The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University played a leading role in the first-ever Southwest Texas Land and Wildlife Summit, held September 12 in Del Rio.
The event brought together landowners, researchers, and natural resource professionals to address pressing conservation issues across the Trans-Pecos and beyond. BRI master’s student Andrew Dotray presented his research on managing invasive aoudad in the region, while PhD candidate Caitlin Camp-Pappas shared insights from the Trans-Boundary Black Bear Project, which focuses on understanding and protecting black bear populations that cross between Texas and Mexico.
Organizers emphasized the importance of collaboration between private landowners and conservation professionals to meet the challenges facing West Texas ecosystems. With prolonged drought, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation putting increasing pressure on land and wildlife, the summit served as a platform for sharing science-driven solutions.
BRI staff described the summit as a significant step forward in regional conservation, noting that the partnerships forged there will help strengthen stewardship practices across Southwest Texas.
