LCRA is working on an agreement with SPJST for the operation and maintenance of Cooper Farm Natural Science Laboratory, a wildlife conservation habitat demonstration site in Fayette County.

Plans are for the agreement to be voted on by LCRA's Board at its August or September meeting. LCRA recently went through a process to identify a local group or entity that would use the facility in a manner consistent with LCRA's financial and operating objectives for Cooper Farm. SPJST was chosen from the five entities submitting proposals because of its financial stability, its long history of community involvement and its commitment to work with the local wildlife cooperatives to ensure that Cooper Farm remains a venue for wildlife conservation demonstration and education.

SPJST (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas) is a fraternal benefit society serving Texas families since 1887. It was founded in Fayetteville by Czech settlers.

As part of the negotiations, LCRA staff is facilitating discussions for a partnership arrangement among SPJST, the Fayette County Wildlife Management Association and Texas AgriLife. The intent is for Cooper Farm to continue to be an asset to Fayette and surrounding counties that have used it as a resource for wildlife conservation and land management. In the early 1990s, LCRA developed the property with a mission to provide significant value to Fayette County landowners through programs that demonstrate conservation and education.

LCRA is evaluating all its programs, projects and properties to see where savings can be made. Cooper Farm's evaluation identified it as a facility with an opportunity to save money by finding an appropriate partner to take over its operation and maintenance.