Ted Turner, the media mogul and visionary behind CNN, has also carved out a significant legacy in land conservation and environmental stewardship. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to media, Turner has dedicated himself to preserving vast tracts of land and promoting biodiversity. This commitment is vividly illustrated through his extensive landholdings, particularly his flagship Montana ranch, the Flying D, acquired in 1989. From this base, Turner has expanded his conservation efforts across the US and Argentina, amassing over 2 million acres and building a bison herd exceeding 51,000 – a feat once considered unimaginable. Looking back, Turner expresses pride in these accomplishments, emphasizing the team effort required to revive bison on such a massive scale. His economic resources allowed him to acquire the necessary land, leading to the bison becoming recognized as the national mammal.
Turner’s vision extends beyond simply acquiring land; it encompasses creating thriving ecosystems. He actively encourages the return of native species, even those perceived as controversial. The establishment of a wolf pack at the Flying D Ranch was a source of “overjoyed” excitement for Turner, potentially making it one of the first ranches in the West to welcome wolves. He recounts howling to wolves from his deck with family and friends, demonstrating a deep connection to these animals. Similarly, the presence of a sow grizzly bear and her cubs near his Montana home is met with enthusiasm. Turner believes that providing ample space allows humans and wildlife, even predators like wolves and grizzlies, to coexist peacefully. His Montana home, therefore, is not just his, but also a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures.
This proactive approach to conservation was particularly significant when Turner arrived in Montana. Development was rapidly transforming the landscape, making his conservation easement on the Flying D Ranch a landmark achievement. Protecting this vast area meant forgoing potential real estate profits, a decision driven by Turner’s profound “respect for nature and the environment.” He witnessed wildlife being displaced by development across the country and recognized the Flying D’s unique value. Without protection, it risked becoming another suburb of Bozeman, echoing the fate of other parts of the Gallatin Valley. Turner articulates his land ethic with the statement: “What’s important is not only what you take away from the land, but also what you do to make sure these lands endure over time.” This philosophy underscores his commitment to long-term ecological health over short-term economic gains.
While deeply invested in conservation, Ted Turner remains acutely aware of global challenges. Drawing an analogy from Wilkinson’s book, he views the world as being in the “seventh inning” of a game where the “home team is down,” emphasizing the urgent need for action. His primary concern is the “potential nuclear dangers” posed by the large arsenals still held by the US and Russia, compounded by the threat from nations like North Korea. He fears that human or computer error could trigger a catastrophic nuclear exchange. This concern led him and former Senator Sam Nunn to establish the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) 15 years prior, an organization actively working to mitigate these risks. Beyond nuclear threats, Turner lists climate change, human poverty, population growth, and biodiversity loss as critical interconnected issues, all with significant environmental dimensions. He argues that environmental degradation fuels desperation, leading to irrational behavior in individuals and nations, highlighting the urgency of addressing these global challenges holistically.
Turner rejects the false dichotomy between environmentalism and economic success. He counters the “myth” that environmental protection hinders economic productivity, asserting that this outdated mentality is no longer tenable given the current state of the environment. He firmly believes that one can be both an environmentalist and a successful entrepreneur, as he himself exemplifies. His forward to Wilkinson’s book reinforces this, stating that one “…can be a tree hugger and still have [one’s] name appear in Forbes.” For Turner, environmental responsibility and economic viability are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined necessities for a sustainable future.
When in Montana, a typical “good day” for Ted Turner involves an early start with exercise, followed by breakfast, and then immersion in nature. Activities like fishing or driving around the ranch to observe wildlife energize him and sharpen his mind. His conscious decision to not own a cell phone while at the ranch underscores his desire to disconnect and fully appreciate the natural surroundings. He encourages his family and friends to do the same, believing that unplugging is essential for truly unwinding and experiencing Montana’s offerings. This deliberate engagement with nature is not just leisure but a vital part of his well-being and perspective.
Extending his conservation vision, Ted Turner launched Ted Turner Expeditions (TTX) in 2015. This ecotourism venture allows visitors to experience his properties firsthand and witness the impact of his conservation efforts. Originating at Vermejo Park Ranch in New Mexico, TTX has expanded to other properties, offering guests the opportunity to explore these lands while contributing to their preservation. The success of Vermejo as a guest ranch prior to Turner’s acquisition demonstrated existing public interest. TTX builds upon this, offering diverse ecotour offerings and luxury accommodations, such as Casa Grande at Vermejo. For other properties like Ladder Ranch and Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa, significant renovations and team building were undertaken to realize the TTX vision. Turner emphasizes that TTX is a way for guests to “witness the effects” of his conservation investments and “enjoy the lands,” knowing their spending supports further environmental protection projects. While considering expanding to other properties, the current focus is on ensuring the success and responsible growth of existing TTX operations.
In conclusion, Ted Turner’s current endeavors remain deeply rooted in conservation and addressing global threats. While “Where Is Ted Turner Today” might evoke a question of physical location, a deeper exploration reveals a man still actively engaged in environmental stewardship, advocating for responsible land management, and working to mitigate global risks. His legacy extends far beyond media, solidifying his place as a leading conservationist and a voice for a sustainable future. Ted Turner’s “today” is characterized by an enduring commitment to the principles he has championed for decades: environmental responsibility, ecological preservation, and a pragmatic approach to global challenges.
