Presenter: Corky Kuhlmann

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Action
Land Transfer - Taylor County
Abilene State Park
May 28, 2009

I. Executive Summary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received a request from The Texas Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America to transfer approximately 91.3 acres of land at Camp Tonkawa Boy Scout Camp/Abilene State Park, Abilene, Texas.

II. Discussion: The Camp Tonkawa Boy Scout Camp consists of approximately 191.3 acres of land of which 91.3 acres is leased by the Boy Scouts from TPWD and was originally part of Abilene State Park. This lease originated on June 7, 1949 for a term of 19 years, with a renewed lease expiring in 2018.

TPWD has received a request from The Texas Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America for the transfer of 91.3 acres of State Park land to be used as an addition to Camp Tonkawa Boy Scout Camp. This transfer would provide opportunities for the Scouts to build new facilities and/or renovate existing facilities.

This transfer would be subject to a conservation easement being placed on the land allowing for good conservation practices while providing a healthy Boy Scout atmosphere.

III. Recommendation: Staff recommends the TPW Commission adopts the following motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission finds that complete ownership of approximately 91 acres at Abilene State Park is no longer in the best interest of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, that there is no reasonable and prudent alternative to the transfer of approximately 91 acres at Abilene State Park to the Boy Scouts, Texas Trails Council, while retaining a conservation easement to protect the natural and cultural resources of the property and that the transfer includes all reasonable planning, including the retention of a conservation easement, to minimize harm to the property. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission therefore authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to transfer approximately 91 acres at Abilene State Park to the Boy Scouts, Texas Trails Council, while retaining a conservation easement on the property."

Attachments - 3

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

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Abilene State Park
Location Map
Taylor County, Texas

Location of Abilene State Park in relation to the State of Texas

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Corky Kuhlmann.


Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit B

Abilene State Park
Vicinity Map

Location of Abilene State Park in relation to the cities of Abilene and San Angelo, TX

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Corky Kuhlmann.


Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit C

Abilene State Park
Site Map

Location of proposed 91.3 acre tract in relation to Abilene State Park and Lake Abilene

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Corky Kuhlmann.