OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed a measure in the House that would expand a program to eradicate harmful trees and shrubs in certain watersheds statewide.

House Bill 2162 would create the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act. The act would build on legislation enacted in 2023 that created a pilot program focused on the North Canadian Watershed with the goal of exploring solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species. The measure is named after former Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach who died in 2022.

"The goal is not only to improve water flow to drought-stricken areas of the state, but to protect residential properties and critical infrastructure from the great fire danger these trees and shrubs create," Dobrinski said. "The state has millions of acres it maintains, and it's imperative we protect our grazing lands and wildlife habitats and ultimately our economy."

HB2162 would remove the pilot status of the program and would create a revolving fund to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to accomplish the goals of the program. The estimated cost of expansion is $10 million, which would have to be approved through the appropriations' process. Dobrinski said the return on investment to the state should be greater than this initial investment.

Dobrinski said the pilot program created previously has already proven enormously successful, with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission eradicating many invasive species in the initial watershed area. The commission also has provided training and support for rural fire departments and burn associations to continue the work.

He said part of the program has been educational with Conservation Commission crews educating the public on eradication methods and how to maintain areas that have been cleared of invasive species.

He said without this measure, the state risks significant damage from wildfires.

"What we saw happen in California this year is a horrible example of what could happen if we don't address this problem," he said.

The bill passed the House on a vote of 88 to 4. It now moves the state Senate where t is authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt.