Conservation Committee

Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
May 25, 2011

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Commission Hearing Room
4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX  78744

Commissioner Peter M. Holt, Committee Chair
Scott Boruff, Committee Liaison

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

  1. Update on TPWD Progress in Implementing the TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan
    • Land Donation – Galveston County – 1-Acre at Galveston Island State Park – Request Permission to begin the Public Notice and Input Process       
    Staff:  Carter Smith
  2. Land Acquisition – Yoakum County – 650 ± Acres at the Yoakum Dunes Conservation Area — Request Permission to begin the Public Notice and Input Process
    Staff:  Corky Kuhlmann
  3. Land Acquisition – Galveston County – 3.6 Acres at Galveston Island State Park – Request Permission to begin the Public Notice and Input Process
    Staff:  Corky Kuhlmann             
  4. Request for Pipeline Easement – Orange County – Tony Houseman Wildlife Management Area (Resolution) (Action Item No. 4)
    Staff:  Ted Hollingsworth
  5. WITHDRAWN — Proposed Land Sale – Randall and Armstrong Counties – Sale of 2,014 ± Acres at Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Request Permission to begin the Public Notice and Input Process
    Staff:  Ted Hollingsworth
  6. Transfer of State Historic Site – Guadalupe County — Sebastopol House State Historic Site to the City of Seguin — Request Permission to begin the Public Notice and Input Process
    Staff:  Ted Hollingsworth
  7. New Park Acquisition – Palo Pinto County (Executive Session)
    Staff:  Ted Hollingsworth
  8. Request for Access Easement – Aransas County – Commercial Driveway at Goose Island State Park (Executive Session)
    Staff:  Ted Hollingsworth

Committee Agenda Item No. 1
Presenter:  Carter Smith

Conservation Committee
Update on TPWD Progress in Implementing the
TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan
May 25, 2011

I.      Executive Summary:  Executive Director Carter Smith will briefly update the Commission on the status of the agency’s efforts to implement the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (the “Plan”).

II.     Discussion:  In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature directed that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) develop a Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (Tex. Park & Wild. Code §11.104).  In 2002, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) adopted the first Plan.  A revised Plan was adopted by the Commission in January 2005.  In November 2009, the Commission approved a new Plan effective January 1, 2010.  The 2010 Plan is available on the TPWD web site.  Executive Director Carter Smith will update the Conservation Committee on TPWD’s recent progress in achieving the Plan’s goals, objectives and deliverables as they relate to the Conservation Committee.

The Plan consists of the following four goals:

  1. Practice, Encourage and Enable Science-based Stewardship of Natural and Cultural Resources
  2. Increase Access To and Participation In the Outdoors
  3. Educate, Inform and Engage Texas Citizens in Support of Conservation and Recreation
  4. Employ Efficient, Sustainable and Sound Business Practices

Committee Agenda Item No. 2
Presenter:  Corky Kuhlmann

Conservation Committee
Land Acquisition
Yoakum County
Yoakum Dunes Preserve
May 25, 2011

I.       Executive Summary:  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is in negotiations with private landowners in Yoakum County to purchase property to be used as Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat.

II.            Discussion:  TPWD staff is currently in negotiations with private landowners for the acquisition of property as an addition to The Nature Conservancy’s 7,290-acre Yoakum Dunes Preserve.  This Preserve that is located on the Texas high plains west of Lubbock, is dedicated to provide research and conservation-demonstration for grassland and wildlife-habitat enhancement centering on the Lesser Prairie Chicken.

Staff would like to begin the process of providing public notice and obtaining public input regarding a proposed acquisition of additional lands adjacent to Yoakum Dunes Preserve.

Attachments — 3


Committee Agenda Item No. 2
Exhibit A

Location Map
Yoakum County 


Committee Agenda Item No. 2
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map
Yoakum Dunes Preserve


Committee Agenda Item No. 2
Exhibit C

Site Map
Yoakum Dunes Preserve


Committee Agenda Item No. 3
Presenter:  Corky Kuhlmann

Conservation Committee
Land Acquisition
Galveston County
Galveston Island State Park
May 25, 2011

I. Executive Summary:  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is in negotiations with a private landowner for a 3.6-acre tract (Tract) of land as an addition to Galveston Island State Park (Park).


II. Discussion:  TPWD staff is in negotiations for the acquisition of a 3.6-acre tract of land located along 13 Mile Road within the footprint of the Park.  The Tract is an abandoned well site and is suitable for development.

The acquisition of this tract will increase planning options as we move forward to rebuild the Park.

Staff would like to begin the process of providing public notice and obtaining public input regarding a proposed donation of the 50-acre tract.

Attachments — 3

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

Committee Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit A

Location Map
Galveston County 


Committee Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map
Galveston Island State Park


Committee Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit C

Site Map
Galveston Island


Committee Agenda Item No. 6
Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Conservation Committee
Transfer of State Historic Site – Guadalupe County
Sebastopol House State Historic Site to the City of Seguin
May 25, 2011

I. Executive Summary:  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff and the City of Seguin are negotiating terms and conditions under which the Sebastopol House State Historic Site (SHS) would be transferred from TPWD to the City.

II. Discussion:  The Sebastopol House SHS was acquired by TPWD in 1976 for its significant history and architecture, and opened to the public in 1989 after significant archeological study, stabilization and restoration.  The site includes the Greek revival style “limecrete” house constructed in 1856 and 2.2 acres.

In keeping with recommendations from the legislature, and consistent with the TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan, State Parks Division staff has been evaluating sites to determine whether or not local ownership and operation might be appropriate. As a result of these evaluations and local discussions, the City of Seguin has expressed a willingness to own and operate the Sebastopol House and grounds.  Staff requests permission to begin the public notice and input process.

Attachments — 3

  1. Exhibit A – Location Map
  2. Exhibit B – Vicinity Map
  3. Exhibit C – Image of SHS

Committee Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit A

Location Map for Sebastopol House SHS in Guadalupe County


Committee Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Sebastopol House 30 miles east of San Antonio


Committee Agenda Item No. 6
Exhibit C

Sebastopol House SHS