1. A. As used in the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act:

   1. 1. "Commission" means the Oklahoma Conservation Commission;
   2. 2. "Harmful woody species" means a tree or shrub species that is rapidly encroaching into adjoining lands and is likely to cause harm to the environment or economy. Harmful woody species include, but are not limited to, Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Juniperus monosperma (oneseed juniper), Tamarix ramosissima (salt cedar), Juniperus pinchotii (Redberry juniper), Juniper ashei (ashe juniper), and Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite); and
   3. 3. " Watershed" means an area of land in Oklahoma that drains or sheds water into a waterway or water basin.
2. B. There is hereby created a statewide program to remove or eradicate harmful woody species in watersheds to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. To accomplish the goals listed in this section, the Commission is authorized to use the funds available in the Water Restoration Revolving Fund established in Section 3-8-103 of this title. The purpose of the program is to manage and eradicate, where possible, harmful woody species that damage grazing lands, create significant wildfire risk, reduce wildlife habitat and reduce water flow into waterways and water basins.

3. C. In administering the program, the Commission shall:

   1. 1. Cooperate with landowners, state agencies, and other political subdivisions for removal of harmful woody species;
   2. 2. Measure the density of harmful woody species and estimate water used by those species;
   3. 3. Create a study using a parallel watershed with no control of harmful woody species;
   4. 4. Utilize available funds to cost-share with landowners for expenses incurred in the eradication of harmful woody species by prescribed burn, biological controls, mechanical removal, or herbicide applications;
   5. 5. Develop grant programs with conservation districts, rural fire departments, and prescribe burn associations for resources needed for prescribed burns, mechanical removal, biological control, or herbicide applications on harmful woody species;
   6. 6. Bring attention to the problems posed by harmful woody species to create awareness, demonstrate value to all stakeholders, and encourage landowners to participate in the program; and
   7. 7. Have at least two active project areas in the program, one above the Canton Lake dam and one below.
4. D. The Commission is authorized to promulgate any rules and procedures to effectuate the provisions of this section.

Laws 2023, HB 2239, c. 372, § 2, emerg. eff. June 9, 2023; Amended by Laws 2026, HB 2988, c. 245, § 2, eff. November 1, 2026 (superseded document available).