Presenter: Corky Kuhlmann

Commission Agenda Item No. 16
Action
Acceptance of Land Donation – Bastrop County
Bastrop State Park
(Acquisition of 265 Acres)
November 2006

I. Executive Summary: Bastrop County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) will acquire 265 acres adjacent to Bastrop State Park (BSP) with the intention of donating this acreage to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The property has excellent recreational potential and habitat for the endangered Houston toad.

II. Discussion: Approximately 265 acres of land have been offered for sale adjacent to BSP. Bastrop County in conjunction with TPWF has negotiated a contract to purchase the property. Upon acquiring this property, Bastrop County has indicated that it will donate the tract to TPWD. The property has frontage on State Highway 21 and more than a mile of boundary in common with BSP (see Exhibit A). The vegetation cover is native pine-oak forest with some pastureland and an earthen water tank. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the tract as known Houston toad habitat. The location and attributes of the tract make it manageable by existing park staff, and offer potential for expanding public outdoor recreation opportunities in the future, to the extent this does not adversely impact toad habitat.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends 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 by donation approximately 265 acres in Bastrop County as an addition to Bastrop State Park."

Attachment – 1

  1. Exhibit A – Location Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 16
Exhibit A

Subject Property

Location of proposed land donation in relation to the Bastrop State Park

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Corky Kuhlmann.