Sustainability

As Boy Scout and Outdoor Recreation graduate at Oklahoma State University, Commissioner Reding learned the importance of protecting nature and about the role nature has in our daily lives. Part of the responsibility of being a County Commissioner is being a good steward, not just of tax dollars, buildings, and our properties, but also working to protect part of what makes our county beautiful - our environment. Commissioner Reding goes beyond the call of duty and created programs to make sure our lands and agriculture are protected. By helping to create a state-wide environmental program that sows local honeybee and butterfly friendly seeds and plants in areas where ditches and bridges have just been reworked, we have seen great success across the state! Since establishing this program, commissioners from all over Oklahoma are able to stabilize the soil faster, grow food for migrating pollinators, and avoid mowing for the period of time when the pollinators are feeding. This helps our soil, saves the bees and butterflies, cuts down on emissions, brings beauty to our roads, and saves the tax-payers money.

• Only Commissioner in the state selected to work with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to work on the Managed Pollinator Protection Plan
  (click here for more info)

• Created an environmental program for commissioners statewide using the county right-of-ways.

• Oversaw Environmental Enforcement from 2015-2023 and awarded for excellence in cleaning illegal dumpsites.

• Initiated a program for Environmental Enforcement to recycle and reuse discarded oil-field pipes for signposts and bridge markers, reducing the cost of these important safety features, while reducing waste.