Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Plug 30 Abandoned Wells in Oklahoma's Deep Fork Refuge

The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have successfully plugged 30 orphaned oil wells in the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge over the past year. This initiative, launched in March 2025, aims to restore wildlife habitat and mitigate environmental hazards associated with abandoned wells. The project is part of a larger partnership to address over 110 orphan wells across multiple wildlife refuges, with significant progress already visible in the area.

Published Mar 29, 2026

The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have plugged 30 abandoned oil wells in the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma over the past year. This effort began with the sealing of the Cover #5 well in March 2025 and marks a significant milestone in a partnership aimed at restoring wildlife habitat and mitigating methane emissions from orphan wells.

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The project targets more than 110 wells across various wildlife refuges. The work involves overcoming challenges posed by the refuge's wetlands and river channels, requiring specialized techniques and equipment. The ongoing collaboration has resulted in visible environmental improvements, with restoration efforts allowing native vegetation to reclaim the areas around sealed wells.