In a landmark public-private partnership, Ngl Energy Partners Lp has joined forces with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to secure approximately 10,000 acres of vital habitat, primarily aimed at bolstering the population of the Lesser Prairie Chicken and other grassland species. This collaborative endeavor, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 23rd, marks a significant stride in wildlife conservation and highlights the proactive role of energy companies in environmental stewardship. The newly acquired property, known as Pipkin Ranch, is strategically located about 40 miles southeast of Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and represents a crucial expansion of protected lands for the state’s diverse wildlife.
The acquisition of the 7,500-acre Pipkin Ranch is particularly significant as it seamlessly connects two pre-existing Department of Game and Fish properties. This strategic consolidation has resulted in a substantial 10,000-acre contiguous conservation area, creating a large-scale haven for New Mexico’s wildlife. This initiative is especially crucial for species like the Lesser Prairie Chicken, grassland birds, and pronghorn antelope, all of which depend on expansive, interconnected habitats for their survival.
Mike Sloane, Director of the Department of Game and Fish, lauded the partnership, stating, “This willing public-private partnership is a prime example of the positive outcomes achievable when we collectively recognize the intrinsic value of conservation.” He emphasized the project’s potential as a model for future conservation efforts, particularly in light of the “30 x 30 initiative” championed by the Governor of New Mexico. This initiative aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, making this acquisition a significant early contribution in New Mexico.
Echoing this sentiment, Game Commission Chairwoman Sharon Salazar Hickey highlighted the project’s importance in demonstrating the compatibility of wildlife conservation with energy development. “To the untrained eye, Pipkin Ranch might appear as just rolling grassland,” she remarked, “but for the Lesser Prairie Chicken, it represents a vital sanctuary and a significant opportunity for population growth.” This perspective underscores the critical role of habitat preservation in the conservation of this iconic American grouse species.
The Lesser Prairie Chicken, a species that has been under consideration for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, relies heavily on native grasslands and prairies. Habitat loss is recognized as the primary threat to their population, with an estimated 90% of their historical habitat already diminished. The Pipkin Ranch acquisition directly addresses this threat by safeguarding a known habitat area, complete with multiple Lesser Prairie Chicken leks, ensuring the species has a stronger foothold in the region.
NGL Energy Partners LP, while primarily focused on midstream energy and infrastructure, particularly oil and gas wastewater management in New Mexico, demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility by facilitating this crucial land purchase. Matthias Sayer, representing NGL Energy Partners, emphasized the natural alignment between the company’s operations and conservation goals. “Engaging with Game and Fish to discuss our shared interests in wildlife conservation, both game and non-game species, felt organic and natural,” Sayer stated. This engagement highlights a growing trend of energy companies recognizing and acting upon their environmental responsibilities.
This public-private partnership materialized shortly before Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s “30 x 30 initiative” was officially launched, further emphasizing the timely and proactive nature of this conservation effort. Sayer quoted Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive order, emphasizing the importance of voluntary practices by land managers, including private landowners and leaseholders, in supporting broader restoration activities, improving watershed health, and enhancing biodiversity. He affirmed that the Pipkin Ranch project perfectly embodies the Governor’s vision, showcasing a tangible example of collaborative conservation in action.
In conclusion, the partnership between NGL Energy Partners LP and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at Pipkin Ranch represents a significant win for wildlife conservation and a commendable example of corporate environmental stewardship. By securing and protecting this critical habitat, they are not only contributing to the survival of the Lesser Prairie Chicken but also setting a positive precedent for future collaborations between the energy sector and conservation agencies. This initiative underscores the potential for impactful conservation outcomes when public and private entities unite for a common environmental goal.
