SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 376
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Carter Smith, who retired as executive director of the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in January of 2023 after 15
years of exemplary leadership; and
WHEREAS, Carter's career has been defined by his ongoing
dedication to wildlife and land management, wildlife biology,
and land conservation, and he is noted for his unstinting
stewardship of Texas land, waters, and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, Carter developed a deep appreciation for the
natural world as a child on his family's farm and ranchlands in
Central Texas, and his passion for wildlife helped to guide him
throughout his education; he earned his bachelor's degree in
wildlife management from Texas Tech University, and he holds a
master's degree in conservation biology from Yale University; and
WHEREAS, Carter has served on numerous
conservation-related boards and advisory councils, and he has
contributed to wildlife conservation projects across all of
North America; before joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department as executive director in 2008, he served as director
of the Nature Conservancy of Texas; he has served as chairman of
the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and has been a
member and leader of numerous professional organizations; and
WHEREAS, Carter has received a range of awards
recognizing his years of service and contributions to
conserving natural resources, and in 2022, the Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies awarded Carter its highest honor,
the Seth Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, With far-reaching vision and exceptional
knowledge and leadership, Carter has overseen a team of 3,300
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees and has guided the
department in its mission to manage and conserve the natural
resources of Texas; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary public servant, Carter Smith has
devoted his career to caring for the wildlife and the land of
Texas, and it is indeed fitting that he receive special
recognition on his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend Carter Smith on his distinguished
career and service as executive director of the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department and extend to him congratulations on his
retirement and best wishes for success in all his future
endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Perry
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 3, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate