Governor Greg Abbott called for the growth of the Texas State Parks system on Wednesday.
The governor said he is concerned about future generations being engulfed in concrete, and he also wants future generations to have proper access to parks.
“We’re better than that,” he said at a 100-year anniversary celebration of Texas State Parks, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Speaking to lawmakers, conservation activists, and members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, he said, “Yes, we want Texas to grow. Yes, we want Texas to prosper. But we can do that while at the very same time conserving the beautiful parks that we have and adding to them to make Texas even more appealing to future generations.”
“We must protect the glorious parks that we already have and find ways to add new acreage,” said Abbott.
According to a 2022 report from Environment Texas, Texas ranks 35th in the country regarding protected state parkland per capita.
Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger said, “We’re thrilled that the governor has called for expanding the state parks system.”
Metzger was not the only one to express gratitude to the governor for his commitment to state parks.
Victoria Howard, chair of the Dallas Sierra Club, a local conservation group, told The Dallas Express that “it’s estimated that just 2% of lands in Texas are protected — including within state and local parks.”
“We support the expansion of the Texas State Parks system and the protections for nature areas that are not only excellent for recreation, but also home to 1,300 at-risk species,” Howard continued.
On Thursday, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Dr. David Yoskowitz said he was thankful for Abbott’s support, according to a TPWD press release.
“On behalf of our hardworking Texas State Parks staff and TPWD in general, I want to thank Governor Abbott for his support for conserving state lands for future recreational use,” said Yoskowitz.
“Supported largely by the funding allocated to our agency by the Texas Legislature through Proposition 5 in 2019, TPWD has an ambitious plan to bring new parks online for public enjoyment over the next decade,” he continued. “Governor Abbott’s elegant endorsement of our work provides fresh inspiration for expanding access to the natural wonders throughout our state.”