Photo by Kelly Baker/RPS
AROUND THE DEPARTMENT
Foundation Hosts Conservation Gala
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation hosted its annual Call of the Wild Gala in late September. The event benefits the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and featured auctions, food, live music and good times.
C&E Long-Timer Honored with Awards
Blake Podhajsky (CE) was named an Excellence In Craft Contest winner recently at the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s annual conference in Gulf Shores, Ala. Podhajsky won first place in TV/Video/Webcast, Family Participation/Youth Outdoor Education category for “The Spark - The Story of Emily's First Turkey” broadcast on Outdoor Oklahoma TV. The same piece also won second place in TV/Video/Webcast, Hunting or Shooting Sports category. Podhajsky’s video showcases fellow ODWC employee Todd Craighead (CE), who introduced his daughter to the outdoors at an early age. Although she never latched onto hunting and fishing on her own as much as her father did when he was young, the spark was lit, whether she knew it or not. This is the story of how a child's exposure to the outdoors can flare up decades later and ignite her desire to harvest her first turkey. OWAA’s annual EIC Contest honors the best-of-the-best in a variety of communications formats – Blog, Book, Column, Graphic/Illustration, Magazine, Newspaper, Photography, Photography Essay, Radio/Podcast, and TV/Video/Webcast.
About OWAA: OWAA is the nation’s largest organization of professional outdoor journalists. Its membership includes writers, photographers, videographers, radio and TV personalities, digital storytellers and artists. Formed in 1927, the nonprofit association’s mission is to improve the professional skills and opportunities of its members, set the highest ethical and communications standards, encourage public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators. https://owaa.org.
Highly Anticipated Kaw WMA Shooting Range is Open to the Public
Hunters and shooters will now have a first-class range on one of the most popular WMAs in Oklahoma and all that is required to use it is an Oklahoma hunting or combo license. Hunters and shooters would be hard pressed to find a range with a use fee of less than $32 per year. Those license sales bring federal aid dollars to our state while providing the state match needed to use those federal funds for projects like this shooting range at Kaw WMA.
Features include two 100-yard rifle ranges with 12 covered shooting benches; a 30-yard pistol range with six covered shooting benches; an archery range with archery tower including four shooting lanes; and ADA access, parking, and an ADA accessible, porta-potty restroom.
"We are excited to have this range here on Kaw WMA. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public during construction and shooters did not waste any time putting the range to use after its official opening on September 1, 2023. A range project does add another item on the area to-do list, but it is well worth it. Kaw WMA shooting range is a classic example of teamwork; the result could not have been better! Great job to everyone involved in its success, including Lance Meek (C&E), Amanda Thomas (CE), Zack Smith (W), Wildlife Division interns Coltt Stone and Zackry Stamps, and many others." - Joey McAllister (W), Wildlife Biologist stationed at Kaw WMA
"I can't express how much I appreciate Joey's attention given to the range and everyone's enthusiasm throughout construction. Seems like we just kicked off construction, and now, just a short seven months later, we have a brand-new first-class shooting range. Kaw WMA has truly set the bar for future ranges! The ribbon cutting will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct 11." - Amanda Thomas (CE), ODWC Shooting Range Coordinator
"Shooting ranges have been one of my passions for many years, and recreational shooters are contributing about seven out of every 10 dollars into the conservation machine. Being a hometown Newkirk boy, I am excited to see a shooting range on Kaw WMA. The shooting range isn't even 300 yards from where I harvested my first deer as a kid, which led to me being hooked on hunting, shooting, conservation, and ultimately having a career with ODWC. I’m certain the range will hook many more kids into hunting, shooting, and conservation. My nephews were actually some of the first customers, and I know they are just the beginning. I can't say enough about the incredible teamwork and passion displayed by employees on this project. And with the hiring of a full-time shooting range coordinator, ODWC is finally headed down the tracks with steam. Ranges are R3! Looking forward to the next one!" - Wade Free (A), Assistant Director
ODOT Sign Portal Tool Available Now
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation requires that signs placed on ODOT right-of-ways meet specific standards. Additionally, ODOT handles the production and placement of such signage. ODOT has requested that ODWC use this portal to place orders for signs to be placed on ODOT right-of-ways. This portal can also be found in the "Ordering Standard Signage" document in the Sign Folder on the TOAD.
ODWC Connects with Hispanic Community at Fiestas de las Americas
By Betsey York (CE)
The Relevancy Team participated in the vendor corridor at the Fiestas de las Americas festival Sept. 30 in Oklahoma City. The goal of this event was to create name recognition for the ODWC within the Hispanic community, as well as to talk to attendees about what the Wildlife Department does and how we can serve them. We are in the process of better connecting with the community with the first step of being present and available to them. At this event, we distributed Fiestas-specific stickers that depicted a monarch butterfly (a culturally significant animal).
We printed 500 stickers and gave away all of them, making meaningful connections and contacts with each person that took one (thanks to Smokey Solis for a great sticker design!). We also handed out agency-branded animal tracks posters (both in English and Spanish), regulations posters (English and Spanish), Outdoor Oklahoma magazines, regulations booklets, and drink koozies. This event draws thousands to the southside of Oklahoma City, many of whom walked past the ODWC booth. By simply showing up, we hope we displayed our dedication to serving all communities of Oklahoma. We look forward to attending Fiestas de las Americas next year and are excited to look for more opportunities to show up for the diverse communities of Oklahoma. Also, if the community you work in could benefit from track posters or regulations posters in Spanish, they are available to be distributed. Get in touch with C&E to access them.
Special thanks to Micah Holmes (C&E), Sarah Southerland (C&E), Betsey York (C&E), Jennifer Benge (C&E), Alexis Whiles (F), Amie Robison (F), Orlando Martinez (LE), J.D. Strong (A), and Jamie Green (A) for working the booth and braving the massive crowds, heat, and wind!
Oklahoma Mesonet: Monitoring Our State’s Weather Since Before 1994
By Jena Donnell (CE)
Oklahoma’s network of environmental monitoring stations – collectively known as the Oklahoma Mesonet – was officially commissioned on Jan. 1, 1994, but some of its first stations were installed as early as 1991. The Oklahoma Climatological Survey is celebrating the Oklahoma Mesonet’s 30 years of operation during an open house event on Oct. 14, 2023, a few months ahead of the commissioned anniversary. Stop by their booth at the National Weather Festival in Norman to learn more about Oklahoma Mesonet, and pick up an anniversary calendar or a $10 t shirt.
In today’s world of smartphones and connected devices, local weather conditions are available at the literal touch of a screen. And while one popular weather resource, the Oklahoma Mesonet, has been providing local temperatures, wind conditions, and rainfall amounts since before 1994, it offers so much more than a simple look at the current and past conditions.
A word mash of “mesoscale” and “network,” the Oklahoma Mesonet is designed to measure the environment at the size and duration of mesoscale weather events – think about the size and variability of thunderstorms and squall lines. The statewide network of 120 stations collects billions of environmental readings each year, which can inform a variety of agriculture, fire management, and public safety tools and help Wildlife Department employees plan their management activities. For example, biologists in Fisheries Division have shown that Mesonet data can help hatcheries better plan the collection of spawning fish and predict the best time to stock walleye and saugeye. Biologists in Wildlife Division often rely on OK-FIRE to monitor fire conditions and plan prescribed burns. And all employees can use Mesonet to monitor drought conditions and stay weather aware.
Mesonet Fast Facts:
- Oklahoma Mesonet data is housed by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey at the University of Oklahoma, but the network was designed and implemented by scientists at the University of Oklahoma and at Oklahoma State University.
- The Oklahoma Mesonet network has grown to include 120 stations, with at least one station in each of our state’s 77 counties. A majority of the stations (56%) are installed on private land.
- Two Oklahoma Mesonet stations, Station #6, the Arnett site, and Station #31, the Cookson site, are located on Wildlife Department properties. Station extremes for the Arnett site, located on Ellis County WMA, include a maximum air temperature of 113 degrees in July 2022, minimum air temperature of -14 degrees in February 2021, maximum wind speed of 77.6 miles per hour in July 1996, and a maximum annual rainfall of 36.42 inches in 2015. Station extremes for the Cookson site, located on Cookson WMA, include a maximum air temperature of 112 degrees in August 2011, minimum air temperature of -12 degrees in February 2021, maximum wind speed of 69.0 miles per hour in November 2020, and a maximum annual rainfall of 85.66 inches in 2015.
- Each station requires a multi-year commitment from the landowner and a ~$70,000 commitment from the Oklahoma Climatological Survey in a five-year window. Installations run ~$15,000 per station and maintenance and I.T. costs for each station run from $10,000 to $12,000 per year.
- A number of above- and below-ground measurements are taken at each station at varying time intervals and sent to the Central Operations Facility in Norman in five-minute data packages. Once the data packages arrive in Norman, they are bundled into five-minute averages for each variable and made available to the public within about 10 minutes. For three above-ground variables – air temperature at 1.5 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 meters, and wind speed and direction at 10 meters – readings are taken every three seconds. For those three variables alone, more than 3.75 billion readings are collected across the network in a single year!
Hot Tip: Mesonet Widget Gives Weather at a Glance
If you haven’t yet downloaded the free Oklahoma Mesonet app to your smartphone, you’re missing out on a great source of local weather data and easy access to National Weather Service radars and weather advisories. Even if you rely on another weather source, the Oklahoma Mesonet app could be a helpful fallback during severe weather. Find the app on the App Store or on Google Play.
If you’re happy with the Oklahoma Mesonet app but want weather at an even quicker glance, you can add a Mesonet widget to your home screen. For iPhones, simply press and hold a blank spot on your home screen, tap the “+” plus sign in the top corner, then navigate to the Oklahoma Mesonet widget. Choose your preferred style, then tap “Add Widget.” Basic weather stats for your selected station will now appear on your home screen. You can then tap on the widget to access additional data and maps within the app. The process is similar for Android devices – press and hold a blank spot on the home screen, tap “widgets,” then tap and hold the Mesonet widget to move it to your preferred location.
Wildlife Department employees interested in learning more about fire weather and the Oklahoma Mesonet’s decision support system for wildland fire managers, known as OK-FIRE, can register for one of the upcoming fall trainings. Workshop information and registration details are below!
ODWC Awarded 2024 Grant for Hunting Promotions Campaigns
By Michael Bergin (CE)
Recently the ODWC was selected to receive a $50,000 Multi-State Conservation Grant through the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) to promote hunting, hunting licenses and conservation. A portion of those funds will be used to develop a slate of commercials and videos that can be used across multiple online platforms to promote hunting. The ODWC has competed for and been awarded the same grant in the past (here's an example of a project created through previous grant cycles). This grant will bolster the Communication & Education Division’s efforts focused on some of its top communication priorities - such as hunting access.
The videos created in 2024 through this MSCG will be used as paid ads through our Go Outdoors online advertising efforts (paid for in part by hard card license sales), and as content for ODWC marketing emails, Outdoor Oklahoma TV and Outdoor Oklahoma Journal content. Additional funds from the same grant will be used for online advertising and promotion of hunting in 2024-25 and beyond.
If you have questions about this effort, contact Michael Bergin (C&E)
Stickers! $2 Each or 3/$5
Sales Benefit the ODWC State Charitable Campaign
Every year, state employees have the opportunity to designate funds to one or more charities at the workplace through the state campaign, governed by a board of directors made up of state employees. Funds designated help support hundreds of charities that have met the criteria as set forth by the state of Oklahoma. To purchase your stickers (size is approx. 4” X 2"), contact Amanda Thomas (CE) or Heather Del Moral (CE).
Birth Announcement: Max Elliott Adams!
An Important Retirement Message!
From Lt. Billy Bob Walker (LE)
We will be having a retirement presentation for Warden Curtis Latham at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at the Holdenville Hatchery. Warden Latham has been a vital asset and an exceptional Game Warden throughout his career with ODWC.
If you would like to donate to his retirement gift you can mail a check to Lt. Billy Bob Walker at 16901 Breezy Hill Road, Madill OK, 73446. If you would like to use Venmo, use the QR code. Please state that it is for Warden Latham’s retirement gift. After his presentation, we will go eat in Holdenville. We hope to see current wardens and retirees there.
HR Attends Career Fair at OSU
Human Resources, with the help of Josey Branch (LE), Tell Judkins (W) and Jeremy Duck (F), attended the Ferguson College of Agriculture Career Fair on Sept. 21. There were 115 employers total, reaching out to a record 1,400 students.
ODWC had the opportunity to talk with students about the opportunities the agency has to offer. Many business cards were distributed, and many resumes were received. HR can't wait until next year!
Meet the ODWC's Newest Employees
Grace Carter
Fisheries Biologist
Grace recently joined the ODWC team in September as a northeast region fisheries biologist. Grace comes to ODWC from Indiana; where she earned her undergraduate at Purdue University in aquatic sciences and her master's degree at Ball State University in biology. Her thesis work focused on the independent and synergistic effects of microplastics and estrogen on the reproductive behavior of fathead minnows. Grace's favorite fish is either the greenside darter or stonecat.
Grace enjoys hiking, dipnetting, and just "generally existing outside."
"I enjoy being close to nature, and it just brings me joy to hear all the nature sounds and smell all the nature smells," Grace said "I enjoy dipnetting because, one - it's easier than "actual" fishing; and two - I think stream fish are neat and underappreciated."
In her free time she enjoys reading books, playing board games, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Grace and her husband also enjoy spending time with their pit mix, Ham. Her husband works as an EMT.
Grace also plays violin, piano, and various types of percussion.
When it comes to working for the ODWC, Grace said she loves getting to be out in the field and doing things she enjoys!
Welcome, Grace!
Caleb Taylor
Fisheries Technician
Caleb Taylor joined Team ODWC in September. He will be working on efforts related to paddlefish and native, nongame fishes as part of ODWC's pivot away from paddlefish fish cleaning and caviar production/sales.
Caleb was born and raised in Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor's degree in integrative biology with an emphasis in fish and wildlife management in December 2022 from Northeastern State University. Caleb held previous positions at Grand River Dam Authority, the ODWC Paddlefish Research Center, and in the ODWC Porter office. He has been with the US Air Force Air National Guard since 2017 and continues in their reserve program.
Caleb enjoys fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and camping, as well as playing sports like basketball and tennis, and running.
Caleb lives in Claremore with his wife Lauren, who is completing her master’s degree at Oklahoma State University in dietetics. They are an active couple, who recently conquered their first triathlon.
When asked the best part about his new job with ODWC, Caleb said the work itself is very enjoyable, but he also enjoys working with the people at the Jenks office and in the Department statewide.
Welcome, Caleb!
Shout Outs!
C&E Division
The HR Corner is a section in the WOG where HR shares tips, tricks, reminders, etc. for all things related to Human Resources. This month covers timesheet deadlines and upcoming events."
Deadlines
- October Timesheet Deadlines: All employees (full-time and part-time) must have all October hours entered and submitted by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. All supervisors must have all timesheets reviewed and approved by end of day on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
- Open Enrollment for Benefits: Open enrollment ends Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.
Open Enrollment for Benefits
- Open enrollment for 2024 Benefits began on Oct, 1. Please check your email for a detailed message from Mary Streber dated Tue 10/2/2023 2:00 pm.
- Please read the email carefully before calling HR with questions.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Different Together While Making a Difference
By Jamie Green, Human Resource Management Specialist
This is a recurring new Diversity section of the WOG where I will share all things related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The next couple of articles will be discussing two different types of bias, implicit and explicit. Before we talk about the different types of bias, let’s first go over what a bias is. A bias is a preference in favor of, or against a person, group of people, or thing. Bias is a part of being human and is an unconscious initial reaction. These reactions can be rooted from inaccurate information and can potentially be harmful.
Inaccurate information can stem from childhood experiences. Starting at a young age, we tend to discriminate between those who are like us, and those who are not like us. On the plus side, we can gain a sense of identity and safety with the group. However, taken to the extreme, this categorization can foster an “us-versus-them” mentality and lead to prejudice.
Bias is often characterized as stereotypes about people based on the group to which they belong and/or based on an physical characteristic, such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. This type of bias can have harmful real-world outcomes. People may or may not be aware that they hold these biases.
The more we learn about bias and learn to accept we have bias; we can begin to recognize our own patterns of thinking. With awareness and a conscious effort, we have the power to change how we think and to challenge the negative or harmful biases within ourselves.
You can look forward to different topics each month in the WOG, the DEI calendar of monthly information, as well as information on the development of our DEI training program, with courses that will be available to attend in the future. I welcome your feedback, and if you would like to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion or if you have ideas or suggestions for the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jamie.green@odwc.ok.gov or (405) 522-1453.
Director's Report
Wildlife Commission Hears Update on Wild Turkey Research
A coordinator for ODWC’s current research project looking at wild turkey population declines across Oklahoma presented a progress report at the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission’s regular October meeting Monday in Bartlesville. The Commission also heard an update from Wildlife Division on central region activities and resources; heard a report from OWCF executive director Rick Grundman on the Call of the Wild Gala and other Foundation activities; saw a presentation of an award accepted by Nels Rodefeld (CE) on behalf of C&E Division; and recognized Assistant Director Wade Free for 40 years of service, and Wildlife Division Assistant Chief Russ Horton for 35 years of service. Read the full Commission meeting summary below.
Assistant Director Wade Free Recognized for 40 Years
Wildlife Division Assistant Chief Russ Horton Recognized for 35 Years
Game Bag
Fall is here, which means great times afield! If you have photos of you and your family enjoying the outdoors that you would like to share, send them to michael.bergin@odwc.ok.gov.
Birthdays
- ACKMAN, SEAN 10/8/23
- BENGE, JENNIFER 10/30/23
- BERG, COLIN 10/4/23
- CARPENTER, CLINT 10/27/23
- CHRISMAN, MICHAEL 10/5/23
- COOPER, BRETT 10/29/23
- CROCKER, MAX 10/29/23
- DEMONTIGNY, DAVID 10/7/23
- FARRIS, MATTHEW 10/20/23
- JACKSON, AUSTIN 10/31/23
- JETER, SHELBY 10/23/23
- MCALLISTER, JOSEPH 10/3/23
- MENEFEE, RUSTY 10/17/23
- MOORE, MEGAN 10/15/23
- REMPE, JOHN 10/5/23
- ROBINSON, CHRISTOPHER 10/28/23
- RYAN, KRISTIN 10/5/23
- SHANHOLTZER, TAMMY 10/24/23
- SHAY, JAIME 10/31/23
- SHURDEN, MARK 10/11/23
- STITES, DALE 10/19/23
- STORER, WESTON 10/5/23
- SUTTLES, ERIC 10/29/23
- TACKETT, CURTIS 10/11/23
- TAYLOR, TRAE 10/15/23
Photo by Wade Free (A)
September Personnel Action Items
New Hires
- Grace Carter – Fisheries Biologist, NE Region, Miami Field Office - 9/1/23
- Tracer Wagner – Wildlife Technician, Keystone WMA – 9/1/23
- Caleb Taylor – Fisheries Technician, Jenks Field Office – 9/5/23
Promotions
- Sid Tabor – Wildlife Technician at Honobia & Three Rivers WMAs to Biologist at Honobia & Three Rivers – 9/1/23
Transfers
- Matt Pallett – Fisheries Technician, Streams, Porter Office to Fisheries Technician, Jenks Office – 9/1/23
Resignations/Terminations
- Morgan Winstead – Fisheries Technician, ANS, Porter Office – 9/8/23
- Ann Worden – Administrative Assistant, Fisheries Division at Holdenville – 9/8/23
Reelin' in the Years
- BAKER, BRANDON 20
- BEAGLES, RICHARD 23
- BOYER, KELLY 4
- BRANCH, JOSEY 6
- CLARK, EMILY 9
- CLARK, KIMBERLY 2
- CORNETT, JUSTIN 6
- CROCKER, MAX 31
- EDDINGS, MASON 9
- FIELDS, SHANE 26
- FLYNN, JAYLEN 6
- GEE, SHAWN 11
- GRIFFITH, DANIEL 18
- HARLEY, GARRET 9
- LATHAM, CURTIS 31
- LAWSON, KEN 35
- O'NEAL, MICKI 14
- PARKER, CHRIS 18
- PENA, REBEKAH 1
- ROUK, JAY 10
- ROWE, COLBY 4
- SHURDEN, MARK 29
- SMITH, PAXTON 2
- STORER, WESTON 18
- STRONG, JD 7
- WILSON, JR, EDDIE 31
- YORK, BETSEY 5
Photo by Bluto Smith/RPS