The Crisis at Parrie Haynes Ranch
Parrie Haynes Ranch represents everything we cherish about Texas's outdoor heritage. This 4,525-acre sanctuary in Bell County has served as a vital recreation hub where youth organizations conduct outdoor recreation activities, horseback riders traverse open fields, hunters practice responsible game management, and families connect with Central Texas's natural beauty. The ranch supports diverse wildlife populations, maintains crucial grassland ecosystems, and provides rare public access to an undeveloped prairie landscape.
However, proposals for private sale threaten to transform this public treasure into exclusive development. Once sold, public access will disappear permanently, displacing wildlife corridors and destroying decades of conservation work. The ecological balance that sustains native species will be shattered, and future generations will inherit a concrete legacy instead of a living prairie. We cannot allow this irreversible loss to occur without fighting for what belongs to all Texans.
Your Action Plan - Make Your Voice Count
01
Contact Multiple Officials
02
Awareness Campaign
03
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Call or email at least two Bell County commissioners (see below for emails). Your state representative (HD 54 or HD 55). Multiple contacts demonstrate increased pressure for action. Ask your Mayor to Proclaim support for the conservation of Parrie Haynes Ranch.
Help us spread the word - SHARE specific memories about Parrie Haynes on your social media. Use #'s and @ whenever possible: #SavePHR, @bradbuckley, @tedcruz, @parriehaynesranch
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Show your support by signing our petition to protect Parrie Haynes Ranch and ensure its accessibility to the public.
Contact Representatives
Sample Message: "I'm writing to urge you to keep Parrie Haynes Ranch accessible as managed public land. As a [horseback rider/conservationist/hunter], I rely on this space for recreation, connection to nature, and wildlife stewardship. Please oppose any private development that would close these lands. Thank you for supporting our community's outdoor heritage."
Bell County
Commissioners
State
Representatives
Rep. Brad Buckley (House District 54)
Represents Killeen and Fort Cavazos areas, most directly impacted by
Parrie Haynes Ranch decisions.
Capitol Office: (512) 463-0684
District Office (Salado): (254) 947-5026
Email: brad.buckley@house.texas.gov
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Rep. Hillary Hickland (House District 55)
Covers Belton, Temple, and portions of Killeen - a key stakeholder in
regional land use decisions.
Contact via the official House website
Advocate for state-level protection measures
Email through this link: https://house.texas.gov/members/4520/email
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Senator Pete Flores
(830) 896-9816 (TEL)
Texas Senate District 24
David Blackburn, County Judge
Phone: (254) 933-5105
Email: david.blackburn@bellcounty.texas.gov
Russell Schneider, Precinct 1
Phone: (254) 933-5101
Email: russell.schneider@bellcounty.texas.gov
Bobby Whitson, Precinct 2
Phone: (254) 933-5102
Email: bobby.whitson@bellcounty.texas. gov
Greg Reynolds, Precinct 3
Phone: (254) 933-5103
Email: greg.reynolds@bellcounty.texas.gov
Louie Minor, Precinct 4
Phone: (254) 933-5104
Email: louie.minor@bellcounty.texas.gov
GREG ABBOTT, TEXAS GOVERNOR
Telephone
(800) 843-5789 - Information and Referral Hotline (for Texas callers)
(512) 463-1782 - Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline
(for Austin, Texas, and out-of-state callers)
(512) 463-2000 - Office of the Governor Main Switchboard
(Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST)
EMAIL: greg.abbott@gov.texas.gov
Federal Representative - Expanding Your Advocacy
Rep. John R. Carter (U.S. House, TX-31)
Bell County Office: (254) 933-1392
As the federal representative for this district, Congressman Carter can advocate for federal conservation programs and support state-level preservation efforts.
While land use decisions occur primarily at the county and state levels, federal representatives can provide crucial support through conservation funding, environmental protection advocacy, and coordination with state officials. Representative Carter's office can also help elevate this issue within broader Texas conservation discussions.
Federal involvement becomes particularly important when public lands face privatization threats. Congressional representatives can highlight the economic and environmental value of preserving public access to natural areas, especially in rapidly developing regions like Central Texas, where undeveloped land grows increasingly scarce.
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Our Support Organizations
Texas Youth Hunters Association
America By Horseback
TETRA
Temple Longhorn Riding Club
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United for Our Shared Heritage
Unite for Our Shared Heritage
Public lands represent more than property boundaries - they embody our shared commitment to conservation, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Parrie Haynes Ranch serves youth organizations in providing outdoor recreation, hunters who practice responsible game management, equestrians who preserve riding traditions, and conservationists who protect native ecosystems. These diverse user groups share common ground in valuing public access to natural spaces.
When we speak with one unified voice, elected officials recognize the broad coalition supporting public land preservation. Your individual contact today joins thousands of similar messages that collectively demonstrate the political importance of protecting Parrie Haynes Ranch. This coordinated advocacy effort can preserve this irreplaceable landscape for future generations while maintaining the outdoor traditions that define Texas heritage.
Take action now. Your voice matters, and time is running out to protect this precious resource for all Texans.
Join us in advocating for the ranch's preservation and protecting this valuable community asset.