Presenters: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 13
Action
Land Acquisition - Limestone County
Fort Parker State Park
January 28, 2010

I. Executive Summary: Staff proposes the acquisition by purchase of interests in tracts of land totaling approximately 41 acres adjacent to Fort Parker State Park.

II. Discussion: Fort Parker State Park is a 1,448-acre site acquired in 1935, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and opened to the public in 1941. The park consists of a relatively narrow band of land surrounding Fort Parker State Park Lake. Since the time of the park's creation, adjacent landowners have had access to their tracts by driving through the park on Park Road 28 (PR28). This traffic does have an impact on park operations, but it is limited by the existing number of tracts, typically a few acres in size. No new driveway permits are being issued.

Of particular concern is a subdivision at the end of PR28 (on the north side of the park), at one time owned by the Springfield Club. This subdivision consists of more than 50 individual lots, each one with unrestricted access via PR28. The subdivision fronts on the Navasota River and is largely overgrown. None of the lots are currently occupied, and the seller has acquired a majority interest in most of these lots over the years from members of the now-defunct Springfield Club.

A contract for purchase of these interests, along with clear title to a contiguous 4-acre tract, has been negotiated with the owner.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Executive Director is authorized to take all necessary steps to acquire by purchase, ownership interests in approximately 41 acres in Limestone County for addition to Fort Parker State Park."

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