Oklahoma lawmaker blames eastern red cedar for wildfires

“A section of the agenda will be set aside to address the possible need for the establishment of a cedar department within state government to bring organization and real results to management efforts,” he said.

The legislative study will follow the monthly meeting of the Eastern Red Cedar Registry Board. Members of the registration committee will present plans for beginning official documentation of residents with cedar infestation from among the state's 87 conservation districts.

Morrissette said he would ask Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, conservation district directors, the state Tax Commission, land appraisers and other officials to help develop language for a bill designed to eradicate the trees. He said the bill would be introduced during the 2013 legislative session.

“At this point, Oklahoma's cedar control policy is at best reactionary: Manage the problem after the fire breaks out,” he said.

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Information from: The Journal Record, http://www.journalrecord.com