SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join citizens across the Lone Star State in celebrating the
preservation of the Official State Bison Herd of Texas at Caprock
Canyons State Park; and
WHEREAS, American bison are a symbol of the historical
American West, and the majestic Southern Plains bison have
endured as an icon of our state's heritage, spirit, and culture;
once on the brink of extinction, the Texas State Bison Herd
serves as a link to our past and as a symbol for an optimistic
future; and
WHEREAS, The Texas State Bison Herd remains a treasured
piece of our heritage due to the efforts of legendary rancher
Charles Goodnight, who began preserving the herd on his Panhandle
ranch in 1878 at the urging of his wife; against all odds, the
herd has managed to survive for nearly 140 years, and today, the
majestic animals represent the last of the surviving Southern
Plains bison; and
WHEREAS, The Texas State Bison Herd was donated to the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and moved to Caprock Canyons
State Park in 1997; since that time, the herd has grown from 37 to
150 bison; and
WHEREAS, Over the last 20 years, the staff and volunteers
at Caprock Canyons State Park have worked diligently to conserve,
preserve, and restore the Texas State Bison Herd; as a result of
their efforts, Texans will be able to benefit from Charles
Goodnight's vision for generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend the staff and
volunteers of Caprock Canyons State Park and all who have helped
the Official State Bison Herd of Texas survive and remain a
cherished piece of the American West and Texas culture and extend
to them best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
Caprock Canyons State Park as an expression of esteem from the
Texas Senate.
Seliger
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 31, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate