Open space and natural areas are continually lost due to urban sprawl and insensitive development. We are in dire need for innovative and sustainable approaches to both open space protection and development. TPWD Executive Director, Carter Smith, will make a case for the protection of open space in an increasing urbanized environment. The purpose is to learn about legal, political, scientific and social opportunities to ensure the protection of land in the advance of urbanization in Texas, while including landscapes of ecological and cultural value effectively in urban settings.

The goal of the presentation and subsequent discussion is to learn about statewide practical and legal tools and programs available to ensure the protection of ecologically sensitive, vulnerable and culturally important landscapes under the pressure of an ever increasing level of urbanization. The purpose of the event is to consider issues of amongst other Land Fragmentation, Water Quantity and Quality, and Eco-region protection with the possible need for state level planning.

A forty minute presentation by Mr. Smith will be followed by a short panel discussion including John Promise, NCTCOG Director of Environment & Development, representing Vision North Texas and local government and Monty Watson, representing the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the development/
economic community.

Main Presenter: Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department