Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Action
Land Donation – Brewster County
Acceptance of Approximately 260 Acres Adjacent to Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
January 25, 2007

I. Executive Summary: Staff recommends acceptance of a donation of 260 acres of desert bighorn sheep habitat adjacent to the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from the Texas Bighorn Society (TBS).

II. Discussion: In 2005, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) executed provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding that resulted in the exchange of lands at several TPWD sites, including Black Gap WMA. In 2006, TBS earmarked $100,000 to acquire bighorn sheep habitat in and contiguous with the WMA. As a result, several inholdings have been acquired and donated to TPWD. Staff has identified a parcel of land, approximately 260 acres in size, traded to the GLO in 2005, consisting of quality bighorn sheep habitat, which the GLO is willing to sell to TBS for addition to the WMA. Staff has provided public notice and has solicited public comment regarding this transaction.

The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Executive Director is authorized to take all necessary steps to accept donation of approximately 260 acres of land for addition to the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area."

Attachments - 1

  1. Exhibit A – Location Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Exhibit A

Location Map

Location of Texas General Land Office tract in relation to Black Gap WMA

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Corky Kuhlmann.