All this recent rain has the Texas wildflowers blooming, birds chirping, and frogs chorusing. And a recent shower of support for the Recovering America's Wildlife Act has us singing some good news too—the bill recently gained 10 new bipartisan cosponsors in the U.S. Senate! In a recent press release the bills lead sponsors note, “Investing in proactive conservation work well before species ever become imperiled or endangered is something that Republicans and Democrats can agree on,” said Senators Heinrich and Tillis. “We are proud to welcome this support from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and we are determined to work in partnership to get RAWA across the finish line.” You can view a list of cosponsors for S.1149 HERE. We're sending these U.S. Senators a hearty thank you for their show of support. If you haven't already, please reach out to our U.S. Senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and ask them to cosponsor and support the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.
Across the U.S. nearly 1/2 of our amphibians are threatened or declining. Passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would help us restore habitat for species such as the Houston Toad in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion of Texas.
Across the country, one-third of our turtle species are declining. Passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would help us take actions needed to help save at-risk turtles in Texas such as the Texas Tortoise and Diamondback Terrapin.
Conservation in Action
Lone Star Land Steward Ecoregion Winners
“In a state like Texas, where private owners hold 95 percent of the land, landowners play a crucial role in conservation and stewardship efforts,” said TPWD ED David Yoskowitz. “That’s why it’s so important we take this opportunity each year to celebrate those creating a legacy of land stewardship.” Read about the winners HERE.
Passage of Recovering America's Wildlife Act would be game changing for private lands conservation in Texas. We could increase the staff, technical assistance, equipment, and cost-share programs needed to significantly expand restoration programs to conserve at-risk wildlife.
Photo: Tim Siegmund
Boaters, Anglers Encouraged to Stay Clear of Coastal Waterbird Rookeries More than half of the 25 species of colonial nesting waterbirds in Texas are experiencing major population declines. They typically nest from late February through August. It's recommended people fish, swim and play at least 50 yards from rookery islands (which can appear as small as sandbars) to minimize disturbance to nesting birds and chicks. Read more...
Photo: Rachel Rommel
Be a Wildlife & Bird-Friendly Beachgoer
Black Skimmers, and other declining shorebirds, depend on the Texas coast for nesting habitat. In Texas, skimmers have declined about 70 percent since 1973. This article and this webpage notes how you can help protect nesting shorebirds—including paying attention to signs & barriers, keeping dogs on leashes, and properly disposing of trash, fishing line, and tackle.
Photo: Rachel Rommel
Texas Wildlife News & Learning Opportunities
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Nests on Upper Texas Coast
"For the first time this year, the world's rarest sea turtle has laid eggs on Texas' Surfside Beach." The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at Texas A&M announced that a "Kemp's ridley sea turtle, the most critically endangered sea turtle species in the world, laid a clutch of 80 eggs before safely returning to the water." Report sightings of nesting females, tracks or any sea turtles on the beach to the 1-866-TURTLE 5 hotline. Read more in the Houston Chronicle.
TPWD Wildlife Diversity Webinar Series
June 21, 2023 - Reintroduction of the Texas Horned Lizard
July 19, 2023 - Western Chicken Turtle Updates
Register HERE. Archived webinars from this series found on the TPWD YouTube channel.
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