Bill No. 1728, known as the "Salt Cedar Eradication Act," aims to address the invasive Salt Cedar species in Oklahoma, particularly within the Upper Red River Basin. The bill establishes a program to control and eradicate these invasive plants, which pose a significant threat to local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission will oversee the program in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The act defines key terms, including "eligible landowners" and "eradication," and outlines the Commission's responsibilities, which include conducting surveys, developing eradication strategies, providing assistance to landowners, and monitoring the effectiveness of these efforts.
Additionally, the bill creates the "Salt Cedar Eradication Revolving Fund," which will be a continuous fund sourced from various contributions and grants to support the eradication efforts. The Commission is authorized to budget and expend these funds for the program's duties. An annual report detailing the progress, expenditures, and recommendations for ongoing management will be submitted to key state officials. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.