is being replaced with a new concrete bridge. The work is happening over an existing spillway while the dam continues to provide flood risk reduction and hydropower. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Raymond Todd)
What's inside a ranger truck?
From life jackets and rescue equipment to protective gear for the ranger, Tulsa District rangers carry the gear that helps them handle whatever their shift brings.
Take a look inside a ranger truck and learn more about the responsibilities our rangers take on every day.
As National Ranger Day approaches on July 31, we are highlighting the people who help protect our public lands, support safe recreation and serve the millions of visitors who visit Tulsa District Lakes each year.
Copyright Note: This project includes copyrighted music licensed for use by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via Megatrax.
