Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Action
Land Donation – Brewster County
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
(Acceptance of Inholdings Purchased
by the Texas Bighorn Society and
Donated to TPWD)
April 5, 2007
I. Executive Summary: Per briefing of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in May 2006, staff has negotiated several contracts for sale with willing landowners of inholdings at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Texas Bighorn Society (TBS) is funding these acquisitions for donation to TPWD.
II. Discussion: In March 2006, TBS voted to contribute up to $100,000 for acquisition of inholdings of land in bighorn sheep habitat within the Black Gap WMA. Staff created maps of those inholdings, prioritized tracts within primary sheep habitat, and contacted owners. A number of contracts have been negotiated with willing sellers as a result of this effort. Since the last briefing of the Commission on this project in August 2006, two additional contracts have been negotiated totaling 80 acres.
Upon authorization, staff will proceed to arrange transaction closings, with titles passing directly to TPWD. TBS will fully fund each closing.
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 tracts totaling up to approximately 80 acres as donations for addition to Black Gap Wildlife Management Area"
Attachments – 1
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit A
Property Map
For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.