Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 17
Action
Land Acquisition - Brewster County
Big Bend Ranch State Park
May 2008

I. Executive Summary: An undivided section of land entirely surrounded by Big Bend Ranch State Park has been offered to TPWD by a willing seller.

II. Discussion: Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBRSP) is Texas' largest state park, at more than 300,000 acres. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has recently completed a Public Use Plan aimed at providing controlled public access to this very special site, while protecting its unique biological and aesthetic resources. Inholdings are barriers to implementation of the Public Use Plan and realization of the site's exceptional potential to meet the Mission of TPWD.

A 610-acre tract straddling County Road 169 inside the park was recently listed for sale by a West Texas broker. Staff has negotiated a contract of sale and recommends purchase of this tract for addition to Big Bend Ranch State Park.

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

"The Executive Director is authorized to take all necessary steps to acquire a 610-acre tract in Presidio County for addition to Big Bend Ranch State Park."

Attachments - 2

  1. Exhibit A - Location Map
  2. Exhibit B - Site Map

Committee Agenda Item No. 17
Exhibit A

Map of Texas Showing Location of Big Bend Ranch State Park

Location of Big Bend Ranch State Park in relation to the state of Texas

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.


Committee Agenda Item No. 17
Exhibit B

Map of Big Bend Ranch State Park Showing Location of Inholding
State Park Outline in Yellow
County Road 169 in Black
610-acre Inholding in Red

Location of inholding in relation to Big Bend Ranch State Park

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.