Borderlands Bulletin--September Issue

BORDERLANDS BULLETIN

Conserving the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands

through research, education, and outreach.

“Partners for Habitat Program” Grant Application Deadline is Oct. 15

There’s a few more weeks left for West Texas landowners to submit applications to receive a grant for conservation work on their property. The deadline for the “Partners for Habitat Program” is Oct. 15.

The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are partnering to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat on their land.

The Partners for Habitat Program will provide $150,000 of financial assistance directly to private landowners across the West Texas counties of Brewster, Terrell, Pecos, Reeves, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio.

“This new Partners for Habitat Program will provide some additional resources that West Texas landowners need to implement positive conservation practices on their properties,” said Billy Tarrant, Associate Director of Stewardship Services for BRI. “We’re very proud to be partnering with the USFWS to provide this opportunity for West Texas landowners, and we encourage all interested landowners to apply by the Oct. 15 deadline.”

Once the application period closes on Oct. 15, 2021, the projects will be ranked according to accepted criteria by BRI and USFWS. Selected recipients will be notified by the end of the year.

APPLY FOR GRANT

Big Bend Artists for Conservation

Inspiring Conservation Through Art

There is a unique nexus between the art world and the world of conservation. For eons, artists have shared their vision of the natural world, instilling a deep appreciation for the world around us. Conservation of wildlife and wild places is inextricably linked with art.

The Big Bend region of Texas has been a source of inspiration for artistic expression for centuries. The awe-inspiring landscapes and rich diversity of flora and fauna have been the muse for artists of all kinds, including painters, sculptors, filmmakers, musicians and photographers. As we connect with their work, we make the connection that inspires conservation of these natural treasures.

The Borderlands Research Institute is proud to launch the “Big Bend Artists for Conservation” initiative to highlight the link between artists and conservation in the Big Bend region of Texas. By sharing their stories and their magnificent creations, we hope to inspire those who are working to conserve the Borderlands region of Texas.

We’re kicking off this effort by spotlighting the work of filmmaker Ben Masters.

Alumni Spotlight: Clay Brewer

Clay Brewer has been chasing bighorn sheep since he was 11 years old.

“My dad spent a lot of time with me and my brothers outdoors,” said Brewer. “I can remember spotting a sheep for the first time and asking my dad if I could chase him. I spent that entire day following in its path. I’ve been chasing bighorn sheep ever since.”

In his current position as Conservation Director and Bighorn Sheep Program Lead for the Wild Sheep Foundation, Brewer is now chasing wild sheep in the western U.S., Mexico and Canada as he oversees wild sheep conservation, management and research activities across the entirety of bighorn sheep range in North America. His career path to his dream job included close to 25 years at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, along with a bighorn sheep assignment with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Brewer credits a mid-life decision to earn a master’s degree at Sul Ross State University as one of the best career decisions he ever made.

“I learned so much while earning my master’s,” he said. “I didn't know what I didn't understand about research, and getting that degree was one of the best things I ever did.”

He is grateful for his grad school experience at the Borderlands Research Institute and pays it forward at every opportunity. Most recently, Brewer received the inaugural Trailblazer Award from the Dallas Safari Club, which came with a $10,000 cash prize to benefit a wildlife conservation project of his choosing. Brewer immediately chose the Borderlands Research Institute, and amplified the gift by partnering with the Wild Sheep Foundation and Dallas Safari Club Foundation to increase the donation to $35,000. From his perspective, it is an investment in the future.

“The Borderlands Research Institute is incredible program that is nurturing the next generation of conservation professionals. Dr. Harveson is an incredible leader who strives for excellence. I can't tell you how proud I am to watch how his program has grown through the years, and it is truly an honor to support him and his students.”

KUDOS to James King!

The Port Aransas Rod and Reel club recently honored Borderlands Research Institute Advisory Board Member James King with the “Conservationist of the Year” award for 2021. King also serves as President of the Port Aransas Conservancy, and has been actively involved in fighting various permits that are being sought for a huge industrial complex on Harbor Island, within the city limits of Port Aransas. If approved, project opponents say the industrial development would wreak havoc on the environmentally sensitive Aransas Pass inlet, which is the breeding grounds for millions of marine species.

FIND OUT MORE

Borderlands Buzz:

Ben Masters and Dr. Louis Harveson

Filmmaker Ben Masters believes in the power of a documentary to affect hearts and minds. He has crafted a career making films specializing in wildlife and adventure stories. He has also produced a number of short films that have focused attention on wildlife in the Big Bend region of West Texas. BRI is featuring him as the inaugural artist in the “Big Bend Artists for Conservation” initiative. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear more from Ben Masters and BRI Director Dr. Louis Harveson.

LISTEN

Please share this enewsletter with others who may be interested in the work of the Borderlands Research Institute. SUBSCRIBE HERE so it comes straight to your inbox.

DONATE TODAY

Borderlands Research Institute | 432.837.8225 | bri@sulross.edu | http://bri.sulross.edu

P.O. Box C-21, SRSU, Alpine, Texas 79832