Texas Parks: Preserving Our Natural Treasures

From the wetlands and beaches of the gulf coast, to swimming holes filled with children, to the breathtaking beauty of Big Bend Ranch, our state parks are a vital part of what makes us Texan. Hiking, camping, fishing, or just relaxing in these diverse and unique parks has been a Lone Star tradition for generations.

But for decades, our elected officials have starved our state parks of necessary funding. Years of budget cuts left many parks in disrepair, lay-offs reduced access at some parks, and protection of ecologically sensitive land threatened with development has been at a stand-still.

That neglect is starting to change. This spring we convinced the Legislature to triple funding for our state parks. However, $52 million of the funding will only go forward if a bond is approved by voters this November. That’s why we need your help to pass Proposition 4 and make sure our parks get the funding they need to survive and thrive.

Budget Cuts Means Deteriorating Parks

Texas’ rapid development is literally transforming our landscape before our eyes. As natural areas are being replaced by strip malls and subdivisions, our parks have become even more precious.

But for too long the Legislature has neglected our state parks.  While the overall state budget increased by 68 per cent between 1990 and 2003, the Legislature slashed spending on parks by 34 percent. Today, Texas is ranked 49th in the nation for spending on state parks.

From bad to worse... 

Budget cuts in recent years forced the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to lay off dozens of park rangers, close campgrounds, cancel plans to acquire environmentally sensitive lands and provide grants to local parks. Two years ago, the agency even considered selling part of Big Bend Ranch State Park to a private developer in order to raise additional funds.

Legislature Diverting Money Intended for Parks

The most galling thing about this disgraceful situation is that the money to protect and maintain our state parks is there—it’s just being diverted to other places by the Legislature.

In addition to park entrance fees, the parks system is funded through sales taxes on the purchase of sporting goods, which are estimated at $105 million in the current fiscal year.

But the Legislature has put drastic caps on the amount received by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, diverting most of those dollars back into the state general revenue fund. After a public outcry, this spring the Legislature temporarily lifted the cap and tripled funding for our parks for the next two years. However, $52 million of the funds must first win voter approval this November.

Opportunity to Protect Parks for the Future

After decades of under-funding and neglect, the Legislature has shifted gears and given our parks a much needed boost for the next two years. But returning our parks to excellence will take sustained funding over the years and that is by no means guaranteed.

We need to keep up the fight for full funding for our state parks. First, we need to pass Proposition 4 to ensure that the parks get funding for badly needed repairs. Next, we need to keep up the pressure to make sure that in 2009 the Legislature finally sets up a dedicated, substantial fund for our parks, including money to acquire new parklands.

These new parks could protect some of the most endangered ecosystems in Texas, including blackland prairie, gulf coast marshes, and the Edwards aquifer.

Help save Texas parks

You can help us save Texas parks by endorsing Proposition 4 here. Citizen support is going to be critical to helping pass the bond.

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