TRWD’s Board of Directors passed a resolution yesterday at its February 21 board meeting that will preserve a six-acre parcel of prairie land it owns in southern Tarrant County.
The action by the board ensures the undisturbed land, located south of Sycamore Road, will be preserved until the District needs the space for a future water supply pipeline. TRWD plans to build an additional connection to its existing infrastructure near Lake Benbrook, where it stores raw water for use by its wholesale customers.
Once water demands dictate the construction of the new pipeline, TRWD has committed to work with the community to design an area that minimizes the impact on the natural areas on the parcel and surrounding properties.
“As a board member of TRWD, I have been very supportive of the District preserving this six-acre parcel,” said TRWD Board Member Marty Leonard. “I feel it is very important that we help preserve our original, pristine Fort Worth Prairie. Jarid Manos, founder of the Great Plains Restoration Council, has also worked tirelessly for years to preserve this prairie for future generations who perhaps have never seen authentic prairie.”
“We strive to act as stewards of the natural environment and the communities we serve,” said TRWD General Manager Dan Buhman. “Everything we do is focused on enriching communities and improving the quality of life through water supply, flood control, and recreation. This action is a perfect union of those ideas and I’m excited for the open space and environmental benefits this will provide.”