Coastal Prairie Conservancy Permanently Conserves Additional 615 Acres
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) recently announced a significant leap in their efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems of southeast Texas. The nonprofit land trust has permanently conserved the Dawdy Ranch, a remarkable 615-acre property nestled in Matagorda County, through a donated conservation easement. Encapsulating hundreds of acres of untouched mima mound coastal prairie and prairie potholes, the ranch is an invaluable asset to the region's biodiversity.
Mary Anne Piacentini, President and CEO of the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, stressed the importance of such conservation work, stating “By protecting this land, we are not just preserving essential habitats for countless species; we are increasing the health and resilience of our region’s natural resources for generations to come.” The Dawdy Ranch now adds to the more than 32,000 acres of Southeast Texas lands that the CPC has preserved, bolstering community benefits through flood reduction, carbon trapping, and enhancement of wildlife habitats.
Carpeted with an array of native grasses and trees, including live oak and green ash, the ranch is a sanctuary for unique plants like the Texas windmill grass and Texas Willkommia. It is also vital for shielding species of concern, including the American kestrel and Northern bobwhite.
Since 1992, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy has been dedicated to the preservation of coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit both people and wildlife. Building on the legacy of the Katy Prairie Conservancy, Coastal Prairie Conservancy has expanded its mission and commitment to land conservation across the region, including the preservation of the Katy Prairie in Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties. The Coastal Prairie Conservancy owns more than 13,500 acres and protects 5,000 acres through conservation agreements with private landowners in the Katy Prairie.
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The successful conservation of Dawdy Ranch came to fruition through generous donations from the landowner who expressed concerns over the loss of habitat for grassland birds. The land will continue to be available for sustainable livestock grazing, fundamental in managing grasslands.
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy also received substantial funding for this conservation project from the Texas Land Trust Council. This nonpartisan, nonprofit organization works to build and support a strong, active coalition of organizations aiming to conserve the magnificent lands of Texas. Over the past two decades, they have helped conserve more than 1.94 million acres statewide through education, advocacy, outreach and technical assistance.
Piacentini shared her heartfelt gratitude saying, “Our mission to conserve these vital lands thrives on the unwavering support of our incredible community. We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of the landowner and our donors, whose contributions enable us to pursue and achieve this essential work."
The successful conservation of the Dawdy Ranch reflects the enduring efforts put forth by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy and the Texas Land Trust Council, preserving the irreplaceable ecosystems of Southeast Texas for the present and future generations.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
