November 3, 2000
Sunset Advisory Commission
agrees with TFB stand on SSWCB
Earlier this year, we told you about a staff recommendation of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission to expand the State Soil and Water Conservation Board (SSWCB) from five to eight members. The staff proposal recommended adding to the board two Governor appointees and the chairman, or designee, of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).
TFB testified in opposition to the staff recommendation at a Sunset hearing in June. TFB was the only statewide agricultural or commodity group to do so. Our organization's policy supports that the board continue to be elected on an area basis by the directors of local Soil and Water Conservation districts.
We're happy to report that members of the Sunset Advisory Commission agreed with our position and rejected the staff recommendation to change the makeup of the board. In addition, all of the other Sunset Advisory Commission's decisions regarding the SSWCB, where applicable, were favorable and in support of TFB policy. The Commission recommended the continuation of the SSWCB for another 12 years.
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The Governor's Task Force on Conservation on October 19 approved a set of specific recommendations about how Texas can meet our state's conservation and outdoor recreation needs in the future. The 12-member task force was created in February. TFB testified before the group in April on the issues of habitat fragmentation, endangered species recovery, nature tourism, conservation incentives/options for private landowners, and enhancing the state's park system (full testimony can be found at www.txfb.org) .
The final report of the task force is somewhat of a mixed bag when considering our organization's policy objectives. Remember, the group's recommendations have no statutory or regulatory authority. Legislators or agencies would have to propose and adopt these changes in order for them to be implemented.
Here are a few of the task force's more interesting recommendations:
1)Create a statewide Purchase of Development Rights program to compensate willing landowners for restricting future development for their lands. The Legislature would create the fund and a council to administer the fund. (TFB has no specific policy on a state-sponsored PDR program.)
2)Reform federal and state tax laws to encourage conservation by private landowners. (TFB supports.)
3)Expand incentives and assistance to landowners for habitat management, including expanding the use of Wildlife Management Plans, conservation agreements and the Landowner Incentive Program, increasing technical assistance to landowners, and forming more voluntary Wildlife Co-ops to help improve wildlife habitats. (TFB supports.)
4)Ensure funds to repair, maintain, and develop our existing public lands, and to acquire lands that meet the state's strategic conservation and outdoor recreation needs. (TFB believes state funds should be used to operate existing parks rather than buying more park land.)
How much state-owned land do park proponents say Texans need in the future?
A recent study conducted for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department concluded that the national average of state-owned park land is 45-55 acres per 1,000 people. Right now in Texas, there are 31.3 acres of state park land per 1,000 people.
In 2030, it is projected that Texas will need an additional 800,000 acres of state park land to achieve the national average.
Now that's the kind of information that can make you lie awake at night!
Thank you for the privilege of representing your interests in Austin. The countdown has begun—the 77th Legislature begins on Jan. 9.
The TFB Legislative staff in Austin may be reached at 512/472-8288.
