Download & Print
Courtesy Photo/Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
May 3, 2023
New state natural area reserve in development in Pipe Creek
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Although it isn’t open to the public yet, a new state natural area in Pipe Creek is in development.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Albert and Bessie Kronkosky began buying property in the area in 1946, including the 3,800-acre property at 7690 Hwy. 46 W. The couple willed their land to the state of Texas to protect it from development, which the TPWD accepted in March 2011.
The property features several rare and endangered Hill Country species, such as the golden-cheeked warbler, alligator lizard, sycamore-leaf snowbell, big-toothed maple, Boerne bean and Texas spring salamander.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the wildlife while they camp, backpack and hike. Limited mountain biking will also be permitted.
TPWD stated there is no definitive timeline for an opening date.
“Many factors impact the length of this process, including funding.
Baseline surveys are the first step. These surveys determine sensitive areas as well as areas to be developed. The surveys also identify the scenic and interesting places at the site,” TPWD stated. “With that information in hand, TPWD creates a Public Use Plan to guide the park’s development. We have already held public hearings to gather input on the draft of this plan. Once we finalize the plan, the design phase begins. Park planners design the look of the buildings, placement of parking, and other types of park infrastructure. Finally, construction can begin.”
Volunteers are needed now to help with plant and animal surveys, as well as maintenance and outreach. Go to https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/volunteer_menu?reqid for more information and to sign up.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Albert and Bessie Kronkosky began buying property in the area in 1946, including the 3,800-acre property at 7690 Hwy. 46 W. The couple willed their land to the state of Texas to protect it from development, which the TPWD accepted in March 2011.
The property features several rare and endangered Hill Country species, such as the golden-cheeked warbler, alligator lizard, sycamore-leaf snowbell, big-toothed maple, Boerne bean and Texas spring salamander.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the wildlife while they camp, backpack and hike. Limited mountain biking will also be permitted.
TPWD stated there is no definitive timeline for an opening date.
“Many factors impact the length of this process, including funding.
Baseline surveys are the first step. These surveys determine sensitive areas as well as areas to be developed. The surveys also identify the scenic and interesting places at the site,” TPWD stated. “With that information in hand, TPWD creates a Public Use Plan to guide the park’s development. We have already held public hearings to gather input on the draft of this plan. Once we finalize the plan, the design phase begins. Park planners design the look of the buildings, placement of parking, and other types of park infrastructure. Finally, construction can begin.”
Volunteers are needed now to help with plant and animal surveys, as well as maintenance and outreach. Go to https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/volunteer_menu?reqid for more information and to sign up.