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Local Attorney Named to Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission

Posted on: Friday, 12 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

M. David Riggs, a lifelong Sand Springs resident and Tulsa attorney, has been elected secretary of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The eight-year appointment allows Riggs the opportunity to help further causes that are close to his heart.

"I've had a lifelong interest in nature," he said. This appointment is "a continuation of everything I've done for fun."

Riggs and his family have traveled extensively, always taking in nature and wildlife.

They will be rafting at the Grand Canyon in a few weeks. They've traveled to Africa and across the United States.

"We were taking our kids to camp out when they were in diapers," the 67-year-old former state senator and representative said.

Even Riggs' choice of a home reflects his love of nature. He and his wife, Arlene, live on 135 acres, where he can sit on his porch and see wildlife.

Riggs grew up in Sand Springs and has his home near Zink Ranch. He said he doesn't want to live anywhere else.

His passion for conservation leads him to strongly disagree with some elected officials' views on preserving our natural resources.

"It's worth fighting to keep," he said. "We can foul our own nest. We can destroy the very place we've been given to protect. It's terribly short-sighted."

The commission is a constitutional board charged with the conservation of natural resources and wildlife in Oklahoma, Riggs explained. He said he is proud that the people comprising the board are dedicated to conservancy.

"You can feel good about what you're doing because you can see the results," he said. "It's good to be involved in something like that.

"I think the general consensus across the state is that we ought to preserve our natural resources and artifacts."

Gov. Brad Henry said he believes Riggs is an excellent choice for the position.

"I have every confidence that David Riggs will be an outstanding member of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission," Henry said. "He comes to the commission particularly well-suited, having accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise. ... It was my pleasure to appoint him to the Wildlife Conservation Commission."

The commission has been planning community and family events to pique people's interest in wildlife and conservation.

"What we're trying to do is get more families involved," he said.

Riggs said he plans to fight diligently for conservation efforts in the state.

"I intend to follow good science," he said. "I'm going to try to listen to the science. We need to listen to the scientists. That's why we employ them."

Although he stopped running for office years ago, he takes pride in his consideration for what he sees as such an important post.

"I'm happy to be doing it," he said. "I'm happy the governor appointed me. It wasn't something I was lobbying for. ... It's as important to me as any part of state government I could have been appointed to."

Source: Tulsa World

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