Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

The truth about Texas is…

We can’t state this enough: twenty-first century Texas is very different than twentieth century Texas.

Those differences, says Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Carter Smith, include a state that has become mostly urban.

Eighty percent of our population lives in urban areas. Three out of the top ten cities in the country, with respect to size, are found here in Texas. We’re the fastest growing state in the country.

In addition, the state also has a rapidly growing Hispanic population. Smith says being responsive to urbanites and Hispanics will help to engage these populations in the agency’s conservation mission.

I think that if we, as an agency, are going to be as responsive to what’s happening demographically in this state, we have to think very strategically about how we reach out with our programs and actions to urban audiences, and also those that are of Hispanic origin. So, I think we have some opportunities there to help share our mission, and to help engage more people in our work, but that’s going to take some focus.

Smith adds he is mindful the agency must not alienate its current constituency while reaching out to new groups.

Learn about Texas Parks and Wildlife outreach initiatives at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Carter Smith: Urban / Rural Dynamic Play Now | Play in Popup | Download