friendly new neighbor

I just wanted to say "hello" to my new neighbors in BIBE! When I first signed up on this site- I was located in San Antonio and a 7 hour drive to my favorite places on earth in Big Bend! I now have taken over the management of a regional tourism non-profit organization that promotes historical, cultural and environmental heritage tourism in the Trans Pecos region, and I live only 2 hours from Alpine! My region (22 counties) is the Pecos Trail area- so I oversee counties that are neighbors and include some parts of the Big Bend "area" - however does not include Brewster, Jeff Davis or Presidio Counties. My territory does include Terrill county (yes, I will now be working with stakeholders in Sanderson to help them protect and promote!)Take a look: www.texaspecostrail .com

One of our mandates is to help rural areas improve their economic development through the preservation, protection and promotion of their heritage. Included in that are the State Parks - so being a member of the Texans for State Parks already - I was thrilled that I am encouraged to advocate for the improvement of the funding & protection for parks, and historical sites. Hey, there is a Rally for State Parks funding in Austin on the 17th of January, go to: www.texansforstateparks.org for more info.

It is now going to be even more interesting to follow the conversations on Big Bend Chat- I am always learning about intersting events, special "spots" in the area of west Texas - and you guys help me keep track of all the news I need to see and sometimes don't. Now- the great spots I I love are right next door, and I plan to visit each month, instead of 2 times a year. Hiking, rafting, birding, just "being" . . . me.

It's good to be back! :D

~wilding