November 5-6, 2025, Commission Meeting Agenda

Work Session

Commission Agenda Items

August 20-21, 2025, Transcripts

 

Commission Agenda Item 5
November 6, 2025

Land Acquisition Strategy – Caldwell County – Approximately 200 Acres at Lockhart State Park

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization of a land acquisition strategy to acquire multiple tracts of land totaling approximately 200 acres adjacent to Lockhart State Park. These tracts are available from willing sellers. These acquisitions would add wildlife habitat and operational utility to the park, and expand the park by almost doubling its size.

II.     Discussion: Lockhart State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago, comprises 258 acres and provides hiking and biking trails, fishing on the Clear Fork Creek, and camping. The park is within a 45-minute drive from Austin and is a popular park to visit year-round. Expansion of the park would allow for greater recreational opportunities and accommodation of more visitors.

Staff prioritizes acquisition of adjacent properties from willing sellers to minimize operational and management conflicts and enhance the conservation of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public lands. Staff have identified several strategic tracts adjacent to Lockhart State Park, totaling approximately 200 acres. These tracts will allow for more recreational opportunities, add additional areas for staff resources and the protection of native wildlife habitat, and expand the park by almost doubling its size.

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 from willing sellers approximately 200 acres at Lockhart State Park.”

Attachments – 3

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

Exhibit A – Commission Agenda Item No. 5

Location Map for Lockhart State Park
Caldwell County

Exhibit B – Commission Agenda Item No. 5

Vicinity Map for Lockhart State Park
35 Miles Southeast of Austin

Exhibit C – Commission Agenda Item No. 5

Site Map of Proposed Land Acquisition Strategy
Lockhart State Park Outlined in Red
Area of Interest Outlined in Yellow