BTA Highlights

"A Call to action for the big thicket"

Brady files bill to Connect, Preserve, and Revitalize a Texas Treasure.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R- The Woodlands) is working to do more than just protect the Big Thicket National Preserve. Saying that this national treasure can be so much more, Mr. Brady has filed a bill that can not only preserve this Texas gem, but also provide the means to increase tourism to it.

“With the right vision and support, the Big Thicket can become a premiere eco-tourism attraction,” said Mr. Brady. In order to make that happen, Mr. Brady has filed HR 5891 which has three primary goals: connect, expand, and preserve the Big Thicket.

To connect the boundaries of the Big Thicket, Mr. Brady wants willing landowners to be able to sell or donate their land to the Preserve at a time when thousands of acres of timber land are already changing hands. By adding up to 100,000 acres to the Big Thicket, the unique blend of swampland, forest pine savannas and dry sand hills can be preserved for future generations. 

The Big Thicket is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country and has been a National Preserve for nearly 35 years. These enhancements will allow for the creation of family-friendly eco-tourism, including water-based GPS way points and elevated canopy walks. An interactive visitor center will also give researchers and those who just love nature a convenient place to start their eco-journeys.

Not only will these changes open the door to up to a million new visitors to the Big Thicket every year, Mr. Brady believes they will also increase interest in the communities that surround this Texas treasure.

Congressman Brady is a six term congressman from East Texas. The Big Thicket has received $5.25 million dollars in federal funds since Mr. Brady began representing this national treasure. Mr. Brady recently presented the Big Thicket with a check for $1.25 million dollars for land acquisition and has asked Congress to increase that amount by another $4.75 million.

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