Copano Cove Ranch Land Acquisition Success!
Message from County Judge Ray Garza
I am proud to share some exciting news with our community: Aransas County has officially acquired the Copano Cove Ranch, historically known as the Bailey Ranch. This is a major victory for conservation, flood mitigation, and public access; one that will benefit generations to come.
On July 31, 2025, we finalized the purchase of this 950-acre property along Copano Bay. This beautiful stretch of native prairie, marshes, and wetlands will now be permanently preserved as protected natural habitat. By doing so, we are not only safeguarding vital ecosystems, but also creating new opportunities for ecotourism, outdoor education, and public enjoyment of our coastal heritage.
This accomplishment was made possible thanks to the Texas General Land Office’s Coastal Management Program and funding through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). I am deeply grateful to the North American Land Trust (NALT), Aransas First, and our County Road & Bridge team for their leadership and persistence in making this acquisition a reality. Together, we ensured that over 2,700 linear feet of Copano Bay shoreline, hundreds of acres of wetlands, and critical natural drainage areas are now permanently protected.
The Copano Cove Conservation Area will serve not only as a sanctuary for wildlife but also as a natural shield against flooding and stormwater challenges in one of the most developed watersheds in Aransas County. It’s biodiversity at its finest, home to rare vegetation, migratory birds, butterflies, reptiles, and nearly 1,000 species of wildflowers.
This acquisition truly represents the best of what we can accomplish together; public and private partners, community advocates, and local leadership working side by side. I especially want to thank the Aransas County Commissioners Court, and all the dedicated individuals who kept this vision moving forward over the past 21 months.
Looking ahead, Aransas County is developing a land management plan that balances responsible public access with habitat preservation. This land will become a place of learning, recreation, and stewardship for generations to come.
As your County Judge, I am honored to stand alongside so many who share the vision of protecting our natural resources while strengthening our community’s resilience. Together, we’ve secured a priceless resource for the future of Aransas County.
— Ray Garza, Aransas County Judge
