Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Presenter:
Ted Hollingsworth
Action
Donation of Land – Reeves County
Approximately 5 Acres at Balmorhea State Park
January 24, 2019
I. Executive Summary: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been offered a 5-acre tract of land with significant operational value adjacent to Balmorhea State Park.
II. Discussion: Balmorhea State Park in Reeves County, just east of the Davis Mountains, was developed in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The central feature of the original 45.9-acre park is a 1.75-acre pool fed by a natural artesian spring, and the park also includes restored cienega wetlands.
The small size of the park limits recreational use. The popularity of the park, especially in summer, results in traffic management and safety issues, especially in regard to parking and congestion on State Highway 17. The park was visited by more than 150,000 people in 2016 and in 2017. TPWD staff has been working with adjacent landowners for several years to acquire land for addition to the park to increase safety and accommodate the growing number of visitors to the site. In 2016, TPWD acquired a 50-acre tract on the east side of the park, plus an additional 6 acres, increasing the area of the park to approximately 102 acres.
State Parks staff and planners have identified the area immediately south of the park as potentially the most strategic location for a future park entry portal and parking area that would reduce safety hazards on State Highway 17. The key for access to this area is a 5-acre tract with approximately 1,500 feet of frontage on the county road that makes up the west boundary of the park. Realizing the strategic value of this tract, the owners have generously agreed to donate it to TPWD.
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 5 acres in Reeves County for addition to Balmorhea State Park.”
Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit A
Location Map for Balmorhea State Park in Reeves County
Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit B
Vicinity Map for Balmorhea State Park (SP), 15 Miles North of Fort Davis
Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit C
Site Map for 5-Acre Subject Donation
