CP-014: Naming Department Lands, Features, and Facilities

The Commission establishes the following criteria for considering names for TPWD land or features in order of preference for: 

• prominent natural geographic features, (e.g., Palo Duro Canyon and Elephant Mountain);
• outstanding natural resources, (e.g., Palmetto and Chaparral);
• significant historic events of personages, in the case of historic sites and parks, (e.g., Ft. Richardson and Stephen F. Austin);
• predominant man-made natural resources, such as lakes or impoundments, (e.g., Lake Whitney and Caddo Lake);
• names of features long established by local custom, (e.g., Black Gap or Dinosaur Valley);
• nationally prominent Texans of contemporary times who have consistently made significant contributions of national or international interest, (e.g., Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight D. Eisenhower);
• donations of property to TPWD when naming is a condition of the gift (e.g., Muse and Kronkosky);
• TPWD employees who lost their lives in the line of duty (e.g., Justin Hurst and James E. Daughtrey);
• nearby towns or communities that were influential in establishment of the area, or that would add significant geographical reference (e.g., Abilene and Tyler);
• prominent Texans of contemporary times who have contributed to the acquisition of the property (e.g., Dan A. Hughes); and
• other criteria as deemed relevant by the Commission.

The Executive Director may grant naming rights for TPWD facilities to corporate sponsors, foundations, or individuals when:

• there is a significant sponsorship fee or donation provided to the TPWD;
• the naming right is defined in advance; and
• the naming right becomes null and void if the facility does not continue to be operated by TPWD.