San Antonio Protects 90 Acres for Park (TX)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, 5/15/03 – The Trust for Public Land announced today that it has transferred 90.7 acres of critical habitat and open space parkland, located 30 miles northwest of San Antonio, to the City’s Parks and Recreation Department Natural Areas for permanent protection. Funded by San Antonio’s Proposition 3 Edwards Aquifer Land Acquisition and Park Expansion Program, the new parkland will protect the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone-the sole source of water for the City of San Antonio, and provide public recreation opportunities for the community.

“It has been a great pleasure to work with the City in our fifth project to protect water resources for the people of San Antonio,” said Jason Corzine, Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land. “As a fellow San Antonio resident, I am grateful that my children, and other future generations of Texans will have the opportunity to enjoy this unique landscape.”

Approved by the voters of San Antonio in May 2000, San Antonio’s Proposition 3 authorized a 1/8 cent sales tax increment to locate and purchase undeveloped land in the recharge and contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer as a means of protecting the Aquifer from increased pollution. TPL has pursued projects associated with the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone since 1990, protecting more than 11,000 acres over the Aquifer. The new parkland is located adjacent to a previously acquired 1,033 acre Proposition 3 tract and the Government Canyon State Natural Area, which currently consists of 8,030 acres of rugged Texas Hill Country terrain.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres of land in 45 states. In Texas, TPL has protected more than 22,000 acres for communities, including San Antonio, Austin and Houston. The Trust for Public Land depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission. For more information please visit us on the web at www.tpl.org.