Oklahoma Forestry Services and the National Wild Turkey Federation have partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the US Forest Service to help landowners restore streamside forests for wildlife habitat and water quality protection in the Canadian River Watershed in western Oklahoma. The objective of this localized project is to help landowners owning degraded forests along the Canadian and its tributaries in Roger Mills, Ellis and Dewey Counties restore a functioning riparian forest. (
For a map of the project area click here.)
Long-term drought combined with falling water tables and encroachment by invasive species such as juniper and salt cedar are severely limiting the ability of cottonwoods and other native forest species to regenerate. As a result, habitat for wild turkey and other western riparian forest species is declining. 
The partnership between state foresters, wildlife biologists and other conservationists hopes to inform landowners, and increase the technical and financial assistance available to them to plant trees, control invasives, and conduct prescribed burning and other practices designed to encourage natural regeneration of suitable forest species.
Interested landowners are encouraged to contact our service foresters in Burns Flat or Woodward. Early in 2008, a new wildlife biologist employed by the National Wild Turkey Federation through this partnership will be available to assist.
Cost-share opportunities are currently available
as a part of this program.
Click Here for Application