Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Action
Acceptance of Conservation Easement – Nueces County
Approximately 100 Acres at Mustang Island State Park
May 21, 2015

I. Executive Summary: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) plans to acquire approximately 100 acres adjacent to Mustang Island State Park. The terms of the acquisition require that a conservation easement be held by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

II. Discussion: Mustang Island State Park is a 4,783-acre coastal park that straddles Mustang Island from Gulf beaches to Corpus Christi Bay. A mile north of the park, TNC owns and manages the Francine Cohn Preserve. It has long been a goal of TNC and TPWD to connect the two properties with a conservation corridor.

For many years ASARCO and Tronix Smelters discharged pollutants into Corpus Christi Bay. A court settlement in 2005 resulted in funds being made available for actions to offset damages resulting from this pollution. Among other projects, the Texas Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees awarded some of the settlement funds to TPWD and TNC for the acquisition of the two (2) tracts separating the state park and preserve. In August, 2014, the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission authorized the acquisition of the first tract, consisting of 690 acres, for addition to the state park. TNC has the second tract, of approximately 100 acres, under contract. The NRDA Trustees require that a conservation easement be held on this tract by TPWD to assure that the tract is managed in perpetuity for conservation of coastal habitats and natural resources.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the TPW Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to accept the donation of a conservation easement on approximately 100 acres adjacent to Mustang Island State Park"

Attachments – 3

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

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Location Map for Mustang Island State Park in Nueces County

Location Map for Mustang Island State Park in Nueces County


Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Mustang Island State Park 10 Miles East of Corpus Christi

Vicinity Map for Mustang Island State Park 10 Miles East of Corpus Christi


Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit C

Site Map Showing Recent Addition to State Park and Proposed Conservation Easement (subject tract outlined in red)

Site Map Showing Recent Addition to State Park and Proposed Conservation Easement (subject tract outlined in red)