AT THE TRAIL
The natural character and environment of the Texas Hill Country is being marred by development at a staggering rate. We are witnessing irreversible harm as land is bulldozed into ecological deserts and replaced with massive developments.
While there are many creative solutions for context sensitive development where natural features and buildings are delicately interwoven, the current paradigm combined with Texas Counties limited regulatory authority provide no assurance that the scenic vistas and precious natural features won’t soon fall under the blades of heavy machines.
During this pivotal moment, we must gather our voices - all of us! - in support of conserving the one thing that Texans cherish most - our beautiful landscape.
Fortunately, landowners have many options for protecting their land from the ravages of future development. We, at the Cibolo, like to call it “Custom Conservation.” This means that the conservation and legacy you seek can be unique to your land and desires for the future.
While it is common to assume that conservation easements are an all-or-none solution where an entire property is conserved and all future development is prevented, the reality is that most conservation easements are highly tailored to the desires of each landowner.
Some landowners choose to conserve specific features on their property, like stream corridors, caves, springs, groundwater recharge features, hill tops, canyons or valleys, while retaining areas outside of their custom conservation for future development.
Landowners with more ambitious conservation intentions will conserve the majority of their property and still leave specific sites for family members or future owners of the land to build houses or barns.
The Cibolo Center for Conservation demonstrated another conservation solution when it placed a custom conservation easement on the Herff Farm. Our easement limits the amount of impervious cover - rooftops and pavement - on the land while allowing for buildings to be installed that enhance our program offerings while ensuring that most of the landscape is left untouched by development.
Some landowners may choose to implement both a conservation easement and enable very limited public access by providing a trail easement through a portion of their property. This trail easement may be customized to ensure that the land is protected from harm while providing natural experiences that enrich hearts and minds and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Developers might also consider the tax advantages of conserving portions of their developed property. Preserving waterways, springs and other natural features can enhance the appeal and property values in a development.
Custom Conservation checks many boxes. It conserves natural resources and Hill Country character, generates tax advantages, and can be achieved while reserving opportunities for more environmentally sensible development.
Put simply, Custom Conservation is “conservation your way!”
The Cibolo Center for Conservation is a partner to landowners to help explore and customize the conservation outcomes that benefit you and the community. Our sister organization, the Cibolo Conservancy Land Trust can hold conservation easements, while the Cibolo Center for Conservation will consider accepting gifts of land, for those who have a profound desire to provide a place for future generations and support our mission of conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship. Some land donors may wish to bequeath their land now and transfer it later by including the Cibolo in their will or estate plans.
Whether you wish to donate your property for conservation or implement a Custom Conservation Easement, the Cibolo can help you find a solution that is best for you and best for the Hill Country.
We hope that all of our members will join us in an effort to spread the word about Custom Conservation, cherishing the land now while preserving it for future generations. Together, we can make a tremendous impact!
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