Meet Our Coalition
The Texas Coalition for State Parks is a diverse group of 75 organizations with hundreds of thousands of hunters, anglers, land owners, conservationists, business leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. The Coalition came together during the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature and successfully advocated on behalf of our state parks and historic sites.
Why the Coalition Matters
Texas state parks and historic sites belong to all Texans — regardless of political affiliation, income level, or where they live in the state. Yet for decades, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax dollars legally dedicated to parks were repeatedly diverted to other budget priorities. The result was a system stretched thin: aging facilities, understaffed parks, and growing maintenance backlogs even as visitation climbed toward 10 million annually.
Recognizing this problem, leaders from across the conservation, recreation, and business communities came together to fix it permanently. The Texas Coalition for State Parks built a supermajority of support in the Legislature and placed Proposition 5 on the November 2019 ballot. Voters approved it, constitutionally protecting sporting goods tax revenue for parks and historic sites for the first time.
Coalition Members
The following organizations stand together in support of Texas state parks and historic sites. This listing reflects coalition membership as of March 20, 2019.
What We Achieved Together
The passage of Proposition 5 was a historic achievement for Texas conservation. For the first time, the Texas Constitution now guarantees that Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenue flows directly to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission — and cannot be redirected to other purposes.
That means more funding for acquiring land for new parks, repairing deteriorating infrastructure, hiring and training park rangers, and expanding public access to the outdoors. It means cleaner water at state park swimming holes, better-maintained trails, and improved campgrounds for Texas families.
The coalition’s success demonstrates what is possible when Texans from different backgrounds unite around shared values — and around the remarkable places that define our state.
Support the Campaign
Protecting Texas parks is ongoing work. Park budgets must be defended at every legislative session. New parks must be acquired as Texas grows. Historic sites need funding to remain accessible and well-interpreted. The coalition continues to monitor the implementation of Prop. 5 and to advocate for the full funding that Texas parks deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many organizations are in the Texas Coalition for State Parks?
The Texas Coalition for State Parks brought together more than 75 organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Texans. Members span a wide range of interests — hunting and fishing groups, environmental nonprofits, land trusts, municipal organizations, and business associations.
This breadth of membership reflects how universally valued Texas state parks are across political, geographic, and demographic lines. The coalition demonstrates that protecting natural areas is not a partisan issue but a shared Texas value.
What types of organizations joined the coalition?
The coalition includes hunters and anglers (Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association), conservation land trusts (The Nature Conservancy, Colorado River Land Trust, Hill Country Conservancy), outdoor recreation groups (BikeTexas, Austin Ridge Riders, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy), and business interests (Apache Corporation, Texas Travel Industry Association).
Also represented are local advocacy groups, community foundations, and chapters of national organizations. This breadth ensures the coalition speaks for rural, suburban, and urban Texans alike.
When did the Texas Coalition for State Parks form?
The coalition came together during the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature, which convened in 2019. Members united around the shared goal of passing a constitutional amendment — Proposition 5 — that would dedicate Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenue to state parks and historic sites.
The coalition successfully advocated for Prop. 5, which was placed on the November 2019 ballot and approved by Texas voters. It was a landmark victory for Texas conservation.
What did the coalition accomplish at the Legislature?
The coalition's primary legislative goal was to pass a joint resolution placing Proposition 5 on the statewide ballot. Members testified at the Capitol, met with legislators, and mobilized grassroots support across Texas to build momentum for the amendment.
Beyond the 2019 effort, coalition members continue to engage in Texas legislative sessions to advocate for adequate appropriations to TPWD, land acquisition funding, and policies that support healthy ecosystems across the state.
Can new organizations join the Texas Coalition for State Parks?
The coalition was built to be inclusive of any organization that shares the goal of supporting Texas state parks and natural areas. Nonprofit groups, civic organizations, businesses, and trade associations with a stake in healthy parks and public lands are encouraged to engage with the coalition's work.
Following the passage of Prop. 5, the focus has shifted to ensuring the constitutional mandate is implemented fully and that TPWD receives adequate funding to meet the demands of a fast-growing state.