Hays Co. Parks & Open Space Advisory Board : Funds Available, Shooting Range, Next Meeting

One of the primary ideas behind placing a bond vote before Hays County voters for more parks and open space in 2007 was the idea that we could begin purchasing prime habitat for endangered species. Through a program established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hays County, with the commitment of voters, could secure additional resources to create large unfragmented tracts of land suitable for habitat.

In order to create additional incentives the plan will allow developers who are displacing original habitat to “buy” habitat in the designated tract to offset the impact of the development. Below is the article about the call for parcels of land suitable for habitat, along with a couple other updates.

San Marcos Daily Record Hays County Seeks a Few Good Acres

To qualify for consideration, the property must contain at least 250 acres – and preferably 500 acres or more — of endangered species habitat that will address the goals of the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (http://www.hayscountyhcp.com), which focuses on habitat suitable for support of the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo. Additional acreage for those priorities listed above will also be taken into account in the evaluation. For this solicitation, the county will consider any property that furthers the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, but the ideal property would provide for multiple uses among those priorities enumerated above.

For further information, visit http://www.co.hays.tx.us/ (click on Quick Links) Request for Proposals/Park Bond Funds. Proposals are due November 16.

Newstreamz Feds Resist Shooting Range on Habitat

The next scheduled meeting of the Hays Co. Parks and Open Space Advisory Board is November 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the San Marcos Activity Center.

SMGA is keeping a close eye and ear on the goings-on and as always, will keep everyone up-to-date.