News Release Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, [email protected] April 15, 2014 Regional Lone Star Land Stewards for 2014 Announced AUSTIN – The ability to manage land in good times as well as bad is the mark of a good land steward. This year’s recipients of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards are prime examples. On Wednesday, May 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, TPWD will recognize land stewards representing private ranches in various ecological regions, plus awards recognizing achievements of a landowner cooperative, and an educator. Also, the Leopold Conservation Award for Texas will be presented to the 2014 statewide land steward, yet to be announced, by the Sand County Foundation. The annual Lone Star Land Steward Awards recognize and honor private landowners for their accomplishments in land, water and wildlife stewardship. The program is designed to educate landowners and the public and to encourage participation in habitat conservation. TPWD is partnering with the Sand County Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation with Toyota as Presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include: Luther King Capital Management, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado River Land Trust | Lower Colorado River Authority, Capital Farm Credit, Dorothy Drummer & Associates, East Wildlife Foundation, Llano Springs Ranch, Ltd., Nature Blinds, Nueces River Authority, Oncor, San Antonio River Authority, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas Westmoreland Coal Co., Texas Wildlife Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Initiated in 1996 by the TPWD Private Lands Advisory Committee, the Lone Star Land Steward Awards program objectives are to recognize private landowners for excellence in habitat management and wildlife conservation on their lands, publicize the best examples of sound natural resource management practices, encourage youth education and participation in promoting responsible habitat management and improved ecosystem health, promote long-term conservation of unique natural and cultural resources, promote ecosystem awareness and acknowledge the best conservation practices in the state’s ecological regions, enhance relationships between private landowners and Texas natural resource agencies and illustrate the important role of private landowners in the future of Texas natural resources. This year’s recipients characterize the unique cultural and natural heritage of Texas. Landowners restoring degraded habitats while conserving flora and fauna are a common thread. Following are summaries of stewardship highlights for each of the ecoregion and category recipients. Robin, Carol, Grant and Misty Giles, David and Myrna Langford, Roy and Jessica Leslie, Patty Leslie Pasztor and Greg Pasztor; owners/operators These landowners practice both excellent land stewardship and “stewardship outside the gates” through extensive outreach and volunteer service. Each family reaches a different audience and acts in a different “theatre” according to their own interests. The Gileses work tirelessly to help fellow landowners, agricultural producers, FFA and 4H groups to manage the land both sustainably and profitably in the production of food and fiber. The Langfords work to spread the message in their community and in the capital that private lands are critical for wildlife and to our state’s water infrastructure. The Leslies and Pasztors outreach in San Antonio help urban residents understand the importance of rare plant conservation, wildlife habitat, and the dangers of non-native plants and animals. Each of these landowners are recognized experts in their fields, including ranching, rare plant propagation, Ethnobotany, and cultivating statewide conservation partnerships. Karen Loke Video News Producer Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 512-389-4997 tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv youtube/texasparkswildlife If you would rather not receive future communications from Texas Parks & Wildlife, let us know by clicking here. Texas Parks & Wildlife, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 United States
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 08:03:51 +0000
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