Galveston Bay Foundation Protects Largest Remaining Natural Forest in La Porte, Texas
- September 29, 2023
- News
LA PORTE, TEXAS— The Galveston Bay Foundation has permanently protected a 106-acre property in La Porte, Texas known as Taylor Bayou Forest. The permanent protection of this property will protect local air quality, wildlife habitat, and open space. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded the acquisition with funds from a Department of Justice settlement and Galveston Bay Foundation is donating a perpetual conservation easement to the Texas Land Conservancy to ensure Taylor Bayou Forest will remain protected forever. Without this effort, the property would have likely been developed in the near future and the ecological value of the land would have been lost.
The $3.7 million dollar property contains a natural forest adjacent to Taylor Bayou, a waterway that flows into Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay Foundation plans to conduct invasive species management to enhance the ecological health of the property. The property also sits across the street from Bayshore Elementary and the Foundation will look for opportunities to allow those students to visit and connect with the natural area in the future.
“We are very excited to permanently conserve this property. The project protects some of the last remaining natural habitat in La Porte and provides many benefits to the residents of La Porte. This is a big win for the local community and for Galveston Bay,” says Galveston Bay Foundation Director of Land Conservation, Matt Singer
“This project will result in the conservation and protection of over 100 acres of undeveloped land, with benefits for both the local community and fish and wildlife,” said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “We very much appreciate the great work of the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Texas Land Conservancy, and we want to express special recognition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas for its successful prosecution of the Clean Air Act case that gave rise to the Community Service Payment used by NFWF to fund this project.”
“Texas Land Conservancy is thrilled to embark on this new partnership with the Galveston Bay Foundation and grateful for the opportunity to forge a stronger connection to this area of Texas. As we unite on this project, we envision a future where this area becomes a source of pride and inspiration for both our local neighbors and fellow Texans across the state because we aren’t just protecting a forest; we are preserving a legacy that will allow future generations to see and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our natural world,” says Texas Land Conservancy Conservation Director, Stephen Ramirez.
We are thankful to the many community members who helped champion this project. In the coming months, we plan to host a community celebration in the neighborhood as a thank-you to all who helped preserve this special land.
About Galveston Bay Foundation
Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way.
About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Since their creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker. They work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. NFWF supports conservation efforts in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Their projects are rigorously evaluated and awarded to some of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, as well as some of the smallest. NFWF focuses on bringing all parties to the table, getting results, and building a better future for our world.
About Texas Land Conservancy
The Texas Land Conservancy has been protecting land in Texas since 1982. Their mission is to conserve natural areas in Texas and to protect the physical and ecological integrity of their water, wildlife habitat, native plant communities, and scenic landscapes. They work with communities, private landowners, governments, and other partners to protect these natural treasures for the benefit of present and future generations.
