Okmulgee, OK — July 8, 2025 — The Well Done Foundation, a nonprofit known nationally for its groundbreaking work capping orphaned oil and gas wells, officially opened its first field office in Oklahoma today. The organization celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at its new location at 114 West 7th Street in downtown Okmulgee.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, welcomed community members, environmental professionals, and local partners to tour the new facility and meet the team. The ribbon was cut at 4:30 PM, symbolizing not just the launch of an office, but the beginning of a deeper commitment to the people and landscape of eastern Oklahoma.

A Mission Rooted in Restoration

Founded in 2019 by Curtis Shuck, the Well Done Foundation is driven by a singular yet urgent mission: to identify and permanently seal orphaned oil and gas wells, many of which have been leaking harmful methane and other greenhouse gases for decades. These wells—abandoned by former operators—pose significant environmental, public health, and safety risks across the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates over 2 million such wells exist nationwide.

Methane, one of the primary pollutants from these abandoned wells, is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. Left unchecked, these emissions contribute directly to climate change and can contaminate groundwater and soil in the surrounding areas.

The Well Done Foundation’s approach includes careful site assessment, plugging operations that meet strict environmental standards, and full land restoration afterward. Once a well is sealed, the foundation often works with local conservation groups to plant native vegetation and restore the ecological balance of the site.

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge: A Major Focus

Oklahoma has become a high-priority location for the foundation, particularly the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge near Okmulgee. This federally protected area has been impacted by more than 100 orphaned wells, some dating back to the early 1900s.

The new office in Okmulgee will serve as the regional headquarters for the foundation’s work at Deep Fork and surrounding areas. With funding support from federal infrastructure programs and partnerships with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the foundation has already sealed over a dozen wells and has plans for many more.

This work is part of a larger multi-year initiative to restore public lands across the country by addressing orphaned wells, with Oklahoma standing at the forefront.

Community-Focused Impact

Beyond its environmental mission, the Well Done Foundation is also focused on creating positive local economic impact. By establishing a permanent office in Okmulgee, the organization aims to hire local workers, collaborate with area contractors, and engage students and universities in environmental science and technology efforts.

“We’re not just plugging wells—we’re building partnerships,” said Curtis Shuck during today’s event. “We believe in making a real, measurable difference in the communities where we operate.”

Local organizations such as the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation have applauded the move, seeing it as a win for economic development, job creation, and environmental leadership in the region.

Educating the Public and Inspiring Action

The foundation also sees education as a key part of its mission. Future plans for the Okmulgee office include hosting public information sessions, school field trips, and live demonstrations that highlight how the well-plugging process works and why it matters.

“Our hope is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Shuck. “Whether someone is passionate about the climate, water quality, or protecting public lands, there’s a place for them in this work.”

Looking Ahead

As the Well Done Foundation settles into its new home in Okmulgee, the organization has its eyes set on expanding efforts to other areas in Oklahoma and beyond. Future projects are already being planned in other wildlife refuges, and new partnerships with local governments and nonprofits are underway.

By combining science, local engagement, and a boots-on-the-ground approach, the Well Done Foundation is showing that environmental restoration doesn’t have to come from the top down—it can begin right here in communities like Okmulgee.

For more information about their mission or to get involved, visit https://welldonefoundation.org.