Presenter: Mike Herring

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Action
Land Donation – Harris County
April 1998

I. Discussion: The consolidation and protection of the lands surrounding the San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Park have long been a priority. Created in 1883 by the Texas Legislature, the park has grown to a total of 1,120 acres, the majority of which has come to the Department through donations. Two additional opportunities to protect portions of this significant Texas shrine have become available.

The owners of a 19 acre tract of land located north of the park and fronting on the San Jacinto River has been offered to the Department as a donation. The property is mostly marsh, and furthers the acquisition in the Santa Anna Bayou marsh area.

As part of an expansion of its facilities at Barbours Terminal, in La Porte, the Port of Houston Authority (POH) has incurred wetland mitigation responsibilities. In consultation with Department staff, the Authority has proposed a mitigation plan that includes the purchase and donation of 30 acres of land adjacent to the park. The property is located north of the park along Battleground Road, and includes critical access to the San Jacinto River.

Both tracts of land add significantly to the protection of park resources and contribute to implementation of the Master Plan. No additional operational expenses will be incurred by the acquisition of these properties. Staff recommends acceptance of both tracts.

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

"The Executive Director is authorized to take all necessary steps to consummate the acceptance of the properties indicated in Exhibit A."

Attachments - 2

1. Exhibit A - Location Map
2. Exhibit B - Fiscal Note