2006 Oklahoma Highlights and Stories

Oct. 26, 2006—NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster has named Ron Hilliard as Oklahoma's state conservationist. In Ron's initial message to Oklahoma employees, "...Conservation Planning is the basic backbone of this agency. I want to stress my support of the conservation planning effort to support the Farm Bill Programs. Additionally, the partnership with conservation districts is essential to getting conservation delivered. Partnerships with other federal, state, and local agencies are also key to the conservation delivery system...I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future."

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns honored Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and contractors with several 2006 USDA Group Honor Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding services and contributions of USDA employees and contractors toward fulfilling USDA’s missions and goals.

The Poteau River Watershed Team, led by Group Leader Phoukham Vongkhamdy of Stillwater, Oklahoma, received its award for increasing the number of Native American, Asian and limited resource producers who were accepted into the Conservation Security Program in the Poteau River Watershed in Oklahoma.

Other employees and contractors also were recognized as members on teams from other USDA agencies.

NRCS Strategic Plan 2005-2010
This Strategic Plan sets the direction for the NRCS and describes our conservation priorities and goals. This plan will guide NRCS in implementing key overarching strategies, managing agency business lines, meeting customer needs, and developing and strengthening capacity to achieve our mission goals.
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Oklahoma was among 24 states to receive a Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Has your property been affected by the recent wildfires? Oklahoma has developed a new publication offering landowners valuable information on the affects of fire on vegetation, vegetation recovery, and management following a wildfire. Learn about practices you can implement after wildfires, and where you can get assistance.

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Management After Wildfire (PDF; 280 KB)