Texas Agricultural Land Trust’s Post

For Cliff Oxford, a Waycross, Ga., native, the Okefenokee Swamp is home turf. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife is doing our business and what it is supposed to do in speaking for the woodpeckers, otters, ‘gators, bowfin, pitcher plants and the rest of the swamp habitat, as well as for all people who fish, hunt and walk in the swamp." Read Cliff Oxford's full opinion piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: https://lnkd.in/e2pwfUUz

Join us for a special episode of The Land Bulletin as we reflect on some of our most inspiring conversations from the past year. In this compilation, we delve into the values central to Western life—heritage preservation, land stewardship, and community legacy. Hear from voices like Rick Knight on the deep-rooted knowledge that shapes private land stewardship, Faith Hamlin on balancing tradition with modern ranch management, and Joshua Coursey on the critical role of private landowners in wildlife conservation. We also highlight the National Western Stock Show’s impact on celebrating Western culture and education with outgoing CEO Paul Andrews. Together, these insights capture the spirit of the West and the collective responsibility to keep its legacy alive for future generations.⁠ ⁠ https://lnkd.in/dK5W8WWw

Join us for a special episode of The Land Bulletin as we reflect on some of our most inspiring conversations from the past year. In this compilation, we delve into the values central to Western life—heritage preservation, land stewardship, and community legacy. Hear from voices like Rick Knight on the deep-rooted knowledge that shapes private land stewardship, Faith Hamlin on balancing tradition with modern ranch management, and Joshua Coursey on the critical role of private landowners in wildlife conservation. We also highlight the National Western Stock Show’s impact on celebrating Western culture and education with outgoing CEO Paul Andrews. Together, these insights capture the spirit of the West and the collective responsibility to keep its legacy alive for future generations. https://lnkd.in/gybNEj_N

"Net wetland loss increased substantially (>50%) since the last...study period (2004-2009), resulting in the loss of 221,000 acres [89k ha] of wetlands, primary to uplands, between 2009 and 2019." 😳 For an ecosystem that delivers so many benefits to people--cleaning our waters, habitat for species we depend on, high levels of carbon sequestration, beautiful landscapes like the one in the Canaan Valley of WV on the cover of the report--this is such incredibly sad news. Not just sad for the wetlands, but for us. The new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of the Interior "Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States 2009 to 2019: Report to Congress" has more numbers and facts, and some recommendations on how we might reverse course. We need to figure this out! https://lnkd.in/e6wb2xhg (Note that this PDF seems to have some accessibility issues, hopefully resolved soon.)

Why does Colorado need more funding to protect its lands, wildlife, and recreation? Read our latest blog to find out why. 👇 Nearly one-third of Colorado’s lands have already been altered by human development –placing Colorado at the highest percentage of natural areas already lost to development among Western states. And with just 13% of lands protected from new development, the gap between lands protected and lands already developed is among the highest in the West. 🏔️ 🐻 https://lnkd.in/dP8q7Bpu

Just a friendly reminder that if you see a squirrel running around your roof, it's not necessarily a sign of a critter infestation. It could just be your roof being so awesome, it's attracting wildlife! 😂 You know what's even more awesome? A roof that's leak-free and structurally sound! 😎 Let's chat about how we can make your roof the envy of the neighborhood... and maybe even the squirrels! 🐿️ #RoofingHumor #RoofingLife #HomeImprovement #SquirrelSpotting'

A week ago we launched this appeal and today we sit having exceeded our target. This is wonderful and will help not only buy the land but also, as we have a bit more money, it will accelerate the pace at which we can transform the biodiversity and habitat. The most moving thing for me is the power of focus. There is a clear goal here, which resonated with enough people who were willing and able to donate. And although we had some very generous donations (which are just amazing .. thank you so much) the vast majority were much smaller, some suggesting they may be kids donating their pocket money ... all of these small acts of kindness have added up to making a big big difference which will benefit so many people, as well as the nature that will now not be disturbed and which will increase and grow as a result. Never doubt for one moment that a small act can make a big difference. It's not too late to donate and if you're not able to do that, don't worry, just sign up for the free email newsletter to help us raise awareness and get involved where you can. Nature needs us more than ever, and some of the solutions are behavioural and free.. there are some great top tips in the newsletter 👍 So why not sign up for a "wildly different inbox" here: www.durhamwt.com (scroll down the page)

"Net wetland loss increased substantially (>50%) since the last...study period (2004-2009), resulting in the loss of 221,000 acres [89k ha] of wetlands, primary to uplands, between 2009 and 2019." 😳 For an ecosystem that delivers so many benefits to people--cleaning our waters, habitat for species we depend on, high levels of carbon sequestration, beautiful landscapes like the one in the Canaan Valley of WV on the cover of the report--this is such incredibly sad news. Not just sad for the wetlands, but for us. The new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of the Interior "Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States 2009 to 2019: Report to Congress" has more numbers and facts, and some recommendations on how we might reverse course. We need to figure this out!

Do you help people to access parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, canals, woodlands, or nature reserves? Are you a staff member or a volunteer in one of these wonderful places? Or perhaps you are a landowner? On behalf of The Wildlife Trusts, Iain Broome and I are producing some resources to help more people access and enjoy blue and green spaces. We’re running two identical online workshops in August and would love you to join one to help us shape this work. There is already lots of research about barriers and enablers that affect access to green and blue spaces. To add to this, we’ll be asking you: 1. Do you have insights about specific groups of people within your local population who do or don’t use the spaces near you? 2. What guidance is already available about improving access? 3. What more can be done to help people access blue and green space? 4. Who else should we be talking to as we collate our research? Join us on: 7th August 10 – 11.00am  or 15th August 12pm – 1.00pm Register for The Wildlife Trusts workshop here: https://lnkd.in/eusjdfDN You can contact me directly with a PM Could you help us reach more people by sharing and tagging this post? Many thanks!

You can still send a public comment by April 9th! The article sheds light on the numerous benefits that this precious wetland provides, from anglers to black bears.