Sen. Burns files bill to designate Hugo Lake Park as State Park

Burns Files Bill to Transfer Hugo Lake Park Properties

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 7th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced legislation to transfer the management and operation of Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Senate Bill 121 proposes transferring all properties currently held for Hugo Lake Park to the department by January 1, 2026.

The bill aims to designate Hugo Lake as an official state park, improving oversight, enhancing amenities, and streamlining management responsibilities to provide a better visitor experience.

Hugo Lake Park would become state park again under bill passed by State Senate

Senate approves measure to restore state park status of Hugo Lake Park

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 23rd) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is the author of Senate Bill 675, which was approved Wednesday and would transfer Hugo Lake Park back to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations.

Bill to protect Elephants and Elephant Handlers passes States House

Bill to Protect Elephants and Elephant Handlers Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Save the elephants and their trainers!

That’s the call from Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-Lane), the author of House Bill 2895, which would protect the elephants and the elephant handlers at the Endangered Ark Foundation, a private nonprofit in Hugo, from potential animal cruelty statutory provisions.

“We have a circus in our district that has a very successful education program that utilizes retired elephants and other exotic animals,” Humphrey said. “We have animal activist groups that want to prohibit people from petting elephants or touching them in any way. They would even shut down contact with zoos. We are trying to get ahead of these groups coming to Oklahoma and allow this private group to continue to operate.”

The Endangered Ark Foundation provides a retirement ranch for circus elephants, and educates the public about the endangered species of Asian Elephants.

The organization says on its website, “We respect the intimate understanding of the bond and partnership formed between animals and humans, and the need for action to save endangered animals. We believe education and preservation efforts will ensure that people will able to experience the joy and wonder of the Asian elephant for generations to come.”

The foundation offers public tours and private encounters.

HB 2895 passed the House with a vote of 80-15. The bill was co-authored in the House by State Rep. David Hardin (R-Stilwell). The bill now moves to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. David Bullard (R-Durant).

State Rep. Justin Humphrey represents House District 19, which includes Choctaw, Pushmataha and parts of Atoka and Bryan counties in Southeast Oklahoma.