OWF Accomplishments

The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, together with the people of Oklahoma that have supported it, has accomplished many extraordinary things. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation led the way in the 1950s by successfully sponsoring the constitutional amendment creating the present Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, unique in the world for its independence from partisan politics. In the 1960s, the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation paved the way and was actively involved in, the reintroduction of deer and wild turkeys, as well as the clean up of salt water and crude oil scum from Oklahoma’s streams and waterways. Our achievements in wildlife conservation are truly great, and something we can be proud of today, there to remind our people, our agencies, and our political leaders of their great importance. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation has always been the catalyst to make great things happen for conservation and outdoor enthusiasts here in Oklahoma. Here are just a few of the many things the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation has been instrumental in helping to accomplish over the years: * Filed Suit and stopped the transfer of 9,000 acres of Wildlife Department lands and prevented the loss of nearly $1,000,000 annually of federal funds(nearly 20% of the Wildlife Department budget). * Played a major role in creating a timber and wildlife management plan involving the transfer of 100,000 acres from Weyerhaeuser to the U.S. Forest Service, thus protecting the watershed of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. * Worked on protecting the Illinois River, one of Oklahoma’s most scenic and popular rivers. * Played a significant role in the passage of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Act, the Duck Stamp Act, and other significant conservation legislation in Oklahoma. * Helped establish the Operation Game Thief Program to curb poaching of Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife resources. * Helped establish a reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons illegally killing elk or eagles. * Helped establish the Operation Shelterbelt Program to re-establish windbreaks to prevent erosion and provide wildlife cover. * Spearheaded the passage of the Non-Game Wildlife Act, which led the way in the fight for hunter safety and ethics. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation is actively involved in the Schoolyard Habitats Program which is helping Oklahoma’s future conservationists and sportsmen to understand the ecosystems of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, along with students and teachers across the state, is establishing Schoolyard Habitat sites as outdoor classrooms for hands on teaching and experimental learning, a valuable resource for our entire school community. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation has been especially active in reminding our legislators of the essential, irreplaceable value of our natural resources and conservation programs during these economically challenging times. Natural resources have, and always will be, the source of solutions to the many challenges facing our people, which seem to escalate every year. Oklahoma Wildlife Federation is presently working hard to accomplish the passage of the $125 million State Wildlife Grants Program. Congress long ago saw the importance of assisting states with wildlife conservation, leading to many conservation benefits, including the restoration of antelope, deer, turkey, and trout populations, among others. Without adequate funding, Oklahoma’s diverse array of prairies, forests, and wildlife, and the economic benefits they provide, will be increasingly at risk. State fish and wildlife agencies, along with the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, have worked hard to conserve their wildlife resources; however; they cannot do it alone. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation serves as the official state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, tying it to the largest conservation organization in the world. Since its incorporation in the 1950s, the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation has served as a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan association of individuals concerned with outdoor recreation, conservation, and environment. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation emphasizes public awareness of wildlife conservation and education, and encourages sound scientific wildlife and natural resource management, which promotes the maximum opportunity for quality fishing, hunting, hiking, outdoor recreation, and nature appreciation. For more than 50 years, the citizens of Oklahoma have recognized the need for a concerted effort to preserve our irreplaceable natural resources. In 2004, the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation has been involved in many vital efforts to conserve wildlife in Oklahoma: * Played a major role in the efforts to guarantee funding for the $125 million State Wildlife Grants Program for the Department of Interior FY2005 Appropriations Bill to insure funding needs for fish and wildlife conservation, education, and recreation in the U.S., as well as Oklahoma-March 2004. * Received an award from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and its Commission recognizing our support and dedication to wildlife conservation in Oklahoma-May 2004. * Supported management practices of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area (the only designated wilderness area in Oklahoma) in order to protect the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker; one of the last remaining red-cockaded woodpecker colonies in the U.S., and one of Oklahoma’s rarest of precious resources-May 2004. * Actively working on creating awareness of the need to protect Oklahoma from Aquatic Invasive Species such as the zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, and Asian Carp, which have been accidentally introduced into the environment from which they did not evolve, and seriously threatens Oklahoma’s natural habitats and native species. E.C. Sandy Sanders, on the Wildlife Committee for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, once said, “A single strand of wire is not very strong, but when woven with several strands, together they become strong cable. The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation provides an individual the opportunity…to form a strong organization in the support of a constructive wildlife program for the State of Oklahoma.” To sum up what the combined strength of the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, through its many accomplishments has meant, is best expressed by past Governor of Oklahoma, George Nigh, “Citizens of Oklahoma can express their concerns as one voice to promote and encourage proper management of Oklahoma’s wildlife and other precious natural resources. That voice is heard by many throughout government.”