Oklahoma Governor's Water Conference

Traditionally held in the fall, the annual Governor’s Water Conference attracts hundreds of water officials and citizens who share an avid interest in Oklahoma’s water resources.

During the general sessions, a full complement of state, federal, and local experts address the latest developments in water management and quality, infrastructure financing, and many other related issues. Between sessions, attendees can visit water-related exhibits set up by local, state, and federal organizations. At the luncheon, recipients of the Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award are recognized during a special ceremony, followed by a state legislative and congressional update.

The 2009 Governor's Water Conference and Water Research Symposium was held November 3-5 at the Sheraton-Reed Conference Center in Midwest City.

2009 Conference Presentations

Oklahoma Water Pioneers

The Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award was initiated in 1985 to honor the men and women who have made significant contributions in the planning, development, management, and conservation of Oklahoma’s water resources. The award is presented each year at the Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference to individuals who have been nominated as a gesture of appreciation for their wisdom in developing Oklahoma’s great rivers and groundwaters, and for preserving the integrity and beauty of the state’s waters for future generations.

James Barnett (2009)
Steven Moore (2009)
Gene Whatley (2009)
Jon Craig (2009)

Robbie Robbins (2008)
Mason Mungle (2008)
Garner Garrison (2008)
Don Kiser (2007)
Jerry Johnston (2007)
Ken Crawford (2007)
Ervin Mitchell (2006)
W.C. Austin (2006)
Jay M. Galt (2005)
Julian K. Fite (2005)
Joe Taron (2004)
Glenn Sullivan (2004)
Clifford Younger (2003)
Wes Watkins (2003)
Mark Coleman (2003)
Murray Williams (2002)
Mae Cooper (2002)
Frank Condon (2002)
James H. Norick (2001)
Ken McFall (2001)
Phillip B. Lorenz (2001)
Robert Johnson (2001)
Jim Murphy (2000)
James C. Leake (2000)
Michaele (Mike) Henson (2000)
Sidney D. Williams (1999)
Jimmie Pigg (1999)
James Eddie Phillips (1999)
Bill Secrest (1998)
Robert W."Bob" Portiss (1998)
John "Jack" Story Jr. (1997)
Dr. Wayne A. Pettyjohn (1997)
Lonnie L. Farmer (1997)
Donald R. Vandersypen (1996)
Phillip Klutts (1996)
Ladd Hitch (1996)
James M. Hewgley Jr. (1996)
Senator Henry Bellmon (1996)
Billy Ray Wilson (1995)
Paul E. Thombrugh (1995)
Oscar Hughes (1995)
Norman N. Durham (1995)
J.K. Lindsey (1994)
Bonita Hoeme (1994)
Gerald E. Borelli (1994)
Larry D. Wornom (1993)
Paul F. Miller (1993)
J.D. Fleming (1993)
Paul H. Horton (1992)
Sen. Ray A. Giles (1992)
Jack L. Grimmett, Sr. (1991)
Gov. Raymond D. Gary (1991)
Herber Finch Jr. (1991)
Ed Edmondson (1991)
Hoyt Shadid (1990)
L.T. Col. Eddie L. (1989)
George B. Hill (1989)
Gov. George Nigh (1989)
E.F. "Doc" Coker (1989)
M.G. Barclay (1989)
Robert H. Anderson (1989)
Loyd F. Pummill (1988)
Ira C. Husky (1988)
Robert B. Harbison (1988)
George E. Failing (1988)
Morrison B. Cunningham (1988)
Julius W. Cox (1988)
Clarence Burch (1988)
H. Duane Stratton (1987)
Joseph F. Rarick (1987)
Guy N. Keith (1987)
R.K. Johnson (1987)
Charles G. Huddleston (1987)
Houston Adams (1987)
Col. Francis J. Wilson (1986)
A.A. Sewell (1986)
Orville B. Saunders (1986)
George W. Reid (1986)
James H. Irwin (1986)
W.R. Holway (1986)
James "Buster" Hight (1986)
Marvin T. Edmison (1986)
Early R. Cass (1986)
LT. Gov. Spencer Bemard (1986)
Clarence Base (1986)
V. Ray Trent (1985)
David R. Strickland (1985)
Leonard A. Solomon (1985)
Harold B. Scoggins (1985)
Marvin Scherler (1985)
Frank Raab (1985)
P. Ward Perryman (1985)
Harold Norris (1985)
Forrest Nelson (1985)
Donald 0. McBride (1985)
L.L. (Red) Males (1985)
Richard C. Longmire (1985)
Glade R. Kirkpatrick (1985)
Robert S. Kerr Jr. (1985)
Sen. Robert S. Kerr (1985)
Newton R. Graham (1985)
Nolen J. Fuqua (1985)
L.B. (Ed) Edinger (1985)
Ferdie J. Deering (1985)
Jacques Cunningham (1985)
Bemice N. Crockett (1985)
Dr. Lloyd E. Church (1985)
Francis J. Borelli (1985)