Land Acquisition – Mason County - Approximately 170 Acres at the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area

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Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Presenter: Stan David

Action
Land Acquisition – Mason County
Approximately 170 Acres at the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area
November 5, 2026

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to acquire approximately 170 acres adjacent to the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from a willing seller. This tract would add excellent habitat and recreational value to the WMA.

II.     Discussion: Mason Mountain WMA was a working exotic game ranch from the mid-1980s until 1997, when Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) acquired the property. Today, four species of exotic wildlife remain on the property, providing opportunities to study the effects of African ungulates on local habitat and interactions between native and exotic wildlife. The WMA is situated on the boundary between the Central Mineral Region and the Edwards Plateau and is dedicated to research concerning the ecology of the region and its application to wildlife management on private lands.

Staff prioritizes acquiring inholdings and adjacent properties from willing sellers to improve recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure the conservation of existing TPWD public lands.  The addition of 170 acres expands the unique opportunity to observe and study wildlife and their use of the different habitats, soil types, and environments that exist throughout the Texas Hill County.

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 170 acres at the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area.”

1. Exhibit A – Location Map
2. Exhibit B – Vicinity Map
3. Exhibit C – Site Map of Proposed Acquisition 4. Exhibit D – Property Map of Proposed Acquisition

Commission Agenda Item No 6
Exhibit A

Location Map for the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Mason County

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Approximately 45 Miles Northwest of Fredericksburg

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area Outlined in Red
Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit D

Property Map of Proposed Acquisition
Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area Outlined in Red
Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow