As Logan McNatt said the other day, I spoke to the TPWD Commissioners this past Monday with some cave-related comments on the 18,000ac land deal. TPWD met with strong resistance to the original land swap idea. To me that deal seemed fair, but of course I would rather TPWD have been able to acquire and protect BOTH large tracts. Since state money is tight that seemed unlikely at the time. But apparently others with lots of pull and cash in the bank thought they could make it happen and TPWD managed to get a total $11million in private donations for outright purchase! Just incredible to me- so TPWD is now able to buy the whole Sanders tract for $13M cash with enough left over to fund operations for 2-3 years. AND they keep the existing 20,000ac Devils River SNA. Some of the Commissioners worked hard to solicit extra donations. Even some of the previously opposed neighboring-landowners offered up sizeable capital for the deal. Now there are always pros and cons to land deals. This purchase will still have some good and some bad aspects to it. But heres what I thought was really important and interesting about the Commissioners Meeting: EVERY SINGLE COMMENT was now in favor of the new purchase plan, including comments from some individuals and groups that previously opposed the swap. Our friends at the Sierra Club support this deal. That was interesting news to me, but what really impressed me was that EVERY SINGLE COMMENT (mine included) asked TPWD a simple question: "How can we be of service?" "What can we do?" or "We want to work together with you." And with state budget constraints TPWD would be wise to accept offers of assistance from all groups. I imagine the Audubon Society can help demonstrate birding conservation. Sierra Club can help demonstrate land conservation. TCMA has been assured we can help demonstrate cave conservation. IMHO, I am impressed. TPWD listened to all concerns. TPWD fought hard to make this happen. And TPWD may be embarking on an exciting and fascinating kind of partnership with a wide variety of conservation groups and private landowners to create what I imagine to be a unique kind of limited-access state park. This park wont likely be overrun with toobers- it might even stand as a testament to true Texas values of land stewardship. Congratulations fellow Texans- in 3 years a new state park will open for our enjoyment. In the meantime, we might even get to help document some caves on it. Best regards, Arron Wertheim, VP, TCMA
