Last November, Texas voters earmarked a billion dollars in state funds (without raising taxes) to be used to acquire additional land for state parks. Passed during the 100th anniversary year of the Texas State Park System, the money will be used for launching new parks and expanding existing ones. These new public lands will provide additional outdoor recreation, especially near underserved urban areas, and will protect majestic scenery and valuable wildlife lands all across the state.
Less than 5% of Texas is publicly owned and available for public enjoyment. Expanding Texas parks is important in our burgeoning state as the current state parks can’t keep up with the demand from our growing population. The fund will allow the state to buy land from willing sellers when unique properties come available that would make beautiful state parks.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meets bimonthly and almost every agenda includes some land acquisition. The November meeting saw approval of 3,073 acres added to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (SNA), 823 acres added to Government Canyon SNA near San Antonio, 2020 acres for Colorado Bend State Park, an expansion Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area, and land in Uvalde County to be used for a new state park.
Upcoming proposals can be found every other month beginning in January on TPWD’s website.