Page 2 - ODO 2024 JanFeb online version

PANORAMAS

A dictionary states that if something is those who care for the land”. ODWC oper-
“relevant,” it is significant or important to ates on the public trust doctrine, which
a current audience. One issue that keeps states that wildlife and wild places belong
growing in relevance is the conservation to the public, and ODWC is charged with
of our natural resources. But if the Amer- managing these resources for present and
ican public doesn’t view state conserva- future benefit. Both dogmas reveal that
tion agencies as relevant, the future of ODWC is charged with managing Oklaho-
our natural resources falls into jeopardy. ma’s resources for a broad public.
Conservation relevance is an effort Relevance also involves building name
to “expand the relevancy of conserva- recognition for ODWC with people the
tion to more diverse constituencies. … agency hasn’t interacted with before.
Relevance means that (people see) con- Connecting with new audiences and cre-
servation is essential or connected to ating support for what we do will build
important aspects of (their) lives.” wider support for various ODWC goals.
Building relevance is a nationwide In developing a plan, ODWC engaged
effort of state and provincial fish and experts to help us determine how relevan-
wildlife departments that are members cy could best be adopted in our state. We
of the Association of Fish and Wildlife began by focusing on three populations
Agencies. This group’s “Relevancy Road- with which ODWC historically hasn’t had
map” has given state agencies the tools significant relationships: Hispanic Oklaho-
to successfully build the perception of mans, urban Oklahomans, and wildlife-en-
relevance by the public, but enables each thusiast Oklahomans (who don’t hunt or
state to determine how to get there. fish). These groups were selected through
Many state fish and wildlife agencies social science research by way of interviews
have created conservation relevancy and statewide surveys, and the data we
plans, and ODWC created its plan in 2022. gathered will help us understand how to
To continue providing hunting, fish- best connect with these new-to-us groups.
ing, and wildlife-watching opportunities, The process will produce gains but also
ODWC must consider how to provide create hiccups. But we look forward to
those opportunities to more diverse con- connecting and displaying ODWC’s com-
stituencies, thus gaining more support- mitment to offer hunting, fishing, wildlife
ers and possibly more revenue streams, watching and other outdoor opportunities
which in turn will help conservation of to a diverse population across Oklahoma.
resources in the future.
ODWC’s mission statement says, “We
manage and protect fish and wildlife,
along with their habitats, while also grow-
ing our community of hunters and anglers,
partnering with those who love the out- Betsey York,
doors, and fostering stewardship with ODWC Human Dimensions Specialist