Res 2013-096/Approving an Agreement of Sale with the Trust for Public Land for the city to purchase 93 acres of land for the expansion of Purgatory Creek

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Attachment H To Whom It May Concern 19 January 2012 The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance (SMGA) is proud to support the acquisition of over 289 acres of habitat and recharge area adjacent to the Purgatory Creek Natural Area known as the Clovis Barker tract phase II. This project's goals align completely with our organization's mission which is to create and conserve an interconnected system of parks and natural areas for our community and future generations. The preservation of this area, which would substantially increase the existing Purgatory Creek Natural Area, would expand the habitat for endangered species, protect area in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, reduce the impacts of flash floods, help maintain water quality in the sensitive San Marcos River and potentially expand the passive recreation activities including hiking, birding, camping, and picnicking. In addition, its connectivity to a larger system makes this a project more likely to achieve its stated goals. The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance has partnered with the City of San Marcos on the development of trails in almost 1,000 existing acres of natural areas. Our trail design and building techniques keep habitat, watershed, recharge and archaeological protection as the first priorities. This project presents a real opportunity for SMGA to further promote appreciation of the natural world and show off the beauty and natural heritage of the area to all of the citizens and visitors in Hays County. The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance offers its support for the acquisition of the 289 acres adjacent to the Purgatory Creek Natural Area and look forward to entering into a partnership for the trail development with the City of San Marcos. Sigcerely, Todd O. Derkacz,``Pre dent P.O. Box 1572, Sate Marcos 'IX 78667 • alliance Gsml;reenbelt.org