Ned Fritz Legacy Information

Welcome to The Ned Fritz Legacy: An Online Biography. On this website, by late fall of 2022 you will be able to discover a great deal about the life and achievements of Ned Fritz, including the vital role played by his wife, Genie. Ned Fritz: Texas Most Famous Environmentalist ~ Founder of Texas Nature Preservation ~ The Living Lorax of Texas ~ Father of Texas Land Trust Movement ~ Lone Star Nature Crusader. Ned's achievements: Formed the Texas Committee on natural Resources (late '60s, now called Texas Conservation Alliance) and spearheaded the Big Thicket preservation ('late '60s through '70s). Helped form The Nature Conservancy of Texas chapter (mid '60s), leading to 16 preserved areas, and started the Texas Land Conservancy early '80s), initially called Natural Area Preservation Association, now preserving over 50,000 acres. Through lawsuits and negotiations, saved six wilderness areas in national forests in East Texas and led a national forest-reform movement against clearcutting. Wrote three books: Sterile Forest: The Case Against Clearcutting ('83) and its clarifying follow-up Clearcutting: A Crime Against Nature ('89), plus Realms of Beauty: The Wilderness Areas of East Texas. Self published a book of poetry, Reflections. Winner of numerous environmental awards, including Oak Leaf Award from The Nature Conservancy ('75), Environmental Achievement Award from Sierra Club ('85), Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation ('01), and Lifetime Achievement Award/Century Award from National Audubon Society ('02). Ably aided in all his endeavors by his wife, Genie, who was a powerhouse for voter activism and women's issues, as well as a skilled editor of his books. Father to four intelligent and creative daughters, and grandfather to many progeny. Please consider donating to this crowdsource funded endeavor. https://nedfritz.com/?page_id=370