Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Presenter:  Ted Hollingsworth

Action
Land Acquisition-Stephens County
427 Acres at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
August 30, 2012

I.       Executive Summary:  Staff has negotiated an Option to Buy 427 acres of land adjacent to the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.

II.      Discussion:  In 2011, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) used proceeds from the sale of Eagle Mountain Lake State Park to acquire 3,333 acres of land in southwest Palo Pinto and southeast Stephens counties for the purpose of establishing a new state park in the crosstimbers region west of Fort Worth.  Budget limitations kept TPWD from acquiring the Nall Ranch at the time, but due to its configuration and natural features, it has remained high on TPWD’s list of priorities for acquisition.  Having sold the Fortress Cliffs Ranch at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, staff recommends conversion of land sale proceeds, which include a federal interest, for the acquisition of the Nall Ranch.  Staff has negotiated an Option to Buy that contemplates a closing before the end of 2012.

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

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire approximately 427± acres in Stephens County for addition to Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.”