Focus On El Rancho Cima

The Comal County Conservation Alliance is urging you to send an email to your Comal County Commissioner and to County Judge Sherman Krause asking them to pursue purchasing some property that is now available in the northern part of Comal County. This purchase could be part of a regional effort to preserve and protect one of our county’s gems of a natural area—the former Boy Scout ranch known as El Rancho Cima, located along the portion of FM 32 known as the "Devil's Backbone." (See email addresses for Commissioners Court below.)
 
Hays County is closing soon on the purchase of one of the tracts available that is along the Blanco River. Their intent is aquifer and watershed protection, flood mitigation, conservation of wildlife habitat, and possible seasonal public access to the river and trails. Hays  is using road mitigation funds for nearly half the purchase price and is planning to go to their voters in a 2020 bond election for the rest, along with additional funds to protect land in other precincts in their county.

Comal County could similarly benefit from the purchase of other tracts in the same property.

• These tracts are part of the iconic "Devil's Backbone" along FM 32, with scenic views famous around the state. These views could be lost if development occurs. If preserved, this property would continue to add to the tourism economy of the county.

 

• The land is part of the Blanco River watershed. By preserving this land in its natural state, it will help protect our regional water resources, especially the Edwards Aquifer.

 

• This property is prime habitat for Golden-cheeked Warbler and therefore is precisely what is needed for the proposed preserve described in the Comal County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. The property could be used for mitigation credits to be paid to Comal County when development occurs elsewhere in the county that impacts Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat. Presently mitigation credits are paid to a preserve in Bandera County.

 

• By purchasing tracts of this property, Comal County would be part of a regional effort to preserve this special place for future generations.

 
How could Comal County fund a purchase of this property?
While Comal County does not presently have a funding mechanism for land acquisition for conservation, there are options available to preserve a piece of this undisturbed Hill Country natural area. Surrounding counties have used combinations of many funding sources, partnering with trusts and other agencies to secure private, state, and federal grants, as well as low-interest loans and bonds. CCCA supports our local officials seeking a variety of options to find the best combination for Comal County.
 
Please write your Commissioner and Judge Krause.
Using your own words, please explain the urgent need for action to preserve this unique property in Comal County before it is sold to other interests. Let them know you would support their action.
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   County Judge Sherman Krause, krause@co.comal.tx.us
   Commissioner Donna Eccleston, Pct 1, cctdme@co.comal.tx.us
   Commissioner Scott Haag, Pct 2, haagsc@co.comal.tx.us
   Commissioner Kevin Webb, Pct 3, webbke@co.comal.tx.us
   Commissioner Jen Crownover, Pct 4, crownj@co.comal.tx.us

Learn more here.