Oklahoma lawmakers are pushing to expand efforts to remove Eastern Red Cedar trees, a highly flammable species that has contributed to the state’s growing wildfire crisis. House Bill 2162, which recently passed in the House, seeks to expand a pilot program designed to clear these trees and improve fire safety, water conservation, and land management across the state.
Why Are Red Cedar Trees a Problem?
Over the years, red cedar trees have spread rapidly across Oklahoma, posing a significant fire hazard. The trees contain oils that make them highly flammable, and under the right conditions, they can even explode during wildfires.
“Fire has been taken out of the equation for years when it comes to land management,” said Trampas Tripp, Director of Land Management at the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. “With that, you get this explosion of invasive species.”
Tripp emphasized that red cedars don’t just fuel wildfires—they also consume massive amounts of water, affecting local agriculture and water availability…