Governor Proclaims Soil & Water Stewardship Week 2007

Governor Brad Henry has proclaimed April 29 – May 5, 2007, as Soil and Water Stewardship Week in Oklahoma. (Click here for text of the Governor’s Proclamation)

This year, as Oklahoma celebrates its Centennial year of statehood, it also celebrates 70 years of conservation districts. For 70 years, the state’s network of conservation districts has helped Oklahomans learn to conserve natural resources. To learn more about local conservation districts or seek assistance with soil erosion or other resource concerns, navigate to www.conservation.ok.gov on the Internet.

Conservation practices in the United States have helped achieve a historic standard of living and protect us from the recurrence of disasters like the Dust Bowl. We enjoy a wide variety of fresh, healthy food and drinking water.

Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD, www.nacdnet.org) oversees the national program. Since 1955 NACD and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) have sponsored the Stewardship Week program. This year OACD and the Monsanto Company have partnered again to sponsor some activities including production of public service announcements.

During the week local conservation districts will work with media outlets, communities, faith-based groups and local schools to promote the concept of Stewardship. This concept involves personal and social responsibility, including a duty to learn about and improve natural resources as we use them wisely, leaving a rich legacy for future generations.