The National Park Service (NPS) announced that Calhoun County has been selected to receive assistance from the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program. NPS staff will assist Calhoun County in its efforts to develop the Green Lake property into a new county park that protects natural resources while opening up new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Green Lake project is one of five new projects accepted in Texas this year.
“I am very excited about the reality of a county-owned park through which we can preserve an irreplaceable and unique natural area,” said County Commissioner Kenny Finster. “As Texas grows, we are losing access to open spaces in Texas and–in addition to maintaining Green Lake’s inherent natural resources– I believe this area will be a critical element in the overall scheme of maintaining our local estuary and bay systems.”
The NPS helps communities design trails and parks, conserve and improve access to rivers, protect special places and create recreational opportunities through locally lead partnerships.
Calhoun County purchased Green Lake, one of two natural freshwater lakes in Texas, in December 2012 to conserve fish and wildlife habitat and provide public recreational activities. In the past year, the County has begun holding stakeholder meetings with environmental and regulatory agencies to gather input on best management strategies. Stakeholders, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority have conducted a number of scientific studies that will help inform future decision making. The NPS will engage residents, visitors and key stakeholders to develop a vision for a future park that includes public access and resource protection.
The NPS is proud to support the visions of community leaders and help contribute to the future of the Green Lake project. We believe in public and private partnerships working together to align state, federal and local resources that achieve long-term enhancements to quality of life.
Key Project Contact: Kenny Finster, Calhoun County Commissioner, (Office) 361-785-3141. For more information on the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program, please visit http//www.nps.gov/rtca, join the conversation at http//www.facebook.com/RTCANPS, or watch video about our work in communities at www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/multimedia.
