Coastal Prairie Conservancy

Land Conservation - The Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC, formerly known as Katy Prairie Conservancy) protects coastal prairie, wetlands, and agricultural lands in the following ways: acquisition of conservation lands at fair market value, acquisition of conservation lands through a bargain sale arrangement, receipt of donated conservation lands to CPC, receipt of donated trade lands to CPC, donation of conservation easements to CPC, and purchase of development rights on conservation lands in southeast Texas. Conservation lands are held in permanent trust and are maintained for the benefit of both the wildlife that inhabit the lands and the public who enjoy visiting CPC's preserves.

Land Management & Restoration - During 2003-2004, CPC's Board of Directors purchased a majority interest in the historic Warren Ranch, a 6,000-acre working cattle ranch. It's part of CPC's mission to protect the unique scenic, historic, and natural resources on the Katy Prairie. Well-managed farmland shelters wildlife, supplies scenic open space, and helps filter impurities from our air and water. Warren Ranch's agricultural lands offer many other benefits: preservation of natural resources; outdoor recreation, including bird watching, hunting, and nature tours; improved flood protection; economic development through eco-tourism; enhanced wildlife habitat; recharge zones for the area's aquifers; educational field trips for area youth; local food sources; and research opportunities for colleges in ecology and land management.

Land Stewardship - CPC monitors its conservation easement lands annually to ensure that the goals and objectives of the easement are followed and that the land retains its conservation values. CPC establishes baseline data on all its easements so it can track changes over time through regular monitoring protocols. CPC develops detailed management plans for its fee-owned properties to remove invasive species (including Chinese Tallow, McCartney Rose, feral hogs and other feral animals) and to improve the conservation values of these lands by restoring or creating wetlands and enhancing and restoring native grasslands.

Public Outreach - CPC works with various governmental entities to track and monitor public policy issues that may affect CPC's lands, including major thoroughfare and road plans, flood control initiatives, and conservation easement tax incentives. CPC offers events, tours, and programs to enable the public to enjoy different aspects of its protected lands. In addition, CPC also hosts small group tours (working in cooperation with other conservation entities and area naturalists) as well as field trips for young people. Interpretive signs and field guides enhance the visitor experience, and expanded outreach and marketing efforts through CPC's website and electronic newsletter broaden audience reach. CPC has also developed programming at area schools and parks to make people more aware of the importance of prairies to the region. CPC also provides extensive virtual programming when visiting its preserves is not possible.