Page 34 - 2024MarApr

ODWC Talks Mission and Money
Lawmakers Learn About Conservation and Economic Impact
Compiled by Kelly Adams, Catherine Appling-Pooler, Don P. Brown, and Betsey York.

The Oklahoma Department of
CATHERINE APPLING-POOLER/ODWC Wildlife Conservation fosters hunt-
ing, fishing, shooting sports, and wild-
life-watching activities that generate
more than $6 billion in positive impact
to the state’s economy.
At the same time, ODWC conserves
and manages the state’s fish and wild-
life resources and habitats to ensure
they are enjoyed by the generations
to come.
In doing all of this, ODWC receives
zero appropriations from the
Oklahoma Legislature. But ODWC
often finds itself subject to legisla-
tive actions.
State Rep. Ty Burns and his son, Ty, meet with ODWC Game Wardens to learn how airboats are used
in wildlife law enforcement. Providing education to all
Oklahomans about fish and wildlife
ODWC TALKS meets its public-trust responsibilities
conservation and showing how ODWC

to care for the state’s natural resourc-
es are among the Department’s day-
to-day operations.
MISSION AND activities and the state’s fish and wild-
Familiarity with the Department’s
life resources is especially important
for senators and representatives who
represent the people of Oklahoma in
MONEY the state Legislature. In nearly every
legislative session, bills that directly or
indirectly affect ODWC operations are
proposed. Sometimes those proposals
arise from ODWC, and other time they
arise from legislators themselves or the
LAWMAKERS LEARN ABOUT constituents they represent.
To give lawmakers the perspec-
CONSERVATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT tive and knowledge they need to
make informed decisions that are in
the best interests of conservation,
ODWC invites them into the field to directly experience the work done by the
managers of fish and wildlife.
These in-person opportunities give lawmakers the chance to see ODWC
activities taking place in their legislative districts, meet local Department staff,
and learn about local issues. And the field trips also give ODWC employees the
chance to share more about their missions without the distractions around the
State Capitol.
Also important is to inform lawmakers about the positive impact to local econ-
omies provided by the state’s hunters, anglers, sport shooters, and outdoor recre-
ationists. ODWC is committed to managing and protecting fish, wildlife, and their
habitats while also growing the state’s hunting and angling communities, partnering
with people who love the outdoors, and fostering sound stewardship with people
who care for the land.
Not only are these outdoor activities a solid driver for Oklahoma’s economy

32 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA