Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 7
Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth
Action
Acquisition of Land – Aransas County
Approximately 52 Acres at Goose Island State Park
May 26, 2022
I. Executive Summary: Staff recommends the acquisition of a tract of approximately 52 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the Big Tree Unit of Goose Island State Park.
II. Discussion: Located at the tip of Lamar Peninsula at the confluence of St. Charles Bay and Copano Bay, Goose Island was transferred from the General Land Office to the Texas State Parks Board in 1931, and during the mid-1930s was expanded and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a state park. Today the park consists of approximately 643 acres. The Goose Island Unit and the Big Tree Unit are connected by scenic Park Road 13. The park is perhaps best known for its outstanding nature watching and fishing, and as a popular destination for Winter Texans.
There is almost no undeveloped land remaining on Lamar Peninsula, so taking advantage of opportunities to expand the park has been a staff priority for many years. There is a tract of approximately 52 acres immediately south of the Big Tree Unit that would contribute significantly to the state park. The tract has a pond and wetlands that reliably attract endangered whooping cranes each winter. Tourists line the public streets on three sides of the tract when the cranes are present. Acquisition of the tract would allow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) the opportunity to construct a parking lot, boardwalk trail, and observation deck that would help control traffic while giving visitors the best possible view of not just whooping cranes but a number of other shore and wading birds that attract nature watchers from around the world.
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 52 acres of land for addition to Goose Island State Park in Aransas County."
Attachments – 3
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit A
Location Map for Goose Island State Park in Aransas County
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit B
Vicinity Map for Goose Island State Park – Eight Miles North of Rockport
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit C
Site Map Showing Goose Island State Park and Subject Tract
State Park in Yellow
Subject Tract in Red