Commission Agenda Item 12
May 23, 2024

• Item Type: Action
• Presenter: Stan David

Acquisition of Land – Anderson County – Approximately 6900 Acres in the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project

I. Executive Summary:

Staff requests authorization to pursue acquisition of approximately 6,900 acres of land within the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project (MTREP) that are available from a willing seller. The land would add excellent habitat and operational utility to the MTREP.

II. Discussion:

The MTREP was created to compensate for habitat losses associated with the construction of the Richland-Chambers Reservoir and conserve valuable bottomland hardwood and Post Oak Savannah habitat. The mission of MTREP is to develop and manage populations of resident and migratory wildlife species and their habitats and to provide quality public recreation in a manner that sustains and conserves native habitats. The MTREP consists of four Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in proximity to the Middle Trinity River: Richland Creek WMA, the Gus Engeling WMA, Big Lake Bottom WMA, and Keechi Creek WMA.

The subject tract, which has been owned by the same family for many decades, would add valuable native habitat and create the opportunity to keep a very large parcel of land intact for perpetuity. The acquisition would add strategic operational value to the project area.

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 6,900 acres of land in Anderson County for addition to the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project.”

Exhibit A – Commission Agenda Item No. 12

Location Map for the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project (MTREP)
Anderson County

Exhibit B – Commission Agenda Item No. 12

Vicinity Map for the Four Middle Trinity Area Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
Comprising the MTREP
25 Miles East of Corsicana