Dig For Crystals - Salt Plains N W R - Oklahoma

by Debra Martz

Title

Dig For Crystals - Salt Plains N W R - Oklahoma

Artist

Debra Martz

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Dig For Crystals - Salt Plains NWR - Oklahoma by Debra Martz Before driving out to the designated digging area, we stopped at the observation deck to gain a bit in elevation for a few views and images. Before going to the second level, I stopped to read a large sign. An important and informative one I discover as this area was once a practice bombing range!

The following is exactly as stated on the signage titled,
""Military Influences on the Salt Flats"
"The United States Army Air Corps used these salt flats as a practice bombing and gunnery range from 1942-1946. this defense training site was once know as the Great Salt Plains Bombing Range. Bombers were sent from Oklahoma City and Enid, Oklahoma and Pratt and Dodge City, Kansas Army bases for target practice.
Glass vials from Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) were found in the digging area in 2007. These sets were used by military until the 1960s to train soldiers to identify chemical agents. These training sets were not designed to be lethal.
These vials were removed and studies have been completed over the remainder of the dig area to locate any further military vials or munitions. We have reopened the dig area with reasonable assurance that there is nothing to be found besides selenite crystals beneath the surface.
Only the areas open to selenite crystal digging were surveyed - pay attention to boundary signs.
Things to watch out for include glass vials, metal objects and munitions that look like shotgun shells. If you see anything that look like these items or something you do not recognize, remember the 3R's: Recognize - Retreat - Report"

©Debra Martz
In My Gallery/Collection
"Oklahoma"
and "Landscape and Landmarks"

20191001-DSC_7334.NEF

Uploaded

October 8th, 2019

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