What's New
New technical items posted in
Technical Items Section
8th Annual Oklahoma Grazing Lands Conference
August
13-14, 2009
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.
