January 22-23, 2014, Commission Meeting Agenda
Work Session
Commission Agenda Items
 

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Action
Acceptance of Conservation Easement Donation – Bexar County
32 Acres at Government Canyon State Natural Area
January 23, 2014

I. Executive Summary: A private landowner has offered to donate a conservation easement to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department protecting a 32-acre inholding within the Government Canyon State Natural Area.

II. Discussion: In January, 2013, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with the assistance of several partners, purchased the 461-acre MaBe Ranch on the north side of Government Canyon State Natural Area (SNA).  The configuration resulted in three inholdings, one of which is 49 acres comprised of a 32-acre tract and an adjacent 17-acre tract, each owned by separate landowners.  Shortly after the acquisition, the owner of the 32-acre inholding contacted TPWD staff to initiate discussions regarding the possible acquisition by TPWD of the inholding or of a conservation easement on the inholding.   As a result of these discussions, the owner proposes to donate a conservation easement on the inholding, which includes a large single-family dwelling.  The conservation easement would preclude subdivision or further development of the property, and would insure that it is managed to maintain the existing oak-juniper woodland habitat consistent with the management of the rest of the park for native species, including the endangered Golden Cheeked Warbler.

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 accept the donation of a conservation easement on approximately 32 acres in Bexar County within Government Canyon State Natural Area.”

Attachments – 3

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

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit A

Location Map for Government Canyon SNA in Bexar County

Location Map for Government Canyon SNA in Bexar County

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Government Canyon SNA – Northwest San Antonio

Vicinity Map for Government Canyon SNA – Northwest San Antonio

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit C

Government Canyon SNA Showing Location of Subject 32-Acre Inholding

Government Canyon SNA Showing Location of Subject 32-Acre Inholding