It's no secret that the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has felt the effects of deep budget cuts in recent years. Natural disasters (like last year's drought) and an ongoing need for facility maintenance have also caused significant financial strain. So what's the best way grow the Lone Star State's protected park land in a time of need?

Become green burial ground, reports KXAN.

The TPWD has been in discussions to form a partnership with funeral service industry professionals and the Green Burial Council (GBC), which has a history of bringing conservation and funeral service entities together in programs that "aid in the restoration, acquisition and/or stewardship of natural areas."

Land adjacent to state parks — especially in more urban areas, where conservation is most needed — would become green burial grounds and annexed to the parks' existing land to be used, as Ted Hollingsworth, director of land conservation for the TPWD, sees it, for "more habitat for turkey, quail, deer, snakes, lizards" and "more room for trails, picnic areas, all of that," but emphatically not for campsites.

"Typically, [green burial] involves burial in a wooden box or a cardboard box or canvas shroud, with no chemicals," Hollingsworth told the Austin television station. "No embalming or other fluids."

If the program launches, Texas would become the first state government involved in this type of partnership with the GBC. The TPWD could add to its land without spending the taxpayer's money, and loved ones could ensure that their dead have been interred in a natural and environmentally-responsible way.

Sounds like a win-win for everyone except, perhaps, coimetrophobics who just want to enjoy the great outdoors.