Bill > HB2162

This bill amends the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act to expand a statewide program for removing harmful woody species in watersheds, administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The bill broadens the definition of "harmful woody species" to include additional types of trees and shrubs like Redberry juniper, Ashe juniper, and honey mesquite, which can damage grazing lands, increase wildfire risks, reduce wildlife habitat, and decrease water flow. The program will now operate statewide instead of just in the North Canadian Watershed, and will include activities such as cost-sharing with landowners for eradication methods like prescribed burns, biological controls, mechanical removal, and herbicide applications. The bill also establishes a Water Restoration Revolving Fund to support these efforts, which can receive funding from appropriations, federal grants, municipal and private contributions, and other sources. The fund will be continuous and not limited by fiscal year constraints, allowing the Conservation Commission to flexibly budget and spend money on woody species removal. Key objectives include cooperating with landowners and agencies, measuring species density, conducting comparative watershed studies, developing grant programs, and raising public awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of invasive woody species. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2162&Session=2600