Property owners wanting to eradicate invasive cedar trees can offset the cost with three assistance programs, said Oklahoma Conservation Commission Director Trey Lam.
The programs are typically for property owners who manage large swaths of acreage rather than small land lots, he said.
Lam addressed the water draining effects of eastern redcedar, in particular, during an interim study at the state Capitol last week. Depending on tree size, soil conditions and weather, cedars can consume from six to 40 gallons or more a day, according to Oklahoma State University’s Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources department.
The programs are:
• A state cost-share program which requires property owners to pay approximately 25% of the eradication costs and the remainder is paid by their local conservation district.
• A USDA Equipment Grants Program via the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to assist agricultural and forest landowners with large-scale conservation efforts.
• Scheduled burns through local prescribed burn associations.
The commission also partners with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund special projects.
For more details, call the Oklahoma Conservation Commission at (405) 521-4825 or contact the local conservation district.