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Commissioners approve three Proposition A conservation easements, including a $1.5M purchase
Summary
The court approved three Proposition A conservation easements: two donated easements with $75,000 transaction costs each and a 1,556‑acre purchase from Rebecca Canary for $1.5 million plus $150,000 in administrative costs; all motions passed unanimously.
Kendall County commissioners approved three conservation easements recommended by the Proposition A committee, directing Proposition A funds to cover transaction and purchase costs.
Chairman Rusty Busby summarized the proposals: the Sisterdale Sanctuary (32.7 acres) and Cibolo/Cibilo Bluffs (27 acres) were offered as donated easements; the county was asked to cover administrative/transaction costs not to exceed $75,000 for each. For the largest parcel at 1646 FM 473, owner Rebecca Canary proposed selling a conservation easement on 1,556 acres for $1,500,000 and requested the county pay up to $150,000 in administrative costs.
Busby said the Canary figure equated to about "$964 per acre" and that the committee recommended approval. After brief questions from commissioners about the committee vote totals and partners managing the easements, the court voted to accept the donated easements and to approve the Canary acquisition and associated administrative disbursement. Each motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: the purchases and administrative payments use the county’s Proposition A conservation fund to lock in conservation protections and stewardship endowments for high‑value ecological parcels in the Hill Country.
Votes: all three motions passed 5‑0.
Speakers quoted/attributed in this article: Chair Rusty Busby (Proposition A committee chair); Rebecca Canary (landowner representation summarized); county staff.
