Landowner of the Year 1998- James Hicks
For his outstanding efforts to enhance wildlife habitat on
his property, James Hicks of Canadian County was named 1998
Landowner of the Year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation.
John Hendrix, private lands biologist for the Wildlife
Department, presented the award after a slide show depicting the
extensive work Hicks has performed on 1,500 acres in Canadian
Co. Several projects required Hicks to remove acreage from
production, which constituted a personal sacrifice in potential
income.
"As a conscientious steward of his land and its resources, Mr.
Hicks is a prime example of how a landowner can successfully
manage his property for the benefit of wildlife without
compromising his ability to make a living," Hendrix said. "What
Mr. Hicks has done with his place is a model for other
landowners who have the same goals. We're proud to be able to
honor him in this way."
Hicks, who is the manager for the Canadian County Conservation
District, uses a multi-faceted approach in managing his property
to create a variety of habitat types. Among the most notable
improvements include maintaining and enhancing windbreaks
established in the 1930s, as well as establishing and
maintaining buffer zones that provide nesting habitat for birds
and travel corridors for deer and other animals. Hicks controls
cattle grazing on certain parcels and maintains a healthy mix of
open and woodland areas, with special emphasis on mast-bearing
hardwoods. He also established two wetland areas.
Other practices include encouraging the growth of native grasses
and other vegetation, as well as planting food plots. He also
promotes growth of vegetation along creek banks on his property
to protect water quality and to provide additional habitat.
"We take a lot from this land," Hicks said, "and when I leave
this world, I want to leave my property in better condition than
when I bought it."
In honoring Hicks, the Department renewed its Landowner of the
Year Program. To be considered for the prestigious award,
landowners must demonstrate a commitment to managing their
property to provide benefits for wildlife.
For more information on the Department’s Landowner of the Year
contact private lands biologist at (405) 521-2739.