OKLAHOMA'S BEST KEPT SECRET: GET PAID TO REMOVE CEDAR TREES

Here's something most Oklahoma landowners don't know: the State of Oklahoma will help pay you to clear cedar off your land. There are two major cost-share programs available right now, and the money is real. Landowners across the state are getting reimbursed thousands of dollars — sometimes tens of thousands — for work they needed to do anyway. If you have cedar on your property, you should know about these programs before you spend a dime out of pocket. (Not sure what cedar removal involves? Start with our complete guide to Eastern Red Cedar removal.)

Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) Brush Cost-Share

The OCC runs a brush management cost-share program specifically targeting invasive woody species: Eastern Red Cedar, Saltcedar, and Mesquite. These are the three species choking Oklahoma's grasslands, draining water resources, and increasing wildfire risk.

Here's what you need to know about the OCC program:

Reimbursement: Up to $50,000 per fiscal year per landowner. That's a significant amount of cedar removal. For most properties, this covers the entire project or a major portion of it.

No minimum acreage: Whether you have 5 acres or 500, you can apply. The program is designed to help all landowners, not just large ranching operations.

Apply through your local conservation district: Oklahoma has 87 conservation districts across the state. Your local district office is where you start the application process. They'll help you understand the requirements and walk you through the paperwork.

The OCC program has been one of the most effective tools in Oklahoma's fight against cedar invasion. Funding is allocated each fiscal year, so it's best to apply early when funds are available.

NRCS EQIP Program (Federal)

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) runs the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal cost-share program that funds conservation practices on private land. Brush management falls under Practice Code 314.

Reimbursement: 50% to 75% of eligible costs, depending on your situation and the ranking of your application.

Competitive application: Unlike the OCC program, EQIP is competitive. Applications are ranked based on environmental benefit, and not everyone who applies will be funded in every cycle. That said, cedar removal in Oklahoma scores well because the environmental impact is significant.

Higher rates for historically underserved producers: Beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, veterans, and limited-resource producers may qualify for higher reimbursement rates — up to 75% or more.

EQIP applications are typically due in specific batching periods throughout the year. Contact your local NRCS office for current deadlines and ranking criteria.

How the Process Works

Both programs follow a similar process. Here's the step-by-step:

Step 1: Contact your local Conservation District or NRCS office. Tell them you want to apply for brush management cost-share. They'll explain current funding availability, eligibility requirements, and what documentation you need.

Step 2: Get an approved contract. Once your application is accepted, you'll sign a contract that outlines the work to be done, the timeline, and the reimbursement amount. Do not start work before your contract is approved — you won't get reimbursed for work done before approval.

Step 3: Hire a contractor and complete the work. This is where you bring in a qualified forestry mulching contractor to do the cedar removal. The work must meet the technical specifications outlined in your contract.

Step 4: Submit for reimbursement. After the work is completed and inspected, you submit your invoice and documentation. The program reimburses you directly.

Important note: The landowner fronts the cost first. You pay the contractor, then get reimbursed by the program. Plan your cash flow accordingly.

What Oklahoma Mulch Works Does for You

We don't administer these programs — that's between you and the conservation district or NRCS office. What we do is make sure the actual mulching work meets every technical specification required for your reimbursement.

We've worked on numerous cost-share projects across Oklahoma. We understand the documentation requirements, the inspection standards, and exactly what the programs expect from the contractor. When we complete your project, we provide the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement.

We also help landowners understand the timeline. These programs can take a few months from application to contract approval, so it's smart to start the process early and have your contractor lined up when the green light comes. Wondering what the work itself will cost? Check out our complete 2026 forestry mulching pricing guide.