Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the state parks. Big Bend Ranch comes in at a whopping 311,000 acres and has most closely been followed by Chinati Mountains State Natural Area at 39,000 acres and Devils River State Natural Area at 37,000 acres. Now, a new state park is going to shift those two further down the line: Silver Lake State Park in Hill Country.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced on May 27 that it had acquired 54,000 acres of land in Kinney and Edwards counties that will be designated for Silver Lake State Park. Set to become the second largest park in the Lone Star State, the acquisition comes after The Moody Foundation decided to gift part of its ownership of Silver Lake Ranch to the TPWD. The property had historically been used for cattle and sheep ranching.
Ross Moody issued a statement on behalf of the foundation, stating, “The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come. Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”
Governor Greg Abbott also spoke positively about the project. He said, “With this new land acquisition across the Hill Country, Texans will have access to more than 50,000 acres of unique outdoor activities. This future state park will grant generations of Texans with a deeper understanding of the land that helps make our state the natural envy of the world.”
The partnership is being similarly celebrated by the TPWD’s Executive Director, David Yoskowitz. He said, “This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas. Near one of the most popular state parks in Texas, Silver Lake is sure to become a destination for park visitors and be the backdrop of memories made for generations to come.”
So, what exactly will you be able to do at the 54,000-acre park when it eventually opens? Let’s see.
Here’s what you can expect to do and see at the park
Silver Lake State Park will be found between Ulvalde and Rocksprings, approximately 150 miles outside of San Antonio. On the newly acquired acreage are limestone cliffs, hills, canyons, and access to West Nueces River, Silver Lake, Dutch Waterhole, Sycamore Creek, Blue Waterhole, North Spring Creek, and Lost Creek. Pictographs, oak motts, and caves will also be accessible at Silver Lake State Park.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department noted the property is home to native wildlife like dove, turkey, javelina, greenthroat darter fish, and white-tailed deer. The department is hopeful it may serve as a safe habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler, which is currently endangered. While excitement is high, it’ll take time to prepare the area for visitors.
The official news release notes that TPWD will “develop the park in phases,” and “initial access could include guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure improvements are underway. Later phases will add trails, basic visitor facilities and eventually expanded recreational amenities such as camping and paddling access.”
Public input will be considered in regards to recreation at Silver Lake State Park. TPWD emphasized that it will make announcements for milestones as they’re reached, and it will similarly announce the projected opening date once that information becomes available.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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