An opportunity to
shape the future of Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife conservation is in the works.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, in collaboration with wildlife
stakeholders, is creating a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. The
strategy will address the needs all fish and wildlife species in the state. It
will also use a habitat approach, rather than a species-by-species management
approach.
All 50 states in
the union are creating similar strategies. When fit together like a puzzle, they
will show the current state of America’s wildlife and identify actions needed to
keep fish and wildlife populations healthy.
“Overall, we’ve
made great strides in fish and wildlife conservation over the past few decades,”
said Greg Duffy, director of the Wildlife Department. “However, some areas of
the conservation effort have been historically under funded.”
Hunters, anglers
and boaters, and participants in outdoor recreation have traditionally funded
the majority of fish and wildlife conservation. This funding has not been enough
to address the needs of all 800 plus wildlife species in Oklahoma. That is the
case nationwide, and all state fish and wildlife agencies have been working for
20 years to fill this funding gap.
This strategy is a
component of the new, Federal State Wildlife Grants Program: the nation’s core
program for keeping America’s wildlife populations healthy.
“At this point,
the State Wildlife Grant funding is not permanent, but it gives us an exciting
opportunity to develop long-term conservation goals and to demonstrate the need
for long-term funding,” said Andrea Crews, project leader and responsive
management specialist for the Department.
“We’re looking at
this as the key to our future success as stewards and caretakers of Oklahoma’s
wildlife,” Duffy said.
The Department
needs input from citizens and organizations as it develops this all- wildlife
strategy. “We’re going to need everyone’s input, including sportsmen and women,
birdwatchers and landowners,” Duffy said.
Public meetings
will be held across the state during the first week of March. These forums are
Oklahomans’ opportunity to voice important conservation concerns. Details about
upcoming meetings, dates and locations will be available soon at
wildlifedepartment.com.
