Middle Neches Forestlands, TX

In one of the largest, most complex forestland projects in the Texas history, The Conservation Fund and Renewable Resources, LLC, joined forces to acquire and conserve 33,000 acres of working forestland from International Paper. As a result of a creative, balanced strategy developed by the partnership, the property, while continuing to yield economic benefits through sustainable forestry, will now be permanently protected and help combat the high rate of forestland fragmentation.

The Middle Neches tract contains some of the highest quality forestlands in the south. Sustainable forestry ensures the land will continue to provide lasting benefits to our investors, the local community and the environment.

- Bob Saul, Renewable Resources

Summary

The Middle Neches property, located along the Neches River, near Lufkin, Texas, connects Davy Crockett and Angelina National Forests and is considered by conservationists and members of the forestry sector to be of high value for both wood production and wildlife habitat.

Challenge

With millions of acres of important forestland coming on the market, there is increasing pressure from a growing population to develop lands such as the Middle Neches property for non-forest uses.

Solution

The Conservation Fund worked with a diverse group of partners including Renewable Resources, a private forest investment firm, Houston Endowment, The Meadows Foundation, and the T.L.L. Temple Foundation to raise the funds necessary to acquire the Middle Neches tract, valued at more than $26 million.

Results

The acquisition is part of a long-term conservation strategy supported by state and federal agencies to protect forestland in east Texas. As part of the agreement with Renewable Resources, the forestland will be managed in a sustainable fashion and maintained as a natural hardwood forest until the property can be turned over to public ownership. Forestry operations will meet or exceed all requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program and all Texas Best Management Practices for forestlands to ensure protection of critical habitat including imperiled aquatic resources.