By Amberlynn Beck, S25 Environmental Clinic Student
Texas is making significant strides in expanding public lands with the recent purchase of over 2,000 acres in Burnet County, for a new state park, and more than 3,000 acres to expand Enchanted Rock Natural Area in Llano County in January 2025.[1] These acquisitions by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) mark a major step forward in increasing access to public land in Texas.
Currently, Texas ranks 35th in the nation for state park acreage per capita.[2] With a rapidly growing population and limited public land, the demand for public land has continued to increase.[3] For years, TPWD has struggled with funding and even faced the possibility of park closures due to budget cuts.[4] However, Texas voters have demonstrated strong support for the state’s park system. In 2019, a constitutional amendment was passed to ensure that sales tax revenue from sporting goods is dedicated to funding state parks.[5] In 2023, voters approved the creation of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund—a $1 billion fund to acquire and develop new state parks.[6] These recent land purchases were primarily funded through the sporting goods sales tax, with development set to be supported by the Conservation Fund.[7] Hopefully these purchases are just a starting point for the further accumulation of public lands in Texas, as the TPWD is already exploring other properties for purchase in the near future.[8]
Expanding state parks offers substantial environmental benefits for Texas and its visitors. By securing these lands for public use, TPWD prevents over-development that could otherwise fragment natural habitats. Had TPWD not made these purchases, these properties would have likely been sold for residential or commercial development, which would have disrupted or even destroyed wildlife habitats.[9] Protecting these lands ensures that native plant and animal species continue to thrive, while also preserving Texas’ diverse landscapes.
While development could bring economic benefits, state parks themselves also provide significant economic benefits. State parks create jobs in rural areas and support local businesses by attracting visitors who spend money on food, lodging, gas, and entertainment.[10] Investing in state parks can thus strengthen local economies while promoting tourism across Texas.
Expanding public lands will also provide more places for people to enjoy the outdoors and the natural beauty of Texas. State parks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.[11] Additionally, Texas state parks offer incredible sightseeing opportunities. The breathtaking views from the peak of Enchanted Rock, for example, showcase the vast beauty of the Texas Hill Country, mostly free from the sight of urban development. The recent purchase in Llano County, which will more than double the size of Enchanted Rock Natural Area,[12] will help ensure that this view continues to be worth the long trek up the pink granite mountain.
TPWD’s latest land acquisitions represent a promising future for Texas’ state parks. With strong public support and dedicated funding, the state is well-positioned to continue expanding and preserving natural spaces for future generations. TWPD regularly solicits input from the public on how parks should be developed, through surveys and public hearings, and they provide updates on how to get involved on their website. As TPWD explores additional land purchases and invites public input, Texans can look forward to more opportunities to enjoy and protect their state’s diverse environment.
[1] https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250127a; https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250113a
[2] https://environmentamerica.org/texas/center/resources/a-most-valuable-legacy/
[3] https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/parks-fund
[4] https://environmentamerica.org/texas/articles/how-we-got-texas-legislature-to-invest-1-billion-in-state-parks/
[5] Id.
[6] https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2024/jan/scout5_news/index.phtm
[7] https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250127a; https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2025-01-23/austin-tx-enchanted-rock-texas-state-parks-hiking
[8] https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250127a
[9] https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2025-01-23/austin-tx-enchanted-rock-texas-state-parks-hiking
[10] https://environmentamerica.org/texas/center/resources/a-most-valuable-legacy/
[11] https://environmentamerica.org/texas/center/resources/a-most-valuable-legacy/
[12] https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2025-01-23/austin-tx-enchanted-rock-texas-state-parks-hiking