OSU represented on statewide conservation task force

Thursday, April 13, 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Conservation Task Force, a new statewide collaboration focused on advancing conservation efforts across the state, was recently launched at a special signing in Oklahoma City.

“As urban areas continue to grow, land and water resources are depleting,” said Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb. “It’s important we all do our part as a united team to conserve, protect and restore Oklahoma’s natural resources. This is the first step in beginning a long-term collaborative relationship.”

The task force is comprised of eight organizations, each dedicated to natural resource stewardship: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council.

Tom Coon, DASNR vice president, was appointed to the task force and is encouraged about the potential impact of the group.

“The task force recognizes the great work already going on to advance conservation in Oklahoma and will build on that to do even more through this collaboration,” he said.

Each of the groups represented on the task force bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in their particular fields.

“The Noble Foundation was established on the fundamental belief that the land is our most important resource and that it is our duty to keep it healthy and productive for future generations,” said Billy Cook, Noble Foundation executive vice president and Agricultural Division director. “Each of the contributing organizations to this task force agree that conservation of our natural resources is critical to healthy lands and ultimately impacts all Oklahomans.”

This statewide effort will focus on three collaborative objectives: enhance the development of conservation in Oklahoma, coordination of research, and communication. In addition, the task force will identify and address major state conservation goals, develop models of success for specific topics, and develop informational resources and messaging to provide critical information to the general public, those involved in conservation, and the next generation.

“Each organization involved plays a role in conserving Oklahoma’s vast resources, and we want to bring together all of those resources to better serve our great state,” said Trey Lam, Oklahoma Conservation Commission executive director. “As state organizations go through budget cuts, it’s just as important to come together to address the conservation needs and look for new ways to expand our impact through collaboration.”

One outcome of the communication objective will be an annual meeting of all partners in Oklahoma to address the issues in conservation. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 18-19, 2017, in Oklahoma City.