Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 11
Presenter: Stan David

Action
Acquisition of Cultural Conservation Easement – Anderson County
Approximately 16 Acres at Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area
August 24, 2023

I.      Executive Summary: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission previously approved a land exchange of approximately 100 acres at Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area (WMA) with an adjacent private landowner in Anderson County. However, a historical archeological site was discovered on a portion of the land to be divested by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and a cultural conservation easement is needed to protect the site.

II.     Discussion: The Big Lake Bottom WMA lies adjacent to the Trinity River and is located about 10 miles southwest of Palestine. TPWD purchased the WMA in 1990 to preserve a tract of quality bottomland hardwood habitat, which is rapidly disappearing in the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion of Texas. The public use of the WMA has outgrown the current parking area and facilities. On August 26, 2021, the Commission approved the proposal to dispose of a single, approximately 100-acre TPWD-owned tract in exchange for TPWD acquiring two privately-owned tracts totaling approximately 100 acres. The exchange will result in more acreage near the entrance of the Big Lake Bottom WMA, providing necessary space for TPWD to construct a larger parking area and visitor facilities. Because the TPWD tract was purchased in part with federal grant funds, an archaeological survey is necessary prior to divestment. While conducting the archeological survey, a historical archeological site was found. The proposed cultural conservation easement will ensure protection and avoidance of the area, as recommended by the Texas Historical Commission. The adjacent landowner will convey the easement to TPWD at the time of the land exchange closing.

III.     Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the following motion:

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire an approximately 16-acre cultural conservation easement in Anderson County.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Location Map for Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Anderson County

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Big Lake Bottom WMA
10 Miles Southwest of Palestine

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit C

Property Map of Proposed Easement
Easement Tract in Yellow
Big Lake Bottom WMA in Red

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit D

Property Map of Proposed Easement
Easement Tract in Yellow
Big Lake Bottom WMA in Red