Kyle Bass and Terry Anderson's Conservation Equity Management and Ironwood Resource Advisors Announce Approval of Largest Tidal Wetland Mitigation Project in Texas History

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conservation Equity Management (CEM) https://www.cem-tx.com/ and Ironwood Resource Advisors, LLC are proud to announce the federal approval of the Frentress-Johnson West Bay Mitigation Bank (FJWB)—the largest tidal wetland mitigation bank ever established in the State of Texas.

Spanning more than 2,600 acres of freshwater emergent and estuarine wetland communities, the FJWB project represents a transformative ecological restoration initiative near West Galveston Bay. It is designed to enhance and preserve critical habitat while supporting the region's long-term environmental resilience. The project is a cornerstone within a larger, multi-benefit conservation strategy made possible through innovative public-private partnerships.

The bank's mitigation credits—generated through the restoration of previously degraded habitat—will offset unavoidable environmental impacts from development projects in the Greater Houston area, including Freeport, Galveston, and Baytown. These credits streamline environmental permitting by offering pre-approved compensatory mitigation through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Strategically located in Brazoria County—just 45 minutes from Houston and 20 minutes from Galveston Island—the Frentress-Johnson site forms a vital ecological link between the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding protected lands held by the Galveston Bay Foundation. Once targeted for commercial development and wind energy projects, the property will now be permanently preserved as critical habitat for coastal species and storm protection.

Kyle Bass, Co-Founder of CEM, noted:

"As the fastest-growing state in the country, Texas must balance its economic momentum with environmental stewardship. Our investment in Frentress-Johnson reflects a conservation-focused approach to development—one that benefits communities, industry, and ecosystems alike."

Terry Anderson, Co-Founder of CEM, added:

"This project reflects what's possible when capital and conservation align. By protecting this land forever, we're contributing not just to environmental quality, but also to the long-term livability and sustainability of the Texas Gulf Coast."

The project's success depends on collaboration across a wide array of stakeholders, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, Texas Land Conservancy, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

CEM, a private equity firm founded by Kyle Bass and Terry Anderson, specializes in high-impact conservation investments that generate environmental, social, and financial returns. Learn more at https://www.cem-tx.com/.

Media Contact
Steele Schottenheimer
Managing Director – Investor Relations
[email protected]
214-347-8045
https://www.cem-tx.com/

Credit Sales
Troy Madrigal
Principal – Ironwood Resource Advisors
[email protected]
281-795-1469
www.ironwood-ra.com

SOURCE Conservation Equity Management, LP