§ 27A-3-8-102 — Pilot program to remove harmful woody species.

A. As used in the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act: 1. "Commission" means the Oklahoma Conservation Commission; 2. "Harmful woody species" means a tree or shrub species that is rapidly encroaching into adjoining lands and is likely to cause harm to the environment or economy. Harmful woody species include, but are not limited to, Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Juniperus monosperma (oneseed juniper) and Tamarix ramosissima (salt cedar); and 3. "North Canadian Watershed" means the area of land in Oklahoma that drains or sheds water into the North Canadian River. B. There is hereby created a pilot program to remove or eradicate harmful woody species in the North Canadian Watershed to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. To accomplish the goals listed in this section, the Commission is authorized to use the funds available in the North Canadian Watershed Restoration Revolving Fund established in Section 3 of this act. The purpose of the program is to manage and eradicate, where possible, harmful woody species that damage grazing lands, create significant wildfire risk, reduce wildlife habitat and reduce water flow into the North Canadian River. C. In administering the pilot program, the Commission shall: 1. Cooperate with landowners, state agencies, and other political subdivisions for removal of harmful woody species; 2. Measure the density of harmful woody species and estimate water used by those species; 3. Create a study using a parallel watershed with no control of harmful woody species; 4. Utilize available funds to cost-share with landowners for expenses incurred in the eradication of harmful woody species by prescribed burn, biological controls, mechanical removal, or herbicide applications; 5. Develop grant programs with conservation districts, rural fire departments, and prescribe burn associations for resources needed for prescribed burns, mechanical removal, biological control, or herbicide applications on harmful woody species; 6. Bring attention to the problems posed by harmful woody species to create awareness, demonstrate value to all stakeholders, and encourage landowners to participate in the program; and 7. Have at least two active project areas in the program, one above the Canton Lake dam and one below. D. The Commission is authorized to promulgate any rules and procedures to effectuate the provisions of this section.

Legislative History

Added by Laws 2023, c. 372, § 2, emerg. eff. June 9, 2023.