This online seminar was part of a series designed to engage a broad constituency of Big Bend community members to better inform them on recent energy projections, potential impacts on communities and conservation values, and to develop creative strategies to conserve the unique resources and communities of the region.

Featured speakers David Yeates of the Texas Wildlife Association, Chris West of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Dr. Chase Currie of San Pedro Ranch discussed ways landowners and energy companies can work together to find solutions when conflicts arise. They also presented examples of partnerships that have resulted in positive outcomes for landowners, habitats and wildlife.

More specifically, Mr. David Yeates spoke about the statewide landowner and wildlife perspective, acknowledging continuing issues with energy development, but also recognizing that many partnerships have resulted in positive outcomes for landowners, habitat and wildlife. Mr. West described conservation opportunities for landowners that can result from working with energy partners, and Dr. Currie stepped the discussion down to the ranch level to explain how appropriate measures can result in enhanced habitat features in spite of development.

Watch a video of the presentation below.