Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Action
Land Acquisition - Hardin County
1500 Acres at Village Creek State Park
November 5, 2009

I. Executive Summary: Staff has been working closely with The Conservation Fund on a transaction that would more than double the size of Village Creek State Park by bargain purchase.

II. Discussion: Sixty-nine mile long Village Creek is one of the last free-flowing streams in east Texas, and is home to rare fish and mussels. Village Creek State Park, currently comprising 1,090 acres, including almost 2 miles of frontage on the creek, was opened to the public in 1994. The park consists of longleaf pine uplands, slope forests, and floodplain wetlands, including baygals and cypress swamps. As the City of Lumberton expands, housing continues to be built along the park boundary.

A large tract of undeveloped timber land, contiguous with the park to the south, has been identified as a high priority for acquisition and addition to the park for many years. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff has been working with The Conservation Fund to identify a process for acquiring and protecting this tract. Through a creative combination of mitigation and grant funding, The Conservation Fund is able to offer the tract to TPWD for approximately one quarter of its value.

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 approximately 1,500 acres in Hardin County for addition to Village Creek State Park."

Attachments - 3

  1. Exhibit A - Location Map
  2. Exhibit B - Vicinity Map
  3. Exhibit C - Site Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Exhibit A

Location Map
Village Creek State Park in Hardin County

Location of Village Creek State Park in relation to the State of Texas

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.


Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map
Village Creek State Park

Location of Village Creek State Park in relation to Beaumont and Port Arthur, TX

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.


Commission Agenda Item No. 15
Exhibit C

Site Map
Subject Tract (Shown in Yellow)

Location of Village Creek State Park in relation to subject tract

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.