The long-awaited preservation of Dahl­strom Ranch – a key piece of aquifer property in Hays County – has only technical hurdles to clear before it officially becomes a conservation easement. Hays Co. commissioners last week pledged $4.9 million to the regional project, which should greatly enhance water quality and water protection. Probably the feel-good story of the year coming out of Hays, the ranch was shepherded through the court by Precinct 2 Commissioner Jeff Barton. Commissioners dipped into their park bond money to complete the $9.9 million asking price the Dahlstrom family had been negotiating for permanent development rights. The money from Hays was part of a $30 million parks bond passed in 2007.

In addition to Hays Co., the Hill Coun­try Conservancy chipped in $4 million it raised primarily from federal National Resources Conservation Service grants. The city of Aus­tin partnered with Hays for the first time and brought $1 million to the table, as well as staff assistance evaluating the property. Julie Jenkins, a cave expert with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, told the commissioners that the city leadership thought this was among the best opportunities they’d seen to preserve water quality.

The historic ranch contains several caves, and hydrologists have repeatedly praised the land’s significant recharge capability. Along with the conservation easement, the ranch will contain 370 acres of accessible parkland – about the same size as Zilker Park. Dubbed “Howe Pasture,” the public portion would require $350,000 to build access improvements.

The land was originally appraised at roughly $25 million, and the permanent development rights include the option for the four partners to have first refusal on buying it outright, should the Dahlstrom family ever want to sell. The family would also be required to give the civic partners a two-year notice should they want to part with the actual land. The public learned a few more details about the massive 2,252-acre ranch. The land includes a 270-acre quarry operated by Centex, which has control of that property until 2060, although certain provisions enable the company to turn over its lease earlier.

This article appears in October 10 • 2008.

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