Fort Worth's City Council recently approved two major land acquisitions in support of the Open Space Conservation Program, stepping up the city's commitment to preserving its natural spaces. In line with Mayor Mattie Parker's "Good Natured Greenspace Initiative," the goal is to safeguard 10,000 acres over the next half-decade, boosting the local park system. According to a report from the City of Fort Worth's official news site, these new parcels of land present significant conservation opportunities.
In northwest Fort Worth, 41.667 acres along Mahafy Street, referred to as the Mahaffey Project, were approved for purchase at up to $1.73 million. While providing an alternate entrance to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, the land also acts as an environmentally sensitive area's buffer landscape. An Open Space Working Group labeled the site as a moderate to high priority for conservation, recognizing its high-quality riparian tree canopy and recovering prairie. The announcement highlights that this acquisition aligns with overarching goals like ecosystem preservation and flood control, financed by the 2022 Bond Program Fund.
The Collier Project will add roughly 152.5 acres, nestled within the upper reaches of the Silver Creek watershed, to the city's conservation portfolio. The tract, purchased from Pioneer Land & Cattle Co. and W.R. Collier for up to $3.95 million, plays host to the endangered Cross-Timbers forest and Fort Worth Prairie ecosystems. As detailed by the City of Fort Worth's official news, these lands are essential for water quality, aligning with the Lake Worth Greenprint Plan established with the Trust for Public Land. Additionally, it touches on recreative significance and the necessity for flood control. Master planning in the future will decide how to manage and publicize the area, potentially incorporating it into the City's Active Transportation Plan through new trail connections.
