Galveston Bay Foundation to Hold Easement on Nation’s First Eastern Black Rail Conservation Bank

• September 23, 2025
• News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Galveston Bay Foundation to Hold Easement on Nation’s First Eastern Black Rail Conservation Bank  

Brazoria County — August 7, 2025 — Galveston Bay Foundation will be the conservation easement holder for the nation’s first Eastern Black Rail Conservation Bank. This landmark effort marks a major step forward for habitat preservation and species protection in Texas and across the Gulf Coast.

Located in Brazoria County near Galveston Bay Foundation’s existing 5,000-acre Chocolate Bay Preserve, the 492-acre conservation bank protects high-quality coastal habitat critical to the survival of the Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis). The Eastern Black Rail is a federally threatened species known for its elusive behavior and distinctive “ki-ki-doo” call. Important indicators of healthy wetlands, Eastern Black Rails spend their entire lives foraging, nesting, and roosting in marshes like those found in the Galveston Bay estuary. Black

Rails are sensitive to environmental degradation, and their populations have declined in recent decades due to threats like habitat conversion and sea level rise. 

“We are honored to be the easement holders for such a significant conservation milestone,” said Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. “This project is a step towards ensuring that this rare bird species has a long-term future in Texas. We’re also proud to see this initiative unfolding right next to our Chocolate Bay Preserve, reinforcing our commitment to regional habitat protection.” 

“This conservation bank is a critical milestone for the preservation of Eastern Black Rail populations in Texas,” said Suzanne Simpson, Land Acquisition Manager for Galveston Bay Foundation. “High-quality coastal habitats provide a suite of benefits to wildlife and people. This project isn’t just good news for black rails; it’s good news for Texans.” 

Galveston Bay Foundation will work closely with the bank’s partners, Conservation Equity Management, Ironwood Resource Advisors, LLC, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to ensure the habitat remains protected and managed in perpetuity.  

This project reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive, permanent conservation solutions that benefit protected species. By holding the conservation easement, Galveston Bay Foundation will help ensure strong stewardship and ecological integrity for generations to come. 

About Galveston Bay Foundation
Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come through programs in advocacy, habitat restoration, land conservation, water quality, education, and research. 

Media Contact:
Kimberly Meza, Communications and Marketing Manager  

Kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278