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Nueces County backs Padre Island sea-turtle release program, urges federal support
Summary
The commissioners unanimously passed a resolution urging the National Park Service and Department of the Interior to preserve the Padre Island sea turtle release program under Dr. Donna Shaver, citing its conservation and ecotourism value.
The Nueces County Commissioners Court passed a resolution Aug. 11 urging the National Park Service to continue the Padre Island sea-turtle release program and keep the Division of Sea Turtle Restoration under the leadership of Dr. Donna Shaver.
The resolution, presented by staff, described the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle as the most endangered species of sea turtle and said the Padre Island National Seashore is a critical nesting location. Commissioners praised Dr. Shaver's work and asked staff to send letters to the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and members of the congressional delegation expressing the county's support.
Commissioner Chesney told the court, "I don't think we can say enough how important Donna Shaver is to our community," and urged staff to forward the court's support to federal and state representatives. The motion carried and the court directed staff to coordinate outreach and deliver a cover letter to Interior officials and the county's federal delegation.
The resolution describes the program's educational and economic value and frames a change in park policy as potentially harmful to Kemp's Ridley recovery efforts. The court asked staff to follow up with Tim Richardson and other contacts to make sure federal partners receive the court's letter.
Next steps: letters to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior; outreach to congressional delegation.
