Commission Agenda Item No. 10
Presenter: Stan David
Action
Acquisition of Land – Jefferson County
Approximately 10 Acres at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area
August 27, 2020
I. Executive Summary: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff is negotiating the acquisition of approximately 10 acres adjacent to the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from a willing seller.
II. Discussion: The 24,498-acre J.D. Murphree WMA preserves a mosaic of tidal, intermediate, and freshwater wetlands including bayous, ponds, lakes, emergent marshes, salt meadows, and coastal prairie. The WMA is managed for its diversity of native wetland habitats and associated species such as alligators and waterfowl.
TPWD staff is in negotiations to acquire a tract of land adjacent to the WMA entrance and headquarters on Highway 73, just west of Port Arthur. For many years now, the subject property has been a high priority acquisition for TPWD. This acquisition will allow for expansion of the WMA facilities, including a much-needed area to move visitors safely off Highway 73 for signing in and parking during public hunts.
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 approximately 10 acres in Jefferson County for addition to the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area.”
Attachments – 4
Commission Agenda Item No. 10
Exhibit A
Location Map for J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County
Commission Agenda Item No. 10
Exhibit B
Vicinity Map for J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA),
Southwest of Port Arthur
Commission Agenda Item No. 10
Exhibit C
J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Outlined in Yellow
Red Star is Subject Tract Location Area
Commission Agenda Item No. 10
Exhibit D
Subject Tract Outlined in Blue
TPWD Outlined in Yellow
