Latest news with #ConservationFund
Axios
28-04-2025
- General
- Axios
Preserve plan advances for Buckhead's hidden forest
A 30-acre Buckhead forest that Atlanta photographer and arts patron Lucinda Bunnen turned into a sanctuary is on its way to becoming a public nature preserve. Why it matters: Buckhead is one of the fastest-developing parts of the city but has surprisingly few accessible parks. There's nothing within 20 miles like the property — an older forest with ample acreage, a weaving waterway and rich biodiversity. Driving the news: The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit that buys and holds green spaces for future public parks, purchased the property late last year for roughly $13.5 million. It is raising an additional $2.4 million through the summer to prepare the land to turn over to the city. Catch up quick: In the late 1950s, Lucinda and her husband, Bob, an oral surgeon, purchased the house designed by noted Atlanta architect Cecil Alexander. Over the following decades, the mid-century modern house and the dense woods became a refuge for Bunnen, her children, their kids (concrete moldings of their footprints are placed throughout the property) and the arts community. Fun fact: Bunnen, who died in 2022, started creating a hilly two-mile perimeter trail after being arrested for walking her dog off its leash at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. She hiked the path daily — sometimes twice a day — into her 90s, her son Robb, the oldest of the Bunnen's three children, told Axios. "It was everything to her. It was a rite of passage if you got invited over to walk the property with mom." What they're saying:"We were thrilled we didn't have to endure 12 McMansions going up," Robb said. Follow the money: Stacy Funderburke of The Conservation Fund told Axios the city chipped in $5 million from its Tree Trust Fund to buy the property. That money comes from fees that people pay to remove large trees inside the city limits. Buckhead has contributed significantly to the fund, according to Funderburke, but has few options for investment on the level of the Bunnen property. Private donors contributed $6 million, Funderburke said, and many neighbors and arts groups have rallied to support. What's next: Potential plans include renovating the sprawling home to become an arts center and retreat, an environmental education hub or guest lodging for visiting dignitaries, Robb said. TCF could hand off the property to the city as early as this summer or fall, Funderburke said, with city-led community planning sessions following. The big picture: "This was her spiritual place," Robb said. "She would be the most ecstatic person in the world to think the city bought the property to create the Lucinda Bunnen Nature Preserve.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Land purchase for park in Lampasas County complete
Austin, Tx (FOX 44) – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has finalized the purchase of 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet Counties, completing the second phase of an acquisition to create a new state park. The property is located across the river from Colorado Bend State Park and includes 1.5 miles of Yancey Creek, limestone bluffs and several natural springs. Combined with the recent acquisition of 2,020 acres in Burnet County, the new state park will comprise more than 3,000 acres. TPWD purchased the 1,100-acre property using a combination of a one-time funding appropriation and funds from sporting goods sales taxes. The new state park will be developed through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion fund overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023 to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing 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.' These two latest acquisitions, along with others made by TPWD in recent months, further the goal of expanding public access to Texas' natural spaces in more corners of the state. The completion of this two-phase purchase joined other notable purchases adding 3,703 acres at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area along with the purchase of the 500-acre Lake Colorado City State Park, among others. 'I'd like to thank our incredible team for their hard work in not only acquiring these properties, but also the recent additions at Enchanted Rock and the purchase of Lake Colorado City State Park,' TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. 'The voters of Texas also deserve a huge thank you for saying 'yes' to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will make the development of this park possible.' When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property's feasibility as a state park. In this case, TPWD determined the property's outstanding natural and recreational features made this property an excellent candidate. 'I'm excited for the addition of the second piece of this property in what will become a new 3,000-plus acre Texas State Park,' said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. 'This acquisition will give visitors access to the Colorado River, a beautiful creek and the diverse landscapes that are featured across the property. We look forward to generations of Texans enjoying the scenic views of the unique post oak woodland and outdoor adventures awaiting on this property. ' The new property is approximately ten miles upstream from Lake Buchanan and its acquisition will create additional recreational opportunities, habitat protection and the conservation of natural springs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
