County purchase of El Rancho Cima land finalized

This week, Hays County is finalizing its purchase of a portion of El Rancho Cima, the more than 530-acre property with a mile of Blanco River frontage that previously operated as a boy scout camp.

The purchase was the first project funded under the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond after the camp was closed and sold to potential developers.

The property is located just west of Wimberley and will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve, a federally listed endangered species included in the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. It will also feature a riverfront park along an approximately one-mile stretch of a pristine segment of the Blanco River. This riverfront park will include low-impact swimming recreation and other activities to ensure the conservation and environmental protection priorities of the preserve.

In 2019, Hays County partnered with The Nature Conservancy in Texas to acquire the Sentinel Peak Preserve. The Nature Conservancy will continue to hold the conservation easement after the county acquires the land.

“The Nature Conservancy was very happy to partner with Hays County to protect this property that is not only significant for its conservation value but has also been so important to so many people over the years,” said Jeff Francell of the Nature Conservancy. “We are excited to see how it develops as a public park and natural area.”

As the park plan is implemented, Hays County will provide reservation-based, low-impact public access along the river and trails. This project will also preserve the condition of water quality and quantity for the Blanco River, San Marcos Springs and River, and the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers.

The bond identified $6 million for the purchase of the Sentinel Peak Preserve, which will be combined with $7 million from the 2016 voter-approved Transportation Bond set specifically for environmental mitigation. Hays County is grateful that TNC assisted with securing this property to establish this preserve and allow the incorporation of a public access component.

“This couldn’t have happened without the voters of Hays County,” said Hays County Commissioner, Lon Shell (Pct. 3). “It’s a great thing when residents across the county understand the need for and importance of conserving the beautiful hill country land and wildlife. It’s something we’re doing for the future generations of our community, and this is only the beginning.”

The purchase of the property is expected to be finalized on April 29.

About the Bond

The 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond called for the issuance of $75 million in general bonds, along with other potential funding mechanisms, to establish parks, open spaces, conservation lands, and other recreational opportunities. In November 2021, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) provided project and funding recommendations to the Hays County Commissioners Court. To view the list of recommended projects and sign up to receive park bond updates, visit www.haysparksbond.com or email [email protected].