Protect Texas’ Natural Areas, Water Quality and History
Texas has an incredible system of state parks and historic sites that help preserve our heritage and provide outdoor opportunities for every Texas family.
Why Texas Parks Need Your Support
Our parks and historic sites are overflowing and stretched to the limit. Now is the time to act.
Texas has an incredible system of state parks and historic sites that help preserve our heritage and provide important recreational and educational opportunities for Texas families. But our parks and historic sites are overflowing and stretched to the limit as Texans seek out outdoor opportunities in a state that is 95% privately owned.
State park visitation alone is nearing 10 million visitors annually. All of those visitors coupled with chronic underfunding has placed a strain on an aging system with outdated infrastructure. If we are to meet growing demand and ensure future generations can enjoy these sites and the great outdoors, the system needs a dedicated stream of funding.
On November 5, 2019, Texans headed to the polls for a Constitutional Amendment Election. Proposition 5 — “Prop. 5” — was one of 10 measures on which Texans voted. Prop. 5 dedicates revenue from the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, so those dollars can only be used by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission on public parks and historic sites, and not for any other purposes.
Importantly, Prop. 5 requires no new taxes or fees. A YES vote on Prop. 5 protects Texas’ natural areas and historic sites, so we don’t lose the very things that make Texas a special place in which to live.
What We Stand For
Natural Areas
Preserving Texas’ diverse landscapes — from the Piney Woods to the Chihuahuan Desert — for wildlife habitat and public enjoyment.
Water Quality
Protecting Texas rivers, lakes, and coastal waters so communities have clean water and anglers have healthy fisheries for generations to come.
Texas History
Safeguarding our historic sites, battlefields, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of who we are as Texans.
What Texas Leaders Are Saying
“Supporting our state parks and historic sites is an investment in our future and provides a gateway to the outdoors for every Texan.”— State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst
“Our parks and historical sites are a key component of Texas’ heritage and must be preserved for future generations.”— Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
“Our state parks and the department’s stewardship of state lands, wildlife, and habitats are also central to fishing, hunting, outdoor sporting, and tourism industries. These combine for billions of dollars in annual economic impact and more than one million Texas jobs.”— State Rep. John Cyrier
How to Support the Campaign
- 1
Stay Informed
Learn about Proposition 5 and how the Sporting Goods Sales Tax dedication protects Texas state parks without raising taxes or fees.
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Get Out the Vote
Make sure you are registered to vote and encourage your family and friends to participate in constitutional amendment elections.
- 3
Spread the Word
Share information about protecting Texas parks with your community. Every voice matters when it comes to funding the places Texans love.
- 4
Meet Our Coalition
Join over 75 organizations — from wildlife groups to business associations — united in the effort to protect Texas parks for future generations. View the full coalition →
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Read Guide →Our Parks Are Worth Protecting
Learn about the Texas Coalition and the organizations standing together to safeguard natural Texas for the next generation.
Meet the CoalitionFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas Coalition for State Parks?
The Texas Coalition for State Parks is a broad alliance of more than 75 organizations united around a single goal: ensuring reliable, dedicated funding for Texas state parks and historic sites. Members include conservation groups, hunting and fishing organizations, business associations, and outdoor recreation advocates.
The Coalition formed during the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature and successfully championed Proposition 5, a constitutional amendment that directs Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenue exclusively to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission.
What was Proposition 5 and why did it matter?
Proposition 5 (Prop. 5) was a constitutional amendment on the November 5, 2019 Texas ballot. It dedicated revenue from the existing state sales and use taxes on sporting goods to TPWD and the Texas Historical Commission, preventing those funds from being diverted to other purposes.
Before Prop. 5, the Legislature had repeatedly redirected sporting goods tax dollars away from parks. The amendment locked in funding so Texas parks could address a maintenance backlog, expand access, and prepare for growing visitation — all without raising taxes.
How are Texas state parks funded now?
Since the passage of Prop. 5, Texas state parks receive a dedicated share of Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenue each biennium. This provides a more stable and predictable budget than relying on discretionary appropriations that were historically diverted.
TPWD uses these funds to acquire new park land, repair aging infrastructure, hire park rangers, and improve visitor amenities across more than 90 state parks and natural areas.
Why are Texas state parks important to the economy?
Texas state parks are a major economic engine. Outdoor recreation — including fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking in state parks — generates billions of dollars annually and supports more than one million Texas jobs. Visitors to state parks spend money in surrounding communities on lodging, food, fuel, and gear.
Beyond direct spending, parks protect natural resources that underpin Texas agriculture, water supplies, and real estate values. Preserving green space also improves public health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs over the long term.
How crowded are Texas state parks?
Texas state park visitation has climbed toward and beyond 10 million visitors annually in recent years. That level of use puts enormous pressure on trails, restrooms, campgrounds, and facilities that in many cases were built decades ago.
The growing demand is partly driven by Texas's rapid population growth and the fact that roughly 95% of land in the state is privately owned, leaving state parks as primary public outdoor recreation destinations for millions of Texans.
How can I support Texas state parks today?
The most direct way to support Texas state parks is to visit them regularly. Annual State Parks Passes and daily entrance fees generate revenue that goes back into park operations. Volunteering through the Texas State Parks program is another valuable way to contribute.
You can also follow the Texas Coalition for State Parks and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation for updates on advocacy efforts, conservation initiatives, and ways to make a difference for parks and natural areas across the state.