Current Activities

Education The Oklahoma Wildlife Federation promotes conservation education at all levels. Each year OWF distributes posters to go along with National Wildlife Week teachers' packets posted on the National Wildlife Federation website (http://www.nwf.org). The packets are full of fun teaching activities that help guide tomorrow's hunter/conservationist. OWF is actively involved in the Schoolyard Habitats Program which is helping Oklahoma's future conservationists and sportsmen to understand the ecosystems of Oklahoma. The OWF, 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. We keep OWF members informed on what is going on in conservation around the state-information not normally found in regular news outlets. We publish a newsletter 4 times per year which is packed with stories and features to cater to every interest.

Legislation OWF efforts in March 2004 guaranteed 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. 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 OWF, have worked hard to conserve their wildlife resources; however; they cannot do it alone. The OWF is 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.

Ongoing Challenges Currently, the OWF is 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 accidently introduced into the environment from which they did not evolve, and seriously threaten Oklahoma's natural habitats and native species. Historically, OWF has long worked to keep wildlife management free of politics and based on sound science. OWF was integral to gaining independence for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation from the Oklahoma Legislature, but maintaining that independence is still a daily battle. OWF is always there on the side of the state's sporting and wildlife interests. OWF received an award in May 2004 from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and its Commission, recognizing our support and dedication to wildlife conservation in Oklahoma. Every year, the OWF recognizes individuals and groups throughout the state that have made significant contributions to the conservation of Oklahoma's natural resources with a Conservation Award Banquet.

Membership OWF memberships are available to anyone who cares about conservation and the rights of hunters and fishermen, and ensure you receive the Outdoor News. Memberships forms can be obtained by calling the OWF office at (405) 721-3530 or by writing to P.O. Box 60126, Oklahoma City, OK 73146. Begin your membership without delay! Categories and prices are: Individual or Family   $25 Business   $50 Wildlife Sponsor   $100 Affliate   $200 Lifetime   $500