As with all properties listed on the National Register, cemeteries must retain their historic integrity. However, many cemeteries in Oklahoma are governed by a local cemetery association, which is usually responsible for maintenance. Although a cemetery can be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as with all properties, this does not guarantee perpetual maintenance of the resource. The Oklahoma SHPO does not have any legal authority concerning the preservation of cemeteries. There are no grants available for cemetery restoration or maintenance.
Neglected cemeteries benefit the most from local efforts.
These efforts can include grounds maintenance, restoration efforts and heightened awareness within the community concerning the significance of the cemetery. Oklahoma State Statute Title 21 ' 1168.1-7. Extends the right of public access only to visitation during reasonable hours and only for the purposes usually associated with cemetery visits. Requires any relative of the deceased who wishes to visit such a cemetery to make a good faith effort to notify the owners and tenants, if any, of the property prior to visiting the cemetery. Prohibits this section from being interpreted to allow the creation of an easement or claim of easement or a right of ownership or claim of right of ownership to an abandoned cemetery.