Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Action
Acquisition of Land – Comal County
Approximately 515 Acres at Guadalupe River State Park/Honey Creek State Natural Area
August 26, 2021

I.      Executive Summary: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has negotiated an option for the purchase of a tract of land to help preserve the headwaters of Honey Creek adjacent to the Honey Creek State Natural Area (SNA).

II.     Discussion: Streams and rivers in the Texas Hill Country located near the Edwards Plateau are renowned for their crystal-clear, spring-fed waters. Unfortunately, the iconic streams of the Hill Country, especially in the East Hill Country (west of a line from Killeen to San Antonio) are threatened by groundwater pumping; land fragmentation and urbanization; diversions; nutrient and pollution run-off; and point-source discharges. Many historic springs have dried up, and the conservation community, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), has focused considerable effort on trying to preserve some of the more pristine streams that remain.

TPWD is working closely with TNC, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), and other private sector partners to acquire a tract of land north of San Antonio in Comal County known as the Honey Creek Ranch, that will protect a portion of the headwaters of Honey Creek, one of the most iconic Hill Country streams. The tract, at approximately 515 acres, lies adjacent to and immediately upstream from the Honey Creek SNA, a 2,300-acre gem just 25 miles north of downtown San Antonio that protects most of Honey Creek. The SNA is adjacent to the 1,900-acre Guadalupe River State Park. Between them, the two TPWD sites protect the confluence of Honey Creek and the Guadalupe River.

TNC has negotiated an option for the purchase of the subject tract and anticipates closing on or about November 1, 2021. TPWD, working with TPWF, will pay for and acquire part of the tract at closing and will work with TNC to purchase the balance of the tract over time.

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 515 acres of land at Guadalupe River State Park/Honey Creek State Natural Area in Comal County.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit A

Location Map for Honey Creek State Natural Area in Comal County

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Honey Creek State Natural Area (SNA)
25 Miles North of San Antonio

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit C

Site Map Showing Honey Creek Ranch in Relation to TPWD Sites

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit D

Honey Creek Ranch Outlined in Yellow
Shaded Areas May or May Not be Included in Acquisition