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onservation in Texas holds the promise of many exciting possibilities.
From the majestic pine and hardwood forests in the east to
the golden desert lands of the west to our lakes, streams
and Gulf Coast, Texas’ natural heritages make an impact
on our quality of life and our state and local economies.
Therefore, we have an opportunity and an obligation to preserve
and protext our state’s most treasured assets.
Over 15,000,000 Texans and out-of-state guests visit our
state parks, wildlife areas and waters to hunt, fish, camp,
hike, bike and bird watch. Collectively, they spend in excess
of $15 billion dollars, create tens of thousands of jobs and
generate hundreds of millions of state and federal taxes.
Conservation and its related recreational activities not only
pays for itself many times over the amounts budgeted at all
government levels, it has the added value of contributing
to better health, less crime and the spiritual well-being
of our citizens.
And yet, Texas consistently ranks near the bottom among the
states' expenditures on parklands, wildlife areas and access
to our rivers and lakes.
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