Ragsdale

Click here to listen to KUT report on this project.

"This is a remarkable 3-for-1 conservation deal," said Hill Country Conservancy executive director George Cofer. "Not only will it protect Central Texas' water quality and wildlife habitat, but it will also preserve one of the most special historic sites and the rural heritage of the region." (click here to read the May 7th, 2007 press release)

The 497-acre historic Gibson Ranch, now known as Ragsdale Ranch, utilized Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) funds, along with funding from the City of Austin, Advanced Micro Devices and Hill Country Conservancy, to create a conservation easement that will protect its water, pastures and wildlife habitat, forever. In addition, the original chimney, hand-dug well and log cabin on the 1870s home site will be preserved to commemorate our regional heritage.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program funding to purchase development rights and conserve working farms and ranches in perpetuity. In addition to conserving private agricultural lands, FRPP also conserves historic buildings and places that depict the heritage of rural America.

The Ragsdale/Gibson Ranch lies along both sides of Onion Creek a few miles southeast of Dripping Springs and boasts beautiful views and significant water resources. Past stewards of the ranch effectively managed the property for livestock production and human needs while sustaining the health of the land.

This property is located in the contributing zone of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, with Onion Creek meandering through the center of the property. Precipitation falling on land in the contributing zone flows through creeks and streams to recharge the aquifer. More than 50,000 Hays County and south Austin residents depend on clean, clear water from the aquifer for drinking and household uses.

This successful private-public conservation partnership ensures that the scenic vistas, range lands and water resources of the historic Gibson Homestead will be conserved in perpetuity. HCC extends grateful thanks to Mike Luigs, owner of the Ragsdale Ranch and President of land/water/sky, LLC, and its other partners the City of Austin and Advanced Micro Devices for their steadfast support and generous contributions that made this win/win/win project possible.

Click here to see the official press release.