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As the population of Texas expands to more than 40 million
(presently @22 million) in the next few decades, we must
insure that we have meaningful conservation measures for
public and private lands and water to meet the needs of all
our citizens.
Every recent study, including then Governor George W. Bush's
task Force on Conservation (2000) to the Texas Parks & Wildlife
Department's Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation
Plan (2002), has stressed that growing need in no uncertain
terms with the caveat that time is running short. Our best
lands for agriculture, watershed protections, public parklands
and wildlife are being devoured at an alarming rate – 180,000
acres every year.
The argument is not growth vs. no-growth. It is how best
to conserve our most precious natural assets so there can
be growth in the future coupled with a meaningful quality
of life. The truth is it will take so little out of our collective
treasury to make it a reality. The greater truth is that
it will be an investment paying rich and enriching dividends.
Properly planned and adequately funded conservation measures
will add significantly to the financial well-being of our
Texas , local communities and citizens. All the derivatives
of conservation: hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking,
biking and wildlife and waterfowl habitat add multi-billion
dollars to the economy. To enhance and expand those areas
would only cost a few extra million each year. But we must
be willing to invest our collective capital now in order
to reap continuing benefits in the future. It is that simple.
It is that complicated. But it is imperative to do so before
it is too late and too expensive.
The window of opportunity for conservation of natural resources
and providing adequate access for outdoor recreation in Texas
is closing. The state's population is expanding rapidly,
land fragmentation is increasing and water resources are
already stretched in many areas. Failure to ensure adequate
water for wildlife now will impose a great cost on the citizens
of Texas in the future. The loss or decline of these resources
will have a greater impact on the economy than is readily
apparent: it will negatively impact local economic development
from the loss of hunting, fishing and other recreational
tourism; it will increase state and federal regulations;
it will increase costs to businesses and industries; and
it will impact public services including municipal water
supply and treatment. Furthermore, the cost of acquiring
land to serve the public's recreational needs will also increase
over time.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Land and Water Resources
Conservation and Recreation Plan (2002)
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