Land Acquisition – Henderson County - Approximately 650 Acres

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Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Presenter: Stan David

Action
Land Acquisition – Henderson County
Approximately 650 Acres
August 20, 2026

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to acquire a 650-acre parcel of land for a new state park from a willing seller.

II.     Discussion: The property proposed for acquisition consists of approximately 650 acres located between Tyler and Athens on Lake Palestine, a 25,000-acre lake in Northeast Texas. The property consists of woods and pastures and has small ponds and lakes. The property is suitable for overnight and day use areas; lake recreation such as boating, swimming, and paddleboarding; hunting and fishing, including waterfowl hunting access; hiking trails; and other recreational opportunities.

Staff acquires new state parks from willing sellers to expand and improve recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, and complement conservation and recreation on existing Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public lands. Acquisition of this tract will add a new state park to the department’s public land system in a region that is currently considered to be underserved and provide greater outdoor experiences and opportunities for the citizens of Texas.

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 650 acres in Henderson County.”

1. Exhibit A – Location Map
2. Exhibit B – Vicinity Map
3. Exhibit C – Site Map of Proposded Aquisition

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Location Map for Subject Tract
Henderson County

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Subject Tract
Approximately 25 Miles East of Athens

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow