Landowners across West Texas are invited to attend a one-day workshop in Alpine on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. designed to help them navigate a rapidly changing landscape of land use opportunities. The event, “Diversifying Land Use in the Trans-Pecos: Informing Landowner Strategies for Conservation and Economic Sustainability,” will take place at the Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University.
The event is hosted by the Borderlands Research Institute’s (BRI) Center for Land Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Agricultural Land Trust and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, with support from Texas Farm Bureau and Capital Farm Credit. The workshop will provide timely information on renewable energy, carbon markets, conservation easements, ecotourism, and other tools that can supplement traditional ranching and hunting enterprises. An update on the emerging threat of screwworms will also be featured.
“This event grew directly out of requests we’ve heard from landowners,” said Billy Tarrant, Associate Director of Stewardship Services at BRI. “West Texans are looking for reliable information on new income streams, from wind and solar development to carbon sequestration and conservation easements. Our goal is to connect landowners with trusted experts so they can make informed decisions that balance economic sustainability with long-term stewardship.”
Speakers will include attorneys, economists, resource professionals, and fellow landowners, along with conservation leaders from across the state. Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust, will highlight the promise and pitfalls of emerging markets for ecosystem services.
“Landowners are on the front lines of conservation, and they need clear guidance as new opportunities arise,” Ellis said. “Whether it’s carbon, water, or wildlife habitat, the growing interest in ecosystem services can complement traditional ranching while helping to keep working lands intact. It’s about ensuring that stewardship continues to make both ecological and economic sense.”
The workshop is free to attend, but seating is limited. Reserve your spot today at: Diversifying Land Use in the Trans-Pecos: Informing Landowner Strategies for Conservation and Economic Sustainability.