Press Release - Houston, June 17, 2026

Lone Star Coastal Alliance Celebrates Introduction of H.R. 9325, the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act

Upper Texas Coast Coalition Applauds Major Milestone in Fifteen-Year Effort to Advance Recreation, Conservation, Coastal Resilience, and Economic Opportunity

HOUSTON, TEXAS — The Lone Star Coastal Alliance today celebrated the introduction of H.R. 9325, the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act, by Congressman Randy Weber and original co-sponsors Representatives Wesley Hunt, Brian Babin, and Troy Nehls.

The introduction of H.R. 9325 marks a significant milestone in a fifteen-year effort led by local communities, elected officials, landowners, conservation organizations, business leaders, tourism partners, and citizens to establish a nationally recognized recreation area that celebrates the unique character, landscapes, heritage and outdoor opportunities of the Upper Texas Coast 

"Today represents an important milestone in a vision that communities across the Upper Texas Coast have been working toward for more than fifteen years," said J.P. Bryan, Chair of the Lone Star Coastal Alliance. "We are deeply grateful to Congressman Weber for his leadership and commitment to this effort, as well as Representatives Hunt, Babin, and Nehls for joining as original co-sponsors. Their leadership has helped move a locally driven vision into a national conversation about the future of the Texas coast."

If enacted, the legislation would establish a Texas-led, partnership-based framework across portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. The framework is designed to enhance recreation, support stewardship of nationally significant resources, strengthen local economies, and encourage regional collaboration while maintaining local leadership and voluntary participation.

"The Upper Texas Coast is home to extraordinary natural, cultural, and recreational assets that deserve greater recognition,” said Stephanie Polk, Manager, League City Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area will help elevate the region as a destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism, creating new opportunities for local businesses, gateway communities, and the regional economy. This legislation reflects years of local collaboration and investment in the future of the Texas coast."

Stretching across bays, wetlands, working lands and historic communities, the Upper Texas Coast contains resources of national significance that support wildlife, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage and local communities.

The proposed National Recreation Area would help elevate the national profile of the region while supporting the communities and working landscapes that have shaped the coasts for generations. Unlike traditional park models, the proposed Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area is built on voluntary participation, local leadership and partnerships among public, private and nonprofit entities.

"The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area reflects a vision that communities, landowners, conservation partners, and local leaders have worked together to advance for 15 years," said Elizabeth Winston-Jones, Executive Director of the Lone Star Coastal Alliance. "From the beginning, this effort has been rooted in local leadership, respect for private property rights, and the belief that conserving the natural and cultural resources that define the Upper Texas Coast can also strengthen local economies, support tourism, and benefit future generations."

The significance of this legislation extends beyond the designation itself," said Suzanne Dixon, Strategic Advisor to the Lone Star Coastal Alliance and Co-Founder of Thunderbird Strategies. "The bill creates a framework for local governments, landowners, businesses, conservation organizations, and community partners to work together around a shared vision for the future of the Upper Texas Coast. It recognizes that some of the nation's most significant coastal resources can be conserved and celebrated while supporting economic opportunity and community vitality."

"County governments have helped shape this effort from the beginning because we understand both the opportunities and challenges facing coastal communities," said Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia. "The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area provides a platform to strengthen recreation, tourism, conservation, and economic development while maintaining local leadership and decision-making. This is exactly the kind of partnership approach that can benefit communities across the Upper Texas Coast."

The Upper Texas Coast is not only important to Texas, but also to the nation. Its wetlands, bays, barrier islands, wildlife habitats, fisheries, and cultural heritage contribute to America's natural legacy. The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area provides an opportunity to elevate and celebrate these nationally significant resources while supporting the communities that help sustain them.

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance wishes to express its appreciation to the many local governments, organizations, and stakeholders whose support has helped advance the initiative over the years.

As the legislation moves through Congress, the Alliance looks forward to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to build awareness and support for the effort and its potential benefits for the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

About the Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance was established to preserve the upper Texas coastal region for current and future generations by promoting awareness of this region of the country through education, outreach, volunteerism, and other programs and support which engage the public and preserve the natural resources, wildlife, and opportunities for recreation within the region. In this context, it has convened a coalition of public, private, nonprofit, and community partners working to advance the vision of the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area and promote conservation, recreation, tourism, coastal resilience, and economic opportunity across the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

For additional information, visit:
www.lonestarcoastal.org

Elizabeth Winston-Jones
e.winstonjones@lonestarcoastal.org
713-705-7917

Suzanne Dixon
suzanne@thunderbirdstrategies.com
703-298-2973

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