Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Action
Land Acquisition - Bandera County
732 acres at Lost Maples State Natural Area
May 28, 2009

I. Executive Summary: Staff has negotiated the acquisition of 732+- acres of land adjacent to Lost Maples State Natural Area from a willing seller.

II. Discussion: Lost Maples State Natural Area (SNA), located on the Sabinal River in Bandera County, is named after the bigtooth maple, which is found in a small area of the Edwards Plateau and noted for its spectacular display of fall color. At 2,174 acres, Lost Maples SNA is a relatively small area. The popularity of the site, and the impact of visitors on natural resources, especially in the fall, warrant expansion of both the SNA and the recreational opportunities available.

The confluence of Can Creek with the Sabinal River is located in the SNA, and Can Creek is primarily responsible for the dramatic hill country topography of Lost Maples. The owner of the ranch immediately to the north of the SNA has offered to sell 732 acres to TPWD, including the entire Can Creek drainage. The acquisition would add miles of potential hiking trails to the site, including beautiful ridge-top vistas, deep canyons, and several perennial springs. In addition, the acreage is home to a high concentration of endangered Golden Cheeked Warblers.

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

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire a 732+- acre tract as an addition to Lost Maples State Natural Area."

Attachments - 3

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

Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Exhibit A

Lost Maples State Natural Area
Location Map
Bandera County, Texas

Location of Lost Maples State Natural Area in relation to the State of Texas

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


Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Exhibit B

Lost Maples State Natural Area
Vicinity Map

Location of Lost Maples State Natural Area in relation to Hill Country State Natural Area, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Guadalupe River State Park and the city of San Antonio, TX

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


Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Exhibit C

732-Acre Acquisition Tract
Lost Maples State Natural Area

Location of Lost Maples State Natural Area in relation to 732-Acre subject tract

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