OK HB1728

Creates the Salt Cedar Eradication Act establishing a program to control and eradicate invasive Salt Cedar (genus Tamarix) species in Oklahoma counties within the Upper North Fork of the Red River Basin

Oklahoma Conservation Commission will administer the program in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board

Program duties include conducting infestation surveys and mapping, implementing eradication strategies (mechanical removal, chemical treatments, biological controls), providing technical and financial assistance to eligible private, tribal, and public landowners, and monitoring effectiveness

Creates the Salt Cedar Eradication Revolving Fund in the State Treasury to receive appropriations, federal grants, municipal and private contributions, and other funding sources for eradication efforts

Requires annual reports to the Governor and legislative leadership on progress, expenditures, and recommendations; effective date July 1, 2025, with emergency clause