OACD

April 6, 2009-As part of their continued commitment to Oklahoma and the health of its environment, the Poultry Community Council and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) announced today they will partner in celebrating Stewardship Week in Oklahoma, April 26 through May 3, 2009.

“We are honored that the Poultry Community Council is partnering with us to recognize the hard work of all agriculture producers and other landowners in conserving our soil, water, air, wildlife habitats and other natural resources,” Trey Lam, president of OACD said.  “We are deeply appreciative of their support and hard work in conserving our natural resources. It’s important that we educate all Oklahomans on the importance of the stewardship ethic and the need to care for our environment and we are glad to have the Poultry Community Council working with us to do this.”

Stewardship Week is one of the world’s largest conservation-related observances. Since 1955, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and OACD have sponsored the national Stewardship Week program.  During the week, local conservation districts work with media outlets, communities, faith-based groups and local schools to promote the concept of stewardship.  The concept involves personal and social responsibility, including a duty to learn about and improve natural resources so we use them wisely and leave a rich legacy for future generations.

“The Poultry Community Council is happy to partner with OACD to promote stewardship in our state,” said Jackie Cunningham, Community Relations Director for the Poultry Community Council.  “Taking charge of our environment is something we should all be striving to do.  As Stewards of the land, the poultry industry and poultry farmers understand this and work hard to provide vital resources to our country and the world.  We are excited about the progress that is being made in natural resource conservation practices in Oklahoma.”

“By working together we can help ensure that all Oklahomans, both rural and urban, know the importance of protecting and conserving our natural resources,” Said Clay Pope, OACD Executive Director.” “Farmers and ranchers were the first environmentalists and are the primary stewards of our natural resources, but we must stay vigilant and address the problems of today while avoiding the mistakes of the past.  Agriculture producers work hard to conserve and protect our soil, water, air and wildlife habitats, but we still have more to do.  We greatly appreciate the help of the Poultry Community Council in promoting Stewardship Week state wide.”

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is an organization representing Oklahoma’s 88 local conservation districts, their board members, employees and their landowner cooperators.  OACD provides leadership, resources and partnership opportunities for conservation districts and those who manage the land to enhance our natural resources for a better Oklahoma.

The Poultry Community Council was established to educate the general public about the many facets of the poultry industry including the industries numerous efforts to promote good stewardship of the land.  For more information go to www.oklahomapoultry.org.