Presented by the Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee in Partnership with the East Foundation

When: Friday, Feb. 9 & Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 2-5pm

Where: Education Center on Rodeo Grounds

Topic: Advancing Land Stewardship with the use of Science

2:00: Welcome/ Sponsor Recognition

• Duane Westerman, Wildlife Committee Chairmen

2:15: Introduce Topic/Speakers

• Tina Y. Buford, East Foundation/Moderator

2:30: Sustainable Harvest of Northern Bobwhites

• Abe Woodard, East Foundation

In 2018, East Foundation began a long-term study to address questions related to the harvest of northern bobwhites and the effects of harvest-related pressures on bobwhite populations. Abe will discuss the key findings as well as future objectives for this study.

3:15: Considerations for Herbicide Use When Managing Wildlife Habitat

• Benny Martinez, Corteva Agriscience

Herbicide selection and the use of new technology can aid in making better decisions for brush control. From 2013-2015 an extensive herbicide selectivity research study was conducted across several locations across Texas including a site on the East Foundation. Benny will discuss key findings of this study and the utilizations of LandVisor on the East Foundation to support habitat management.

4:00: Q&A With Speakers

• Tina Y. Buford, East Foundation/Moderator

4:45: Closing Remarks

• Duane Westerman, Wildlife Committee Chairmen

5:00: Cocktails

Topic: Tools of the Trade: New Tools for South Texas Landowners

2:00: Welcome/ Sponsor Recognition

• Duane Westerman, Wildlife Committee Chairmen

2:15: Introduce Topic/Speakers

2:30: Conserving Endangered Species while Protecting the Interests of Private Landowners

• Linsay Martinez, East Foundation

Lindsay will present on how ocelot research and conservation efforts in South Texas can serve as a model for successful stewardship of endangered species on private lands in Texas and beyond. The ocelot case study shows how scientific study provides critical information for conservation and can lead to effective partnership between private landowners, conservation organizations, researchers, and government agencies. Through the partnership for the ocelot, a unique breeding and reintroduction program is being planned that will showcase our ability to benefit endangered species while also protecting the interests of private landowners and capturing the public’s interest and support.

3:00: Carbon Sequestration and Sustainability Markets: Considerations from a Landowner’s Perspective

• Jason Sawyer, East Foundation

The emergent demand for exchangeable carbon credits in the US may be attractive to landowners as a revenue generating opportunity, and an example of other emerging ecosystems credit opportunities. To make good decisions, land stewards need to understanding the foundations of these markets, what they require, and what questions and considerations are important before making a decision. In this session, we will discuss the foundational concepts and the risks, challenges, and opportunities for landowners in these emergent markets.

3:30: Conservation Tools Available for Landowners to Advance their Stewardship Goals

• Chad Elliss, Ag Land Trust

Roughly 94% of the land in Texas is held in private ownership. Chad will discuss additive conservation tools nonprofits like the Texas Agricultural Land Trust use in working with landowners to advance their stewardship goals, find funding to enable those efforts, and ensure that the ecosystem services those lands provide are here for current and future generations of Texans.

4:00: Q&A With Speakers/Moderator

4:45: Closing Remarks

• Duane Westerman, Wildlife Committee Chairmen

5:00: Cocktails

Thank You To Our Cocktail Hour sponsors!