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Oklahoma Fall Foliage in Limbo Due to Drought

State Impact-Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Summer-long drought conditions that have plagued Oklahoma and Arkansas have left in limbo the usual explosion of fall foliage colors that attract tourists to both states.

The Ozark and the Ouachita national forests that spread into both states are normally destinations for those who want to see the reds, greens and yellows of the tree leaves. But U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Tracy Farley says many leaves have already turned brown and are about to fall to the ground.

But foresters say it isn't too late for the colorful seasonal change to be saved.

District Forester Craig Marquardt in southeast Oklahoma says a rain now would likely resuscitate the trees along the Talimena Trail in the Ouachita  National Forest that is a national scenic byway from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma.