Land Acquisition – Edwards County - Approximately 1200 Acres at Devils Sinkhole State Natural Area

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Land Acquisition – Edwards County - Approximately 1200 Acres at Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area

Notice of Proposed Real Estate Transaction

In a meeting on January 22, 2026, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) will consider approving an acquisition of land of approximately 1200 acres at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed transaction before the Commission takes action. The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.  Prior to the meeting, public comment may be submitted to Trey Vick, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744, or by email to real.estate.comment@tpwd.texas.gov, or via the department’s website at www.tpwd.texas.gov. Visit the TPWD website at tpwd.texas.gov for the latest information regarding the Commission.

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Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Presenter: Trey Vick

Action
Land Acquisition – Edwards County
Approximately 1,200 Acres at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area
January 22, 2026

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to pursue the acquisition of an approximately 1,200-acre tract of land adjacent to Devil’s Sinkhole Natural Area (SNA). This tract is available from a willing seller and would add excellent habitat and operational utility to the park.

II.     Discussion: Devil’s Sinkhole SNA consists of approximately 1,859 acres in Rocksprings in Edwards County. The SNA is particularly known for the Sinkhole, a National Natural Landmark that is 50 feet wide and over 320 feet deep. The Sinkhole is also known for being home to one of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in Texas. The SNA provides several recreational opportunities and is one of the more unique State Natural Areas in Texas.

Staff prioritizes acquiring state park inholdings and adjacent properties from willing sellers to minimize operational and management conflicts and ensure the conservation of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public lands. Staff has identified this tract adjacent to the Devil’s Sinkhole SNA totaling approximately 1,200 acres. Acquisition of this tract will allow for future expansion of facilities and expand recreational opportunities on the SNA. Expansion of the SNA will also add additional buffer habitat to the Sinkhole and its three million bats.

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 a willing seller approximately 1,200 acres at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area.”

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

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit A

Location Map for Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
Edwards County

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area
Rocksprings, Texas

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit C

Area Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tract in Yellow
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area in Red