The SpaceX land swap
Parks advocates explain why they support this controversial deal
Texas state parks serve as vital sanctuaries. From the mountains of Big Bend to the waters of Galveston Island, our parks are for everyone and anyone. They’re a place to embrace Texas’ rugged beauty, immerse yourself in its diverse landscapes and delight in its wildlife.
It’s important that we preserve and expand these natural landscapes — both to safeguard our state’s rich biodiversity and to ensure that future generations can continue to explore, learn and cherish the outdoor opportunities our state has to offer.
For these reasons and more, we believe the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission should move forward in approving the acquisition of approximately 477 acres for a new state park in South Texas. That land would be in exchange for transferring 43 acres in Boca Chica
State Park to SpaceX, whose rocket launch site is nearby.
The 477 acres being offered to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. It shelters endangered species, winter fowl and other migratory birds. The land has been of interest to the department and conservation community for many years.
Additionally, the proposed land exchange would uplift the department’s mission to manage and conserve natural and cultural resources, as well as provide recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of all.
The 477 acres would include public access for fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and family gatherings.
In contrast, the 43 acres that the Parks and Wildlife Department would cede to SpaceX hardly compares to the grandeur of the 477 acres Texas stands to gain. These smaller, noncontiguous tracts of land, which do not include any water frontage, are dotted among private properties, or immediately adjacent to SpaceX’s facilities, meaning they aren’t readily available for public access and provide a less cohesive wildlife habitat.
Not only is the proposed exchange in the public’s best interest, but it’s what Texans want. Voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 14 during the November election, with the goal to develop more state parks and more public recreational opportunities. The historic vote confirms the value Texans place on conserving and growing our parks and wildlife habitats. The Parks and Wildlife Commission’s approval of the deal in front of them is well in line with the desire of the people of Texas.
Any concerns raised about this deal are shortsighted in their criticisms. This kind of land exchange has happened before when it benefits the state, and the Parks and Wildlife Department has a long history of working with local partners any time it develops new state parks. Some critics have expressed concerns that these 477 acres were already targeted for conservation. But it is our understanding that funding was never secured, and depended on grants that have not been awarded.
The state has a unique opportunity to receive 477 acres of cherished land and develop it into a remarkable habitat that can be enjoyed by the public for generations to come. This is a great deal for the future of our wildlife and for our growing population that wants to continue to explore, thrive, and connect with the untamed beauty of our great state.
George Bristol has served as chair of Audubon Texas, the Texas State Parks Advisory Committee, and Texas Coalition for Conservation. His books include “Texas State Parks: The First 100 Years, 19232023.” Andrew Sansom is executive director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. He has served as executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife and as executive director of the Texas Nature Conservancy. Ygnacio (Nacho) Garza, a former mayor of Brownsville, has served as chair of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.