TITLE: Recognizing the staff and volunteers at Caprock Canyons State Park for preserving the Texas State Bison Herd.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the staff and volunteers at Caprock Canyons State Park for preserving the Texas State Bison Herd.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join citizens across the Lone Star State in celebrating the preservation of the Official State Bison Herd of Texas at Caprock Canyons State Park; and WHEREAS, American bison are a symbol of the historical American West, and the majestic Southern Plains bison have endured as an icon of our state's heritage, spirit, and culture; once on the brink of extinction, the Texas State Bison Herd serves as a link to our past and as a symbol for an optimistic future; and WHEREAS, The Texas State Bison Herd remains a treasured piece of our heritage due to the efforts of legendary rancher Charles Goodnight, who began preserving the herd on his Panhandle ranch in 1878 at the urging of his wife; against all odds, the herd has managed to survive for nearly 140 years, and today, the majestic animals represent the last of the surviving Southern Plains bison; and WHEREAS, The Texas State Bison Herd was donated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and moved to Caprock Canyons State Park in 1997; since that time, the herd has grown from 37 to 150 bison; and WHEREAS, Over the last 20 years, the staff and volunteers at Caprock Canyons State Park have worked diligently to conserve, preserve, and restore the Texas State Bison Herd; as a result of their efforts, Texans will be able to benefit from Charles Goodnight's vision for generations to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend the staff and volunteers of Caprock Canyons State Park and all who have helped the Official State Bison Herd of Texas survive and remain a cherished piece of the American West and Texas culture and extend to them best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Caprock Canyons State Park as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Seliger President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 31, 2017.