Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Presenter:
Corky Kuhlmann
Action
Acceptance of Land Donation – Bexar County
Approximately 230 Acres at Government Canyon State Natural Area
January 21, 2016
I. Executive Summary: The City of San Antonio (COSA) proposes to donate approximately 230 acres tract of land adjacent to Government Canyon State Natural Area (SNA) to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for addition to the SNA.
II. Discussion: The “Goodhorse Ranch” is a 230-acre tract of land adjacent to the north boundary of Government Canyon SNA. The tract has an approved master plan with COSA for 400 lots and available sewer and water service from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). No subdivision tracts were sold, and the property remains intact, save a small tract reserved for a SAWS water tower. The tract is currently for sale, and because it lies entirely in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has it under contract for purchase to help protect aquifer recharge. TNC will assign its contract to buy the land to COSA. Consistent with the long-term management of other tracts adjacent to the SNA acquired by COSA, COSA proposes to donate the tract to TPWD for addition to the SNA. The tract would be encumbered by a conservation easement to protect the aquifer recharge values, but would otherwise be incorporated into the overall resource management and public use plans for the SNA.
COSA plans to close the transaction before the end of February, 2016, and requests that TPWD allow the property to be transferred directly to TPWD at closing, to minimize staff time and closing costs. COSA will assume all acquisition, due diligence and closing costs.
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 approximately 230 acres in Bexar County for addition to Government Canyon State Natural Area.”
Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit A
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
Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit C
Site Map Showing Location of 230-Acre Subject Tract Relative to SNA
