Latest news with #CentennialParksConservationFund
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State secures more than 3,000 acres for new park in Central Texas
Editor's Note: The photo featured in this story shows the existing Colorado Bend State Park, which is located across the river from the planned state park. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said on Monday it finalized the second phase of purchases that included 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet counties, according to a news release. In January, Texas initially purchased a 2,020-acre property from Burnet County for the park. With this purchase, the new state park will now be more than 3,000 acres in total. The state park will be located across from the river from Colorado Bend State Park and will include 1.5 miles of Yancey Creek, limestone bluffs and several natural springs, according to TPWD. The state agency said the new state park will be created using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which was approved by voters in 2023. The $1 billion fund is dedication to the creation and development of state parks. 'It's great to see phase two of the acquisition process come to fruition with the purchase of this 1,100-acre property,' said Jeff Hildebrand, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. 'This property, combined with the previously purchased 2,020-acre tract near the current Colorado Bend State Park, will offer an exciting new state park experience for Texans.' With the purchases now complete, TPWD said it will now work on a plan in collaboration with public feedback to determine recreational opportunities at the new state park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State officials announce massive update to 'cherished' state park: 'I look forward to families experiencing this'
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will be getting bigger. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has invested $43 million to acquire over 3,000 acres of land adjacent to the state park in Llano County. The property will double the amount of land for public use at Enchanted Rock, according to a TPWD news release. The expansion offers new recreational opportunities and will preserve the region's unique landscape and ecosystem. Enchanted Rock is known for its massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the surrounding terrain. The newly purchased land, previously used for private hunting, includes a distinctive rock formation that could provide new lookout points of the iconic dome. The addition will enrich the visitor experience and ensure the conservation of the area. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The expansion is part of a larger initiative funded by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund — $1 billion in funding established by Texas voters in 2023. The fund aims to develop and expand state parks, meeting the demand of the growing number of visitors as well as ensuring natural spaces are preserved. "Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Jeff Hildebrand, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come." The TPWD will gather public input to develop a plan for the property, per the release. For the community, being able to go and experience a park of this nature is proven to be beneficial for one's health. According to the National Park Service, a 30-minute visit to a park can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system — all of which can reduce risks of cancer and disease. Further, just five minutes of walking in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety and depression. Preserving national and state parks is also important for protecting natural resources and wildlife. There are a myriad of environmental benefits, including protecting habitats for rare and endangered plants and animals, protecting clean air and water, and combating climate change. Looks like Enchanted Rock will only get more enchanting for locals and visitors alike. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State buys 2,000 acres of land in Burnet County for new state park
Editor's Note: The photo featured in this story shows the existing Colorado Bend State Park, which is located across the river from the planned state park. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has purchased more than 2,000 acres of land in Burnet County for the creation of a new state park. The 2,020-acre property includes a two-mile stretch of the Colorado River and is across the river from the existing Colorado Bend State Park. The purchase was made using a one-time funding appropriation, as well as funds from the state's sporting goods sales tax. In a press release Monday, TPWD said the acquisition is the first of two purchases to create the new state park, which will be more than 3,000 acres in total. An additional 1,100-acre property is located in Burnet and Lampasas counties. Last week, Parks and Wildlife commissioners authorized TPWD's executive director to 'take all necessary steps to acquire' that property from a willing seller. The new state park will be developed using the new Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which voters approved in 2023. The $1 billion fund is dedicated to acquiring and developing new state parks in Texas. TPWD said the property's 'outstanding natural and historic features' made it an excellent candidate for a new state park. The property features 'rugged hills, diverse native habitats and the aforementioned two miles of river front on the Colorado River,' TPWD said in its release. 'It is exciting to add another incredible property that will eventually become a new Texas State Park. This acquisition will give visitors access to enjoy the beautiful Colorado River and the diverse landscapes that are featured across the property,' said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. 'It is fun to imagine generations of Texans enjoying the scenic views and outdoor adventures awaiting on this property. It is also great to see our team and families work together to leave this legacy for Texas.' TPWD said it will now move forward with public input to determine recreational opportunities at the site. The plan is expected to take 'many months.' A potential opening date has not yet been announced. This is just the latest property purchase made by TPWD in recent months. Earlier this month, the department announced it had bought more than 3,000 acres of property to double the size of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, west of Austin. In December, TPWD announced it had purchased Lake Colorado City State Park, between Abilene and Midland, from an energy company which owned the land but leased it to the state to operate the park. The same company, Vistra, had owned the land used for Fairfield Lake State Park, east of Waco. From state park to private development: The twisting timeline of Fairfield Lake After Vistra announced plans to sell the Fairfield Lake property, a private developer purchased the site, with plans to turn it into a private, gated community with multi-million dollar homes and a golf course, despite TPWD objections. The state park closed to the public in June 2023. At that time, Vistra said it was open to selling the Lake Colorado City State Park property to the state at fair market value. 'We're proud to have been able to provide public access to this privately owned land and lake for the last 50 years through a no-cost lease, and now it's exciting to see this land in new hands but serving its same purpose – as a respite for our fellow Texans,' said Kyle Box, Vistra's vice president of real estate, after the purchase was completed. The state already has plans to develop five other sites into future state parks. Construction has already begun on the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, west of Fort Worth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
