The bill establishes the Spring Creek Watershed Study Act, which mandates the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to conduct a comprehensive water quality study of the Spring Creek Watershed in Cherokee, Delaware, and Mayes counties. The study aims to protect and improve the aquatic habitat in the watershed and will involve collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations. To support this initiative, the bill creates two advisory groups: a Water Quality Advisory Group and a Technical Advisory Group, each with specific membership requirements and responsibilities. The advisory groups will assist in developing a report on the study's findings and recommend policies to incentivize voluntary conservation efforts.
Additionally, the bill establishes the Spring Creek Watershed Study Revolving Fund, which will be a continuous fund sourced from legislative appropriations and other contributions. This fund will be used to support the activities outlined in the Spring Creek Watershed Study Act. The Commission is authorized to accept grants and cooperate with federal agencies to further the study's objectives. The findings of the study are to be published by June 1, 2026, and the act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.