BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.C.R. 105
79R7891 MMS-D By: Rose (Wentworth)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Situated at the junction of the Edwards Plateau and the southern Blackland Prairie, Buda has long offered citizens and visitors alike a strong sense of connection to the natural world. Buda was established in 1881 as a stopping place on the International-Great Northern Railroad, but for many years before that time, the vicinity of the present-day town was traversed by people engaged in a variety of pursuits. When Texas still formed part of the Spanish Empire, the Camino Real, the main route from San Antonio to East Texas, skirted Buda to the east; later, stage and mail routes passed through the area, which was settled as early as 1846. During the days of the open range, cattle herds were gathered on the surrounding grazing lands and driven northward to Kansas over the Chisholm Trail; for a number of years, Buda would also serve as a trade center for ranchers, for local dairymen, whose farms once totaled nearly 50 in number, and for farmers engaged in the cultivation of cotton.
Today, Buda lies along the route of trail rides for both the Austin and San Antonio rodeos; in addition, more than 50 acres of land on Onion Creek are set to be developed as Buda Stagecoach Park; design proposals include wetlands, a wildflower meadow, xeriscape gardens, picnic and campsites, a nature trail, and a hike and bike trail. Native Americans once hunted buffalo, bear, deer, and wild turkeys in the environs of Buda, and the presence of wild game there continues to draw modern professional and weekend hunters; moreover, fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking can be enjoyed in the area year-round. To serve the many sportsmen and sportswomen in the region, a renowned outfitter, Cabela's, is opening a retail outlet in Buda. An appreciation for the outdoors remains strong among the residents of this fine Texas community, which offers myriad ways in which to discover and savor the joy of time spent under the open sky.
RESOLVED
That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Buda as the official Outdoor Capital of Texas.