Houston landowner saves ranch with federal aid

Artist preserves Texas prairie, aiding climate and wildlife

Rose-Marie Demourkas Towle, a distinguished artist from Brookshire, Texas, has taken a bold step towards environmental conservation by securing her ranch under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. This move aligns with federal efforts to support climate-smart agriculture and land preservation.

Her property, adjacent to the historic Katy Prairie Preserve, is now safeguarded through the Arborland Grassland easement project. This area is crucial for the Coastal Prairie Conservancy's strategy to protect the region's natural resources from the encroachments of urban development in Houston.

With the easement in place, Rose-Marie's land will remain a sanctuary for various species, including cattle, birds, and geese, enhancing the ecological landscape.

Reflecting on her decision, Rose-Marie said, “The opportunity to preserve the land through NRCS and the Coastal Prairie Conservancy made it an easy decision to abandon development and protect the land.” This statement underscores the significant ecological benefits of her choice.

The funding for this easement comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, which identifies national priority areas for conservation to prevent the conversion of grasslands and the release of soil carbon.

The ACEP-ALE facilitates this by helping landowners, land trusts, and governments maintain croplands and grasslands, promoting sustainable land use practices.

Rose-Marie's commitment to conserving her ranch not only preserves a portion of Texas's natural heritage but also contributes to combating climate change through responsible land stewardship. This initiative serves as an inspiring example for other landowners in the face of increasing developmental pressures.