Conservation Easement at John Knox Ranch

Over 50 years ago, leaders in Mission Presbytery had the foresight to purchase the land for John Knox Ranch and set it aside for the use of camp and retreat ministry.

Our 300 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country, and our spring fed Blue Hole in particular, are unique natural resources and spiritual places that must be protected.

A conservation easement will protect this land from being subdivided or developed, forever. A conservation easement is a tool used in partnership with a land trust (which is a nonprofit focused on land conservation) to conserve natural land for generations while realizing some of the monetary value now. In exchange for committing to never subdivide or develop a portion of the property, significant funds can be generated that could be used to set up an endowment for camp ministry at John Knox Ranch in Mission Presbytery.

In this way, a conservation easement completes two major long-range goals of John Knox Ranch:

• protection for the sacred ground of the ranch and;
• financial stability in the form of an endowment that will ensure that John Knox Ranch will provide camp and retreat ministry in Mission Presbytery for generations to come.

The John Knox Ranch Committee has been working on this project for over a year. We have spoken to local experts, interviewed different land trusts, talked to past directors, and visited with private landowners as well as other camps who have set up conservation easements on their land. We have also completed a formal strategic planning process led by consultants who specialize in camp ministry sites and who have experience working with camps setting up conservation easements.

The proposed easement area is between 200 and 220 acres of the total 300 acres that make up John Knox Ranch. The proposed areas are the "nature preserve" south of Carpers Creek and the Blanco River floodplain near the dining hall. The "nature preserve" area is currently used for hiking, mountain biking, ropes challenge course, and overnight camping. If a conservation easement were to be placed on the property, we will be able to continue to use this space as we have for the last 57 years of camp ministry.

A preliminary appraisal has been conducted on the proposed easement area. A formal appraisal will be conducted as part of the process and the total number acres needs to be finalized. We can expect to receive between $1.2 million and 1.5 million in return for restricting the development of the property.

We have an opportunity this fall to secure funding for the easement. Our potential project has been identified as a priority to be funded through the Hays County conservation bond vote that will be on the ballot in the November 2020 election. In order to be included in the conservation bond funds, we need to secure Presbytery approval at the October Presbytery Meeting.

This project not only secures the future of John Knox Ranch, it helps fulfill our mission "to foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation". Through strategic planning, we identified the three core aspects of a John Knox Ranch experience for a summer camper or retreat participant: Christian community, connection to nature, and excellent food that enhances interpersonal relationships. Establishing a conservation easement at John Knox Ranch enhances our ability to fulfill our mission and meet our organizational potential.

Over 50 years ago, leaders in the Presbyterian Church had the foresight to purchase this land and set it aside for the use of camp and retreat ministry. Now, we have an opportunity to stand on their shoulders and grasp a vision of permanent protection for this sacred ground as well as permanent financial protection for camp ministry in Mission Presbytery.