Texans for State Parks will hold the 2007 annual meeting on October 27 at the restored Blanco County Courthouse in Blanco, Texas. The meeting is usually held in the early spring, but was delayed this year because of Legislative activities and to recognize TfSP’s 10 year anniversary.

Join us to celebrate 10 years of citizens working on behalf of Texas parks, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about what’s in the future of your favorite park or historic site. There is a lot to catch up on. The 80th Legislative session resulted in the transfer of 18 historic sites to the Texas Historical Commission, privatization of the Texas State Railroad and significant funding for state and local parks. However, there a number of provisions to be met, and a large part of the funding for maintenance and repairs for parks and the Battleship Texas is dependant on the passage of Proposition 4 in November.

Saturday’s program, beginning at 9:00 a.m., will include State Representative Donna Howard, Parks & Wildlife Deputy Executive Director-Administration, Gene McCarty, State Parks Director Walt Dabney,and George Bristol, Texas Coalition for Conservation.

Representative Howard, a member of the Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee strongly supported parks funding. When it became obvious that a number of historic sites would be transferred to the Texas Historical Commission, she was responsible for limitations and oversight provisions in the final legislation, and continues to serve in an oversight capacity for the transfer and operation of those sites.

Walt Dabney and Gene McCarty will provide an overview of work underway as a result of the funding and the requirements to be addressed as a condition of that funding, as well as the importance of informing the public about what Proposition 4 means for the Texas Parks System.

George Bristol, of the Texas Conservation Coalition, will follow up with information about the bond election, and the work ahead to assure the continuance of parks funding. It’s important to remember that the funding approved by the recent legislative session is a one time appropriation, for this biennium.

TfSP Director John Cobb, also a member of the Friends of Ft. McKavett and other historic sites, is working with members of the Texas Historical Commission on the historic site transfers, and will provide an update on what is being planned for those sites under the operation of THC.

Watch your mail and http://www.texansforstateparks.org/ for registration information. Note, we are developing a new web site, so you may be directed to a temporary address until the transfer is complete.

If you are not a member of Texans for State Parks and would like registration information, please contact Linda Evans, e-mail leevans@texas.net, phone 512.444.8079 or mail Texans for State Parks, P. O. Box 41480, Austin, TX 78704. Or, just join us in Blanco!

There are a number of lodging facilities including bed and breakfasts and camping facilities at Blanco State Park for those who want to spend a weekend in the Blanco area. For information about Blanco area lodging, the Blanco State Park and other area attractions see www.historicblanco.org/links.htm and www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/blanco/, or phone Blanco State Park, 830/833-4333.