Alpine, TX – The Borderlands Research Institute is inviting those who are interested in how best to minimize the impacts of energy development on natural resources in far West Texas to attend a Summit on Healthy Lands and Energy Development that is scheduled in Midland on April 6, 2022. The summit will explore ideas for reducing potentially negative impacts of energy development through collaborative, voluntary projects that engage landowners, community leaders and energy companies.

The summit is the latest effort of the Respect Big Bend coalition, which is working to engage a broad constituency of Big Bend community members to better inform them on recent energy projections, potential impacts on communities and conservation values, and to develop creative strategies to conserve the unique resources and communities of the region. The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University is taking the lead on local stakeholder engagement efforts, and in response to the Respect Big Bend recommendations, recently announced the creation of a new Center for Land Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement. The new center will provide resources to landowners and land managers to help minimize energy development impacts, and is coordinating the Healthy Lands and Energy Development Summit.

“The summit presents an outstanding opportunity to highlight the positive natural resource conservation efforts and stakeholder engagement that many industry developers are already practicing,” said Billy Tarrant, BRI’s Associate Director of Stewardship Services. “We’ll explore ways to incorporate restoration and conservation into development activities, and discuss how engaging diverse stakeholders can help efficiency and efficacy of energy development in the Big Bend region.”

The summit is sponsored by The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation and the Borderlands Research Institute. The summit will be held from 8:00-5:00 on April 6, 2022 at the Midland Horseshoe Arena. Register by April 1 at respectbigbend.org/events/summit-on-healthy-lands-and-energy-development/#register.

Since 2007, the Borderlands Research Institute has encouraged effective land stewardship of the Chihuahuan Desert. Housed at Sul Ross State University, the Borderlands Research Institute builds on a long-lasting partnership with private landowners, the university’s Range and Wildlife Program, and cooperating state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. Through research, education, and outreach, the Borderlands Research Institute is helping to conserve the last frontier of Texas and the Southwest.