Bullard Bill Creates Southeast Scenic Rivers Act to Protect Four Oklahoma Rivers

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, has advanced legislation to protect four rivers in southeast Oklahoma from developments that could harm the pristine waterways.

The Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee recently approved Senate Bill 2157, which would designate the Glover, Kiamichi, Little and Mountain Fork rivers as “scenic” waterways. The legislation also proposes creating the Southeast Scenic Rivers Commission to manage these rivers.

“These rivers are part of what makes southeast Oklahoma so special,” Bullard said. “They support wildlife, attract visitors, encourage outdoor recreation and help sustain local agriculture. This bill protects private property rights and keeps agriculture strong from federal overreach and industrial takeover. It also ensures that unwanted industrial developments, like hydropower plants, don’t come in and diminish the natural beauty of these rivers and steal our most valuable resource from our farmers and ranchers.”

Designating these rivers as “scenic” waterways ensures they remain free-flowing and unimpeded by large dams or structures.

Under this legislation, the Southeast Scenic Rivers Commission would have the authority to adopt a management plan for the rivers to include varying degrees of protection based on the special attributes of each area. The commission would be made up of stakeholders on the rivers and professionals who know and understand the value of these scenic rivers.

This legislation comes after Senator Bullard held an interim study in August on the need for a state Scenic Rivers Act to include key streams in southeast Oklahoma.

SB 2157 is now eligible to be heard by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.