SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council unanimously approved Thursday an agreement that will protect more than 1,500 acres of land near the Bracken Cave.
"San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, in part because of the vast natural resources of the region. It's our responsibility to ensure we protect and conserve what makes this region incredibly special," said District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who spearheaded the effort to protect the area for more than a year.
The Nature Conservancy and Bat Conservation International will purchase 1,521 acres in the Texas Hill Country for $20.5 million. The city has authorized $10 million towards the purchase price.
The deal prevents a 3,500-home development near the cave, ensuring the protection of the bats and the farmers who depend on the winged creatures as a natural pesticide.
"This colony, which we believe has been here for 10,000 years, will eat more than 100 tons of insects each and every night," said Bat Conservation International Executive Director Andrew Walker. "They're saving farmers millions of dollars here in Texas alone."
Laura Huffman, state director of the Nature Conservancy, said the deal protects more than the Mexican free-tail bat.
"We're protecting Bracken Bat Cave, we're protecting the Edwards Aquifer, and we're protecting the important habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler," she said.
The deal will also enable more public access to the area and allow local high schools and universities to expand their research in the area.
The city will use $5 million from the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program and another $5 million from local developer Forester to pay for its portion of the contract.
The deal is expected to be finalized by Halloween.
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