For Immediate Release: September 30, 2009
Contact: Clay Harris; (505) 248-6428; Clay_Harris@fws.gov
FFS # R2EC/R2EB/R2EA

Albuquerque, NM - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed agreements recently for five conservation projects designed to improve ecosystems and wildlife habitat on privately owned land in Oklahoma. As part of the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the projects use Recovery Act funds and cooperative funding from the Service’s partners to create work, ensure the nation’s fish and wildlife resources, and complete long-standing priority needs.

“We are excited to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission,” said Benjamin Tuggle, PhD, regional director for the Southwest region. “Projects like these benefit habitat, wildlife and communities and help preserve our natural resources for future generations.”

The Oklahoma projects are part of the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, a cooperative effort between federal and state agencies. Three of the projects are in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and include:

• Removal of invasive species such as red cedar in the northwest part of the state to improve habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, a species that exists in only five states and whose population is declining;
• Improvement of habitat through removal of invasive species such as red cedar and salt cedar from private lands; and
• Restoration of bottomland hardwood in eastern Oklahoma.

Two additional projects are in partnership with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and support lesser prairie chicken and native ecosystems through prescribed burning in the northwest portion of the state. Prescribed burning restores ecological landscapes to their historical, biological, diversity and productivity by eradicating invasive species and providing wildlife with grassland and nesting areas.

Total Recovery Act funding for the projects is $308,000, plus $308,000 in cooperative funds provided by project partners.

Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service’s Southwest Region, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma, received $29.9 million. These funds are allocated for 129 construction, energy efficiency, habitat restoration and other improvement projects at national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries and other public and private lands. The projects represent long-standing priority needs, generate the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time, and create lasting value for the American public. For a full list of projects funded nationwide, visit the Department’s Recovery Web Site at http://recovery.doi.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.