Bottom-up Conservation Management, Even in Texas -- (TPWD 2004)

In struggling to find an example of biodiversity conservation techniques on private property here in Texas (as opposed to Europe, which is arguably much farther along in this matter), I ran across this little revelation of a report from Texas Parks and Wildlife. 

According to the report, Texas currently has Wildlife Management Associations (WMAs) established throughout the state.  These WMAs are categorized into 5 separate zones, with the zones being loosely based upon distinct Texas Ecoregions.  Organized, maintained and expanded almost entirely by citizens interested in wildlife management, essentially, WMAs are self-organized networks established to sustain a commonly valued natural resource. 

In other words, what I stumbled upon was a “community” of concerned private landholders who have organized to a foster the progression of a common goal; a true bottom-up governance entity with both established formal and informal mechanisms of control.

In terms of my research, incorporating aspects and local knowledge of WMA members could provide tremendous insights into local conservation networks.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of all, this all occurred in Texas! 

TPWD. 2004. A Guide for Wildlife Management Associations and Co-ops. edited by Texas Parks and Wildlife.