Looking at the graph above, funding for natural resources increased in relatively small increments prior to the 2008-2009 biennium. At this point, funding increased by 38.8% ($901.5 million). This is in comparison to the 35.8% ($612.1 million) increase between the 1998-99 budget and 2006-07 budget. The size of the increase in 2008-09 is largely due to the transfer of nutritional program from Health and Human Services to the Department of Agriculture resulting in $500 million additional expenditures. Another reason for the sizable budget increase in this article is additional funding for improvements of state park operations and infrastructure.

Funding for natural resources draws primarily from the state’s general-dedicated revenue funds. However, after the transfer of nutritional programs from Health and Human Services, federal funding has also become a significant funding source. In 2008-09 federal funds will comprise about one quarter of total funding for natural resources.

Agencies included under natural resources include the Department of Agriculture, Parks and Wildlife Department, the General Land Office, and the Commission on Environmental Quality.