Update: Threat of Future Development
Today’s news cycle brought to attention the 2016 Montgomery County Thoroughfare Plan published by the Houston-Galveston Area Council in July 2016. This plan calls for the extension of Peoples Road, which currently runs along the southeast side of WG Jones State Jones to 1488, into and across the North side of the forest, dividing the northern section as a result.
As a non-partisan group, we are not interested in engaging in political theater and will not endorse or support any candidates. We will, however, hold our political leaders accountable and are committed to advocating for the preservation of 100% the WG Jones State Forest. The road alignments included in this plan threaten the future of the forest and should be revised to reflect an alternate route that ensures the integrity of 100% of the forest. We have provided links to the Thoroughfare Plan documents, which includes a list of planning participants, and the map of proposed road alignments below. It is important to note that the map included in this plan does not accurately reflect the boundaries of the forest and fails to outline the northern section. Resources 2016 Thoroughfare Plan Website 2016 Thoroughfare Plan Executive Summary 2016 Thoroughfare Plan Document 2016 Thoroughfare Plan Document Map Our Forest, Our CommunityDuring the 85th Texas Legislature, S.B. 1964 was introduced, at the request of Texas A&M, to authorize the use or lease of land within the Jones State Forest "for the construction of buildings or improvements for multipurpose uses, including academic, research, and private commercial uses..."
Many citizens of Conroe, The Woodlands, and surrounding communities strongly opposed the degradation of this local treasure and spoke against any development of the forest. After the substantial public outcry, a substitute bill was submitted that included language for the protection of 100% of the forest and the preservation of its original intent. This bill passed the Texas Senate, but failed to receive a vote in the House floor and died with the end of the close of the 85th legislature. Learn more about S.B. 1964 At this time, Jones State Forest remains unprotected. S. B. 1964 was not the first time Jones State Forest was threatened by development and it will certainly not be the last. Save Jones State Forest is working to raise awareness of this threat and advocate for the preservation of Jones State Forest for future generations. Individually we do not have the money, power, or influence to be heard, but together we are the People. |
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