What's New
New technical items posted in
Technical Items Section
10th Annual Oklahoma Grazing Lands
Conference
August
4-5, 2011
Clarion Conference Center,
OKC
Click here for more information on
agenda and registration
Go to Events link at left for information on upcoming events
such as schools, workshops, tours, conferences.
Welcome to the
Oklahoma
Grazing Lands Conservation Association
Web Site
Oklahoma Grazing Lands – A Valuable
Resource…
Providing
Benefits to all of Oklahoma
Privately owned grazing lands in Oklahoma comprise over 53%
of our states land, with rangeland comprising the majority of these
acres. These lands provide many economic and environmental benefits not
only to those who own them, but to all citizens of our state. The extent
of these benefits and impact for Oklahoman’s is dependent upon how well these
lands are managed. If not managed properly, these benefits will not be
realized. If managed properly, then many will benefit. As land
managers and professionals providing assistance, our goal should be to promote
the wise use of our grazing lands resources and manage them so that the
benefits are widespread and enjoyed by all.
These
benefits include:
Clean
and dependable water for rural and urban Oklahoma. Most of our states cities and
towns obtain their water from lakes. The quality of these lakes is
dependent upon the health of the watershed that contributes the water to the
supply. Well managed grazing lands help to reduce sediments, nutrients
and pesticides that could otherwise get into water supplies making them
unhealthy and costing cities more money for treatment. Sediment also
fills in lakes and reduces the life and storage capacity, which can lead to
costly remedies to clean out or develop new water sources.
Reduced
flooding. Adequate
vegetative cover helps to reduce runoff and increase infiltration
into the soil. This slows and reduces water entering into lakes, rivers
and streams and minimizes flooding. This benefits all landowners adjacent
to these water bodies, cities and towns. This also allows for
replenishing groundwater supplies due to increased infiltration into
ground. This benefits many citizens who rely on water wells for drinking
water.
Wildlife
Habitat and Recreation.
Many citizens, urban and rural (the majority not grazing lands owners) enjoy
recreational hunting and fishing, hiking, bird watching, camping and wide open
spaces. Grazing lands in Oklahoma
provide this opportunity for all citizens. These lands provide habitat
for over two thirds of the states wildlife and contribute to the health of
lakes and streams for aquatic life. If not managed properly, wildlife
habitat is destroyed.
· 
Products
needed and used by all citizens.
Grazing lands provide forages needed to produce food and fiber products
including beef, lamb, milk, cheese, wool and leather. Our grazing lands
support over 7 million head of livestock providing these products not only to Oklahoma citizens but to
other states and countries as well.
Jobs
and Social Stability.
Oklahoma’s
grazing lands provide jobs in agriculture, food processing, eco-tourism and
other related industries. Over 44,000 jobs in Oklahoma are supported by the cattle
industry alone.
If Oklahoma’s grazing lands
are not managed properly, these benefits will not be possible. The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
is an effort to enhance the health and productivity of our grazing lands by
helping grazing land owners understand the benefits of well managed grazing lands,
the importance of proper management and providing them the knowledge and
opportunity to implement sound management practices.
In Oklahoma the Oklahoma Grazing Lands Conservation Association,
a partnership of producer organizations, agencies and other concerned groups,
leads this effort. The OGLCA provides leadership in identifying and
addressing issues in order to improve the health and productivity of Oklahoma’s Grazing lands
so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of properly managed grazing lands.
