Landowner Resources

OCC is dedicated to providing Oklahomans with technical assistance and delivering financial assistance programs that both achieve landowner goals and benefit our state. If you have wetland management or restoration questions our team of scientists and conservation experts can assist.
A flowery bank of an Oklahoma wetland.

Wetland Management

With over 85% of Oklahoma wetland acres on private land, landowners are the primary wetland managers in the state. OCC provides technical assistance to landowners on wetland related questions including:

  • Do I have a wetland on my property?
  • What actions might I need to take prior to altering a wetland?
  • How do I manage or enhance a wetland for a specific goal like waterfowl production?

If you are looking for answers to these questions (or others) please contact us.

A butterfly resting on milkweed in a wetland.

Wetland Restoration

OCC, in cooperation with local conservation districts and a broad array of project partners, offers several programs that may provide financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring or enhancing a wetland. Services include:

  • Waterfowl habitat improvement,
  • Wetland easements,
  • Playa and depressional wetland restoration,
  • Restoration of wetland hydrology, and
  • Prairie and riparian restoration adjacent to wetlands.

Financial Assistance Opportunities

OCC has numerous programs available to landowners. Programs differ in priorities, eligibility, and fundable practices. A description of current available programs can be found here

All programs use the same application. Apply now to be considered for assistance.

Partnership for Oklahoma Wetland Restoration

Wetland Program Partners

The OCC wetland voluntary restoration program was born out of partnership. The Partnership for Oklahoma Wetland Restoration (POWeR) is a collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Ducks Unlimited and the International Crane Foundation. POWeR partners provide technical guidance and financial contributions to help ensure wetland conservation in Oklahoma meets the needs of all Oklahomans. We are committed to delivering information on relevant wetland conservation opportunities for landowners regardless of where the program originates. Our primary goal is to assist landowners in making a decision that is correct for them and facilitate the restoration of high-quality wetlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

While an on-site visit is usually necessary to determine with certainty the presence of a wetland, The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapper is an excellent tool that can provide preliminary information on the location of wetlands.

The OCC has no regulatory authority but can help Oklahomans navigate regulatory requirements. A formal delineation and jurisdictional determination are needed to establish if a wetland is protected by the Clean Water Act. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Regulatory Program can provide further information about federal regulations.

OCC has various programs that offer financial assistance to Oklahoma landowners. Descriptions of current available programs can be found here.

All programs use the same application, and applications are accepted year-round. Some programs may have application cutoff dates.

Click here to apply. 

Once your application is received, a wetlands team member will reach out to schedule a site visit and discuss landowner goals and assistance options.

Apply by September 30, 2026, to be considered for the Fiscal Year 2027 ReNEW Program.

A butterfly resting in a field of flowers in a wetland.