Rockwall County Open Space Alliance

As one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, Rockwall County has a distinctive challenge with regard to open space protection. Many county citizens already recognize the value of conservation and have expressed a strong desire to enhance the green infrastructure of their community.

A 2008 study conducted by The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) showed there is strong support for conservation. Many cities in Rockwall County are already involved in open space planning efforts and have adopted open space dedication ordinances, created Park and Recreation advisory boards, and established various parks, trails and recreation programs.

The Rockwall County Open Space Alliance (RCOSA) works to consolidate this information and serves as a focal point for coordination of conservation efforts. Through 2015, we provided a forum for collaborative decision-making by representatives from all areas of Rockwall County.  Click here to view and print the 2015 Rockwall County Open Space Master Plan that resulted from this effort. In the Summer of 2016, the core group of citizens created a 501(c)(3) non-profit, also named Rockwall County Open Space Alliance, which will be able to work with governments, other non-profits, citizens and corporations to further the mission and goals of the RCOSA.  Please view this slideshow to better understand why the urgent need for our mission and goals.