Tree seedlings available to Oklahoma landowners for conservation (02/15/07)

Biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say February is a good time to plant trees and shrubs for wildlife, and one state program has made tree seedlings for conservation available at near cost prices.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Forest Regeneration Program makes a variety of seedlings available for landowners who will plant them for conservation purposes such as reforestation, wildlife habitat and erosion control.

"Some landowners of property that was once cleared for farming purposes are now placing more emphasis on wildlife, and planting native trees is a good start toward restoring certain habitats," said Mike Sams, senior wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Department.

The bare root seedlings are available in more than 30 species.

Bare root seedlings purchased through the Forest Regeneration Program are available in minimum orders of 200 seedlings and range in price from $3.80 to $44 per 100 seedlings depending on the species. According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Web site, program participants must plant the seeds for "conservation, environmental education and commodity production purposes only."

"It can take a long time for trees to grow, and even longer for mast producing trees to provide a crop," Sams said. "But because of the low cost involved with this program, landowners can get more seedlings planted for less money. You have to start at some point, and wildlife will likely benefit years down the road."

Landowners interested in applying for the seedlings program have until the end of March to get an application. Applications are available by calling the nearest Forestry Services office or the Forest Regeneration Center at (405) 288-2385 or 1-800-517-3673. They also can be e-mailed at frc@oda.state.ok.us. For more information about the program, log on to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Web site at www.state.ok.us/~okag/forestry-regenerationhome.htm. For more information about the Wildlife Department and other landowner programs, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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