Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 5
Presenter: Jason Estrella

Action
Acquisition of Land – El Paso County – Approximately 1,100 Acres at Franklin Mountains State Park
November 3, 2022

I.      Executive Summary: Staff seeks to acquire approximately 1,100 acres at Franklin Mountains State Park (SP) from a willing seller. This tract would add excellent habitat and recreational value to the Park.

II.     Discussion:  Franklin Mountains SP was acquired in 1981 and opened in 1987.  It is one of the largest urban parks in the nation at over 26,000 acres. The Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, biking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The Park hosts a very robust and diverse ecosystem of reptiles, mammals, and over 100 species of birds.

The city of El Paso (City) approached Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to gauge interest in acquiring an approximately 1,100-acre tract adjacent to and along the east side of the Park, with the City holding a conservation easement on the property. Acquisition of the subject tract would provide additional recreational opportunities to the Park and the citizens of far west Texas.

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 1,100 acres of land for addition to Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso County.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit A

Location Map for Franklin Mountains State Park (SP) El Paso County

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Franklin Mountains SP El Paso County

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow Franklin Mountains SP Outlined in Red

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit D

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow Franklin Mountains SP Outlined in Red