Oklahoma's Work Plan for Developing
the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy
Fall of 2001
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation drafted a list of species of greatest conservation need. One hundred twelve technical experts were invited to review and discuss the species list, 88 agreed to participate. At the end of the process, 225 species were identified and ranked in tiers.
Additional guidance was given from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to help states develop their Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies. By the end of the year, the Department of Wildlife hired a planning consultant to guide the process.
Initial meeting of the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Advisory Group. The Advisory Group consisted of 52 individuals representing 35 organizations, brought together to provide feedback and support for the Strategy and planning process.
The Department of Wildlife hosted ten meetings in one week, at various locations around the state (Oklahoma City, Woodward, Lawton, McAlester and Tulsa). Afternoon meetings were held for Department employees and evening meetings were held for the public. Attendees were asked to share their perceptions on the greatest threats or problems facing wildlife conservation in Oklahoma, as well as to identify conservation actions or solutions to those problems. Two hundred and five individuals participated in the 10 total meetings.
The list of species of greatest conservation need developed in 2001 was slightly revised and sent to 469 technical experts. Reviewers were asked to provide editorial comments and to provide additional information about the species and their habitats. Responses were reviewed and incorporated during May and June.
Technical experts and other wildlife enthusiasts were encouraged to attend a Wildlife Conference in Stillwater (July 13-15). Attendees will resolve any remaining issues with the species and habitat lists and identify conservation problems, actions and research needs for species of greatest conservation need based on their best knowledge.
December 9, 2004
First draft of the Strategy released.
January 31, 2005
End of first draft review and comment period.
March 1, 2005
Second draft of the Strategy released.
The Department of Wildlife hosted ten meetings in one week, at various locations around the state (Oklahoma City, Woodward, Lawton, McAlester and Tulsa). Afternoon meetings were held for Department employees and evening meetings were held for the public. Attendees provided input on the second draft of the Strategy.
April 15, 2005
End of second draft review and comment period.
After multiple revisions and incorporation of comments, the Department of Wildlife submitted the final Strategy to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The current intent of the federal legislation governing the State Wildlife Grants is for states to review and update their Strategies at least every 10 years.
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