TAKE ACTION: Help Save the Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen, Texas
Parrie Haynes Ranch is located in the heart of Central Texas and is a little slice of heaven, not only for equestrians and their equines (from tiny Miniature Horses to extra large Drafts and mules in all colors and sizes) but it's also the perfect getaway place to camp, go on a hike and simply enjoy nature as it was intended by Parrie Haynes. Spend your nights in your tent, RV, LQ trailer or one of the cabins at camp. Bring the whole family, your horses or dogs and take a break from the daily craziness.
This wonderful place is at risk of being sold VERY SOON.
Here's how you can help:
Copy these 👇🏽 letters & send them today
The historic Parrie Haynes Ranch—land entrusted specifically for the benefit of Texas orphans—is now being prepared for sale by the trustee (Cadence Bank).
This directly contradicts Parrie Haynes’ original charitable intent, threatens youth programs that depend on the ranch, and risks permanent loss of this irreplaceable Texas heritage.
To stop the sale, you can take immediate action by sending letters to:
✅ Texas Attorney General
✅ Texas Parks & Wildlife leadership
✅ Texas Legislature
✅ Cadence Bank (trustee)
✅ Major philanthropic foundations
✅ Media outlets
✅ Conservation groups
…and more.
Below are ready-to-send letters you can copy/paste into email or print and mail.
📌 LETTER 1 — Texas Attorney General (Charitable Trust Enforcement)
Subject: Urgent Review Requested — Parrie Haynes Ranch Charitable Trust
Dear Texas Attorney General,
I am writing to request immediate review and intervention regarding the planned sale of the Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen, Texas.
The ranch was originally deeded with the explicit intent that it benefit *the orphans of Texas*. The current trustee, Cadence Bank, appears to be preparing the property for sale in a manner inconsistent with that intent. Transparency, beneficiary-protection obligations, and Texas charitable trust law may all be at risk.
I respectfully request that your office:
• Review the trust documents governing this land
• Confirm whether the proposed sale complies with charitable trust restrictions
• Prevent any sale or transfer until proper legal and beneficiary analysis is completed
• Ensure Parrie Haynes’ stated charitable intent is fully honored
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter affecting Texas children and the preservation of a historic Texas property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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📌 LETTER 2 — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (Request for State Review or Acquisition)
Subject: Preservation Request — Parrie Haynes Ranch
Dear Texas Parks & Wildlife Leadership,
I am writing to urge Texas Parks & Wildlife to review the current status of the Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen, a property with profound historical, recreational, ecological, and charitable significance.
With the ranch reportedly being prepared for sale, there is a pressing need for state-level evaluation. The land has long served Texas youth, equine programs, outdoor education, and low-cost public recreation. Losing this property to private sale would be a major loss for both Texas families and wildlife.
Please consider:
• Conducting a conservation/ecological survey
• Exploring state acquisition or partnership options
• Supporting a pause in the sale until charitable intent review is completed
• Guiding coordination with donor intent experts
This land is a rare landscape that deserves protection for future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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📌 LETTER 3 — Cadence Bank (Trustee)
Subject: Request for Transparency Regarding Parrie Haynes Ranch Trust
To the Cadence Bank Trust Department,
I am writing as a concerned Texas resident regarding the Parrie Haynes Ranch. As trustee, Cadence Bank is obligated to honor the charitable intent that this land be preserved for the benefit of the orphans of Texas.
The reported preparation for sale raises serious questions about transparency, compliance, and long-term beneficiary protection. I respectfully request:
• Disclosure of the trust structure governing the ranch
• Explanation of how the sale aligns with donor intent
• Confirmation that all required legal approvals have been sought
• A pause in the sale process pending review by the Attorney General
Beneficiaries and community members deserve clarity and protection of this important Texas legacy.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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📌 LETTER 4 — Philanthropic Foundations (Preservation & Acquisition Interest)
Subject: Philanthropic Opportunity — Parrie Haynes Ranch
Dear [Foundation Name],
The Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen—historically dedicated for the benefit of Texas orphans—is being prepared for sale. This creates a rare opportunity for a mission-aligned foundation to prevent the loss of this land and preserve it for children, therapy programs, outdoor learning, and community use.
I respectfully ask whether your organization might consider:
• Reviewing the ranch for potential philanthropic acquisition
• Partnering with conservation or state agencies
• Supporting efforts to pause the sale for charitable-intent review
Your involvement could make an extraordinary difference for Texas children and for the preservation of an irreplaceable landscape.
Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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📌 LETTER 5 — Conservation Organizations (Environmental Review + Sale Delay)
Subject: Urgent Conservation Review Needed — Parrie Haynes Ranch
Dear [Organization Name],
I am writing to request that your conservation team review the Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen, Texas. With its reported impending sale, there is an urgent need to evaluate whether protected wildlife, critical habitat, or ecological significance could warrant a conservation intervention or delay of sale.
The ranch contains diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, and undeveloped acreage that may qualify for:
• State or federal conservation protections
• Wildlife assessments
• Habitat preservation programs
• Conservation easements
A conservation-based review could help prevent the loss of this land and preserve it for public benefit.
Thank you for your work and time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
📣 HOW YOU CAN HELP
Copy and send one or more of the letters above to any of the following:
Government & Oversight
• Texas Attorney General
• Local Texas Representatives & Senators
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
• Texas GLO
• Bell County Commissioners
• Killeen city leaders
Trustee
• Cadence Bank Trust Department
Philanthropy & Conservation
• Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
• Meadows Foundation
• The Conservation Fund
• Trust for Public Land
• Nature Conservancy – Texas
• Equestrian Land Conservation groups
Media
• Austin American-Statesman
• Texas Tribune
• KWTX
• Spectrum News
• Local radio & community pages
SHARE THIS PAGE
Please share this page on:
Facebook • Instagram • TikTok • Local horse groups • Community groups • Reddit • Nextdoor
The more people email, the more pressure builds to pause the sale and protect the ranch!
Here's a list of addresses and email contacts to send your letters to:
Official Contacts:
Texas Attorney General — Charitable Trusts Division
Mailing Address:
Office of the Attorney General
Charitable Trusts Section
P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-2548
Email:
charitabletrusts@oag.texas.gov
Phone:
(512) 463-2100
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Mailing Address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
General Email:
info@tpwd.texas.gov
Land Acquisition Division Phone:
(512) 389-4466
Cadence Bank – Trust Services
Mailing Address:
Cadence Bank
Trust Services Department
400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1400
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
(866) 663-1605
No public email is generally listed for trust services. Supporters can send physical letters or call for inquiry.
Bell County Commissioners Court
Mailing Address:
Bell County Courthouse
101 E. Central Texas Expy, Suite 1300
Belton, TX 76513
General Email:
commissioners@bellcountytx.com
Phone:
(254) 933-5280
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Mailing Address:
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682
General Email:
info@msdpf.org
Nature Conservancy – Texas Chapter
Mailing Address:
The Nature Conservancy in Texas
2201 East 6th Street, Suite 130
Austin, TX 78702
Email:
info@nature.org
Trust for Public Land – Texas Office
Mailing Address:
The Trust for Public Land
1515 South Congress Avenue, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78704
Email:
info@tpl.org
Texas Land Conservancy
Mailing Address:
Texas Land Conservancy
2700 Bee Cave Road, Suite 220
Austin, TX 78746
Email:
info@texaslandconservancy.org
Texas Wildlife Association
Mailing Address:
Texas Wildlife Association
2201 Smith School Road, Building 2, Suite 250
Austin, TX 78744
Email:
info@texas-wildlife.org
Local Media Contacts
Austin American-Statesman
news@statesman.com
305 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Texas Tribune
tips@texastribune.org
KWTX News
news@kwtx.com
Spectrum News Austin
spectrumnews@charter.com
For physical letters, please use the mailing addresses. For quicker response, use email when available.
Always include your full name, city, and a clear subject line.
