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Ted Turner's vast land legacy fuels conservation
7 May
Summary
- Turner owned 13 ranches in six states, totaling 3,125 square miles.
- He championed conservation, habitat restoration, and endangered species.
- His work proved private land and capital can benefit the public.
Ted Turner, a prominent media mogul and one of the largest private landowners in the United States, has passed away, leaving behind a substantial conservation legacy. His extensive holdings, spanning 3,125 square miles across 13 ranches in six states, were dedicated to habitat restoration and the protection of endangered species.
Turner's commitment to conservation was deeply rooted in his childhood fascination with bison and a desire to prevent extinction. He actively worked on rewilding projects, such as replacing cattle with bison herds on his Montana ranch to restore native ecosystems. His ranches served as living laboratories for ecological recovery and eco-tourism.
Beyond his U.S. properties, Turner also owned "estancias" in Patagonia, promoting ecotourism. His vision extended to "eco-capitalism," demonstrating that business and conservation could align. His efforts included reintroducing species like gray wolves and supporting programs for the Bolson tortoise and black-footed ferrets, underscoring his belief in the interconnection of all living things.