SRC-SLL S.C.R. 66 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 66 By: Brown Natural Resources 4-18-97 As Filed DIGEST Although wetlands in Texas comprise less than 5 percent of the state's total land area, Texas is one of 19 states that has exhibited the most significant losses of wetland ecosystems. The major wetland ecosystems of Texas include the coastal marshes and estuaries, bottomland hardwoods and other forested wetlands that are concentrated in the Pineywoods region, and the playa lakes concentrated in the Panhandle. All of these wetland ecosystems are extremely important to wildlife, and especially waterfowl, because Texas is the primary wintering area for North American waterfowl of the Central Flyway. The Texas Wetlands Conservation Plan, as developed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is a voluntary approach to conserving wetlands in this state. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 66, submits the following resolutions: To support the implementation of the Texas Wetlands Conservation Plan. Provides that the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission and the executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department.