Aransas First Land Trust Receives $1 Million State Appropriation to Protect Critical Coastal Habitat

Texas Legislature funding will advance conservation efforts in Aransas County’s diverse ecosystem

ARANSAS COUNTY, TX – Aransas First Land Trust announced today that it has been awarded $1 million from the State of Texas to continue its vital mission of identifying, acquiring, and protecting critical habitat in the Aransas County ecosystem. The funding was appropriated by the Texas Legislature in recognition of the non-profit organization’s successful conservation efforts throughout the region.

“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature and particularly want to thank Chairman Todd Hunter for championing our efforts to protect Aransas County’s diverse ecosystem,” said Janae Evans, President of Aransas First Land Trust. “Chairman Hunter is a strong advocate for habitat preservation in the Coastal Bend, and it’s been an absolute honor to align with him on this critical mission.” “This significant investment demonstrates the state’s commitment to preserving the region’s natural treasures for future generations,” added Shelly Steckler, Aransas First board member and catalyst for the project. 

State Representative Todd Hunter emphasized the importance of the funding: “Our region’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity are foundational to our community’s identity and prosperity. I am proud to support initiatives like Aransas First Land Trust’s efforts to safeguard these irreplaceable habitats.”

The million-dollar appropriation comes at a crucial time for the region, where eco-tourism serves as a vital economic driver. Aransas County’s pristine coastal habitats attract visitors from across the nation. “Our community relies on eco-tourism, and the beautiful habitat here is the reason people want to visit and live in Aransas County,” added Maureen Crocker, Aransas First board member and co-catalyst for the project. 

Aransas County Judge Ray Garza praised the partnership between the State and Aransas First conservation efforts: “This is a great example of what can happen when state leaders and local organizations work together for the greater good.  Aransas First has been a committed steward of our environment, and with this investment from the state, we’re taking a major step toward preserving the beauty and biodiversity that make Aransas County so special, not just for today but for generations to come.”

 To date, Aransas First has successfully protected hundreds of acres across multiple sites in Aransas County, establishing a strong foundation for continued conservation efforts. The new state funding will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to acquire and protect additional critical habitat throughout the region. “It’s a quality-of-life matter… for people and wildlife,” Evans summarized.

The Aransas County ecosystem serves as home to numerous species of wildlife and provides essential stopover points for migratory birds along the Central Flyway, including the endangered Whooping Crane. Protecting habitats ensures the continued health of wildlife populations while supporting the local economy through sustainable eco-tourism.

About Aransas First Land Trust

Aransas First Land Trust is dedicated to identifying, acquiring, and protecting sensitive Coastal Bend habitats essential to the health and preservation of birds and other wildlife. The organization works to increase public awareness of unique local ecosystems through education, access, and participation. For more information about Aransas First Land Trust, visit https://aransasfirst.org/

Media Contact: Janae Evans – Aransas First Land Trust President – 361-790-6030 – janae@evtex.com