Statement from Sen. Anderson on passing of former Conservation Commission leader, Mike Thralls

State Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, issued the following statement Thursday praising the life and service of Mike Thralls of Billings. Thralls became executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in 1997 and served until his retirement in 2014. Prior to heading the Conservation Commission, he served as assistant commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. Thralls passed away this week.

“Mike and I farmed near each other, and I’ll always remember him as a good friend and neighbor who was willing to lend a helping hand. But those values and his spirit extended far beyond the boundaries of his land. Mike was a champion on behalf of Oklahoma’s agriculture industry. He encouraged farmers to voluntarily embrace conservation practices that helped improve their land and water quality. Mike also emphasized partnerships at all levels to accomplish important goals in a fiscally conservative way. Our state is a better place because of Mike’s service.”-- Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid.