Black Mesa Nature Preserve

Black Mesa Nature Preserve. A Partnership Between the Oklahoma Tourism. , How did Black Mesa become a Preserve?, The Land was acquired in parcels over many years, beginning in 1959 when the State of Oklahoma purchased 100 acres on the top of the Mesa. , In 1989, the Nature Conservancy acquired 1500 acres on the north and east of the mesa, and transferred it to the State of Oklahoma two years later with restrictions and easements to protect the Mesa's natural and cultural resources. , In 1992, the Nature Conservancy purchased another 160 acres and transferred ownership to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. This last parcel enlarged the Black Mesa Nature Preserve to its current size: 1,760 acres. , A beautiful, eight-foot tall granite monument is located on top of Black Mesa, noting that it is the highest point in Oklahoma: 4973 feet above sea level. This obelisk was donated by Jenkin Lloyd Jones, publisher of the Tulsa Tribune. The monument was designed by Bill Willis, whose company, Willis Granite Products, of Granite, Oklahoma, quarried, fabricated and placed it on top of Black Mesa in 1960. , Thank you for protecting this Preserve by following the posted regulations.