The project
In October 2022, the county went into an agreement with Halff and Associates to prepare a master plan for the conservation efforts as well as to survey residents.
James Hemenes, director of landscape architecture from Halff and Associates, addressed the court with key issues such as rapid development, limited regulatory authority, and access to parks and natural areas.
Hemenes said he aims to provide strategic recommendations for balancing development and conservation while enhancing recreational opportunities for the community.The master plan serves as a strategy document with goals and recommendations for decision-makers, Hemenes said.
“It is not a regulation or policy and does not impact private property rights,” Hemenes said.
Over 1,500 individual responses were received from the resident survey indicating community interest and participation, Hemenes said.
The key issues identified from the study included:
- Development and growth outpacing conservation efforts
- Limited statutory authority for county oversight of development
- Lack of access to parks and natural areas for a significant portion of the population
- Increasing demand for recreational space exceeding supply
- Challenges in protecting critical resources due to limited regulatory authority
- Balancing development and conservation
- Conservation with strategic partners
- Enhancing recreational capacity
Those in favor
Environmentalists and conservationists support the master plan's efforts to conserve natural resources, protect wildlife habitats and promote sustainable land use practices, as many voiced their support for the project.
“This plan is a first step. It is a testament of our community's desire to protect our land, water and wildlife for future generations,” said Ryan Spencer, executive director of the Comal County Conservation Alliance.
Community members voiced their support saying the master plan will benefit the community by preserving green spaces, improving access to parks and recreational facilities, and enhancing overall quality of life in the county.
Those opposed
Some individuals and groups who attended opposed the master plan, expressing concerns about potential restrictions on property rights and regulatory overreach.
One resident, John Harper, expressed his concerns about conservation easements, arguing that they deprive his sons of their private property rights and go against “fundamental American values.”
“I believe in our America, and in America, I believe in private property rights,” Harper said. “I believe it was my naivete. ...I was deceived by not properly understanding the conservation easement when I spent the bulk of what I had accumulated in my life to buy a piece of property that had conservation easements.”
The next steps
Putting the approved plan into action will involve seeking grant funding, addressing maintenance needs for acquired spaces, engaging in long-term planning and fostering community involvement, the court officials said. These actions aim to turn the master plan into tangible benefits for Comal County, addressing development, conservation and recreational concerns, court officials said.
