Oklahoma cedar tree bill passes in the House  

Dry conditions and high wind speeds continue to plague the Oklahoma prairie, and wildfires—often accelerated by invasive Eastern redcedar trees—continue to lead to destructive, costly and sometimes deadly outcomes.  

In 2023, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed HB 2239, also known as the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act, named after former Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach.  

This legislation, designed to eradicate cedar trees in the state, was authored by Oklahoma Rep. Mike Dobrinski, and proposed a $3.2 million pilot program for cedar tree removal. The program also doubled as a study for scientists to learn more about these trees. 

In March 2025, the House passed HB 2162, which proposed an expansion of the original bill, which would remove its pilot status and create a revolving door of funding for the program though the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.  

“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.” 

The bill passed the House on a vote of 88 to 4 and it will now move to the Senate for consideration. The estimated cost of the expansion is $10 million and will have to be approved through the appropriation process. 

Dobrinski said since the pilot program began, great progress has been made in the North Canadian Watershed. Additionally, the OCC has provided training and support for multiple rural fire departments and burn associations. 

“What we saw happen in California this year is a horrible example of what could happen if we don’t address this problem,” Dobrinski said. 

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or lvilhauer@hpj.com.