Program Update - Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program - U.S. ...

Highlights from
Region 2
Wildlife
Restoration
In late 2006, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) was notified by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) staff of a potential conservation opportunity in the Southern
High Plains. The focus was protection of lesser prairie-chickens (LPC) and the
grasslands upon which they depend. By late January of 2007, efforts were initiated
to protect approximately 6,000 acres of high quality LPC habitat in Yoakum and
Terry Counties. Each conservation partner needed to overcome internal challenges
inherent within both institutions. At the time, TNC had a large internal land debt, and
while TNC staff recognized the significance of this project, starting new initiatives
while under this crushing debt was challenging. Within TPWD, it was determined
that preserving LPC habitat represented a high priority in relation to the Texas
Wildlife Action Plan. After several on-site visits by key staff, and following expanding
the base of support for the project from biological staff to TPWD commissioners, a
breakthrough developed. TPWD agreed to commit 75 percent of project costs via
Wildlife Restoration funding, while TNC agreed to carry out real estate negotiations,
enter into a contract for the property, hold fee title to the property after closing,
and raise the remaining 25 percent of the funds needed to make the project happen.
The property formerly known as the Fitzgerald Ranch is now under permanent
conservation protection, with TNC and TPWD acting in partnership to co-manage
the land as native prairie habitat. An additional 2,500 acres is under consideration and
may soon be added to the project. Conservation of properties with high wildlife value
should be replicated across the state in order to support successful implementation of
the Texas Wildlife Action Plan.
Sand dunes and bluestem grasses at Fitzgerald Ranch Photo by H. Whitlaw.
Wildlife and Sport Fish Program Update September 2008 21