Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 7
Presenter: Jason Estrella

Action
Acquisition of Land – Brown County – Approximately 2,200 Acres near the McGillivray and Leona Muse Wildlife Management Area
November 3, 2022

I.      Executive Summary: Staff seeks to acquire approximately 2,200 acres of the Colonel Burns Ranch, located near the McGillivray and Leona McKie Muse Wildlife Management Area (WMA), from a willing seller.

II.     Discussion:  The WMA was established in 2006 and currently consists of 1,972.5 acres.  Operation of the WMA includes the development and management of wildlife habitats and populations of indigenous and migratory wildlife species. The WMA also provides areas to demonstrate habitat development and wildlife management practices to landowners and other interested groups; develop new techniques for managing wildlife populations and habitat through on-the-ground research designed for local issues and conditions; and provide public hunting and appreciative use of wildlife in a manner compatible with the resource.

The mission of the historic Colonel Burns Ranch, purchased by the Burns family almost 150 years ago, is to restore native habitat and preserve family history. Holistic decision making, supported by meticulous records of land management, helped this ranch become a 2012 Land Stewards award winner. Due to the ranch’s proximity to the WMA, its owners actively sought cooperative efforts with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to expand research and outreach opportunities.

Acquisition of the subject tract would provide additional research and recreational opportunities to the Cross Timbers and Prairies Ecosystem Project Area.

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 2,200 acres of land for addition to the Cross Timbers and Prairies Ecosystem Project Area, near the Muse Wildlife Management Area, in Brown County.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit A

Location Map for the McGillivray and Leona McKie Muse Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Brown County

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for the McGillivray and Leona McKie Muse WMA Approximately 15 miles Northeast of Brownwood

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition Subject Tract Outlined in Red Sellers’ Retained Ownership Outlined in Yellow McGillivray and Leona McKie WMA Outlined in Green

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit D

Property Map of Proposed Acquisition Subject Tract Outlined in Red Sellers Retained Ownership Outlined in Yellow