Travis County Buys 3,000 Acres By Hamilton Pool For Preservation

Austin TX

09 December, 2021

4:25 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Travis County has purchased more than 3,000 acres of land surrounding Hamilton Pool to prevent land developers from building around the popular summer destination. The county, using money approved by voters through a 2017 bond, bought seven conservation easements around Hamilton Pool Road to prevent new builds from developing in the area. The natural pool preserve in western Travis County is one of the area's most sought-after destinations for Texans during the summer. The county said the easement purchases will also help protect Milton Reimers Ranch Park, which is close by to Hamilton Pool. "I want to thank the Travis County voters who approved the protection of 3,000 acres in the Hamilton Pool Road corridor," Ann Howard, Travis County commissioner for Precinct 3, said in a statement. "I'm thrilled this area of western Travis County will be preserved, so we can enjoy the beauty of public parks like Reimers Ranch Park and Hamilton Pool with minimal disruption from encroaching development. "I'm looking forward to the completion of other conservation easements underway in eastern Travis County and encourage residents to do what they can to protect and preserve our natural areas." Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea told KXAN Travis County is growing at a rapid pace, and that there's an urgent need to protect natural areas like the Hamilton Pool Road corridor. "These conservation easements allow us to maintain the County's irreplaceable environmental features. Reimers Ranch Park and Hamilton Pool visitors and residents nearby will be able to enjoy the land and scenery for many years to come," she said. The 2017 bond county voters approved was specifically tailored to help protect watersheds, native wildlife and scenic vistas, officials said. Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard said similar conservation easements purchases are in the works for eastern Travis County. In May, county officials had to restrict swimming at Hamilton Pool due to the risk of falling rocks caused by February's winter storm. Some of the hiking areas around the water were also restricted due to winter storm damage. According to the county's website, swimming won't be allowed at Hamilton Pool "for the foreseeable future." It's still open for most hikes, but you'll need to make a reservation on the county's website.