Oklahomans Reject State Question 777

On Nov. 8, Oklahomans rejected State Question 777, reinforcing their position that water resources and ability to govern themselves is more important than creating unnecessary changes to the state constitution.

Many groups came together to stand against this issue and without this strong and active coalition, the state of Oklahoma would have created an essentially unregulated industry.

“This was a hard fought effort by a great coalition and we were proud to have been a part of it,” said Pat Daly, Tulsa Chapter of Trout Unlimited board member. “We are extremely pleased that the people of this great state saw through the rhetoric to the heart of the issue and cast a no vote.”

“Now is the time for us to transition into working with Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and others to create opportunities to marry profitable agriculture and conservation,” said Ron Suttles, Board Chair of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma.

“The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma will work to create a space to support farmers and ranchers and others to manage for wildlife and encourage the development of habitat through the Farm Bill Conservation title or other opportunities on a more local level. Farmers and ranchers, hunters and anglers and the tribes are some of the earliest and best conservationists and believe in the land and saving it for future generations. The Coalition will help with their efforts.”

During the coming months, the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma will be launching a foundation dedicated to conservation education and outreach on conservation and agricultural issues. It is the intent to focus early efforts on creating partnerships between farmers, ranchers and others to support conservation, water quality, water quantity and wildlife while still encouraging profitability.

The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma was just one of many partners that worked to stop State Question 777 from becoming a reality. To learn more about these groups visit Oklahomans for Food, Farm & Family’s website at www.okfoodfarmfamily.com.