The Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) announced on June 22 the successful conservation of 298 acres in Matagorda County. Permanently protected through a conservation easement agreement with the landowners, this exceptional property is made up of globally rare coastal prairie (including several rare plants such as Bracted Grayfeather), coastal live oak forest, and restored grasslands and wetlands. The property is adjacent to other protected lands, expanding the contiguous habitat available to grassland and wetland birds, such as Mottled Duck, Northern Harrier, and Eastern Meadowlark. This property will add to the 31,000 acres of land already permanently conserved by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy.

Mary Anne Piacentini, President and CEO of the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, said, "The Texas Coastal Prairie Ecosystem is challenged by increasing land fragmentation and development. It is a privilege to collaborate with private landowners who are committed to conserving their lands and leaving a legacy for future generations of Texans."

The project was funded through a donation from the landowner, as well as philanthropic grants from a family foundation, the state's land trust service organization, and a cooperating nonprofit organization. Additionally, this is the first conservation easement to be funded through the Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative, a Regional Conservation Partnership Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This regional initiative was formed by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy and its partners to conserve the highly imperiled coastal prairie ecosystem. Under the initiative, private landowners may receive funding to permanently protect working cattle ranches, farmland, and natural areas.

"CPC is extremely grateful for the instrumental partnerships that make our conservation efforts possible,” Piacentini said. “We look forward to future collaborations as we continue working towards our goal of conserving thousands of additional acres in Southeast Texas. Working with partners is critical to secure the long-term conservation of important lands in Southeast Texas."

About the Coastal Prairie Conservancy

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy is an accredited, nonprofit land trust working to sustain a resilient Texas by conserving coastal prairie, wetlands, farms, and ranches that benefit people and wildlife forever. These lands play an important role in flood control, clean air and water, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat. To learn more about the Coastal Prairie Conservancy's conservation efforts, visit coastalprairieconservancy.org.