Commission Agenda Item 8
January 23, 2025

• Item Type: Action
• Presenter: Zach Spector

Acceptance of Donation of Land – Brewster County – Approximately 640 Acres at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area

I. Executive Summary:

Staff recommends that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) accept the donation of an approximately 640-acre tract at the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This tract would conserve native habitat and provide greater public access to a wild and scenic portion of the Rio Grande River.

II. Discussion:

The property consists of approximately 640 acres and provides crucial habitat for native wildlife; the area is also home to several rare and endangered species. The Nature Conservancy plans to purchase the property, which is currently for sale, and donate it to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to be added to the Black Gap WMA. The property provides an important avenue for boaters to either put in or take out for paddling trips down the Rio Grande River, and it can serve as a boater take-out for floats down the Boquillas Canyon stretch and a put-in for the Lower Canyons stretch. The acquisition of this property will prevent future development, provide greater public access to the Rio Grande River, and further conserve habitat for native Texas species.

III. Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the following motion:

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission accepts the donation of approximately 640 acres in Brewster County at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area.”

Exhibit A – Commission Agenda Item No. 8

Location Map for Subject Tract
Brewster County

Exhibit B – Commission Agenda Item No. 8

Vicinity Map for Subject Tract

Exhibit C – Commission Agenda Item No. 8

Area Map of Land Donation
Subject Tract in Yellow
Big Bend National Park in Green
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Red
General Land Office Land in Purple