The Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area in Bandera County has been awarded a $300,000 grant for the construction of six miles of natural surface recreational trails. This grant is part of over $4.5 million in funding approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission during their meeting on Thursday.
The grants, funded through the National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF), support a diverse array of motorized and non-motorized trail projects across the state. The NRTF is sourced from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by fuel purchases for off-highway vehicles. The Texas Legislature has bolstered this fund by adding an additional $1 million per year to the program and may allocate further funds from the Sporting Goods Sales Tax this year. Additionally, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department re-allocated $900,000 from previous projects that were either completed under budget or canceled.
“State management in recent years has allowed us to have longer seasons as well as greater fishing opportunities,” said Robin Riechers, Coastal Fisheries Division Director, underscoring the significance of state support in facilitating outdoor recreational activities.
Among the other projects funded across Texas:
• Bell County: The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America received $280,148 for renovating and developing 3.25 miles of interpretive trails and constructing a trailside pavilion at Camp Tahuaya.
• Colorado County:
The city of Eagle Lake was granted $294,040 for phase one of the Eagle Lake/David Winterman Wildlife Area Recreational Walking Trail, including a .23 mile trail, boardwalk, wildlife viewing platform, and signage.
• Crockett County:
The Texas Motorized Trails Coalition received two grants totaling $368,000 for the Escondido Draw Recreation Area, funding trail renovations, new constructions, and maintenance equipment.
• Hays County: The Great Springs Project was awarded $298,640 for the Freedom Segment of the Emerald Crown Trail, and Texas State University received $135,740 for the Freeman Ranch segment of the San Marcos Outer Loop Trail. Additionally, Hays County was granted $300,000 for the Presa Grande Segment of the San Marcos Outer Loop Trail.
• Madison County:
The city of Madisonville received $300,000 for renovating a 1.1-mile trail and constructing a .8-mile crushed limestone trail for the Lake Madison Trail project.
• Marion County:
The city of Jefferson was awarded $300,000 for the Jefferson Recreational Trails Rehabilitation project.
• Montgomery County: The Sam Houston Trails Coalition, Inc. received $96,000 for purchasing a multi-functional track loader and utility trailer for trail maintenance in the Sam Houston National Forest.
• Palo Pinto County:
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park was awarded $300,000 for constructing six additional miles of multi-use natural surface trail.
• Reeves County:
Pecos City received $66,546 for constructing .63 miles of decomposed granite trail at Maxey Park.
• Travis County:
Ecology Action of Texas was awarded $148,552 for the Country Club Creek East Riparian Trail Enhancement project.
• Waller County:
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy received $184,000 for constructing a new .53-mile boardwalk as part of the Blazing Star Trail.
• Webb County: The city of Laredo was granted $300,000 for phase one of the Santa Fe Park Hike and Bike Trails, including .62 miles of multi-use accessible asphalt trail.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department emphasizes that these projects aim to enhance recreational opportunities while supporting conservation efforts. Texans are encouraged to take advantage of these improved trails and engage in outdoor activities that promote health and well-being.
For more information on the projects and other recreational opportunities, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website.
