Oklahoma Conservation Programs

Return to Programs

Federal data is complete from 1998-2017. State and local data is complete from 1998-2011. In the tables and charts below, acres are allocated to each program proportionate to the size of the contributions to each acquisition. For example, if an acquisition had two contributions, and each program contributed equal dollar amounts, each program receives 50% of the acres. If you have questions or want to provide updated information, please contact Jessica Welch at jessica.welch@tpl.org.

Profile of State Program(s)

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: The Department of Wildlife Conservation is the only state agency in Oklahoma that actively acquires land. The department’s land acquisition operates mostly on the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Other income comes from the lease of lands for agriculture purposes, oil and gas exploration and production as well as from the sale of timber.

Local Financing Enabled

The Oklahoma county sales tax rate limit for the general county sales tax is 2 percent. The tax must be levied for a specific purpose; however, the scope of purposes is extremely broad. This 2 percent county sales tax must first be approved by a majority of the voters who vote on the question at a special election called by the board of county commissioners or by an initiative petition signed by at least 5 percent of the registered voters of the county.

Municipalities and counties in Oklahoma may, by approval of a majority of voters, issue debt for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, or repairing public utilities. Cities issuing bonds must levy an annual tax sufficient to pay the annual interest and create a fund sufficient to pay off the principal within 25 years. Oklahoma courts have determined that a public park may be considered a public utility under this authority.

The basic debt limit for municipalities is 5 percent of the valuation of taxable property within its jurisdiction; however, bonds issued for public utilities as described above are not subject to this limit.

Local Programs Included

No county-level conservation finance measures have been approved by voters in Oklahoma. For more information on municipal measures in the state, visit www.landvote.org.

Federal Partnerships

Federal agencies and programs that have conserved land in Oklahoma include:

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Section 6 Grant
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S. National Park Service – LWCF Stateside
  • U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)
  • U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
  • U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
Report Table
Dollar Chart by Year
Acre Chart by Year