Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth"

As one of the largest landholders in America, media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner has over decades restored struggling species like the American Bison and rebuilt biodiversity on his two million acres. Now, Turner is opening some of his land to visitors, creating almost overnight what amounts to a private national park system. Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
#news #nationalpark #nature
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[@jeffreysokal7264]

I hope his children and grandchildren for many generations are able to preserve his legacy and continue to protect this land and all the bioligal diversity.

[@patl.4170]

We can only hope and pray….

[@jolie1327]

That is a good thought as usually y the 2 generation under them starts squandering and abusing the money and power bequeathed to them.

[@adrianpena677]

I remember when he owned tbs, that's when they would televise the Braves games which I loved. Now it sucks! 😡

[@Haggerty3030]

Amen to that

[@SlayerofFiction]

He's opened it to private outfitters and left the common man out. It's but another playground for the wealthy.

[@mariapilarme]

I met him once at the Emmy Nomination ceremony in 1996, I was nominated. We were sitting down together next to each other. I knew what he was doing with the land. Very honorable man. God bless you with your legacy and your wisdom ❤❤

[@chadsimmons6347]

@mariapilarme ,,any idea why large "data-base" facilities are built in rural areas to serve billion dollar corps.?

[@ApparitionPeak]

You were nominated for what?

[@LoganStudiosFilmCo]

you sat next to the "turner" himself? wow I'm surprised.

[@carolannhook554]

This is a lovely story and it's so wonderful to hear someone, in their golden years, thinking and acting to protect and preserve for future generations.

[@brianjacob8728]

quit being played for a fool

[@patriciapage2109]

​@@brianjacob8728 ??? Ignorant much?

[@ethanrobertson3008]

​@@brianjacob8728 I said the same thing Such fools on the Internet

[@brianjacob8728]

@@patriciapage2109 you need to do your homework. Do mom and dad know you have access to the internet?

[@BFlaherty325]

Paid bot

[@kaliani1618]

this is the way money and natural resources should be respected and used. 🖤

[@rauxhyde2614]

Exactly!!

[@shiree9dr]

In a different world Musk and other billionaires would follow that but no hope for that here

[@michaelspring3915]

Verus buying votes.

[@situated4]

If only Nancy Pelosi would learn the same lessons.

[@CooperJones777]

You mean used to fence out everyone else and create a fake paradise for yourself? Oh sure. Sure.

[@Shelly-m5t]

I was happiest out in nature, nothing beats it.

[@AngelPrissy]

But here you are. So it is a balance.

[@dmaze8457]

Me too. But there's getting to be less and less of it.

[@michaelsmith2733]

Ya , but he owns it you don't. Or as George Carland said, You aint in this club.

[@Zoe-c9z]

Jesus beats everything

[@johnconway9882]

@@michaelsmith2733 "George Carland" ? Is that an auto dealership? 😅 Were you attempting to quote George Carlin, the legendary comedian who spent his fortune on drugs, suffering three heart attacks as a result.

[@Sherry-v2r]

Ted Turner is a special human. I am pleased his children and grandchildren will carry on his legacy.

[@rubytuesday4564]

Thank God for Americans who realize and can actualize that we are part of that, not the other way around.

[@shonabrowne6324]

I so agree. We have come far from our roots, most of our existence until just the last 100 years has been spent close to nature. I especially feel sorry for all those herded into boxes called apts.stacked atop each other in concrete towers, on concrete. Not even a yard. We need to rethink housing and what we want in our towns.

[@danielroque8504]

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

[@markmay8942]

His dedication to protecting the land and it's resources is admirable. Thank you, Ted!

[@dianecatanzarite8138]

I've been told the Georgia Guide Stones were built on Ted Turners property.

[@joedoe6444]

as someone who lives by his Montana property, i can tell you he is not well liked. when he first bought the property, he blocked the road going to a forest service access that had been in use for many decades. when the forest service told him to unlock the gate, he sued the federal government and FORCED the government to pave the road. millions of your tax dollars wasted in court and then to pave the road so he could have a nice driveway to his house. then during hunting season he uses helicopters and ground vehicles to herd the elk onto his property from the surrounding areas so he can charge thousands of dollars to rich hunters to go shoot an elk. this is illegal but the state with video evidence won't stop him because he has made the "right" friends. after hunting season is over, he has his guys herd the animals all off his property out into the surrounding farm fields where the elk then trample the winter wheat fields, and over graze the hay fields. he also lets the state then run a damage control hunt on his property to make sure they all leave so his bison have the grazing all for themselves. he also tries to prevent the surrounding farmers from being allowed to have damage control hunts to thin the herds, so they don't get chased back onto his place. he also started his own steak restaurant after being denied a table at a local place with a very good reputation. he stated he would put the guy out of business. Ted and jane fonda walked into this guy's restaurant and demanded a table on a busy friday/saturday night, this place is kind of small and only takes reservations and ted didn't have one. jane started to though a fit and demanded to see the owner. the owner, a Vietnam vet, came out and seen who it was and told ted he was welcome back anytime if he has a reservation, but jane would never be served in his place for what she had done during the Vietnam war but betraying American POWs to their captors.

[@BetsyLindsay]

His properties will never be destroyed by social media content creators, out for more likes. Biology, ecology and conservation to preserve and enhance nature are the end goals. Ted Turner legacy will absolutely be cemented in history, along with all the biologists and conservation personnel that have worked on each of his properties. Hopefully, another Billionaire watches this Sunday Morning segment and does something similar for the good of mankind and Nature!

[@blairrobert3438]

DUB YA C DUBYA

[@heywoodpaul1]

Remember, we have Jane Fonda to thank for turning this man around and showing the world a new man. Thanks Jane!

@@mizzury54 Yeah that was one of the dumbest sentences ever written.

[@MisterTwister88]

@@heywoodpaul1Vietnam vets aren’t Fonda Jane

[@rj6404]

Aging often brings a shift in perspective, with a deeper appreciation for life and interconnectedness. Seeing animals, nature as fellow inhabitants of this planet rather than beings subservient to humans, reflects a growing sense of humility and respect for the natural world. It suggests a recognition that we share the Earth with other species, each with its own role and intrinsic value, compassionate living, fostering harmony between humans and nature.

[@piratessalyx7871]

You would think….this past month makes ya wonder!

[@shonabrowne6324]

Beautifully said; I feel this way too.

[@paulebert223]

No need wait until you are old to love and preserve nature - Ted started long ago.

[@robertcharpentier6852]

Ted, I admire your passion for protecting and restoring the nature environments and native species in the United States. What a man who have been. Someone for childre and adults to look up to for what you have done to love our country. Thank you Ted. StoocktonRob (a 1st Infantry Division, 1/18 Infantry Battalion Vietnam War Veteran)

[@romererunamerika9437]

Semper Fi one of the few billionaires I have ever admired!

[@jonesy9035]

Now that’s what I call a real American and a hero to all of us! Wow, what a man!

[@garygerard4290]

Nice story. He sure was full of jacked up ideas years ago. Maybe he's coming around - life often does that to a man.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@garygerard4290 a good natured tyrant

[@garygerard4290]

@@tuckerbugeater 'ya, that about sums it up - well put!

[@kimscioloro]

Absolutely!!

[@ChatNowAmerica]

Great story. Ted Turner is by any definition a true trailblazer…an amazing man.

[@garygerard4290]

maybe he's coming around? He sure was jacked up and All wrong on politics in the past.

[@ChatNowAmerica]

@@garygerard4290 his political views and his accomplishments are not one in the same.

[@valenjtine]

@@garygerard4290 how come you conservatives can never just enjoy the moment? He preserved nature for all. I could read you quotes from John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt, and you wouldn’t be able to tell who was who. No need to play victim because he had different political opinions than you 35 years ago. Man up. Do you bite every hand that feeds you?

[@Zoe-c9z]

​@@valenjtineWHAT IS A CONSERVATIVE OR A LIBERAL OF 35 YEARS AGO COMPARED TO NOW? WE ARE OFF THE RAILS, WHICH COULD BE BY DESIGN?😅

[@Zoe-c9z]

​​@@ChatNowAmericatake the blinders off, PARADIGMS happen

[@steveconn]

On a bus to Stones Denver I met a cook who works on Ted's mega-ranch near Raton, NM. Even in dementia fighting the good fight. God bless you, Ted! ❤🎉

[@chuckxu5910]

Moose 🫎 are the largest mammals in North America 🇺🇸 not bison 🦬

[@tkreitler]

@@chuckxu5910 Bison are heavier. Moose are taller.

[@Brian_yeah_that_brian_Strang]

Who would win a buffalo moose fight

[@tylerrichards5457]

I would absolutely LOVE to experience an American Safari! What an amazing story!

[@ReginaRedding]

The average joe-shmo doesn't get the opportunity to visit or hunt on these family owned and operated livestock ranches. Only screened elite families are allowed on these properties. It's a big club and we're not in it.

[@jeremyn2008]

What a wonderful piece! A true class act! Such a great legacy to leave behind.

[@evoo9863]

I am grateful to people that preserve and share the beauties of nature.

[@ferraridan4883]

What a great story. Thank you Mr Turner !

[@lulumoon6942]

Very grateful for his decade's ago vision & commitment to these treasures! 👍🙏🕊️

[@DonD-m6i]

Decades, apostrophes aren’t used to make nouns plural . 🤦‍♂️

[@namehere4954]

What a wonderful story! His heart is in the right spot and he's leaving a legacy for humanity ❤ similar to Carnegie & the library system.

[@a.scotth.9955]

Hats off to Mr Turner for this amazing land save and preservation!!!❤❤❤

[@casanico2082]

Can't be overstated Ted's contribution not only to repopulating Bison, Prairie Dog, fish, but funding genetics research during very expensive times. Without him, biology wouldn't be where it is today. Awesome dude.

[@johngarrett4288]

My father had a non profit ranch in Oklahoma from 1978 to 1983 where we raised elk, deer and 120 buffalo. It was quite a sight. As a kid I could walk right through the buffalo herd and pet and hand feed them. Each had it's own personality and they were quite intelligent.

[@shonabrowne6324]

If people would only open their minds about the other animals, they would see wondrous things.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

We were both blessed to grow up on the land. Loved your story!

[@dcap1]

This is what should make you an American hero

[@susanavilez9302]

We need more Ted Turners.

[@SaintTrinianz]

How about Bill Gates then?

[@cappystrano1]

I don’t think you know Ted

[@andyroubik5760]

More Ted Turners, less Donald Trumps😊

[@cappystrano1]

@@andyroubik5760 how’s the kool aid taste?

[@Truth_Trigrz_Libz]

😂😂😂😂 You obviously didn't know Ted.....

[@GohanKanor]

Very grateful for his decade's ago vision & commitment to these treasures!

[@Brembelia]

It's a wonderful thing to have such a responsible family as are the Turners so engaged in protecting and preserving America's treasures; the land and the animals. Thank you for this goodness.

[@auralilareid9683]

Thank you Mr Turner 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

Hallelujah for a man that can feel so much. 💜💕

[@Scott-Andy]

Absolutely Beautiful. I’ve always been fascinated with Mr Ted Turner and his life. His love for the United States and Nature/Wildlife is how I will always remember this Great man. Definitely would love to visit his property in New Mexico one day. Bravo

[@Bobkanada]

Greetings from Canada. Unbelievable! Beautiful. In line with a true visionary. A gift for his country. RESPECT Mr. TURNER. Buy some land in Canada ( Saskatchewan or Alberta) and do the same project

[@Claudia-bo5vf]

thumbs up for the Turner family!!!

[@jeffreybroge9002]

Ted Turner--way to go, I had no idea the scale fo your land holdings--was aware fo the efforts to restore the lands!! God Bless YOU

[@bostonphotographer20]

Don’t be too impressed. People like him make life expensive for the locals.

[@TingTong2568]

@@bostonphotographer20 what kind of expenses?

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@TingTong2568 do some research

[@jameslaupan6499]

There's 2 sides to every story, keep that in mind. I'm 8 miles away of one of the ranches. There's both good and not so good about it. Out of respect I'll leave it at that.

[@bostonphotographer20]

@@TingTong2568 Property. Cost of living.

[@Heene1028]

Ted Turner is my new Hero… My purpose here for over 50 years has been, “On Earth as it is in Heaven” When I heard Ted’s wish of, “Heaven on Earth” 🌎 Twice in this video… I burst out in Tears!!! Another Soulmate comes forth!! ❤🎉

[@Shifty1940]

Then drive out there and give them 10 grand to take it all in.

[@KeePenne]

💯♥️

[@robynrains7252]

Wow 😊 much gratitude to Ted Turner for his visionary work in conservation. Just think what our great country would be like if all the people who have vast wealth were of the same mindset 👍👍👍

[@DanielArguela]

Please preserve our planet. Heroes 🕊️

[@jjccarothers3116]

I love self-made Americans. The 1st time I was introduced to Ted was when I oved to Atlanta in or about 1973. He was the GM of a television station "Atlanta UHF 13. He ran adds around the holiday season wishing everybody a safe a happy Christmas. Ted is a stand-up-Man

[@kathiwagner4190]

I'm so glad to know these places & TedTurner are in the world. Idaho gurl here. I wish we could do the same thing here. Heaven knows we need it.

[@ritaj.465]

Very educational. What a beauty this country's land is. Thank you for being a wonderful caretaker of the land.

[@elainesandman9874]

I'd never heard of this wonderful person and how wonderful that his family and others are so dedicated to this keeping BEFORE US THANKS!

[@maxlinder5262]

Nice to know That there is land that hasn't been touched by large Corporations destroying the Earth 🌍 for Monetary reasons . But being preserved for it's Natural Beauty ..... just my opinion 😊

[@6by6by6]

Yet you consume just as much of the greed driven resources as anyone else.. Get off your high horse bro.. 😅

[@diegoolivarez1]

Stop, all these properties are owned by a large corporation, and they’re only intended to be used by millionaires and billionaires.

[@TylerD288]

@@6by6by6 to a large extent we all must buy items that we use in our every day lives. The problem is not with the consumer, but with the powerful, rich multi-billion dollar company who manufactures the product and the government that protects said company and also creates a world in which we need these items.

[@TylerD288]

@@diegoolivarez1 exactly. I scoffed when they basically said - now we have to pay a billionaire to 'reconnect with nature', yet most comments are applauding Ted. Connecting with nature is a God-given right bestowed on every human being on Earth.

[@weary1]

@@TylerD288Well I, for one, am certainly glad that we don’t have to count on Trump to protect our natural resources. I’m glad Mr. Turner was able to procure the land and find capable and competent people to manage it.

[@robertgreen9150]

THANKS TO ALL THE TURNERS! I am old too and have always appreciated Mr. Turner!😊❤❤

[@jimknarr]

We need more Ted Turners protecting more land. Awesome legacy.

[@dax2725]

Wish there were more people like you in this country , Thank You Ted .

[@loeisAdtiy]

Ted TurnerWell done! I was aware of the work to restore the lands, but I had no idea how much property you owned! God Bless YOU

[@Groovylu3]

I’m truly touched by this story, and I have tears in my eyes. What a beautiful legacy!

[@adamhuffman3354]

Pretty awesome land steward! Protecting those lands from urban sprawl has to be a challenge.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

This is the moment we have been waiting for our entire lives.

[@lrogers707]

...wonderful story - may the preserves stay 'as is' thank you...

[@jakemoeller7850]

Gorgeous acreage! Thank you, Ted.

[@patriciavalencia9993]

I respect 🙏 all that you 💯 🙌 🙏 have done i love ❤️ nature its so tranquil and beautiful Mr Turner Thank-you and your family for all the beautiful blessings 🙌 ❤️ much ♥️ from California ♥️ ❤️ 😊 😀 🙏 ✨️

[@theck672]

Thank you for covering this important story.

[@ellenbenson7895]

This is the way that nature and preservation actually ends up being enjoyed and appreciated by mostly really rich people. I would be so much more impressed if he created this beautiful world to be preserved and given to the national parks to be sustained in perpetuity for many more common people to enjoy.

[@bvw3153]

I hear what you are saying, but the national parks are severely underfunded, with a $22 billion deferred maintenance backlog, and their budget is always getting cut.

[@tommorris4609]

And I do not trust that some politicians might try to undo TedTurners efforts if the land is deeded to the feds. Just consider many western governors and congressmen's proposals to privatize or deed BLM and National Forest land to the states.

[@Midds1_]

What a thoughtful future visualizer. I love his legacy so, so much. What an honor to be someone who gets to work on one of his properties ✨

[@JainaYe]

Literally "Heaven on Earth". Thanks bighearted man❤

[@brockp59]

As an Atlantan, I am thankful for his contributions to our city like helping the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, breathing life into the Atlanta Braves and yes, even CNN. I could admire him for just these things, but the conservation efforts are the crowning achievement. All the best to you Uncle Ted.

[@michaelwest8471]

Thank you Mr. Turner.

[@nathanielhowe1082]

I've always admired Ted Turners accomplishments, thanks Mr. Turner I will lend a hand.

[@TheHergeea]

Moving piece here 🥲

[@mikerevendale4810]

That's an amazing legacy, and a gift to future generations. I've visited many conservation areas managed by our federal government and have often been dismayed by the lack of biodiversity due to lack of care.

[@PamZibell]

Adding to my bucket list..Very cool legacy for a rich man.😊

[@pibly7784]

Yes !

[@TylerD288]

Hurry! Go pay a billionaire your money so you can enjoy land that used to be free for everyone. This way you can brag to your friends at dinner parties how you stayed at a Ted Turner property! Yeah yeah!

[@VictoriousLaura]

Thank you, Turner family!

[@mermaidgirl9232]

I’ve always loved Ted Turner and I love this story.

[@jonro09]

What a wonderful legacy indeed.😊

[@laurahenry7375]

God bless you Ted Turner ❤😊🙏

[@sharyllee7094]

Thank you, Ted Turner. What a great legacy. I am deeply moved by your choices about Nature.

[@bharathkannan5209]

Salute to you sir!!!

[@LoveBoatCruising]

Thank you Ted, family and friends for preserving habitats and animals❤

[@Topjake1492]

Thank you, Mr. Turner for your conservation efforts👍

[@jkstubbington]

What an American hero. Thank you so much, Mr. Turner. Those views are absolutely awe-inspiring.

[@debjohnson6332]

Wow! Incredible!

[@bonniebrush94]

This is probably one on the best segments Sunday Morning has covered in recent years!

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

A great rich story.

[@horse4you]

That's the Way! Thank you Ted et al Turner vs Gates Turner, the clear winner.

[@Clark42EoC]

Thank you Ted

[@dinkcirillo1025]

I love his love of nature. Thanks

[@robertskolimowski7049]

You've just got to love it 🌳🦌⛰️💚🙏🕊✌️

[@dennismorris7573]

Truly a great man and American, Ted Turner.

[@everythingmatters6308]

Bless you, Ted. Thank you.

[@DavidLong-w6g]

One of the best articles about preserving America I have seen a long time I meant to say

[@Sailingbill1]

Super interesting!!! Thank you for posting this CBS!

[@brianwray4320]

Thank you, Ted Turner, for all you have done for this country and the world! God bless you!

[@barb24427]

Plant native across our dear USA. Consider the wildlife. It will be worth it.

[@thefinecolumbian]

I was watching Ted's WTCG before it became Super 17 and then turned into Turned Broadcasting. He was always a risk taker and it paid off. I have always admired him, especially for his conservation efforts. What a man!

[@randythompson2681]

One word, WOW

[@Mossbeehave]

We need more Ted Turners !! A solid and decent Man !

[@AngelicaCline-i6d]

Good😍Love it.

[@rondaking4181]

We used to stay up in that area and was able to fly over his land and for miles and miles of creatures, It was amazing. To bad humans weren't as appreciative to being helped.

[@ABleakmirage]

visionary

[@VADACHE]

Beautiful it needs to be preserved ❤

[@patpetersen7645]

I believe we could have heaven on earth.

[@lulumoon6942]

We really could.

[@equine2020]

If mankind wasn't selfish and greedy.

[@TylerD288]

Yeah, you just have to pay a billionaire for it.

[@ritav793]

Bravo, Ted, bravo 👏🏼 🙌🏼

[@Ruffina12345]

WOW!!! Absolutely amazing!!!

[@georgeg.7124]

Loved this. Wish they would have asked how they intend to ensure it stays protected, such as with conservation easements? Still, wish we had more people like Turner.

[@svamandolin3546]

Great segment. These landscapes are Heaven on earth, glad they are being preserved

[@MellowWind]

A GREAT American.

[@marianlincoln9008]

Always loved the movies his stations played .. many of the ones hes saved also show our Countries youth thru their backgrounds... Its fantastic that He has a philosophy of saving and returning things to as good as or better than they were once more. THANK YOU for saving our Native Endangered Wild Life... So sorry about your Illness...

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, Ted you have it right. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@gerardfenn3988]

Always Respected Ted Turner for his conservation of the undisturbed American West. He is More of an American Cowboy than John Wayne. Without a man like him so much would be lost to Greed and Development that you would never be able to experience what America, The United States West was like at the beginning of Westward Expansion. A Great Man Indeed. Possibly as Great as President Theodore Roosevelt.

[@pauladarois-verlicco558]

Hats off to Ted Turner!