The Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) announced on June 7 the successful completion of a critical conservation easement project on the historic Katy Prairie. Strategically located in Waller County, this property is adjacent to already conserved lands and will be part of the larger Katy Prairie Preserve, now comprised of nearly 19,000 acres. This additional conserved land is integral to CPC's long-term landscape conservation goals, contributing to the health of the region for present and future generations, said a press release from the organization.

Mary Anne Piacentini, president and CEO of Coastal Prairie Conservancy, said, "We are pleased to have permanently preserved additional land as part of the Katy Prairie Preserve, ensuring its availability for cattle grazing and grassland bird habitat in perpetuity. In a region that is experiencing significant development pressure, it is deeply gratifying to know that this land will continue to support bobwhite quail, meadowlarks, and other species forever."

Piacentini added, "With this property connected to other protected lands, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy has successfully expanded a contiguous area dedicated to sustaining the coastal prairie ecosystem."

This project was funded through a donation from the landowner, as well as philanthropic grants from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program – Conservation Assistance Program, Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, Texas Land Trust Council, and a competitive grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation Program. The project also received financial assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

For more information, visit www.coastalprairieconservancy.org.

About the Coastal Prairie Conservancy

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to sustaining resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairie, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever. Preserved lands play an important role in flood control, cleaner air and water, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat. To learn more about the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s conservation efforts, visit www.coastalprairieconservancy.org .

About the Texas Land Trust Council

The Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds and supports a strong, active coalition of more than thirty-five organizations working to conserve the lands we love and the water we depend on. For over 20 years, TLTC has worked to protect those lands and waters by strengthening land trusts across Texas through education, advocacy, outreach, and technical assistance. To date, Texas land trusts have helped to conserve more than 1.94 million acres statewide.