TITLE: Recognizing the Dixon Water Foundation for receiving the 2017 Leopold Conservation Award for Texas.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Dixon Water Foundation for receiving the 2017 Leopold Conservation Award for Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Dixon Water Foundation, which has been named the recipient of the 2017 Leopold Conservation Award for Texas; and WHEREAS, This prestigious honor is awarded to landowners who serve as a positive example to ranchers and other landowners by demonstrating that good land management practices can be both profitable and ecologically sustainable; named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, it is conferred each year by the Sand County Foundation in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and WHEREAS, The Dixon Water Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by the late Roger Dixon; it operates six ranches located across the state, each of them with decades of results showing that raising cattle is a sustainable and profitable means of building and replenishing the land which leads to more water for people and wildlife; and WHEREAS, The foundation is also committed to sponsoring education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of the importance of water to the future of the state; its ranches have worked to reestablish native grasses, which help to make the soil more resilient during drought and more productive in times of ample rainfall; and WHEREAS, The Dixon Water Foundation has hosted research projects from multiple schools and colleges at its ranches; it is truly fitting that this outstanding organization receive special recognition for its commitment to sustainable practices; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend all associated with the Dixon Water Foundation on their exceptional stewardship of the land and extend congratulations to its management and staff on receiving the 2017 Leopold Conservation Award for Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the foundation as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Rodr guez President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2017.