Texan by Nature successfully completed the goals set by the South-Central Monarch Symposium in May 2017, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Throughout 2018, working groups formed from the symposium met to discuss data gaps and needs, created and executed a framework for a state plan, and highlighted potential next projects to address pollinator needs. In 2018, an online collaborative community was launched for research and idea sharing; the community currently has 85 experts and 2000 pager views and counting. Texan by Nature presented the results from the 2017 symposium and ensuing efforts to Texas legislators at the pollinator interim charge in late 2018.
In late 2018, Texan by Nature launched a second phase of pollinator initiative in partnership with EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG), with support from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Still Water Foundation to create 350 acres of native pollinator habitat on EOG pipeline rights-of-way and pad sites within their Eagle Ford Shale holdings.
The monarch butterfly and other pollinators have experienced significant declines in population over the last twenty years likely due to habitat loss. Ongoing conservation efforts for these species have revealed the potential role rights-of-way (ROWs) play in creating habitat for these species as well as upland game birds and other wildlife. Rights-of-way cover over 2 million acres of land in Texas. Partnering with companies to create native pollinator habitat on ROWs will have a significant impact on our ability to achieve habitat goals and create the connective patchwork needed to recover pollinator species.
The project, based on findings from the 2018 working groups, included a one-day leadership round-table hosted by Texan by Nature, that was comprised of representatives oil and gas, utility, and transportation industry; the seed industry; state and federal agencies; surface use attorneys; and private landowner to develop strategies focused on pollinator habitat in rights-of-way. Working groups at the round-table discussed issues surrounding native seed supply and demand, best management practices, and the role ROWs play in development of native pollinator habitat. The findings of this roundtable developed feasible solutions that are actively being implemented in this project and will set the standard for future ROW operating procedures.
If you have questions or would like more information contact Amy Snelgrove
Roundtable Report