Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 13
Presenter: Trey Vick

Action
Acquisition of Land - Mitchell County
Approximately 500 Acres at Lake Colorado City State Park
August 24, 2023

I.      Executive Summary: Staff seeks authorization to pursue acquisition of approximately 500 acres, which includes Lake Colorado City State Park, from a willing seller.

II.     Discussion: Lake Colorado City State Park consists of approximately 500 acres near Colorado City, Texas and sits along the banks of Lake Colorado City, a 1,618-acre impoundment of Morgan Creek. Lake Colorado City was developed in 1949 to cool an adjacent power station’s generators. In 1971, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) entered into a lease with the power company for the use of the reservoir and adjacent property to provide recreational opportunities to the public. Today the state park offers public opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, paddling, nature viewing, hiking, and camping. Between 2017-2019, the park averaged 27,817 visitors per year.

TPWD staff desires to acquire the approximately 500-acre tract to preserve public access to the state park and allow future expansion of the park’s recreational opportunities.

III.   Recommendation: Staff recommends that 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 500 acres in Mitchell County, which includes Lake Colorado City State Park.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit A

Location Map for Lake Colorado City State Park - Mitchell County

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Lake Colorado City State Park - Colorado City Texas

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Proposed Acquisition Outlined in Red