Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Presenter:  Ted Hollingsworth

Action
Land Acquisition – Palo Pinto County
120 Acres at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
November 8, 2012

I.       Executive Summary:  Staff has negotiated an Option to Buy 120 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.  The 3,333-acre acquisition included 1,960 acres of the Copeland Ranch, and staff recommended that an additional area of the ranch be acquired should funds become available.  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 an additional 120-acre portion of the Copeland Ranch.  Staff has negotiated an Option to Buy with a willing seller at appraised value.

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 120 acres in Palo Pinto County for addition to Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.”

Attachments — 3

  1. Exhibit A — Location Map
  2. Exhibit B — Vicinity Map
  3. Exhibit C — Site Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit A

Location of Proposed Acquisition in Palo Pinto County, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park


Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Palo Pinto Mountains State Park at Strawn


Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit C

Site Map for Subject 120-Acre Addition to Palo Pinto Mountains State Park