Commission Policy (CP) - 022: New Park Development – Recommended Adoption of Proposed Policy

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Action

Commission Policy (CP) – 022: New Park Development

Recommended Adoption of Proposed Policy

May 22, 2025

I.    Executive Summary: Staff seeks adoption of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) policy regarding Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) development and timely opening of new state parks following the full acquisition and assemblage of the land.

II.   Discussion: In 2023, Texans voted to create the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund for purchasing land and developing new Texas state parks. The fund may only be used for the creation and improvement of state parks (Texas Constitution Article 3 Section 40-e-1). Currently, use of the fund is limited to the interest earned on amounts credited to the fund. This fund allows TPWD to address the demand for more public lands in Texas while conserving the natural and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The purpose of this Commission Policy is to require TPWD to develop a plan for the development and timely opening of new state parks following the full acquisition and assemblage of the land. The plan must outline a phased approach to public access ensuring sound planning, design, and construction practices while safeguarding the property’s natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Additionally, the policy requires TPWD to provide detailed updates on the progress of each state park development phase, including the types of public access available. This information will be accessible on the state parks’ webpage(s). To ensure transparency and accountability, staff will report annually to the Commission on progress towards meeting key milestones for the development of new state parks.

III.   Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the proposed motion:

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts Commission Policy CP-022, New Park Development, attached as Exhibit A.”

Attachment – 1

1. Exhibit A – Commission Policy CP-022, New Park Development

Commission Agenda Item No. 1

Exhibit A

Commission Policy CP-022

New Park Development

The purpose of this policy is to require the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to develop a plan for the development and timely opening of new state parks following the full acquisition and assemblage of the land. The plan must outline a phased approach to public access ensuring sound planning, design, and construction practices while safeguarding the property’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. The plan shall specify key milestones for each phase, including:

• Phase 1: Facilitated Public Day Use

Within 12 months: park open for facilitated public day use (e.g., public hunts, guided tours, special events, fishing, paddling, birding).

• Phase 2: Expanded Public Day Use

Within 18 months: park open for expanded public day use with access to basic essential components (e.g., limited trails, parking areas, restrooms).

• Phase 3: Park Open

Within 48 months: park open with appropriate roads, utilities, and communications and facility infrastructure.

TPWD may develop additional park enhancements and infrastructure beyond the established timeline to address operational needs, public demand, and conservation priorities.

Additionally, TPWD will provide detailed updates on the progress of each state park development phase, including the types of public access available. This information will be accessible on the state parks’ webpage(s). To ensure transparency and accountability, staff will report annually to the Commission on progress towards meeting key milestones for the development of new state parks.