Texans for State Parks is the only statewide, not-for-profit organization that works in support of the preservation and enhancement of the state parks, state historic sites, and state natural areas of Texas

Texans for State Parks is a relatively 'young' 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in November 1997.  Other functions of Texas Parks & Wildlife have for years had organizations in support of their particular issues, such as the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Game Warden Association, but state parks have been without an organized voice.  In October 1997 a number of interested individuals, several of whom were already active in local Friends Groups, as well as representatives of user groups such as bikers, RV clubs and climbers, to name a few, came together and with the encouragement of TPW leadership, formed Texans for State Parks.

Texans for State Parks members include a diverse set of interests (campers, hikers, birders, bicyclists, rock climbers, equestrians, RV owners, swimmers, and canoeists to name a few) with a common concern for the well being of the state park system.  TfSP’s goals include providing a united, statewide voice for users of state parks and related groups regarding state park system issues, and working in partnership with those groups and individuals interested in the future of the Texas State Park System.

Texans for State Parks keeps members advised of issues affecting the future of the state park system in order to give you an opportunity to make a difference.  TfSP, with E-news, a web page, and an annual members conference, forwards information about actions being considered by the legislature, Parks and Wildlife Commission and others in order that people have an opportunity to affect the outcome of the proposed actions.

Goals of Texans for State Parks

Ø      Provide a united, state-wide voice for users of state parks and related groups on park matters of shared concerns.

Ø      Serve as an information resource for interested persons on state park matters.

Ø      Educate park users, legislators and the general public about state park matters.

Ø      Support stable and adequate financing for the state park system.

Ø      Work in partnership with local state park support groups and other interested groups on state park matters.

Ø      Advise the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Commission on State-wide matters of importance to state park users and related groups.

WE CAN AND MUST MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SAVE THE STATE PARK SYSTEM!

State Parks provide Islands of hope for all Texans and need the support of citizens like you if they are to be strong and viable for today and the future; State Parks and State Natural Areas preserve our natural and recreational heritage for present and future generations; State Historic Sites preserve the cultural heritage of our state; Parks provide the opportunity for interpretation, education and outreach to our youth.  Parks, Historic Sites and Natural Areas are vitally important to the tourism and travel industry and provide an approximate $1 billion boost to the state’s economy.

Local Parks (city, county, etc.) receive matching funds from the state park budget for the legislative-mandated grant program.  The grants are funded from the same source as state parks, currently a portion of the state sales tax collected on sporting goods. No park use fees or license fees are used for these grants. The grant program has been greatly reduced in funding in the past two successive legislative sessions, from about $20 million a year to only $5 million a year today.

Texans for State Parks

TfSP believes that the Sporting Goods Sales Tax should continue to be a dedicated source of funding for operations of state parks and for grants for local parks and that the cap on the amount of funding from that source should be removed.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Department) should receive, as dedicated funding for state and local parks, the full amount of sales taxes generated by the Sporting Goods Sales Tax.   

TfSP worked during the recent 2007 legislative session to secure more of the funds from the tax on sporting goods. For the next two years, Texas State Parks are going to recieve more funding than ever before.

Texans for State Parks’ continuing message is: The Texas State Park system needs

1)      a stable and secure funding base for park operations;

2)      adequate funding to keep park admission affordable, and

3)      an acquisition program that will provide for the conservation and preservation of significant natural and historical resources and meet the outdoor recreational needs of a growing population.

TfSP supports additional funding for state parkland acquisition.  The population of Texas is growing at a tremendous rate and an increasing percentage of Texans do not have ready access to large tracts of undeveloped land.  However, state parkland acquisition is virtually stagnant.  Texas already is far below the national average in state parkland per resident and the figure continues to drop.  There will be no better time than now to acquire parkland to provide public access opportunities for an increasingly urbanized population. The Department's new "Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan," prepared in accordance with the requirements of Senate Bill 305, 77^th Legislature, graphically illustrates the pressing need for renewed acquisition efforts for state parkland for the benefit of all Texans.

TfSP members have participated in a number of studies, committees, hearings, etc. including: 

·         Governor's Conservation Task Force (2000)

·         The Texas Tech Study regarding the needs of the state park system

·         The 2001 Sunset Commission Review of P&W

·         Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (ongoing)

·         Parks Advisory Committee

·         Parks & Wildlife Constituents Meetings

·         Legislative committees (2001 & 2003) on various proposals relating to state park issues

·         CPR (Concerned Public to the Rescue) forum held at the University of Houston Downtown April 2006.  The program included information about Economic Contributions of State Parks by Dr. John Crompton, the State of Texas State Parks by State Parks Director Walt Dabney and other speakers talking about the importance of parks and open spaces and how to work to address the current and future funding issues for those special places.

·         TfSP has hosted or co-hosted a number of ‘town hall’ style meetings around the state in 2006 focusing on the State Park System’s budget crisis and encouraging public support for parks funding.

Other activities include:

·         Contributed Funding for Statewide Interpreters’ Conference in 2000

·         Co-sponsored Parks Division Staff Conference and Vendor Expo in 2000 & 2001

·         Host annual State Parks Interns’ Dinner for summer park interns and supervisors

·         Supported passage of Proposition 8, which included funds for park repairs & maintenance, in 2001:  No doubt the information provided by members around the state about the vaguely worded ballot item resulted in helping with the passage of the proposition.

·         Provided information to Friends Groups and park supporters around the state regarding 2 specific items before the Parks & Wildlife Commission in January 2002 concerning proposed rules governing non-profit partners, and proposed park fee increases:  Again, the response from members around the state contributed to revisions to the non-profit regulations that would have imposed an undue burden on state park friends groups, and the item recommending fee increases was withdrawn.

·         A recent effort informed members about a proposal to reroute large electrical transmission lines through environmentally sensitive Government Canyon State Natural area to satisfy influential landowners nearby.  As a result, a number of TfSP members and their friends and associates voiced their concerns to local officials.  The issue has since been settled and the transmission lines will follow another route outside the park.

·         Texans for State Parks provides resources and assistance to those working to organize new Friends Groups, and serves as a networking opportunity for existing groups through the annual members conference and news items about activities of other groups around the state.

TfSP encourages you to join with us in our efforts to protect and support our Texas treasures.  Membership application Links are below for your convenience.

Texans for State Parks – P. O. Box 41480  - Austin, TX 78704-0025