November 6-7, 2024, Commission Meeting Agenda

Work Session

Commission Agenda Items

August 21-22, 2024, Transcripts

 

Commission Agenda Item 9
November 7, 2024

Acquisition of Land – Marion County – Approximately 32.5 Acres at the Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area

I. Executive Summary:

Staff requests authorization to pursue the acquisition of an approximately 32.5-acre tract of land adjacent to the Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This tract is available from a willing seller and would add excellent habitat to the WMA.

II. Discussion:

Caddo Lake State Park was established in the 1930s on the south shore of Caddo Lake in Harrison County. Over time, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) expanded the park north across the lake, covering several thousand more acres. In 1997, the TPWD land holdings on the north side of the lake in Marion County were re-designated as a WMA, and their management assigned to the TPWD Wildlife Division. Today, the WMA consists of roughly 8,100 acres that protect much of the lake and the adjacent swamps, floodplains, slopes, and upland forests that exemplify the habitats of northeast Texas.

Staff prioritize acquiring WMA inholdings and adjacent properties from willing sellers to minimize operational and management conflicts and ensure the conservation of TPWD public lands. Acquiring this tract would allow permanent protection of the habitat and maintain, enhance, and restore its ecological functions and value.

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 32.5 acres in Marion County for addition to the Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area.”

Attachments – 3

  1. Exhibit A – Location Map
  2. Exhibit B – Vicinity Map
  3. Exhibit C – Area Map of Proposed Acquisition

Exhibit A – Commission Agenda Item No. 9

Location Map for Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Marion County

Exhibit B – Commission Agenda Item No. 9

Vicinity Map for Caddo Lake WMA
20 Miles Northeast of Marshall

Exhibit C – Commission Agenda Item No. 9

Area Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tract in Yellow
Caddo Lake WMA in Red