parks
From stewardship to state park: Land transfer expands Franklin Mountains State Park
By Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
In El Paso , a land transfer from El Paso Water to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shows how partnerships can protect natural resources while expanding public access.
This long-standing partnership between El Paso Water and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continued to grow on May 14...
Key takeaway By transferring 1,054 acres to TPWD, El Paso Water gave the land a new public purpose.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The expansion of Franklin Mountains State Park through the land transfer from El Paso Water to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has significant implications for the local community. As the largest urban wilderness park in the continental United States, Franklin Mountains State Park is a unique asset for El Paso, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation. The addition of 1,054 acres to the park's eastern boundary not only enhances its natural beauty but also increases public access, particularly in the northeastern area. This move is a testament to the effective partnership between El Paso Water and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, demonstrating their shared commitment to protecting the region's natural resources. The preservation of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem and native wildlife will have long-term benefits for the local environment and ecological balance, making this land transfer a valuable investment in El Paso's future.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In El Paso, a land transfer from El Paso Water to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shows how partnerships can protect natural resources while expanding public access.
This long-standing partnership between El Paso Water and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continued to grow on May 14...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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