For decades, the government has been preventing property owners from using their land as they choose. Under the guise of protecting “wetlands” and endangered species, government agencies have prevented development on parcels of land across the nation. But under the Trump administration, government agencies are wildlife preserves, both public and private, along the border to…
John Yearwood, who lives in Central Texas, faces fines and imprisonment unless he obtains permits from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use his own property. The USFWS alleges that an endangered species of spider might live on Yearwood’s property. Yearwood is a decorated Vietnam veteran. Which means, he risked his life…
It is understandable that individuals are more passionate about property rights issues that have a direct impact on their lives. For example, rural Texans are more concerned about eminent domain, water rights, and endangered species regulations, and they have little or no concern about historic preservation or tree protection ordinances. Urban Texans are more concerned…
Far too often, victims of government regulations concede the moral principles involved. They simply disagree with how the principle is applied. Take rancher Gary Stone as an example. Federal officials have determined that the New Mexico jumping mouse is an endangered species. To protect the rodent’s habitat, the government has closed access to some waterways…
Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Texas hornshell mussel as an endangered species. The action threatens access to water sources for ranchers in southeast New Mexico and west Texas. Landowners and businesses in the region are being asked to sign a “contract” that requires them to engage in conservation practices to…
John Yearwood, a rancher in Williamson County, is fighting the federal government over the Endangered Species Act. His ranch is home to the Bone Cave Harvestman spider, which has been listed as an endangered species since 1988. Yearwood is concerned that, if he disturbs the spider’s habitat, he will incur the wrath of the U.S….