United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
Publication 9200.5-145
EPA 540/R-94/045
PB94-963274
HaromKar 1 QQQ
Superfund
SEPA U.S. EPA Region VI
Inland Area Contingency Plan
Texas
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DOCUMENT OBTAINED FROM OTHER SOURCES
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
REAL PROPERTY EVALUATION REPORT
OF THE
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FOR THE
72nd LEGISLATURE
PREPARED BY
ASSET MANAGEMENT DIVISION
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
GARRY MAURO
COMMISSIONER
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TEXAS
PARKS AND WILDLIFE
DEPARTMENT
REAL PROPERTY EVALUATION REPORTS
\
B
A
fi
ARR MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE
SEMINOLE CANYON STATE P
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK
PREPARED BY
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE P
ASSET MANAGEMENT DIVISION
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
GARRY MAURO
COMMISSIONER
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January 15,1991
The Honorable Ann W. Richards
Governor
The Honorable Bob Bullock
Lieutenant Governor
Members, Texas Senate and House of Representatives
72nd Legislature
I am pleased to present the final report of the Asset Management Division, Texas General
Land Office, evaluating the real property assets of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart-
ment.
This two-volume report is mandated by the Texas Natural Resources Code, Sections 31.151,
et seq. It analyzes market value and highest and best use to facilitate legislative decisions
for appropriate utilization of the evaluated properties.
Report information is based on economic conditions at the time of appraisal and may
change with fluctuations in the market.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Garry Maurof
Texas Land /commissioner
Sincerely,
GM/MH/ia
Garry Mauro
Commissioner
General Land Office
Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 463-5256
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REGION 6
REGIONAL REPORT. 113
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK. 117
CADDOAN MOUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE 121
GOVERNOR HOGG SHRINE STATE HISTORICAL PARK 125
%GUS ENGELING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 129
JIM HOGG STATE HISTORICAL PARK 133
MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 137
MICROWAVE RADIO TRANSMITTER 141
PURTIS CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA 145
STARR MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE 149
TEXAS STATE RAILROAD STATE HISTORIC PARK AND
RUSK-PALESTINE STATE PARK 153
TYLER RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT STATION. 157
TYLER STATE FISH HATCHERY 161
TYLER STATE PARK. 165
REGION 7
REGIONAL REPORT. 169
ABILENE STATE RECREATION AREA 173
FORT GRIFFIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK 177
LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE RECREATION AREA 181
REGION 8
REGIONAL REPORT. 185
^BLACK GAP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA..... 189
DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 193
--^ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA AND STATE PARK. 197
FORTLEATON STATE HISTORIC SITE 201
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 205
HUECO TANKS STATE HISTORICAL PARK 209
%LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - PRESIDIO COUNTY. 213
MAGOFFIN HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE. 217
SIERRA DIABLO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 221
REGION 9
REGIONAL REPORT. 225
BALMORHEA STATE RECREATION AREA 229
BIG SPRING STATE RECREATION AREA 233
REGION 10
REGIONAL REPORT. 237
FORT LANCASTER STATE HISTORIC SITE 241
FORT McKAVETT STATE HISTORIC SITE. 245
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME I
I. AGENCY SUMMARY 3
n. EVALUATION REPORTS 11
(ARRANGED BY TEXAS OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN [TORP] REGION)
REGION 1
REGIONAL REPORT. 13
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK 17
^GENE HOWE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 21
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK 25
REGION 2
REGIONAL REPORT. 29
MACKENZIE STATE RECREATION AREA 33
REGION 3
REGIONAL REPORT. 37
COPPER BREAKS STATE PARK 41
DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY 45
FORT RICHARDSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK 49
LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE RECREATION AREA 53
MATADOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 57
REGION 4
REGIONAL REPORT. 61
CLEBURNE STATE RECREATION AREA 65
DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK 69
EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 73
EAGLE MOUNTAIN STATE FISH HATCHERY 77
FORT WORTH STATE FISH HATCHERY. 81
LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK 85
POSSUM KINGDOM STATE FISH HATCHERY 89
POSSUM KINGDOM STATE RECREATION AREA 93
REGION 5
REGIONAL REPORT 97
DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK. 101
LAKE BOB SANDUN STATE RECREATION AREA. 105
SAM BELL MAXEY HOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE 109
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SAN ANGELO STATE FISH HATCHERY # 1 & REG. HDQTS. 249
WALTER BUCK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK 253
REGION 11
REGIONAL REPORT. 257
CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE HISTORIC PARK 261
FORT PARKER STATE RECREATION AREA 265
MERIDIAN STATE RECREATION AREA 269
OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE 273
WACO REGIONAL OFFICE 277
REGION 12
REGIONAL REPORT. 281
A E. WOOD FISH HATCHERY AND ROBERT J. KEMP, JR., FISHERIES CENTER 285
AUSTIN TRAINING ACADEMY. 289
BASTROP STATE PARK 293
BLANCO STATE RECREATION AREA 297
BUESCHER STATE PARK 301
INKS LAKE STATE PARK 305
LOCKHART STATE RECREATION AREA 309
LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK 313
McKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK & TPWD STATE HDQTS. 317
MONUMENT HILL AND KREISCHE BREWERY STATE HISTORICAL SITES 325
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK. 329
(FOR REGIONS 13 THROUGH 24, REFER TO VOLUME II.)... 3 3 5
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AGENCY SUMMARY
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Agency Summary:
Texas Parks And Wildlife Department
Purpose of the Report
The Asset Management Division of the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has prepared the
following reports in accordance with the Texas Natural Resources Code, Sections 31.151, et
seq. This law mandates that GLO prepare reports evaluating the designated real property
holdings of all state agencies on a regular basis, determining the following:
current market value;
real property not being used or being substantially underused; and
policy options for future use or disposition of unused or underused properties.
Evaluations examine market value of agency assets relative to their current use by the
land-holding agency. They are not intended to judge operational efficiencies of the agency or
its staff. Instead, the evaluation process focuses on the properties' economic and public use
potential.
Evaluation Process
In response to the legislative mandate, GLO staff accomplish the following in the agency real
property review:
validate the inventory;
appraise agency holdings;
analyze current use of facilities; and
recommend alternate uses for underutilized parcels.
Inventory Validations
This process encompasses deed review, site inspection, and records reconciliation. Discrepan-
cies in deed records and inconsistencies in acreage totals are reconciled in meetings between
reporting agencies and the GLO.
GLO evaluation reports cover 140 owned Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
facilities containing 347,577 acres of land. Only this owned land is appraised and analyzed in
the GLO evaluation process. Property leased by TPWD and/or acquired after January 1987 is
not addressed in GLO reports.
Appraisal
The GLO Appraisal Division performs appraisals using in-house staff. Using the Marshall and
Swift Valuation Service and data from inventory and field sources, appraisers compute
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depreciated values for buildings. They base their findings on information and conditions
gathered during on-site inspections. Findings are certified as of the appraisal date.
Analysis/Recommendations
Analysis and Planning staff analyze appraisal reports, data obtained from staff visits to selected
sites, and information furnished by the property-owning agency. The analysis process focuses
on how the agency uses its assets in light of the property's highest and best use and market
value as determined in the appraisal. Analysts then investigate alternate use options that are
financially feasible, legally permissible, and which provide a greater benefit to the state.
Evaluation reports conclude with recommendations for agency or legislative action.
Evaluation Report
The evaluation report is a document prepared for the legislature both to support potential
legislative action and to serve as an agency resource for future land use decisions. TPWD
holdings are examined from three perspectives:
Aganry Summary - explains TPWD's asset management approach and discusses land
use in relation to the agency's goals and operational structure. The summary also
describes GLO's analytical approach to evaluating land use.
Regional Summaries - give perspective to the functions of TPWD holdings within the
framework of regional needs identified in the 1990 Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan
(TORP). The TORP is a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan authorized
by the Texas Legislature and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.
ITie goal of the TORP is to provide data and information to guide the allocation of
public and private resources for outdoor recreation. The Assessment and Policy Plan
component of the TORP presents outdoor recreation data (demand, supply, needs,
issues, problems, recommendations, and responsibilities) for each of the TORP's
twenty-four planning regions.
Tract Reports - one for each holding and grouped, for convenience, geographically by
TORP regions. Reports present data, analysis, and findings for each TPWD tract. TTiey
also describe site features and TPWD facilities and surrounding uses, as well as
provide analyses and conclusions regarding future use.
4
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TPWD Evaluation Considerations
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department possesses widely dispersed and diverse real property
holdings as well as a broad scope of responsibility over the use of its property.
TPWD is mandated to acquire, enhance, conserve, and manage natural, historical, and
recreational land for citizens to use, enjoy, and appreciate. Agency objectives stress quality of
life and resource protection issues. TPWD land use, therefore, rests in partial contradiction
with the GLO mandate to consider economic highest and best use in evaluating real property.
In approaching the TPWD evaluation process, GLO was faced with the following questions:
"What is the highest and best use of a state park in a market dominated by residential or
commercial development?"; "What is the market value of a natural resource that is clearly
unique?"; and "What valid, objective measures of economic use can we apply to a state park
use?"
The inherent conflict between GLO use and value measurements and TPWD philosophy and
objectives creates a paradox in the evaluation process.
TPWD Mandate
The Texas legislature created TPWD in 1963 through the merger of the State Parks Board and
the Game and Fish Commission. Its creation focused on issues predominantly related to
natural resources and recreation. TPWD currently operates under the control of the nine-
member Parks and Wildlife Commission. The Parks and Wildlife Code charges TPWD with
the following duties and authorities:
12.10-Dutv to Enforce Law
The department shall enforce all state laws relating to the protection of wild
game, wild birds, and fish and other marine life.
13-02-Comprehensive State Plan
The department may:
1) prepare, maintain, and revise a statewide comprehensive plan for the develop-
ment of the outdoor recreation resources of this state;
2) develop, operate, and maintain outdoor areas and facilities of the state; and
3) acquire land, water, and interests in land and water for outdoor recreation areas
and facilities.
5
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In 1975, the Commission published an administrative policy document for the State Park
System that set forth objectives, described the system's functions, and stated guidelines for the
classification, selection, development, and operation of existing and future facilities in the
system. General objectives follow:
To seek out and protect the finest of what remains unprotected of the state's natural and
cultural inheritance and its outdoor recreation resources;
To provide opportunities for varied outdoor recreation in keeping with natural and
historical values;
To impart to the people of Texas an understanding and appreciation of the state's cultural,
historical, and natural heritage;
To conserve and manage for the highest and best purpose the natural, historical, and
recreational resources of the State Park System; and
To join with all the citizenry of this and other states and nations in promoting the
conservation of natural, historical, and recreational resources.
TPWD Organizational Structure
TPWD's four divisions control parks, wildlife, fisheries, and law enforcement. Each division
has its own administrative system and distinct duties and functions. Each division also has
control over the management of its real property holdings, subject to the ultimate authority of
the agency's Executive Director and the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The Parks Division
controls the most land and has, therefore, received the most analysis in the GLO evaluation
process.
TPWD also operates three state fishing piers. Since they are all located on land owned by other
state agencies, the properties were not evaluated as part of the TPWD inventory.
Since TPWD has combined some land parcels for operational purposes, the 140 evaluation
reports listed in the Table of Contents do not represent the total number of parcels owned
(152). The following tables use ownership information only, as no leased properties were
appraised or evaluated.
Summary of Total Real Property Holdings - All Divisions
No. of
Tracts
No. of
Acres
% Developed/
Vacant
Total Value
(including im-
provements)
Avg. Value
per Acre
140
347,577
36% 164%
$409,596,096
$1,178
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Parks Division
The Parks Division provides three principle benefits to Texas citizens. Through its state parks
and state recreation areas, the Division provides resource-oriented outdoor recreation in
non-urban, natural environments. Through state natural areas, it preserves areas with out-
standing or unique ecological, biological, geological, or scenic features. The division's third
function is to preserve and interpret historically significant sites and structures.
To perform these functions, the Parks Division divides its facilities into the following classifica-
tions:
1. State Recreation Areas 4. State Historic Structures
2. State Parks 5. State Historical Sites
3. State Natural Areas 6. State Historical Parks
The Parks System provides facilities for camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, swimming,
nature study, rock climbing, golfing, and additional activities. Over 20 million visitors use its
facilities annually.
The Parks Division controls the largest number of tracts and the largest number of acres of
any TPWD division. Parks System property contains over half the acreage and three quarters
of the value in the TPWD inventory. TTiese holdings are summarized in the following table.
Summary of Real Property Holdings - Parks Division
No. of
Tracts
No. of
Acres
% Developed/
Vacant
Total Value
(including im-
provements)
Avg. Value
per Acre
State Recreation Areas
25
14,167
33% 167%
48,545,235
$ 3,427
State Parks
33
100,832
13%/87%
217,343,529
$ 2,156
State Natural Areas
5
12,231
6%/94%
12,877,859
$ 1,053
State Historic Structures
4
7
100%/ 0%
1,449,183
$ 207,026
State Historical Sites
16
501
57%/43%
7,506,238
$ 14,983
State Historical Parks
17
7,712
42%/58%
48,422,507
$ 6,279
Total of All Parks
Division Properties
100
135,450
10%/90%
$336,144,551
$ 2,482
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Wildlife Division
The purpose of the Wildlife Division is to preserve and enhance the wildlife resources of the
state while providing for maximum public use. The division acquires habitat for use in game
management and wildlife preservation. Its operations include research activities that provide
information about species survival and propagation. Controlled hunting is allowed on thirty-
one wildlife management areas operated by TP WD. Some of these areas are within state parks
and some are on federal land.
The Wildlife Division controls the second largest number of acres in the TPWD system. Its
land is the least developed of all agency holdings. Because most of the properties are remotely
located, they are typically valued lower than other TPWD properties. Thus, this one-third of
the agency's land represents about one-eighth of the whole TPWD inventory value. Wildlife
Division holdings are summarized in the following table.
Summary of Real Property Holdings - Wildlife Division
No. of
Tracts
No. of
Acres
% Developed/
Vacant
Total Value
(including Im-
provements)
Avg. Value
per Acre
19
210,959
13% 187%
$60,363,851
$286
Fisheries Division
The Fisheries Division's primary goal is to provide Texas fishers with better recreational
opportunities. The division's functions include habitat assessment, evaluation, management
for both marine and freshwater fisheries, and operation of fish hatcheries and research stations.
TPWD has recently begun to update its approach to operating fish hatcheries with the
completion of the new, automated A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery in San Marcos. As centralized,
automated fish hatcheries replace traditional ones, less land will be needed by the Fisheries
Division.
On the appraisal date, TPWD had 11 fish hatcheries and several research stations in its
inventory. The age of these facilities ranges from 29 to 55 years. TPWD currently operates
only eight hatcheries. Two former hatchery properties have reverted to private ownership
because of deed restrictions; another has been decommissioned and is now used for storage.
Fisheries Division holdings are summarized in the following table.
Summary of Real Property Holdings - Fisheries Division
No. of
Tracts
No. of
Acres
% Developed/
Vacant
Total Value
(Including Im-
provements)
Avg. Value
per Acre
13
1,144
76% 124%
$9,424,887
$8,239
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Law Enforcement Division
The Law Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the laws that protect the public
and TPWD's real and personal property. Park rangers and game wardens are trained at a
TP WD academy.
The Law Enforcement Division controls eight parcels of land. The division also leases space
around the state from the private sector and shares space with other TPWD offices. Most of
the division's property is urban and small in size, producing a high value per acre. Law
Enforcement Division holdings are summarized in the following table.
Summary of Real Property Holdings - Law Enforcement Division
No. of
Tracts
No. of
Acres
% Developed/
Vacant
Total Value
(including im-
provements)
Avg. Value
per Acre
8
24
47% 153%
$3,662,807
$152,617
Evaluating TPWD Property
Because TPWD's purpose is to protect, conserve, and enhance the state's natural resources
for present and future use and enjoyment of all citizens, GLO's mandate to evaluate economic
use of TPWD properties has been difficult to apply. In essence, TPWD's goal has been to
provide resources with qualitative benefits which, by their nature, are subjective. This purpose
often conflicts with quantitative, economic land-use principles used in standard highest and
best use assessments.
TPWD measures successful utilization in terms of its preservation efforts which, necessarily,
often limit use by the public. It has not historically gauged the success of its operations in terms
of intensity of use or commercial return. In contrast, GLO has examined revenue generation,
visitation, contributions to the local economy, developed acres, and service area goals as
criteria for evaluating utilization.
Since TPWD does not consider revenue generation an agency goal, GLO has been limited in
its ability to review agency land use policies using economic standards. We have identified
concessions, leasing, privatization, and property management as areas of opportunity for
higher utilization. While there are some TPWD facilities that produce income from commer-
cial-type activities, this type of land use is not considered by agency administration as a TPWD
responsibility. Instead, TPWD's policies emphasize preservation and public use of its assets.
To deal with this conflict, GLO has limited its focus in the first-round appraisal and evaluation
cycle to stating economic facts without drawing conclusions about agency land use practices.
In cases where a higher use of TPWD land is recommended, GLO has suggested that TPWD
create plans which intensify use of the property. Future evaluations will address TPWD's
responsibility to realize both the economic as well as preservation potential of its assets.
9
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EVALUATION REPORTS
Volume I
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 1 (PANHANDLE)
SHERMAN
HANSFORD : OCHILTREE
DALLAM
LIPSCOMB
MOORE HUTCHINSON
ROBERTS
US 385
US 287
US (0
: HARTLEY
HEMPHILL
WHEELER
CARSON
POTTER
OLDHAM
PAMPA ;
IH 40
GRAY
IH 40
COLLINGSWORTH i
AMARILLO
US 287
! DEAF SMITH
DONLEY
! ARMSTRONG
RAND,
.SWISHER
BRISCOE
PARMER :
HALL
CASTRO
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK
2. GENE HOWE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
3. PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
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REGION 1 (PANHANDLE) covers 25,712 square miles, most of the Texas Panhandle territory.
ECONOMY - Region 1 has been weakened economically by consolidations in the oil and gas industry
but is expected to recover slowly during the next decade.. Economic indicators project a .7%
population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth (led by manufacturing, health, trade, and
transportation) per year.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres/
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
26
6
392,684
16
377
GEOGRAPHY - A section of the llano estacado (staked plains), Region 1 is rich in grain, grazing, and
petroleum. It is the eighth most populous region of the state, with concentration in population around
theAmarillo area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
306
145,646
500-999
21st
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Significant parkland acreage lies in state and federal wildlife
management and grassland areas and is divided between the rolling and high plains ecological regions.
TPWD provides 25% of the recreational land in the region. All three of the TPWD facilities are listed
among the TORP'S ten major recreational attractions and resources. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
and Caprock Canyons State Park are premier attractions in Region 1 and are ranked among Texas'
larger state parks.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
3
3
36,249
$7,893,423
.9% 125%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 1 will be for multi-use and hiking trails and sport and play facilities. Of these, trails are typical
TPWD amenities.
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK
LOCATION - Caprock Canyons State Park (SP) is located
halfway between Lubbock and Amarillo on FM1065, three
miles north of the town of Quitaque, Briscoe County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 13,960.64 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 75, p. 442,
and Volume 81, p. 82, Briscoe County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Rich in archeological history, Caprock Canyons
State Park is situated at the edge of the cap rock
escarpment separating the High Plains of West
Texas from the Rolling Plains to the east. Rug-
ged, vast, and isolated, the site was frequented for
thousands of years by prehistoric, nomadic tribes
who greatly prized the Panhandle's famous flint
deposits.
In 1541 the Spanish explorer Coronado became
the first European to pass through Caprock Can-
yons. White settlement did not come until the
1870s, after warlike Apache and Comanche In-
dians were driven from the region.
Caprock Canyons is also of great geological inter-
est. Exposed formations from the Permian,
Jurassic, and Pliocene eras offer varied scenery
that includes badlands, canyons, and the con-
fluence of the North and South Prongs of the
Little Red River. Elevation varies a total of 1,000
feet from the eastern to the western border of the
property.
General Data
SIZE. 13,960.64 acres
COUNTY Briscoe
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 31/84
TORP REGION. 1
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Vegetation is sparse, typical of both the High and
Rolling Plains. In the badlands it includes the
High Plains Prairie Association of juniper, mes-
quite, and cacti, while tall grasses, cottonwood,
Preceding page blank
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SILVERTON
CAPROCK CANYONS
STATE PARK
SH 256
FM (1065
SH 207
SH86
TO US 287
QUITAQUE
FM 2733
FM 1065
Fig. 1 - Location
plum, and hackberry can be found in the bottom-
lands. Vegetation on the relatively well-watered
canyon woodlands includes plains cottonwood,
Rocky Mountain juniper, and an occasional large
Mohr's oak.
The escarpment provides some of the best wild-
life habitat in the Texas Panhandle. The park
protects 800 acres of prairie which are home to
antelope, bison, and prairie dog communities.
Other mammals found include mule deer,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,180-3,180 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-30%
SOILS Burson, Qulnlan, Berda Loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND N, SIV
DRAINAGE SE into Little Red River
Aoudad sheep (imported from Africa in the
1950s), coyote, bobcat, raccoon, porcupine, cot-
tontail rabbit, fox, jackrabbit, badger, and ground
squirrel. Over 175 species of birds are found in
the park. The site contains 120-acre Lake Theo,
named for a former owner. This lake is regularly
stocked with catfish, bass, and sunfish.
Access is via FM 1065, due north of the town of
Quitaque (1985 pop. 700). FM 1065 crosses SH
86, main route east to Estelline, where it connects
with US 287, principal highway between Fort
Worth and Amarillo. Approximately 45 miles
northwest of the park, at the town of Tulia, US 86
crosses IH 27, an important north-south inter-
state which links Amarillo and Lubbock.
All surrounding land is used for cattle ranching,
with an average of 30-35 animal units per acre.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state park. Lake
Theo offers water-related activities such as swim-
ming, boating, and fishing. Camping facilities for
backpackers and tenters, as well as for campers
with trailers which require utility connections,
are located throughout the park. Other facilities
include picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails,
18
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interpretive exhibits, and over sixteen miles of
hiking and equestrian trails.
The Lake Theo archeological site, which includes
a 10,000-year-old bison processing station of the
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 44%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 60.64 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.56%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 13,900 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 81,039
Folsom culture, is listed in the National Register.
Some archeologists have interpreted a unique
arrangement of ancient bones excavated in the
park as a ceremonial altar of the same early cul-
ture.
Buildings include headquarters, maintenance
building, storage building, bunkhouse, rest
rooms with showers, comfort station, residence,
and garage. Site improvements include roads,
parking lots, curbs, sidewalks, patios, fences with
chain link gates, flagpole, street lights, five toilets,
water and sewage system, sprinkler system, fish-
ing pier, pavilion, amphitheater, exhibit shelter,
85 shelters, and an overlook shelter.
TPWD records show the total visitation for FY
1987 as 81,039, a reduction of 56,890 visitors
(41%) from the previous year. Although over-
night visitation increased by almost one
thousand, 57,852 fewer daytime passes were is-
sued in FY 87 than in FY 1986. TPWD partly
attributes this to a malfunctioning attendance
meter.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA 9,258 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 15%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $266,710
WATER Surface (Lake)
SEWER Septic
GAS.. Silverton Oil Co.
ELECTRICITY. Lighthouse Electric Co.
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PARK BOUNDARY
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
MAINTENANCE AREA
TRAILER DUMP STATION
BOAT LAUNCH
SCENIC OVERLOOK
FISHING PIER
PRIMITIVE RESTROOM
TRAILHEAD PARKING
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
TRAILHEAD-PARKING
TRAIL
RESTROOM
PICNICKING
CAMPING
COUNTY ROAD
EQUESTRIAN CAMPING
INTERPRETIVE SHELTER
TLC
r
J
- mower"*-
/ '"w-v:.; i. . ฆ
, < ' ' k
> -rr. \ littlc
'7 ฆ' ^'
L -' ฆ
i * I. . -v,\ / -4
d_L. J
n
SCALE IN AM ICS
TO QUITAOUE
Fig. 2 - Site
19
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i
The property is 99.56% undeveloped, with all
buildings and site improvements located on the
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,047,000
BUILDINGS $226,282
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $2,907,400
MARKET VALUE $4,180,682
APPRAISAL DATE February 10, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
remaining 60.64 acres. Although most of the un-
developed land consists of rugged escarpments
and canyons unsuited to building, tracts of build-
able land can be found scattered throughout the
park.
Alternate uses for these buildable tracts include
the possibility of a lease or sale arrangement with
the private sector for cattle ranching purposes if
such activity has no detrimental effect on the
property. Considering the downturn of the local
and state economy and the property's isolated
location and rough terrain, GLO appraisers
foresee no demand for this land other than for
ranching.
The property was purchased in 1975 from the
estate of Theo Geisler, who had ranched there
since 1936. The site is not under any land use
authority. There are no reversion clauses, deed
restrictions, leases, or encumbrances that would
affect the marketability to a typical buyer.
TP WD plans to continue use of the property as a
state park. In view of the ecological and ar-
cheological importance of the site and the cur-
rent lack of demand for ranching property, the
GLO appraiser agrees that the current use is the
highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
20
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GENE HOWE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area v\ vw
(WMA) is located on FM 2266, seven miles northeast of . \ V
Canadian, Hemphill County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers two parcels with
a total area of 5,886.8 acres, more particularly described by
deeds in Volume 56, p. 624, and Volume 60, p. 170, Hemphill
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area was
purchased between 1950 and 1952 as a research
site for quail management in the High Plains of
the Texas Panhandle. Today this facility is a
leader in research on quail development and
habitat. Studies conducted at Gene Howe have
produced valuable information regarding the
dynamics, habits, food consumption, and survival
tecuniques of this popular game bird.
Existing state rules regulating quail hunting are a
direct result of preservation data compiled by
Gene Howe researchers. The facility is used by
students, professors, and independent
researchers in cooperation with universities and
private organizations. Although the amount of
research is directly related to availability of funds,
TPWD is expected to continue quail
investigations at least at present level.
In addition to quail, the site is home to a resident
population of lesser prairie chicken, Rio Grande
turkey, ringneck pheasant, and white-tailed deer.
General Data
SIZE. 5,886.8 acres
COUNTY Hemphill
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 31188
TORP REGION. 1
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
It is also a refuge for a great variety of native and
migrant birds, as well as a resting area for
migratory waterfowl.
21
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US /b0
GENE HOWE UILOIIFB
MANAGEMENT AREA
FM 2266
CflHADInN
US 60
CANADIAN RiVBR
FM 2366
SH 33
US 83
Fig. 1 - Location
A variety of landscapes can be found within the
WMA. Sparse native prairie grasses such as
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,265-2,480 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%- 12%
SOILS Tlvoll-Springer &
Lincoln-Sweetwater Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN 03%
PREVAILING WIND N&SW
DRAINAGE SE into Canadian River
side-oats grama and Indiangrass, interwoven with
sagebrush and yucca, grow on the northern edge
of the facility. Blue grama, western wheatgrass,
and alkali sacaton occur in the southern region
along the Canadian River.
The best access to the WMA is
via FM 2266, which cuts through
the property from northwest to
southeast. FM 2266 intersects
US 60 and US 83, approximately
three miles northwest of the
facility and 2.5 miles north of the
city of Canadian.
Land use adjacent to the site is
confined to ranching; the land
carries one animal unit per 30 to
35 acres for an eight-month
period without supplemental
feeding.
PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
The Gene Howe WMA is a
research-oriented facility with a
policy which limits deer and
turkey hunting to those with lottery-chosen
permits. Current TPWD goals for the site include
development of a prime upland quail habitat in
the northern region of the property. Research
plans also exist to develop a waterfowl habitat on
the wetlands of the Canadian River to improve
the resting stop environment of migrating fowl.
Research is being undertaken in cooperation
with Ducks Unlimited, a private organization
dedicated to the protection of waterfowl.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 11 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 5,876 acres
The WMA consists of two parcels, a large eastern
area of 4,937.8 acres and a western tract of 949
acres. The terrain is predominantly flat or rolling
hills on both parcels, with a maximum elevation
differential of 250 feet and 12% slopes.
Other TPWD projects include an attempt to
increase the ringneck pheasant population along
the river bottom and to adapt the needs and
activities of the lesser prairie chicken to oil field
development.
22
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 5
AREA 282 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 39%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $ 131,152
WATER Well
SEWER Septic system
GAS Butane, Bob Ward Oil Co.
ELECTRICITY North Plain Elec. Co-op Co.
Although most hunting in Gene Howe is
undertaken as a research tool, public hunting is
allowed in the fall and spring when bird
populations permit. Some primitive camping is
available to hunters, although developed
camping facilities do not exist. Public quail and
dove hunting is under self-registration, and no
fees are assessed.
White-tailed deer and turkey hunting permits are
awarded by lot, with a fee charged in these
categories. TPWD expects regulated
recreational hunting activity to increase in the
future, generating additional revenues for the
facility. The WMA is not open to visitation by the
general public; however, organized group tours
are conducted through prior arrangement.
Fishing is not permitted.
The subject property is largely undeveloped
(99.8%), with approximately 11 acres containing
most of the buildings and site improvements.
The bulk of undeveloped land is used for
programmatic purposes such as quail habitat
Appraisal Data and Values
LAND $588,680
BUILDINGS. $79,502
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $180,750
MARKET VALUE $848,932
APPRAISAL DATE. March 5, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
TO
US 60
FM 2266
PAVED ROAD
CALICHE ROAD
TRUCK ROAD
I AREA RESIDENCE
0 HUNTING HEADQUARTERS
& PASTURE LOCATIONS
Fig. 2 - Site
23
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research. A network of secondary roads has been
developed to provide access to wells and
pipelines throughout the property. Buildings
include an office/bunkhouse, residence, garage,
barn, and utility building. Site improvements
include the road system, barbed wire fencing with
five cattle guards, water system, chain link
fencing, flag pole, eleven windmills, and an
underground gas tank.
TPWD plans to maintain the property as a
research-oriented WMA with increased
emphasis on regulated public hunting.
GLO appraisers report that, at present, there is
no demand for vacant land in the area. They
conclude that the site is being utilized at its
highest and best use, citing the animal research
being conducted at Gene Howe, the possibility of
revenues through expanded public use, and the
lack of demand for alternate uses.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
24
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
LOCATION - Palo Duro Canyon State Park (SP) is located
on SH 217, 12 miles east of Canyon, in Randall and
Armstrong Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 16,402.05 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 38, p. 568,
Armstrong County Deed Records; and in Volume 69, p. 347,
Volume 548, p. 447, and Volume 507, p. 210, Randall County
Deed Records.
(A resurvey in 1970 added an additional 89.69 acres [making
a total of 16,402.05 acres]. This is not reflected in the deeds.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located along a portion of the Caprock Escarp-
ment, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers the
visitor one of the most diversified recreational
experiences available in Texas. Accessible
geological features, spectacular scenery, a rich
history, diversified animal and plant life, and in-
teresting concessionaire activities make Palo
Duro one of Texans' favorite parks.
The first European to visit the area was probably
the Spanish explorer Coronado in 1541. Apaches,
Cheyenne, Arapahos, and Kiowas all frequented
the canyon, but by the beginning of the 19th
century, it had become a Comanche stronghold.
In 1874, what many consider the last major Indian
battle in Texas was fought near the southeast
corner of the park.
Several miles long and averaging 700 feet in
depth, the canyon is a boundary between the
Southern High Plains and the Rolling Plains of
General Data
SIZE. 16,402.05 acres
COUNTIES Randall, Armstrong
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 31/86 and 84
TORP REGION. 1
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
North Central Texas and contains elements of
both regions. Vegetation includes several types
of grass interwoven with Rocky Mountain and
25
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One-Seeded Juniper woodlands. Animals found rounding land, less rugged than the park's terrain,
within the park include Aoudad sheep, coyotes, is used for ranching.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2677 - 3478 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% - 35%
SOILS Mobeetie, Quinlan-Woodward
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND N, SW
DRAINAGE SE Into creek
bobcats, deer, bison, a small herd of longhorn
steers, and numerous species of birds.
The local economy is based on agribusiness (beef
and dairy cattle, horses, wheat, and sorghum),
education, tourism, and manufacturing. Sur-
I m provements/Uti I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 24
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 29,485 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 31%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $1,069,605
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Center Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Southwestern Public
Electric Co.
Access is via SH 217, which leads west to Canyon
(pop. 10,724) and connects to US 87, principal
route between Amarillo and Lubbock.
AMARILLO
PALO DURO
CANYON
STATE PARK
CANYON
Fig. 1 - Location
26
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PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
Palo Duro offers the visitor a
wide range of recreational
facilities including an inter-
pretive center, observation
post, fifty miles of hiking
trails of which five are im-
proved, swimming in the
Prairie Dog/Red River
Creek, picnicking, camping,
and an eight-mile scenic auto
drive. The drive crosses the
river six times and leads to a
former Kiowa and Comanche
campground.
Concession activities include
horseback riding, the Sad
Monkey miniature train for
viewing geological forma-
tions in the park, or, during
the summer, the musical
"Texas," performed in a
1,600-seat amphitheater.
Visitors may purchase souvenirs and supplies at
the Goodnight Trading Post.
Buildings include eight comfort stations/rest
rooms, amphitheater shop, amphitheater rest
rooms, two amphitheater dressing rooms, ticket
office, trading post, retail store, two residences,
three cabins/staff housing, water storage build-
ing, headquarters, garage, and storage shed.
Site improvements include 96 picnic sites, 116
campsites, roads and parking areas, flag pole,
fence and walls, corrals, water and sewage sys-
tems, gas tanks, electric system, shelters,
entrance portal and booth, trails, amphitheater,
historic marker, and scenic overlook sign.
Most of the property (97.2%) is undeveloped,
with buildings, site improvements and recrea-
tional facilities located along the canyon floor in
the remaining 459.26 acres.
MESQUTTE
MESA
ENTRANCE
FROM SH 217
A AMPHITHEATER
P PICNICKING
RREST ROOM
A CAMPING
ffl RESIDENCE
Fig. 2 - Site
Although overnight visitation has remained
stable throughout the period 1980-88, daytime
figures have fluctuated from a high of 601,750 in
1985 to a low of 403,059 in 1987.
TPWD acquired the property from a private
owner in 1933. After a 1970 resurvey, TPWD
added 89.69 acres to their records for the park
(not reflected in the deeds), making a total of
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 2.8%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 459.26 acres
UNDEVELOPED 97.2%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 15,942.79 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 403,059
16,402.05 acres. There are no reversion clauses
or other restrictions encumbering the property,
27
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,066,133
BUILDINGS $740,567
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,057,109
MARKET VALUE $2,863,809
APPRAISAL DATE July 6, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
which is not zoned. A perpetual easement has
been granted to the Mid-Plains Rural Telephone
Cooperative.
Five leases (one for grazing and four for conces-
sions) bind the park property. The 3,465-acre
grazing lease (1983-1993) covers mostly flat or
rolling land on three adjacent sites in the south-
central section. The state annually receives $40
per animal at about one animal per 35-40 acres.
The other leases cover a 254-acre horseback
riding area with a 1.48-acre corral, the miniature
train operation, the trading post and its parking
area, and use of the amphitheater by the musical
show. Renewal dates are 1993 for the shop and
horse leases, 1992 for the train, and 2011 for the
musical. In FY 1987, TPWD received $82,730
from these four leases, or approximately 12% of
gross.
TPWD plans to continue the use of the tract as a
state park. The GLO appraiser agrees that this is
its highest and best use.
Palo Duro is a good example of park administra-
tion which offers visitors a variety of recreation
opportunities through concessions in addition to
activities traditionally furnished by the state.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
28
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Region 2
-------
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
r
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 2 (SOUTH PLAINS)
HALE
LAMB
MOTLEY
US 84
IH 27
BAILEY
SH 114
LUBBOCKj
KING
CROSBY
HOCKLEY
SH 114
COCHRAN
DICKENS
LYNN
YOAKUM
GARZA
TERRY
US 84
US 87
TP WD FACILITY EVALUATED:
1. MACKENZIE STATE RECREATION AREA
30
-------
-------
REGION 2 (SOUTH PLAINS) is located at the base of the Panhandle along the New Mexico
border and totals 13,567 square miles.
ECONOMY - Like the Panhandle Region, this area has been weakened by consolidations in the oil
and gas industry. It also is expected to recover slowly during the next decade, during which .7%
population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth (led by manufacturing, health, trade, and
transportation) are projected per year.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres /
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
15
4
372,564
28
56
GEOGRAPHY - A section of the llano estacado (staked plains), Region 2 is predominantly agricul-
tural, noted for grain sorghum and cotton production. Lubbock is the primary population center.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank'.
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities 1 Resources
(of 24 Regions)
211
20,749
500-999
17th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Region 2 is split two-to-one, respectively, between the high and
rolling plains ecological regions. MacKenzie State Recreation Area, operated by the City of Lubbock,
is one of the top major attractions in the region. Local governments are the largest suppliers of
recreational land, with 60% of the total in the region. Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historical Park,
is located on leased land, and is, therefore, not evaluated in this report. When open, this TPWD facility
will be an excellent educational, recreational, and tourist attraction for Region 2.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
2
1
497
$2,967,710
.5%/ 2.4%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects soccer/football fields and multi-use trails as the greatest
recreational needs for 1995 in Region 2. Campsites and horseback trails were typical TPWD-type
amenities ranked in the top half of the list of needs.
31
-------
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MACKENZIE STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - MacKerme State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located at SH 82 and SH 87 in the northeast quadrant of the
City of Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 497.2 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 192, p. 524,
Lubbock County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located within Lubbock city limits, MacKenzie
SRA serves the principal population and com-
mercial center of the High Plains of West Texas.
Although owned by the state, the SRA is ad-
ministered by the city and forms a scenic, hilly
retreat rising gently above the flat topography
that dominates the region.
The tract is located in Yellowhouse Canyon,
where Yellowhouse Draw and Blackwater Draw
come together to form the Double Mountain
Fork of the Brazos River. The city has created
several small lakes by damming the two draws as
part of a city-wide flood control program. The
city's long-term goal is to create one of the largest
urban recreational areas in the nation.
Most prominent vegetation on the irregularly
shaped site is Bermuda grass, scattered with
many large oak trees. Among the many animals
found within the park, the most renowned is the
prairie dog, for which a Prairie Dog Town preser-
vation area has been set aside.
General Data
SIZE. 497.2 acres
COUNTY Lubbock
MUNICIPALITY Lubbock
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 28/82
TORP REGION. 2
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Lubbock County was organized in 1891 but was
slow to develop and received no railroad service
until the turn of the century. The SRA is named
to honor the memory of General Ronald S. Mac-
Kenzie, famous for defeating hostile Indians and
driving them out of Texas.
Preceding page blank
33
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MACKENZIE
STATE RECREATION AREA
LUBBOCK
COUNTY
SITE
M27
US 87
US 84
US 82
BRAZOS
RIVER /
LUBBOCK
US 84
US 62
ฆUS 87
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION 3,000-3,100 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% - 5%
SOILS Potter-Berda-Blppus
FLOODPLAIN 70%
PREVAILING WIND S-SW, N-NW
DRAINAGE SW Into Double Mountain Fork
Originally established by the city, the park was
deeded to the state in 1935-38. Several of the
original improvements, including the dance ter-
race and the golf course, were built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps before state ownership.
Access to the site is excellent. US 87 / IH 27, a
major highway mnning between Lubbock and
Amarillo, borders a portion of the site to the west
where the SRA has approximately 800 linear feet
of highway frontage. Municipal Drive runs along
the northwest border; Parkway Boulevard cross-
es the southern portion, with approximately 3,200
linear feet of the tract fronting the boulevard.
Park Road 18 provides access within the SRA.
Vacant land adjoins the property on the east, with
residences on the north, west, southeast, and
southwest. Light industrial properties are located
on the northwest, commercial properties on the
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 249 acres
UNDEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 248 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not available
34
-------
west, and the South Plains Fairgrounds on the
southwest. A city park adjoins the property on the
south.
The region, with a population of almost a quarter
of a million, bases its economy on cottonseed (the
I m provements/Uti I itles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 15
AREA OF BLDGS 32,355 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 001
DEPRECIATED 55%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $810,189
WATER Lubbock Power and Light Co.
SEWER City of Lubbock
GAS Energas Company
ELECTRICITY Lubbock Power and Light Co.
world's largest processing center), agribusiness,
cattle, and manufacturing.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The City of Lubbock operates the property for
TP WD as a city park, of which half (248 acres) is
developed as a municipal golf facility
(Meadowbrook Golf Course). Of the remaining
land, 1% is developed, while the rest is open land
with walking trails throughout.
In addition to 36 holes of golf, activities include
a driving range, picnicking, tennis, swimming,
wading, baseball, softball, and a prairie dog town.
A concessionaire with a lease extending until
1997 operates an amusement park on the proper-
ty-
Buildings include a residence, driving range
building, paint shop, clubhouse, recreation room,
1. ENTRANCE
2. DRIVING RANGE
3. SOFTBALL FIELDS
4. JOYLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
5. PRAIRIE DOG PARK
6. RESERVOIR
MAIN ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
US V
SURROUNDING LAND USE MAP
RESIDENTIAL
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
PARKWAY
/ DRIVE
VACANT LAND
AMARILLO
HIGHWAY
RESIDENTIAL
SUBJECT
SOUTH 2__
PLAINS
FAIRGROUNDS
RESIDENTIAL
CITY PARK
EAST BROADWAY
Fig. 2 - Site
35
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maintenance shop, chemical storage, office, golf
cart storage facility and repair shop, bathhouse,
party house, dormitory, shelter with rest rooms,
and barbecue pit shelter.
Site improvements include swimming pool,
seven baseball fields, six concession stands, two
flagpoles, 18 drinking fountains, 37 picnic tables,
two tennis courts, fencing, greenhouse, and
hothouse.
Visitation figures are kept only for the golf
course. In FY 83, golfers totaled 61,476. Peak
usage occurred in FY 86 with 72,761 golfers, and
then golfing activity declined. Approximately
57,591 golfers were projected for FY 88, but no
figures are as yet available.
The City of Lubbock plans to continue present
use of the site as a state recreation area, serving
as a day activity park for the people of Lubbock.
In addition to being part of the city's flood control
master plan, the park is an integral part of a
city-wide greenbelt that includes the develop-
ment of a series of lakes and other recreational
activities. According to City of Lubbock officials,
plans to develop this greenbelt, as well as addi-
tional lakes for flood control, are pending. No
additional work is planned in the foreseeable
future.
TPWD plans to continue ownership of the
property, with the city maintaining day-to-day
operations. Although the city receives an income
from green fees, ($300,000 - $400,000 a year),
softbail fields, and concessions, the state does
not share in this income. The city assumes all
maintenance costs.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,486,235
BUILDINGS $361,745
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $119,730
MARKET VALUE. $2,967,710
APPRAISAL DATE February 2, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The property is zoned R-l, residential. A rever-
sion clause in the deed limits use to a public park.
A wastewater easement crosses the southernpor-
tion of the property.
Because of the deed restrictions and the 70%
flood zone limiting buildable areas, the GLO
appraiser finds that recreation is the highest and
best use for the tract.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department consider
whether the subject property should be returned
to the City of Lubbock or the lease renegotiated
to the financial advantage of the state.
36
-------
Region 3
-------
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 3 (NORTH TEXAS)
CHILDRESS
VERNON
WICHITA
FALLS
.J. US 287
HARDEMAN
SH 79
WILBARGER
FOARD
WICHITA
4
US 277
US 287
CLAY
BAYLOR
ARCHER
JACK
YOUNG
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. COPPER BREAKS STATE PARK 4. LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE RECREATION AREA
2. DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY 5. MATADOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
3. FORT RICHARDSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK
38
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REGION 3 (NORTH TEXAS) covers 9,460 square miles, mostly along the Texas/Oklahoma border
northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
ECONOMY - The plains area of the state has been weakened economically by consolidations in the
oil and gas industry but is expected to recover slowly during the next decade. Economic indicators
project an annual .7% population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth led by manufacturing,
health, trade, and transportation.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
ParkAcresl
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
11
1
222,748
23
178
GEOGRAPHY - An area of mainly rolling hills and grassy plains, Region 3 has an economy dominated
by agribusiness and petroleum. Only six TORP regions in the state are more sparsely populated.
Habitation is concentrated around the Wichita Falls area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
194
40,808
0-499
20th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The four major recreational attractions and resources in Region
3 are all TPWD facilities. These facilities make up 76% of the total recreational land in the region.
One TPWD site alone makes up 69% of the region's total recreational land and contains no
recreational facilities. The region contains 15 major reservoirs and an abundance of lakes.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
5
5
31,180
$4,899,344
.03%/76%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that, by 1995, the greatest need will be for trails (walking,
multi-use, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles). Generally, the region is above average in
supplying recreational facilities for its population.
39
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
COPPER BREAKS STATE PARK
LOCATION - Copper Breaks State Park (SP) is located on
SH 6, 11 miles south of Quanah, Hardeman County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,933.8 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 196, pp. 599
and 600, and Volume 199, p. 114, Hardeman County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated in rugged, arid northwest Texas, Copper
Breaks State Park derives its name from copper
deposits scattered throughout its wide expanses
of broken terrain. Exposed red shales and clays
alternate with layers of gypsum to make up the
park's colorful landscape. The tract serves the
recreation needs of the Rolling Plains section of
the state, adjacent to the Oklahoma border.
Vegetation is sparse and consists primarily of
grasses with a scattering of redbeny junipers.
About 150 acres of the property have been re-
stored as mixed grass prairie. The south boundary
is formed by the Pease River, a tributary of the
Red River.
Lake Copper Breaks, a 60-acre impoundment on
Devil's Creek, provides habitat for several
species of resident and migratory shorebirds and
waterfowl. The site is the only state park contain-
ing a colony of the endangered Texas kangaroo
rat.
Prehistoric cultural resources abound within the
park's boundaries. Long the domain of the Corn-
General Data
SIZE. 1,934 acres
COUNTY Hardeman
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 30180
TORP REGION. 3
JURISDICTION Parks
anche and the Kiowa, Hardeman County was
settled only after the pacification of the Indians
and their confinement in Oklahoma reservations
in 1874. Near the site, Cynthia Ann Parker was
Preceding page blank
41
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Fig. 1 - Location
COPPER BREAKS
STATE PARK
HARDEMAN
COUNTY
TO
OKLAHOMA
QUANAH
TO VERNON
US 2*7
SH *
HARDEMAN COUNTY
SITE
PEASE RIVER
FOARD COUNTY
recaptured after many years as a willing captive
of the Comanche nation. Her son, Quanah, for
whom the county seat is named, was the last great
chief of the Comanche.
Access is via SH 6, which leads 13 miles north to
US 287, principal route between the Dallas-Fort
Worth Metroplex and Amarillo.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,366- 1,481 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% - 30%
SOILS Badland-Vernon-Cottonwood
FLOODPLAIN 5%
PREVAILING WIND NE, SIV
DRAINAGE S Into Pease River
Surrounding land is used for cattle ranching, with
a stocking ratio of one animal unit per 25 acres.
The economy of the region is based on wheat and
cotton production (mostly irrigated), cattle, hors-
es, some gypsum mining, and small manufactur-
ing. Economic depression in these industries has
slowed regional growth.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering picnicking, camping, hiking, photog-
raphy, nature study, swimming, limited boating,
and excellent fishing.
The park's Juniper Ridge Nature Trail is a self-
guided interpretive route through a portion of
the rugged terrain around the Pease River. Bull
Canyon Hiking Ttail is an easy two-mile route.
The lake has been stocked with catfish, bass, and
perch, and a sandy beach has been developed for
swimmers. Water skiing is prohibited because of
the small size of the lake, and there is a boat speed
limit of five mph.
On summer evenings, interpretive programs are
held in the outdoor amphitheater. In the Inter-
pretive Center, large nature and history displays
42
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have been prepared, including Indian artifacts,
fossils, dioramas, paintings, and photographs.
Audio-visual programs run periodically. TP WD
plans to continue present operation of the tract
as a state park.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OFBLDGS 11,675 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 26%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $324,258
WATER Red River Authority,
Greenbelt Water Co.
SEWER Septic
GAS Adklns Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY Gate City Electric Co.
Buildings include three rest rooms, a
superintendent's residence, service building,
concrete barn, and headquarters-interpretive
center. Site improvements include a lake, dam,
roads, and fencing. The GLO appraiser has incor-
porated site improvement value into land value.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 34%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 653.8 acres
UNDEVELOPED 66%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,280 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 66,901
A small portion of the property along the Pease
River (approximately 5%) is in floodplain. No
zoning, easements, or deed restrictions were
found on this property, which was acquired by
TP WD in 1970 from private owners.
GLO appraisers identified the highest and best
use of the subject property as a cattle ranch on
COPPER BREAKS
STATE PARK
CAMPGROUND
PICNICAREA
AMPHITHEATER
PAVED ROAD
SITE BOUNDARY
HIKING TRAIL
DEVIL'S CREEK
Fig. 2 - Site
43
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the grounds that ranching would bring greater
monetary return to the state. However, analysis
of other issues such as stable visitation
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $174,042
BUILDINGS $84,592
SITE IMPROVEMENTS Included In land value
MARKET VALUE $258,634
APPRAISAL DATE April 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Recreation
figures, preservation of the natural character of
the tract, isolation from other state parks, and a
depressed local economy justify retaining this
tract in its present use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
44
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Dundee State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is lo-
cated off FM1180, 25 miles northwest of Archer City, Archer
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 141.92 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 197, p. 238,
and Volume 368, p. 55, Archer County Deed Records.
(TPWD records show the tract covers 284.42 acres, but the
141.92-acre figure shown above has been verified by GLO.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Considered the most remote of Texas' fish
hatcheries, Dundee is located at the base of Lake
Diversion Dam on Big Wichita River in North
Central Texas. Fish raised in this hatchery are
placed in rivers and lakes throughout the state for
the use of recreational fishermen.
Situated in the rolling North Central prairie, the
site is mostly flat with maximum slopes of two
percent Vegetation consists of native grasses
with occasional clusters of mesquite trees. The
property is bisected by FM 1180.
Access to the site is by interior gravel roads join-
ing FM 1180, which connects to US 277, principal
route to Wichita Falls (population .94,201).
The Archer County economy is based on cattle
and oil field services. Adjoining land uses include
ranching and farming. Several residential
developments are located northeast toward
Wichita Falls.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD utilizes the site to raise striped bass, chan-
nel catfish, and blue catfish fingerlings which
supply lakes and streams throughout the state.
General Data
SIZE. 141.92 acres
COUNTY Archer
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 30180
TORP REGION. 3
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
45
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Originally, the hatchery utilized 44 ponds total-
ling 32.9 surface acres. In 1978, it was expanded
to 91 ponds (78.3 surface acres) at a cost of
$850,000. The ponds are three and one-half feet
Physical Data
ELEVATION 900ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-2%
SOILS Gracemore, Yomont
FLOODPLAIN Controlled by dam
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE NE into Big Wichita River
deep and range in size from .13 to 3.31 acres.
Gravity water flow to the ponds is secured
through a 30-inch pipeline from Lake Diversion
at a rate of 2,200 acre feet of water per year.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 67%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 95 acres
UNDEVELOPED 33%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 47 acres
Buildings include a service garage, spawning
facility, and three residences. Site improvements
include the ponds, gravity flow water system, flag
pole, gravel roads, telephone system, and gas
lines.
TPWD acquired the original property from
private owners in 1927. A reversion clause in the
deed limits use of the property to a fish hatchery.
No zoning regulations or easements affect the
property.
DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY
ARCHER
COUNTY
OKLAHOMA
IH 44
RED RIVER
WICHITA
PALLS
ARCHER
COUNTY
US 277
Fig. 1 - Location
46
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DIVERSION
LAKE
DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY
A- RESIDENCE
B- STORAGE
T- TRAILER
PIPELINE
WICHITA RIVER
FM 1U0
Fig. 2 - Site
The site is 33% undeveloped (47 acres). The
remaining 67% contain buildings, ponds, and
other site improvements.
TP WD plans to continue use of the property as a
fish hatchery. The entire facility will undergo
renovation within the next five years. Because the
hatchery serves an important function in state
recreation and because any alternate use is
prohibited by the reversion clause, GLO ap-
I m proveme nts/Uti I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 5
AREA OF BUILDINGS 10,637 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 43%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $195,093
WATER Wichita Valley Water Authority
SEWER Septic
GAS Modern Butane Co.
ELECTRICITY SW Rural Electric Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $113,536
BUILDINGS $111,454
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $331,750
MARKET VALUE $556,740
APPRAISAL DATE October 15, 1987 I
February 23,1989
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
praisers find that present use is also the highest
and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
47
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT RICHARDSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Fort Richardson State Historical Park(SHP)
is located on US 281, one mile southeast of Jacksboro, Jack
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 396.75 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 311, p. 806;
Volume 322, pp. 970, 973, and 976; Volume 348, p. 177, and
Volume 448, p. 999, Jack County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort Richardson was established in 1867 as the
anchor fortification in a post-Civil War line of
forts designed to protect travelers and settlers
heading west. Nationally famous as the home
base of General Ronald Mackenzie, legendary
Indian fighter, the fort brought a colorful
prosperity to nearby Jacksboro.
Many pitched battles were fought by Fort
Richardson troops against Indian raiders. These
raids persisted until 1874 when Mackenzie was
able to end Indian domination of the region. The
fort was decommissioned in 1878.
Vegetation on the North Central Texas rolling
prairie is primarily pastureland, with a scattering
of oaks, mesquites, prickly pear, and jumper.
Tree-lined Lost Creek attracts many woodland
birds; species such as meadowlarks and bobwhite
quail inhabit the meadows. Waterfowl are often
seen on small Quarry Lake.
Today, Jack County's economy rests on oil,
ranching, some manufacturing, and tourism.
Jacksboro (pop. 3,970) is the county seat and
main commercial center for the county.
General Data
SIZE. 396.75 acres
COUNTY Jack
MUNICIPALITY 100 acres in Jacksboro
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 30/80
TORP REGION. 3
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank
49
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Access to the fort is via US 281, principal highway
between Wichita Falls and San Antonio. It con-
nects with US 114 (to Denton), US 199 (to Fort
Worth), and US 380 (to Graham) within a two-
mile radius of the subject property.
Ranches and farms adjoin the property on the
south. To the north, east, and west are commer-
cial and light industrial operations consisting of a
piping company and a trucking company.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1082 - 1100 ft msi
SLOPE Level to slightly rolling
SOILS. Hensley, Rowden, Palo Pinto
FLOODPLA1N Along Lost Creek
PREVAILING WIND N - NW
DRAINAGE Into Lost Creek
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state historical park,
offering picnicking, camping, playground, nature
trail, museum, and self-guided tours of the ruins.
A total of nine historic fort buildings exist in the
park. Four of these, the hospital, morgue, am-
munition building, and officers' quarters, are
original structures. The commissary, bakery,
guardhouse, and two barracks surrounding the
parade ground have all been reconstructed to
their original appearance. All buildings and site
improvements are located on the 40 developed
acres.
Camping facilities consist of 23 sites with water
and electricity, modern rest rooms with showers,
and sanitary stations. One picnic area with 11
tables is located near the old fort, and 17 other
tables are positioned west of Lost Creek. A larger
group site accommodates up to 60 people.
FORT RICHARDSON
STATE HISTORIC PARK
148
US 144
US 380
US 281
SITE
Fig. 1 - Location
SO
-------
Fig. 2 - Site
TO
r.. HISTORIC SITE Jacksboro
\ PARK ENTRANCE
''XuS 281
'ARM
v\
TO
FORT WORTH
\\
PRICKLY PEAR W
HIKING TRAIL \
LOST CREEK
NATURE TRAIL
In addition to the nine historic structures men-
tioned above, buildings include maintenance
shed, frame garage, two rest rooms, residence,
headquarters, interpretive center, armory, and
community building.
Site improvements include 40 concrete slabs, 40
barbecue grills, playground equipment, electrical
system, roads, cattle guard, two flag poles, and
entrance sign.
TPWD plans to continue operation of the site as
a state historic park. GLO appraisers have deter-
mined that this is the property's highest and best
use.
Visitation has shown an upward trend for several
years, with a healthy 38% increase since the early
1980s. The property is 90% undeveloped (ap-
proximately 356.75 acres). In view of these fac-
tors, increasing the number of camping and
picnic facilities in the undeveloped area would
enhance the property's utilization.
TPWD acquired 48.9 acres of the tract in 1968
and 1982 from the City of Jacksboro, 342.38 acres
in 1970 from private owners, and 5.47 acres in
1974 from the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific
Railroad. Approximately 100 acres of the
property have been annexed by the City of Jacks-
boro and are zoned residential.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 10%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 40 acres
UNDEVELOPED 90%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 356.75 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 134,326
51
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The tract is subject to several easements: to Texas
Power and Light Company and Texas Public
Utility Company for power lines, to F. P. Boone
and the Sewell family for access, to Upham Gas
Company and Prairie Pipeline Company for
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 14
AREA OF BUILDINGS 25,679 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 0014
DEPRECIATION 70%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $613,655
WATER City of Jacksboro
SEWER City of Jacksboro
GAS Brazos River Authority Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY Texas Power & Light Company
transmission lines, and to the City of Jacksboro
for water and sewer lines. An oil and gas lease on
the property belongs to Southwestern Gas
Pipeline Company.
No reversion clauses in the property deed restrict
alternate uses, which could include ranching, in-
dustrial development, and (for the 100 acres
within the city limits), residential development.
However, a depressed local oil economy adverse-
ly affects the viability of these options at this time.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $384,246
BUILDINGS. $186,423
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $121,390
MARKET VALUE $692,059
APPRAISAL DATE December 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Should the economic situation improve and
TPWD not be utilizing portions of the land, the
356.75 undeveloped acres might be considered
for any or all of the above possibilities. Specifi-
cally, housing, motels, retail development, or (on
limited highway frontage where it would not in-
terfere with the historical environment), in-
dustrial development are possible uses. Setbacks
from the park and development standards may be
established in the future to ensure that com-
patible uses abut the historic site.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
52
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION-Lake Arrowhead State Recreation Area (SRA)
is located on FM1954, 18 miles southeast of Wichita Falls,
in Clay County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 524 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 259, p. 580, Clay
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Since its creation in 1970 in the midst of a semi-
arid region dotted with mesquite, Lake Arrow-
head SRA has become the recreational hub of
Wichita Falls (pop. 94,000). The lake was en-
gineered by the U.S. Army in 1965 on the Little
Wichita River, partially inundating an oil field
and acting as a water supply for the city.
Although Clay County is known for its rolling
sandy loam, chocolate-colored soils, and post oak
woods, vegetation on the irregularly-shaped SRA
is mostly limited to thorny mesquite trees and a
variety of grasses. Waterfowl and wading birds
include ducks, geese, pelicans, and blue herons.
The lake has an abundance of game fish, and
waters around the inundated oil derricks fre-
quently yield large catches.
Access is via FM 1954, which connects to US 281,
principal route between Wichita Falls and Jacks-
boro. US 287, which connects Wichita Falls to
Fort Worth, is eight miles east of the property.
Surrounding land is used for ranches, residential
ranchettes, private shoreline resorts, houses, and
commercial development. Over 100 miles of lake
General Data
SIZE. 524 acres
COUNTY Clay
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 30180
TORP REGION. 3
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
shoreline and the lack of alternate recreational
land in the region has attracted commercial de-
velopment.
S3
-------
The local economy is based on oil, livestock,
cotton, wheat, and grain sorghums
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state recreation
area, offering swimming, boating, water skiing,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 900-1,000 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-3%
SOILS Bluegrove-Stoneburg, Deandale,
Kamay, and Vernon
FLOODPLAIN 60%
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE NE Into Lake Arrowhead
picnicking, camping, fishing, and bird watching.
At the boat docta, a year-round concession store
open sells bait, tackle, and groceries.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 11
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 14,813 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 16%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $547,100
WATER On-site treatment plant
SEWER On-site treatment plant
GAS Halgwood & Campbell
ELECTRICITY. Texas Electric Co.
Buildings include headquarters, two residences,
pavilion, three rest rooms, concession, storage
shed, and two maintenance facilities. Site im-
provements include electric, water and sewage
systems, roads and parking areas, 62 picnic sites
with slab and roof, two sets of playground equip-
ment, two fishing areas, eight telephone poles,
two gas pumps, 14 free-standing picnic tables,
eight boat slips, fencing, and a boat ramp.
LAKE ARROWHEAD
STATE RECREATION AREA
TO WICHITA FALLS
TO US 281
l HENRIETTA
JOLLY
FM 1954
LAKE
ARROWHEAD
TO FORT WORTH
Fig. 1 - Location
54
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FM 2393
TO
JOLLY
PICNICAREA
TRAILER CAMPING
AREA
CAMPING AREA
FM 1954
TO
US 281
RESIDENCES
LAKE
ARROWHEAD
Fig. 2 - Site
The property is 53% undeveloped (280 acres),
with the buildings and site improvements located
on the remaining 244 acres.
TPWD records show the total visitation for FY
1987 as 259,895, an increase of 6,319 visitors from
the previous year. The vast majority are day-time
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 47%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 244 acres
UNDEVELOPED 53%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 280 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 259,895
visitors (95%) from Wichita Falls and its sur-
rounding area.
A waterline easement is owned by the Red River
Authority of Texas. There are no zoning regula-
tions or deed restrictions on the property, which
was acquired in 1970 from the City of Wichita
Falls.
Alternate uses considered for the site include
farming, ranching, and homesite development.
The GLO appraiser states that with the downturn
in a local economy dominated by oil and gas,
several similar properties and developments
have been in the market for a number of years,
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $393,000
BUILDINGS. $458,276
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $672,248
MARKET VALUE $1,523,524
APPRAISAL DATE September 30, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
some in danger of being foreclosed. Alternate
use for the site will not be economically viable
until the local real estate market rebounds and is
able to absorb available properties. TPWD plans
55
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to continue the present use of the subject proper-
ty as a state recreation area; GLO appraisers
have determined that this is its highest and best
use. Increased visitation figures as well as a lack
of alternate market demand prevent recommen-
dation of alternate use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MATADOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Matador Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located on RR 3256, 9.5 miles northwest of
Paducah, Cottle County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 28,183.93
acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume 82,
p. 753, Cottle County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is located in a sparsely set-
tled area of northwest Texas transversed by the
Middle Pease and South Pease Rivers. Originally
dedicated almost exclusively to the study of quail
habitat, today the WMA coordinates many dif-
ferent types of wildlife research compatible with
the extensive riparian habitat of the Pease River
drainage.
Vegetation on the site is limited to native pas-
tures and remnant rangeland of the High Plains
Ecological Area. Animals include Rio Grande
turkey, bobwhite and scaled quail, mourning
dove, coyote, bobcats, mule deer, and white-
tailed deer. Seasonal thunderstorms bring flood-
ing to low-lying areas along rivers and creeks.
Deep sand in some areas requires the use of
four-wheel drive vehicles.
Access is via RR 3256, which joins US 83, prin-
cipal route between die county seat, Paducah
(population 2,216), and Childress (population
5,817), 30 miles due north.
General Data
SIZE. 28,183.93 acres
COUNTY Cottle
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 30/78
TORP REGION. 3
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
Although Cottle County is generally rough and
isolated, 6,000 irrigated acres within the WMA
57
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MATADOR
COTTLE
COUNTY
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
WALKING TRAILS
UNPAVED ROADS
CHILDRESS
TO CHILDRESS
PADVCAH
MIDDLE PEASE RIVER
US S3
US 83
RR3256
SOUTH PEASE RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location
produce cotton, grains, and alfalfa. Surrounding
land uses include ranching operations to the
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,696- 1,995 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%- 17%
SOILS Mlles-Sprlnger, etc.
FLOODPLAIN Unmeasured by FEMA
PREVAILING WIND N, NW, S, SW
DRAINAGE Into Pease River
north, west, and south, with farming to the east of
the site. The appraiser estimates these lands have
a stocking ratio of one animal unit to 35 acres.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a WMA and hunting
site in conjunction with cattle grazing. A grazing
lease that encumbers the whole tract expires in
April 1994. Wildlife research has been diver-
sified to include non-game birds (such as fal-
cons), and large game animals (especially deer),
as well as quail, although the total amount of
research has decreased. The facility is still best
known for its contribution in generating
statewide information on quail habitat.
Public hunting is held for bobwhite, scaled quail,
deer, and mourning dove in the fall and for wild
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 01%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 2.93 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 28,181 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 50%
VISITATION Not applicable
58
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turkey in the spring. A $35/year fee is charged to
hunters for access to the site. Limited fishing and
emphasis on public hunting in coordination with
the grazing lease.
Improvements/Utilities
NO.OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA OF BUILDINGS 9,180 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 28%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $236,935
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY Lake City Electric Co.-Chlldress
one primitive camping area (near the head-
quarters) are also available.
Buildings include an office-laboratory, shop-
storage facility, and four residences. Site im-
provements consist of fences, corrals, and
windmills.
Acquired in 1959 from private owners, the
property is not subject to any deed restrictions,
reversion clauses, easements, or zoning. The
grazing lease is the only restriction in place that
affects the unrestricted marketability of the
property.
TP WD plans to continue operation of the
property as a WMA and research center, with an
Based on surrounding land uses, real estate
market conditions, land characteristics, and loca-
tion factors, the GLO appraiser finds ranching
the highest and best use of the property.
However, because of the importance of the re-
search being conducted and the successful hunt-
ing program already in place coexisting with the
grazing lease, the GLO analyst believes that
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,697,876
BUILDINGS & SITE IMPR. $170,511
MARKET VALUE $1,868,387
APPRAISAL DATE. April 27, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Agriculture,
wildlife habitat
wildlife management and public hunting with a
continuing grazing lease are appropriate uses on
the subject tract.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
59
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Region 4
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 4 (NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS)
DENTON
COLLIN
HUNT
IH 35
IH 30
WISE
DALLAS
PARKER
4
TARRANT
PALO PINTO
6
7
DALLAS
ROCKWALL
\tZPc
TH. |
r
' JOHNSON
FORT
WOR-.
IH 20
HOOD
KAUFMAN
US 81
IH 35
NAVARRO
ERATH
SOMERVELL
TFWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. CLEBURNE STATE RECREATION AREA
2. DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
3. EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE RECREATION
AREA
4. EAGLE MOUNTAIN STATE FISH HATCHERY
5. FORT WORTH STATE FISH HATCHERY
6. LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK
7. POSSUM KINGDOM STATE FISH HATCHERY
8. POSSUM KINGDOM STATE RECREATION AREA
62
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REGION 4 (NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS) covers 12,450 square miles and includes the Dallas-Fort
Worth Metroplex.
ECONOMY - This urban region is reflecting a recovery from the mid-1980s real estate recession and
is expected to continue making gains during the next decade. Despite slowdowns in defense and
government spending, a healthy 2.1% non-agricultural job growth (led by high-tech manufacturing,
air transportation, and business services) is projected per year. The area wiU see 12% population
growth.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres 1
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
16
15
3,937,565
316
32
GEOGRAPHY - Half Cross limbers and half Blackland Prairies, Region 4 is the most populous in
the state, with concentration in Dallas and Tarrant Counties. The Dallas - Fort Worth area includes
nine of the 16 counties.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
1,454
127,567
>2,000
11th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The nine TP WD recreational facilities are listed in the TORP
among the 17 major recreational attractions and resources in the region. Only five of the ten TP WD
recreational properties are evaluated in this report due to pending park openings, land acquisition,
and park planning. The Metroplex provides excellent, close-to-home recreational opportunities.
Municipalities supply 39% of the region's recreational land, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
supplies 38% (48,737 acres).
No. of
TPWD
Facilities
Number
Evaluated
No. of TPWD
Acres
Evaluated
Value
of TPWD
Properties
TPWD Properties
as % of AU Parks
(Number / Acres)
13
8
6,815
$15,965,201
.6% / 5%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that, by 1995, the greatest needs in Region 4 will be for
multi-use trails and recreational facilities such as swimming pools/areas and playgrounds. Typical
TP WD amenities such as campgrounds, boat ramps, and picnic tables have a low ranking. A large
percentage (47%) of the population's resource-based recreation takes place outside of the region.
63
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CLEBURNE STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Cleburne State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on Park Road 21, 13 miles southwest of Cleburne,
Johnson County, Texas, and 27 miles south of the Dallas-Fort
Worth Metroplex.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 528.77 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 12, p. 312;
Volume 301, pp. 10 and 588, and Volume 369, p. 205,
Johnson County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Secured for recreational use in 1935 from the
City of Cleburne and local businessmen,
Cleburne SRA was for many years the public
campground closest to the Dallas-Fort Worth
Metroplex, North Texas' largest population cen-
ter. Cleburne's total visitation figure has sharply
declined since its peak in FY 1983, due principal-
ly to the opening of new parks in the region.
Nevertheless, TP WD expects this downward
trend to level off and the SRA to continue to
serve thousands of Texans each year.
The property is set in an attractive section of the
Grand Prairie geographical region of the state,
also known as the Fort Worth Prairie. The terrain
is mostly hilly; some open pastures and densely
wooded areas surround a 116-acre, spring-fed
lake, the product of a dam built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Mini-
mal areas along waterways are infloodplain. Oak,
juniper, elm, mesquite, and other native trees
abound, as do many species of wildlife, including
deer, quail, raccoon, and a multitude of bird
species.
General Data
SIZE 528.77 acres
COUNTY. Johnson
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 22/58
TORP REGION 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Access is via Park Road 21, which connects with
SH 67, the main route between Cleburne and IH
35W. This linkage provides the most direct route
Preceding page blank
65
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to the Metroplex. Surrounding land is principally
used as ranchette sites, farms, investment proper-
ty, and limestone quarries.
two bath houses, and six screened shelters. Site
improvements relating to facility function in-
clude 58 trailer sites, 43 picnic sites, boat dock
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state recreation
area, providing one of the closest state camp-
grounds to Six Flags Over Texas and other
Metroplex tourist attractions.
The SRA offers camping, hiking, nature study,
bird-watching, picnicking, swimming, canoeing,
sailing, and fishing. The Spillway Nature Trail
provides visitors with fossil evidence of 70-mil-
lion-year-old Cretaceous marine life.
Buildings include a CCC residence built in 1934
and a reconstructed well house. In total, 23 struc-
tures exist on the property, including garage, two
dormitories, mess hall, headquarters, summer of-
fice, maintenance building, pole barn, concession
building, three rest rooms, water testing shed,
JOHNSON COUNTY
IH 35 E
LH35 W
FT. WORTH
CLEBURNE
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION 700-850 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-20%
SOILS Aledo-Bolar & Brechet-Rock Outcrop
Complexes; Krum, Sanger, Frlto Clays
FLOODPLAIN Minimal; 100 - yr. floodplain In
proximity to lake and creek
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE IVesf fork of Camp Creek
Into the lake
and ramp, fishing pier, playground equipment,
flag pole, foot bridge, miscellaneous storage
buildings, and portal. Fencing, bulkheading,
retaining walls, 4.3 miles of paved roads, 26,260
square feet of paved parking areas, water well,
and sewage treatment plant are also in place.
A clause in the original property deed calls for
reversion to the City of Cleburne of all dedicated
property should TPWD fail to maintain the site
as a recreation area. The City of Cleburne also
retains water rights. No zoning regulations re-
strict the property; the usual utility easements are
in place.
TPWD plans to continue maintaining the site as
a year-round state recreation area. A park repair
program is in place designed to preserve the
original CCC structures. Since FY 1983, when the
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 23
AREA 15,444 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 20%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $466,211
WATER Well
SEWER Treatment plant
GAS Local - Propane Dealers
ELECTRICITY. Johnson County Electric Co-op.
66
-------
MAIN ROAD
^ ฆ
REST ROOM
PARK RESIDENCE
\Ew,\ k
CAMPING
HEADQUARTERS
> f) \ \
. P CEDAR \ \
V^,LAKE \ \
'ฆ y\ \ \
*. # ) *
A \ \
^ \ \
# / \
ฆ / *
/to
'< 1 / v
\ ฎ\
y us
// 67
\\v^J5
W\ 7 /
pr y/
2i
Fig. 2 - Site
total attendance reached a high of248,569, visita-
tion has declined by almost 100,000, to 151,035 in
FY 1987. Competition from newer state recrea-
tion facilities serving this region, especially Lake
Mineral Wells and Lake Livingston, is seen as the
primary reason for this decline. TPWD states that
such downturn is normal after the opening of new
facilities in an area and expects visitation figures
to level off. GLO appraisers agree that an SRA
is the highest and best use of the subject property
in spite of visitation decline.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 22%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 116 acres
UNDEVELOPED. 78%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 413 acres
BUILDABLE AREA Not Applicable
VISITATION (FY'87) 151,035
Commercial rock mining (the site is rich in lime-
stone), residential ranchette development, and
investment land with ranching as interim use
were considered by the appraiser as possible al-
ternate uses for the property, but none seems
economically viable. The present limestone mar-
ket is already saturated. Existing subdivision de-
velopments in the area are behind in their
completion schedules due to lack of buyer inter-
est and the possiblity of questionable water
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $502,332
BUILDINGS $371,105
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $858,200
MARKET VALUE. $1,731,637
APPRAISAL DATE February 14,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
rights. In direct correlation to the downturn of
local and state economy, investors are holding off
purchasing additional land.
Another alternate use explored by GLO staff
would allow the SRA to revert to city ownership
and continue in its present function at city ex-
pense; however, it seems unlikely that the
municipality would be able or willing to maintain
operation of the park at its present level in view
of the distance between the two (16 miles) and
current economic conditions.
Because of the site's physical attributes and its
accessibility to the three-and-one-half million
people of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the SRA
offers the greatest benefit to the state in its
present use as a public outdoor recreation
facility.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
67
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
LOCATION - Dinosaur Valley State Park (SP) is located on
FM 205, four miles west of Glen Rose, Somervell County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 1,274oars, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 50, p. 330; Volume
54, p. 610; Volume 55, pp. 424 and 435; Volume 56, p. 165;
Volume 61, pp. 160 and 163; and Volume 64, p. 614,
Somervell County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Designated as a National Natural Landmark by
the National Park Service in 1969, Dinosaur Val-
ley State Park is the site of a scientifically remark-
able collection of fossilized tracks of prehistoric
animals preserved along the Paluxy River
streambed. The imprints were first discovered in
1909 and made famous in 1938 when American
Museum of Natural History paleontologists ex-
cavated sets for display in New York City.
For 100 million years, dinosaurs dominated these
lands, leaving their tracks in shallow waters and
mud beds. TTie Glen Rose tracks were formed
105 million years ago during the Cretaceous
geologic age along the exposed tidal mud flat of
an ancient sea. Hundreds of feet of sediment
covered them for millions of years, serving as a
natural preservative. In recent times, the Paluxy
River has cut through this sediment to expose the
ancient tracks.
The Palmy River, while susceptible to seasonal
flash floods, is one of the most scenic tributaries
of the Brazos and meanders through attractive
terrain. Plants in the area are characteristic of
General Data
SIZE. 1,274 acres
COUNTY Somervell
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 22/58
TORP REGION. 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank
-------
SITE
the Cross Timbers and Prairie
vegetational areas. Typical trees
include Ashe juniper, live oak,
mesquite, elm, sugarberry,
pecan, walnut, and cottonwood.
Among the many birds are flocks
of wild turkey; deer, coyote, and
bobcat are also common. A por-
tion of the official Texas Long-
horn Herd resides in the park.
The park is about 58 miles south-
west of Fort Worth and is ac-
cessed via FM 205, four miles
west from Glen Rose. FM 205
fronts the tract for nearly one
mile and connects in Glen Rose
with US 67 and SH 144. IH 35W
is reached via US 67 ap-
proximately 30 miles east of the
park.
Land uses surrounding the park
are mostly recreational ran-
gelands leased for hunting pur-
poses, with limited beef, goat,
horse, and sheep production.
Because of the steepness of the
land and its poor accessibility, the stocking ratio
for this area is an average of two animal units per
acre.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state park for preser-
vation of the dinosaur tracks. In addition, the
park offers playground areas, camping, picnick-
DINOSAUR VALLEY
STATE PARK
PALUXY RIVER
FM205
HOODCOUNTY
US 67
SOMERVELL
COUNTY
FM201
GLEN
ROSE
SH 144
FM56
BRAZOS
RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location
ing, and swimming, fishing, and wading in the
Paluxy River. For backpackers, there are seven
primitive camp areas without any improvements
and accessible only on foot. A five-mile Cedar
Brake Trail System includes both nature and
hiking trails and provides access to five scenic
overlooks.
Utilization Data
Physical Data
ELEVATION 640 ฆ 860 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%- 100%
SOILS. Tarrant-Purves, Frio-Bosque
FLOODPLMN Along river bed
PREVAILING WIND SE, N, NW
DRAINAGE S and SE Into Paluxy River
DEVELOPED 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 15 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,259 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 198,521
Two full-sized fiberglass models of dinosaurs
whose tracks have been found in the park were
donated in 1970 by a private company. The park's
70
-------
interpretive center contains exhibits illuminating
the park's prehistoric past.
Buildings include headquarters and interpretive
center, two residences, two rest rooms, pavilion,
service center, four portable metal buildings, two
storage buildings, two pump houses, well house,
and feed barn.
Site improvements include water, sewage,
electric, and telephone systems, roads, parking
and other paved areas, amphitheater, 40 picnic
sites, and 47 camp sites.
TP WD plans to continue use of the site as a state
park for nature preservation, recreation, and
conservation of its unique paleontological
treasures. Records show the visitation for FY
1987 as 198,521, an increase of 12,170 (7%), from
the previous year. Although both nighttime and
daytime visitation increased, the bulk (10,341) of
visitors were daytime.
The property is 99% undeveloped (approximate-
ly 1,259 acres) with all buildings and site improve-
ments located on the developed 15 acres.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 18
DEPRECIATED 13%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $548,121
WATER Well
SEWER Treatment plant
GAS. Stames Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Texas/New Mexico Power Co.
The property was acquired in 1969 and 1973 from
private owners. Originally, 1,518 acres were
claimed by the park. A 1970 resurvey of the
property found the tract to contain 1,016 acres. In
1973, an additional 258 acres were purchased,
bringing the total to 1,274. No zoning exists, and
DINOSAUR VALLEY
STATE PARK
ฆ HEADQUARTERS
GD CAMPING AREA
PARKING
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
i TENT STIES
PARK BOUNDARY
-SITE
\
PALUXY RIVER
Fig. 2 - Site
71
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the appraiser found no easements or other
restrictions in the deeds which would impact
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,783,792
BUILDINGS. $475,703
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $562,505
MARKET VALUE $2,822,000
APPRAISAL DATE December 11, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
marketability. The National Natural Landmark
listing prevents any development detrimental to
the preservationist character of the property.
Possible alternate use of the property would be
rangeland. Because of the lack of accessibility to
a large portion of the tract, in addition to the
frequent flash flooding and the unique prehis-
toric character of the site, this alternate use
would be so limited as to be unfeasible. The GLO
appraiser finds that, based on the specialized
characteristics of the site, the present use is the
highest and best.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
72
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*
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Eagle Mountain Lake State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located on FM 1220, approximately 15 miles
northwest of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 400.71 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 6,967,
pp. 1,331 and 1,351; and Volume 6,995, p. 417, Tarrant
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is an undeveloped tract lo-
cated on the eastern shore of Eagle Mountain
Lake, northwest of Fort Worth, in one of the
fastest growing areas of the Metroplex. TP WD
plans to develop the tract as a state recreation
area to serve the recreational needs of this
populous district. An opening date is expected in
the mid-1990s.
An impoundment of the Trinity River, the lake
was constructed by the US Army Corps of En-
gineers in the 1930s and is operated by Tarrant
County Water Control and Improvement District
#1, which provides water to the residents of Fort
Worth.
Vegetation around the lake is native pasture with
an abundance of oak, redbud, mesquite, juniper,
bois d'arc, hackberiy, cottonwood, and crepe
myrtle trees. Most of the terrain consists of gentle
slopes intermingled with some moderate slopes.
Access is via FM 1220, which connects to Loop
820. Schools and churches, but few stores, are
available in the area; several neighborhood-
General Data
SIZE. 400.71 acres
COUNTY Tarrant
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 22189
TORP REGION 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
73
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EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE
STATE RECREATION AREA
TARRANT COUNTY
EAGLE V IH35W
MOUNTAIN-)
LAKE-
FORT
WORTHFT^
IH30
DALLAS
LOOP 635
LOOP 820
IH35E
Fig. 1 - Location
pump house and well, boat dock with 100 feet of
walkway, water lines, and fencing.
The property was purchased in 1980 from private
owners and is not zoned. Easements for
electricity and telephone services are in place. In
addition, an easement to the Tarrant County
Water Control and Improvement District No.l
(TCWCED No. 1) is also present. Because of
steady regional growth, strict lakefront develop-
ment guidelines regarding sewage are enforced
by TCWCID No. 1 to ensure water quality at
Eagle Mountain Lake. No deed restrictions af-
fect disposition of the property.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 660- 761 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-20%
SOILS. Aledo, Bastll, Others
FLOODPLAIN Along shoreline
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE NWInto Lake
oriented commercial developments are planned.
The irregularly shaped subject property is bor-
dered on the south by Lake Country Estates, The
Landing residential development, and large in-
vestment tracts. On the east it is bordered by FM
1220, on the north by East Peden Road, and on
the west by Eagle Mountain Lake.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD is holding this property for future
development as a state recreation area to serve
the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In conjunction
with planned recreational developments at
Cedar Hill, Lake Ray Roberts, and Lake
Tawakoni, TPWD expects the SRA to alleviate
pressure now felt by existing North Texas recrea-
tional facilities.
A residence and a utility building are already on
the property. Site improvements in place include
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is residential, mixed-use,
lake development This tract is located in an area
of Tarrant County where demand for smaller
acreage lots with residential potential is increas-
ing, and supply is not meeting demand.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 400.71 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
Until recently, the eastern shore of Eagle Moun-
tain Lake was a slow-growth sector of Tarrant
County. Land was held in large blocks by single
74
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owners, and access was poor. The completion of
Loop 820 has greatly alleviated the access prob-
lem and increased the area's marketability.
Large estates are being sold and subdivided. For
example, the Amon Carter property (partitioned
in the 1970s) has become Lake Country Estates,
a subdivision of single-family residences valued
from $100,000 to over $500,000. Although lots
remote from the water were slow to sell,
shoreline lots sold immediately. Overall, the
development is considered highly successful
Among the amenities offered to Lake Country
Estates purchasers are marinas, tennis courts,
golf course, and swimming pool.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 2,087 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 11%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $86,409
WATER Well
SEWER Septic system
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Texas Electric Service Corp.
Other large tracts have been sold for similar
developments, including The Landing and Secret
Harbor. In some cases, residents receive mem-
bership to the adjoining Lake Country Club in
Lake Country Estates.
Completion of Loop 820 has also sparked
speculative and investment buying in the area by
developers and other commercial and industrial
interests. Two major corporations, Datapoint
and Digital, have purchased large tracts
southeast of the site near the intersection of Loop
820 and Marine Creek Lake for corporate expan-
sion. The E-System Pension Trust holds several
large tracts between the Jacksboro Highway and
Blue Mound Road (FM 156). At the time the
property was appraised, a group of investors was
in the process of purchasing land east of Boat
Club Road and Lake Country Estates.
Among proposed projects, the Embarcadero
Development is a good example of the high
quality development envisioned for this region.
Its mixed-use, low-density masterplan incor-
porates nodes of neighborhood-oriented com-
mercial development as well as residential areas.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $4,804,568
BUILDINGS. $76,635
SITE IMPROVEMENTS 17,450
MARKETVALUE $4,898,653
APPRAISAL DATE April 10, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Residential
All this activity has increased real estate prices,
especially on tracts with lake frontage. According
to the appraiser, land values are expected to con-
tinue to increase.
SHE
EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE
FM
1220
TO
LOOP
820
DIRT ROAD
Fig. 2 - Site
75
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CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify use of
the property, which is noted as having potential
for alternate use.
A land use plan would justify continued manage-
ment of the site by TPWD in light of its greater
highest and best use potential.
76
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
EAGLE MOUNTAIN STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Eagle Mountain State Fish Hatchery (SFH)
is located south of Eagle Mountain Lake Dam and west of
the West Fork of the Trinity River, approximately 13 miles
northwest of downtown Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 13.88acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 1959, p. 29, Tarrant
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Eagle Mountain State Fish Hatchery was estab-
lished in 1947 under the administration of the
Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission of Texas.
The facility is one of two regional fish hatcheries
used to restock Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake
Worth. Its location just below the dam provides
a cost-efficient, gravity-flow water system for the
facility; however, TPWD plans to close the facil-
ity in 1988 due to budget constraints.
The site is flat with a maximum elevation dif-
ferential of ten feet The vegetative cover consists
primarily of grasses, with a few wooded areas
where pecan, oak, willow, and other types of trees
can be found. The entire property is located with-
in the 100-year floodplain.
The entrance to the facility is located on the east
side of Eagle Mountain Circle Road, three quar-
ters of a mile north of the Ten Mile Bridge Road
intersection. State Highway 199 and Fort Worth
Outer Loop 820 are located six miles southeast
General Data
SIZE. 13.88 acres
COUNTY Tarrant
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 22189
TORP REGION.... 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
of the hatchery and provide the most direct access
to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Adjoining land
uses include a YWCA camp, dedicated parkland,
the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge,
recreation areas, some low-density residential
77
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EAGLE MOUNTAIN
STATE FISH HATCHERY
SITE
TARRANT
COUNTY
IH 820
TRINITY RIVER
SITE
SH199
DALLAS
IH 30
FORT WORTH
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION 600-610 ft ms!
SLOPE 0%- 1%
SOILS Bastf/ fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN (100-year) 100%
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE SE Into West Fork Trinity
development, and Tarrant County Water Control
and Improvement District No. 1 facilities. The
hatchery is located in a section of Tarrant County
where development has been slow due to lack of
utilities and direct vehicular access.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The fish hatchery occupies two adjacent tracts of
land. One (55 acres) is leased by the state from
Tarrant County Water Control and Improvement
District Number One for an indefinite time
during which the property must be managed as a
fish hatchery. The other (13.88 acres) is owned by
the state and is evaluated in this report. The bulk
of the hatchery operation occurs on the leased
land, which will revert to Tarrant County when
TPWD closes the hatchery.
There are no deed restrictions or reversion
clauses on the appraised 13.88-acre property.
Water rights for the hatchery are secured through
the lease and would be lost with a change of use
or ownership.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 28%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 4 acres
UNDEVELOPED 72%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 10 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
78
-------
3*.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA 4,732 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 49%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $121,789
WATER On-site well
SEWER Septic system
OAS Dlngman Butane Co.
ELECTRICITY 7X Electric Service Corp.
Thirty earthen ponds (located on the leased por-
tion of the SFH) have an average annual produc-
tion of one million catfish and blue catfish,
300,000bass, and substantial quantities of several
types of sunfish.
Ten acres (72%) of the state-owned site are un-
developed and not being used. Buildings and
other site improvements are located on the
remaining 28%.
Buildings found on the property include su-
perintendent's residence, second residence, and
workshop/storage building. Utility improve-
ments include water well, well house, lines, and
pump.
The appraiser finds that the highest and best use
for the facility, including the leased portion, is a
fish hatchery. Viable alternate uses for the
property are limited by its isolated location, lack
of city utilities, and location within the 100-year
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $43,028
BUILDINGS. $62,640
IMPROVEMENTS $14,000
MARKETVALUE $119,668
APPRAISAL DATE March 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
PONDS
PUMP
EAGLE MOUNTAIN
LAKE
EAGLE
MOUNTAIN
ROAD
TRJNTTY RIVER
TEN MILE BRIDGE ROAD
Fig. 2 - Site Map
79
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floodplain. Among private commercial develop-
ment possibilities are a lease or sale for agricul-
ture or mobile home park development, but none
seem attractive in view of the floodplain and poor
economic outlook.
TP WD closed the facility in 1988 to achieve per-
sonnel cutbacks made necessary by fiscal con-
straints. Fifty acres reverted to Tarrant County
Water District, and the remaining 13 are being
traded to Tarrrant County Water District #1 for
160 acres in Wise County. As of October 1990,
the trade is pending.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT WORTH STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Fort Worth State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is
located on Hatchery and Garden Roads, ten miles north of
the business district in the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 61.26 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 595$ p. 887,
Tarrant County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort Worth State Fish Hatchery, operated cur-
rently as the District II-D Fish Management Of-
fice, was donated in 1975 by the federal
government to the State of Texas for the purpose
of wildlife conservation. In 1984, the facility
shifted its emphasis from fish culture to biologi-
cal research. Due to low water quality and per-
sonnel cutbacks, the fish hatchery operation has
been closed and the facility has become a TPWD
fisheries and lake management office.
The property is flat, its vegetation consisting
mostly of grasses with oaks, pecans, elms, and
willows scattered throughout. The entire tract is
within a 100-year floodplain.
Access to the facility is available only via Garden
Road, one-half mile northeast of the intersection
of Sand Springs and Meandering Road.
Meandering Road connects about one mile south
with SH183. Other main traffic arteries near the
General Data
SIZE. 61.26 acres
COUNTY Tarrant
MUNICIPALITY Fort Worth
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 12/89
TORP REGION. 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
property include SH 199, within two miles of the
facility, and Fort Worth's Outer Loop 820, six
miles to the southwest
The subject is in an isolated and sparsely
developed area of Tarrant County. Governmen-
81
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FORT WORTH
STATE FISH
HATCHERY
SH 103
SH 189
LOOP
820
SH 30
.63
TO
DALLAS
FORT
WORTH
3H 80
IH 36
TO
WACO
Fig. 1 - Location
tal land holdings such as Carswell Air Force Base
and dedicated city land such as Marion Sansom,
Windswept, and Lake Worth Parks abound.
Other surrounding land uses include low-density,
older residential neighborhoods, a YMCA camp,
and private investment property.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a fisheries and lake
management station serving as an administrative
Physical Data
ELEVATION 568-580 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Sllawa fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE NE Into Trinity River
office and storage center for four counties: Tar-
rant, Dallas, Denton, and Rockwall. The facility
itself consists of 20 dry ponds with a network of
unused water pipes and drain lines. Buildings
within the facility include four residences,
hatchery shop and office, biologist office/
laboratory, biologist
shop/storage shed, fish
holding house, paint shed,
and storage shed.
In addition to the ponds and
water distribution system,
other site improvements in-
clude fencing, flagpole,
entrance sign, and utility
sheds. Although the site is
100% developed, most of it
has been unused since the
abandonment offish culture
programs.
Easements for electricity,
gas, water, and telephone
lines are located throughout
the property. In addition, a Gulf Oil pipeline
easement crosses the site from north to south. A
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 61 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
VISITATION Not applicable
reversionary clause in the original deed would
return the property to the federal government
should there be a change of use. Located within
the Fort Worth city limits, it is zoned A-l (single-
family residential).
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA 10,511 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 58%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $180,985
WATER City of Fort Worth
SEWER Septic tank
GAS Rural Gas Supply Co.
ELECTRICITY. Texas Electric Service Co.
82
-------
Fig. 2 - Site
WEST FORK
TRINITY R. /
POND 6
POND
LAKE WORTH
DAK
PONDS 1A-9A
POND
4B
POND
POND
4AA
OND
POND
POND 2
GARDEN
ROAD
SAND SPRINGS
TO SH 183
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $275,679
BUILDINGS $76,724
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $66,150
MARKET VALUE $418,553
APPRAISAL DATE March 23, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fisheries
TP WD plans to maintain this facility as a fisheries
and lake management station. There are current-
ly no plans to expand or renovate the existing
structures. Because of the specialized improve-
ments in place, the GLO appraiser finds that the
highest and best use for the property is a biologi-
cal research center. Poor accessibility and loca-
tion in a floodplain negate commercial develop-
ment potential.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for current agency operations as
a fisheries and lake management station.
83
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK
LOCA HON - Lake Mineral Wells State Park (SP) is located
on US 180, four miles east of Mineral Wells, Parker County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,904.98 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 646, pp. 574
and588; Volume 1050, p. 390; Volume 1111, p. 587; Volume
1165, p. 48, and Volume 1370, p. 696, Parker County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
In 1885, the discovery of highly mineralized
waters believed to possess medicinal qualities
gave the Mineral Wells district its identity as a
major health spa. The popularity of Crazy Water
Crystals and the luxury resort hotels which served
them remained phenomenal until the late 1930s.
World War II put an end to the resort but brought
a new prosperity to the region with the estab-
lishment of Camp (later Fort) Wolters, one of the
largest wartime military installations in the
country.
Camp Wolters was greatly reduced in size at the
end of the war, and in 1975, the federal govern-
ment deeded 1,749 acres to the City of Mineral
Wells for park purposes. The city conveyed this
land to TP WD the same year. Since then, addi-
tional acreage has been secured from private
owners.
The park encompasses steep hills with deep
ravines and upland savannas and overlooks 646-
General Data
SIZE. 2,904.98 acres
COUNTY Parker
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 22/63
TORP REGION. 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
acre Lake Mineral Wells. Vegetation is typical of
the Cross Umbers and Prairie area, with grasses
Preceding page blank
85
-------
MINERAL
WELLS
LAKE
MINERAL WELLS
STATE PARK
FM
FM 113
113
US 180
IH 20
FM 2421
L.
WEATHERFORD
TO FORT WORTH
Fig. 1 - Location
and oak and mesquite trees. Pecan and cotton-
wood trees flourish along streams. Animals in-
clude deer, opossum, raccoon, coyote, and wild
turkey.
Access is via US 180, which forms the southern
boundary of the tract and leads west to the town
of Mineral Wells (pop. 14,468), and east to
Weatherford. IH 20, the principal route between
Abilene and Ft. Worth, is ten miles south via FM
113.
On the north, northwest, and northeast the pro-
perty is bordered by Fort Wolters Military Reser-
vation. Surrounding property on the south, east,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 425ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-20%
SOILS Truce-Bontf
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE S Into creeks
and west is used for pasture, supporting one
animal unit per 20 acres.
During the past ten years Fort Wolters has sold
2,000 acres to private owners for the develop-
ment of an industrial park and approximately 500
acres to TPWD to add to the SP. Fort Wolters'
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 26
AREA OF BUILDINGS 31,434 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 30%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $893,559
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS Brazos River Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Tx. Utility Electric Co.
remaining 2,500 acres of mainly undeveloped
land are utilized by the U.S. National Guard.
Sections of the National Guard land will be com-
bined in the near future with private land to
establish a pre-release center for state prisoners.
86
-------
*4
*
This facility will be administered by the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Buildings include four residences, 11 rest rooms,
headquarters, classroom, dining hall, metal
Quonset hut, nine rock shelters, 15 screen shel-
ters, concession stand, pavilion, two maintenance
buildings, and storage building.
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering fishing, swimming, boating, camping,
hiking, and picnicking. An equestrian area in-
cludes 8.5 miles of trails, parking for 20 horse
trailers, and campgrounds.
A concession area offers a double-boat dock and
lighted fishing pier. A store sells picnic supplies,
groceries, and live bait, and rents boats and
canoes. The concessions are leased for a five-year
term with option for renewal.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 28%
AMOUNT DB/ELOPED 813 acres
UNDEVELOPED 72%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 2,092 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 265,090
Site improvements include water, sewage,
electrical, and telephone systems, two gas tanks,
roads, fishing piers, 108 camp sites, 76 picnic
LAKE
I MINI
WELLS
LAKE MINERAL WELLS
STATE PARK
j r
ฆ REST ROOMS
RESIDENCES
JL CAMPING
% HEADQUARTERS
MAIN PARK ROAD
PARKBOUNDARY
Fig. 2 - Site
87
-------
sites, fencing, walkways, signs, fish cleaning
tables, six buoys, boat ramp, and
equestrian/hiking trails.
TPWD records FY 1987 visitation as 265,090, an
increase of 735 from the previous year.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,597,740
BUILDINGS $628,102
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,087,317
MARKET VALUE $3,313,159
APPRAISAL DATE May 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The property, including the lake, is 72% un-
developed (2,092 acres). Of the undeveloped
land, 1,363 acres are accessible only by foot or
horseback due to canyons, winding creeks, and
deep erosion. In this area, 800 acres can be used
only for recreation because cost to cure impedi-
ments to development would be prohibitive.
The property is not zoned. A deed restriction
prohibits the sale of 1,748.48 acres without the
approval of the U.S. Department of Interior, ex-
cept to another eligible governmental agency.
Included within this acreage is the dam, part of
the lake, the water system, utility service lines,
and sewer lines. Concession agreements with
third parties can be granted with prior approval
from the Secretary of the Interior.
A pipeline easement held by Southwestern Gas
Pipeline, Inc., expires in 1992. TPWD leases a
house on the parkgrounds for $24 per year from
the town as residence for a park employee. This
lease expires in 1991.
TPWD plans to continue operation of the site as
a state park, and GLO appraisers have deter-
mined that this is its highest and best use. Were
the property not restricted, highest and best use
would be recreational use for hunting, camping,
fishing, and water sports. However, topographic
and legal constraints, development costs, and
negative market values eliminate the site from
consideration of alternate commercial uses at
this time.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
88
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
POSSUM KINGDOM
STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Possum Kingdom State Fish Hatchery (SFH)
is located on SH16,10 miles northeast of the community of
Brad and approximately 18 miles west of Mineral Wells, Palo
Pinto County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 102.86 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 215, p. 186,
Palo Pinto County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located on the Brazos River just south of the
Morris Sheppard Dam and Lake Possum
Kingdom, the subject site was secured from
private owners in 1948 for the purpose of estab-
lishing a state fish hatchery. Original construction
was completed in 1950. Availability of a cost-ef-
ficient gravity-flow water system and the general
topography of the site make the location ideal for
a hatchery.
The site is flat and drains toward the southwest
into the Brazos River. The sparse vegetation con-
sists mainly of several types of grass scattered
with oak and pecan trees. Approximately 50 acres
of the site along the approximately one-mile
riverfront are within the floodplain.
The entrance to the facility is located off SH 16,
which connects with US 180, leading to Palo
Pinto and Mineral Wells, and to IH 20, principal
route between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort
Worth metroplex, approximately 65 miles east.
General Data
SIZE. 102.86
COUNTY Palo Pinto
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 22164
TORP REGION. 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
89
-------
POSSUM KINGDOM
STATE FISH HATCHERY
SITE J J \
MINERAL
/ SH 16 J
1 r--' !
i
tr-M-x
BRAD /
PALO PINTO
\^^US 180 \
1 TO IH 20
Fig. 1 - Location
Surrounding land uses include ranching, agricul-
ture, and private recreational development along
Possum Kingdom Lake and the Brazos River.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state fish hatchery.
Currently, 44 earthen ponds with an area of 28.98
acres are in place. The facility is one of two state
fish hatcheries producing striped bass; the other
is Dundee Fish Hatchery near Wichita Falls. The
Physical Data
ELEVATION 850-900 ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Sandy Loam, Loamy Sand, Loamy
Bottomland, Sand Bottomland
FLOODPLfiJN 49%
PREVAILING WIND S or SW
DRAINAGE SW Into Brazos River
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 54%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 55.4 acres
UNDEVELOPED 46%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 47.5 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
high level of salinity in the water at both of these
facilities makes them fertile grounds for the
reproduction of these popular game fish.
Requests are received from every part of the state
for striped bass fingerlings, produced at the rate
of one to 1.25 million annually. Other types of
fish raised in the facility include catfish, with a
production rate of .5 million per year, and sun-
fish, with a production rate of .25 million per year.
Of the total area, 47.5 acres (46.1%) are un-
developed and consist mainly of pastures and
riverfront. The remaining 55.4 acres (53.9%) are
90
-------
MAINTENANCE BLDG.
FISH PONDS
DIRT ROAD
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA 9,315 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 50%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $143,010
WATER 60-foot well
SEWER Septic system
GAS Sand Propane Co.
ELECTRICITY Eraph Electric Co-op.
dedicated to the buildings and channel ponds.
The ponds are located approximately one-fourth
mile from the Brazos River.
Buildings include three residences, a shop,
storage building and trough shed structure con-
taining an incubator and dry laboratory. Site im-
provements consist of 44 ponds, waterlines, and
chain link fencing. Utilities include electricity,
domestic water that comes from a 60-foot well,
and septic system for wastewater.
MORRIS
tKEPPAR
DAM ,
SITE
LAKE
POSSUM
DNGDOl
Fig. 2 - Surroundings
Fig. 3* Site
According to TP WD, plastic liners will soon be
placed inside the ponds to prevent water loss.
This method of water conservation, which has
proven highly successful across the nation, is new
to Texas.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $164,576
BUILDINGS. .....$71,896
SITE IMPROVEMNETS $374,345
MARKET VALUE $610,817
APPRAISAL DATE. January 15,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
There are no reversion clauses on the property,
and no zoning is in place. The appraisal report
states that the highest and best use for the proper-
ty is to continue as a state fish hatchery, which is
also TPWD's projected use for the site.
The General Land Office appraisal report also
identified both agricultural and recreational uses
as possible alternatives to the existing fish
91
-------
hatchery. However, because of the possibility of
flooding on the undeveloped portion of the sub-
ject site, its marketability for either of these uses
was found to be very limited.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
92
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
POSSUM KINGDOM
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Possum Kingdom State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located on Possum Kingdom Lake, approximately
15 miles north of the community of Caddo, in Palo Pinto
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,528.67acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume P, p. 14,
Volume 329, p. 261, and Volume 443, p. 381, Palo Pinto
County Deed Records.
(Deed acreage totals 1,724.7acres; however, a 1973 resurvey
of the tract by TPWD reports 1,528.67 acres. The smaller
figure is used in this report)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Possum Kingdom SRA is one of the most popular
recreational facilities in North Central Texas.
The development of the SRA began in 1940 with
the acquisition of 6,969 acres from the Brazos
River Authority. The following year, the
Authority built Morris Sheppard Dam on the
Brazos River, creating the 19,800-acre Possum
Kingdom Lake. Although approximately 5,000
acres of SRA land was subsequently reclaimed by
the Authority, the remaining acreage, with its
choice lake frontage and scenic location, con-
stitutes a major recreation property.
The site consists of mostly rolling terrain within
the Palo Pinto Mountains, sloping up toward the
central area of the SRA, where it levels off. Along
the lakeshore, narrow canyons and steep cliffs
over 100 feet high intermingle with gentler
General Data
SIZE. 1,528.67acres
COUNTY .. Palo Pinto
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 22/64
TORP REGION. 4
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
slopes. Exposed Cretaceous limestone strata
near the lakeshore are of special interest to
geologists.
93
-------
POSSUM KINGDOM
STATE RECREATION AREA
PALO PINTO
COUNTY
SITE POSSUM kingdom lake
MINERAL
WELLS
PARK
ROAD
FORT
WORTH
DALLAS
y US
180
CADDO
l)i 20
Fig. 1 - Location
Cattle of the official State of Texas Longhorn
herd live in the SRA, along with many deer,
mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, turkey, quail,
golden eagle, and osprey. The endangered gold-
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,000 -1,200 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 40%
SOILS Tight sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN Not applicable
PREVAILING WIND S, SW
DRAINAGE N, NE Into Possum Kingdom Lake
en-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo fre-
quent the area. Ashe juniper, mesquite, Texas
oak, live oak, and redbud are the dominant trees
in the park, although none grow to be very large
in this arid region. Pecans grow along the creeks.
Access is limited to Park Road 33 from Caddo in
adjacent Stephens County. Although the park is
only 85 miles west of Fort Worth and 25 miles
west of Mineral Wells, no direct route is possible
because of the park's location on the western side
of Possum Kingdom Lake. IH 20, major route
between Fort Worth and Abilene, is ap-
proximately 25 miles south.
Surrounding land is used for rangeland, with
recreational development along the shoreline.
There are many public and private camps on the
310-mile shoreline of Possum Kingdom Lake.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD utilizes the property as a state recreation
area, offering picnicking, camping, playground,
swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, canoe-
ing, paddle boating, and some of the best scuba
94
-------
***:.-
ig in the state. The waters of Possum
Edom Lake are unusually clear and conducive
water sports.
flings include five storage structures, six
bins, five comfort stations, water treatment
concession building, feed barn, two
Utilization Data
1DEVELOPED 10%
fAMOUNT DEVELOPED 152.8 acres
lUNDEVELOPED 00%
:i AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,375.8 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 193,941
residences, headquarters, and maintenance
^Buflding. Site improvements include concrete
-
-V- .* ฆ
parking, metal covered picnic pads, concrete pic-
nic pads and tables, masonry covered picnic pads,
20,000-gallon steel water tank, 80,000-gallon
bolted steel tank, waterline, sewer line, sewerage
lagoons, corrals, metal cooking grills, playground
equipment, fencing, fishing pier, double-boat
ramp, roads, and flagpole.
TPWD plans to continue use of the tract as a state
recreation area.
GLO appraisers find that recreation is the
highest and best use for the property. The SRA
has excellent lake frontage and could have poten-
tial for residential subdivisions or vacation cot-
tages. Its isolated location, however, with no
major highway access to a labor market or shop-
ping/commercial development, discourages
housing uses. The crowding that occurs during
the summer months, combined with the fact that
POSSUM KINGDOM
STATE RECREATION AREA
SWIMMING AREA
B
R
P
*
CABIN
REST ROOM
PARKING
CAMPING
RESIDENCE
PLAYGROUND
POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE
BOAT RAMP
ROAD
Fig. 2 - Site
95
-------
90% of the tract is undeveloped, suggests that
both physical capacity and consumer demand
favor expanded facilities.
During summer, waiting lists for cabins, camp
sites, and picnic tables are common, in spite of a
decline in total FY 1987 visitation of 18%. Com-
Improvements/Utllltles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 23
AREA OFBLDGS 14,437 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 22%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $454,498
WATER Treatment Plant
SEWER Lift Stations
GAS Trl-Tex Gas Company
ELECTRICITY Texas Utilities Company
petition from newer recreation facilities serving
the Metroplex is seen as the main cause of this
decline, but TPWD still considers present
demand high.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $993,200
BUILDINGS. $356,647
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $700,867
MARKET VALUE $2,050,714
APPRAISAL DATE February 5, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
There are no zoning regulations; a reversionary
clause in the original deed guarantees that the
property be used in perpetuity for park purposes.
Easements are typical of the area.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
96
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Region 5
-------
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-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 5 (NORTHEAST TEXAS)
271
RED RIVER
LAMAR
US K
PARIS
BOWIE
US 271
TEXARHA]
DELTA
FRANK-
LIN
HOPKINS
MOR-
RIS
CASS
SULPHUR,
SPRINGS
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK
2. LAKE BOB SANDLIN STATE RECREATION AREA
3. SAM BELL MAXEY HOUSE STATE HISTORIC
STRUCTURE
98
-------
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-------
REGION 5 (NORTHEAST TEXAS) covers 5,830 square miles and borders with Oklahoma and
Arkansas.
ECONOMY - This area of the state has suffered from the downturn in oil and gas production and will
make slower gains than the rest of the state in the next decade. Although profiting from a healthy
timber industry, it will see only 0.6% annual population growth. A 1.7% non-agricultural job growth
(led by health and financial services, wholesale trade, and tourism) is projected annually.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
ParkAcres!
Counties
Population
Population
Dertsity/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
9
7
247,156
42
287
GEOGRAPHY - Divided among the Pineywoods, Post Oak Savannah, and Blackland Prairie areas of
the state, Region 5 is rich in agricultural land and timber. Region 5 is the eighth least populous region,
with population concentration only around Texarkana.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
124
70,825
500-999
13th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - TP WD recreational facilities are considered among the most
popular in the region. Out of the six major recreational attractions and resources noted by the TORP,
four are TP WD properties. This rural, resource-based region provides freshwater and camping
opportunities. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' reservoirs and parks account for 74.7% of the
region's total parkland and 48.8% of the campsites.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
5
3
1,314
$3,486,057
2% / 2%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 5 will be for athletic fields, playgrounds, and swimming facilities. Population growth in this
area is expected to shift recreational needs from rural to urban. Urban open space is considered a
high need but is not quantified in the TORP.
99
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I
I
I
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK
LOCATION - Daingeifield State Park (SP) is located on
SH 49, two miles southeast of the town ofDaingeifield, Morris
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 550.90 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 30, pp. 575,
577, and 579; Volume 31, pp. 289, 291, 295, and 296; and
Volume 3Z PP- 353, 355, and 356, Morris County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Daingerfield State Park is situated in the center
of Northeast Tfexas' iron smelting region near the
site where Texas' first iron smelter was built in
1875. Lone Star Steel, Texas' only steel mill, still
operates in the nearby community of Lone Star.
The irregularly shaped tract has an abundance of
good-quality loblolly pine and high concentra-
tions of hardwoods such as oak, sweetgum, and
dogwood. Many herbs and ferns grow along the
porous slopes of creeks and draws.
The park surrounds attractive, 80-acre Lake
Daingerfield. Domesticated ducks, rare red-
cockaded woodpeckers, and large, red-crested
pileated woodpeckers are year-round residents.
Squirrels, rabbits, and armadillos are commonly
seen.
In 1957, 29.75 acres of the original 580.63-acre
purchase were sold to the Tfexas Department of
Highways and Public Transportation for the con-
General Data
SIZE. 550.90 acres
COUNTY Morris
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENJREP DISTRICTS. 1/8
TORP REGION. 5
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
struction of SH 49/11. This sale split the park into
two portions, described as Parcels A and B in
Figure 1.
Preceding page blank
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Fig. 1 - Location
DAINGERFIELD
STATE PARK
MORRIS COUNTY
MOUNT PLEASENT
CASON
TO
LONGVIEW
Parcel A (50 acres) is the portion lying northeast
of SH 49/11 and consisting of rolling timberland
plus several acres of iron-ore gravel pits. Some
of the mined areas have no vegetational cover;
Physical Data
ELEVATION 353 - 500 ft. msl
SLOPE Moderate to strong
SOILS Cuthbert-Redsprlngs Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Lake Daingerfleld
some are covered with small, brushy growth. Par-
cel A is bounded on the north by a county, oil-
topped road.
Parcel B (500.90 acres) lies southwest of the high-
way and includes the remaining rolling timber-
land, the lake, and the improvements except for
the radio tower.
Access is via SH 49/11, principal route between
Daingerfield and Mount Pleasant, where the
state highway joins IH 30. US 259, three miles
from the park, leads south to Longview and north
to Oklahoma. The site is 142 miles northeast of
the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 15
AREA OF BLDGS 10,488 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $460,818
WATER City of Daingerfleld
SEWER Septic
ELECTRICITY. Bowie-Cass Electric Co-op.
Surrounding land is used for rural homesites,
timber, and small-scale livestock and hay opera-
102
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tions. Daingerfield's economy is based on steel,
manufacturing, tourism, livestock, agriculture,
and timber. Principal crops include peanuts,
peaches, corn, sorghums, and vegetables.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering picnicking, camping, canoeing, swim-
ming, fishing, hiking, and nature study. The
scenic 2.5-mile hiking trail is partially accessible
to the handicapped. Many of the buildings and
improvements were built by the Civilian Conser-
vation Corps in 1935.
Buildings include the headquarters, lodge, three
cabins, residence, boathouse, three rest rooms,
concessions, storage, maintenance buildings,
shed, and old chlorinator house.
Site improvements include the following: roads,
septic tanks, water and electric systems, parking
lots, sidewalks, fire hydrants, 60 water hookups,
three water fountains, fences, flagpole, two
gasoline tanks, concrete camping pads, tent pads,
45 trash can pads, 66 permanent barbecue grills,
41 concrete picnic tables, playground equipment,
boat dock, fishing pier, swimming platform, and
wooden signs.
The 161.96 acres of developed area on Parcel B
constitute 29% of the total acreage. The un-
developed area includes 338.93 acres (part of
Parcel B) southwest of SH 49/11 and all of the 50
acres in Parcel A, northeast of the highway.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 29.4%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 161.96 acres
UNDEVELOPED 70.6%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 388.93 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 172,562
DAINGERFIELD
STATE PARK
BH
HEADQUARTERS
CAMPING\UTTLmES
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
HIKING TRAIL
PAVED ROAD
BATH HOUSE/
PICNIC AREA
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL
%
Fig. 2 - Site
103
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $605,960
BUILDINGS $267,075
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $207,400
MARKET VALUE $1,080,435
APPRAISAL DATE Nov. 12, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Residential (A) I
Recreation (B)
Land fronting the oil-topped county road in Par-
cel A (13.7 acres or 600,000 sq. ft.), is considered
buildable. This is the portion containing the un-
used radio tower.
Purchased from private owners in 1935-36, the
property is neither encumbered by deed restric-
tions, nor is it zoned. The ArkLa Gas Company
owns a pipeline easement across the north por-
tion of the property.
The tract contains an estimated $275,000 worth
of timber, and this sum has been included by the
appraiser in the total land value.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property. GLO appraisers find that the highest
and best use of Parcel B is recreation. The
natural beauty of the area, enhanced by the
growth of large pine trees, makes a haven for
native animals and plants, and for citizens inter-
ested in outdoor recreation. Possible alternate
uses (private hunting, fishing club, or residential
subdivision) are not financially attractive at this
time due to the current sluggish real estate
market in the area.
Parcel A, the 50 acres north of SH 49/11, is not
being used for operation of the park. This parcel
has higher potential for alternate use due to its
location and current underutilization.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Texas General Land Office recommends
that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain
the subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized and unused portions of the
site, particularly Parcel A. A plan for increased
use would justify continued management of Par-
cel A by TPWD in light of its greater highest and
best use potential.
104
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE BOB SANDLIN
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Lake Bob Sandlin State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located 12 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, Titus
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 761.55 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 428, pp. 236,
246, 248, 605, 607, 608, 611, 613, 614, and 787; Volume 429,
pp. 73, 241, 617, 619 and 767; Volume 433, p. 595; Volume
436, p. 752; Volume 453, pp. 77, 85, 93, 98, and 170; Volume
457, p. 458; Volume 466, p. 804; and Volume 484, p. 31, Titus
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Although less than ten years old, Lake Bob
Sandlin, in the beautifully wooded hills of north-
east Texas, is already nationally known for its bass
fishing tournaments. TP WD acquired the subject
property in 1979-85 from private owners, open-
ing to the public as a state recreation area in
October 1987. (The GLO appraisal was com-
pleted in March 1987, seven months before open-
ing date.)
The triangular tract is dominated by loblolly pine,
white oak, post oak, willow oak, sweet gum, black
hickory, and mockernut hickory trees, typical of
the transition zone between oak-hickory and
pineywoods. Native and introduced grasses cover
open areas along the 9,460-acre lake's northern
shore.
A diverse group of amphibians, reptiles, and
other animals such as nutria, armadillos, gophers,
and white-tailed deer, are on the property, along
with numerous waterfowl and wading birds.
General Data
SIZE. 761.55 acres
COUNTY Titus
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 1/8
TORP REGION. 5
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
105
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The site is accessed via FM 21 on the southwest
and Cypress Creek Road, a countiy road, on the
north. IH 30, principal route between Texarkana
Physical Data
ELEVATION 340 - 400 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 20%
SOILS Freestone fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN 100-year along narrow strip of
shoreline
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE S Into Lake Bob Sandlln
and Dallas, is located eight miles north of the
property.
Area development is based on the attraction of
the lake which is well stocked with crappie, sun-
fish, white bass, and channel catfish. Residential
developments occur immediately west of the
SRA across FM 21 and also opposite the SRA
along the southern lakeshore.
Small-scale commercial activity occurs along FM
21, with a higher concentration of activity at the
southern end of the highway bridge. Commercial
operations include grocery stores, restaurants,
real estate offices, boat storage, and motels.
Mount Pleasant (population 11,682), 12 miles
northeast of the SRA, is the county seat of Titus
County. The town's economy is based largely on
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 380 acres
UNDEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED. 382 acres
LAKE BOB SANDLIN
STA TE RECREA HON AREA
CYPRESS CREEK
^ ROAD
PARCEL
TITUS COUNTY
PARCEi
FM21
f LAKE
BOB
SANDLIN
OKLAHOMA
PARCEL A
MOUNT
PLEASANT
ARKANSAS
LOUISIANA
""CYPRESS CREEK
Fig. 1 - Location
106
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TO MOUNT PLEASANT
CYPRESS CREEK ROAD
FM 21
HEADQUARTERS
WALK-IN CAMPING AREA
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROADS
1. MAINTENANCE
2. MULTI-USE CAMPINO\SCREENED AREA
3. DAY-USE AREA
4. MULTI-USE CAMPING
LAKE BOB
SAND LIN
TO PITTSBURG
Fig. 2 - Site
tourism, furniture and cable production, beef and
poultry processing, hospitals, and nursing homes.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state recrea-
tion area. The GLO appraisai, written before the
facility was completed, identifies the site as 100%
undeveloped; no site improvements were ap-
praised.
For descriptive purposes, GLO has divided the
tract into two parcels.
Improvements/Utilities
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
ELECTRICITY Wood County Electric Co-op.
GAS None
Parcel A (380 acres) fronts Lake Bob Sandlin and
contains features favorable to development.
Shoreline length is approximately 2.75 miles, al-
though a substantial portion of this frontage oc-
curs along a narrow cove, leaving only 1.6 miles
directly along the main body of the lake.
Parcel B (381.55 acres) consists of wooded and
semi-open areas, with much of the area having
been in agricultural production.
The reservoir, named to honor a local
businessman devoted to the development of ar-
tificial lakes in Titus County, is an impoundment
of Cypress Creek behind Fort Sherman Dam.
The SRA offers camping, picnicking, boating,
fishing, hiking, and nature study on Parcel A.
TPWD plans to continue this use of the asset and
to retain Parcel B undeveloped. Because the
facility was so recently opened, no visitation
figures are yet available.
107
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,110,622
BUILDINGS $0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $2,110,622
APPRAISAL DATE March 4, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Facilities include 25 picnic sites, group shelter,
playground, boat ramps, fishing pier, fish clean-
ing station, and comfort station. Seventy-five
multi-use campsites and 20 screened shelters
make up the overnight facilities on Parcel A.
Primitive camping areas are found along a five-
mile hiking trail in Parcel B.
There are typical utility easements on the proper-
ty but no zoning regulations. No reversion
clauses, deed restrictions, leases, or encumbran-
ces adversely affect the marketability of the
property.
The GLO appraiser finds that in a stronger real
estate market the highest and best use of the
property would be lakefront residential develop-
ment. Water and road frontage are positive
marketing features for such a use. However, it
would be difficult to market the much greater
number of acres lacking a lake view or lake
frontage. Current market demand is for lakefront
property only, and the initial investment for
development of the entire tract would be sub-
stantial.
In view of these local real estate factors and the
natural suitability of the site to its present use, the
GLO appraiser finds that the highest and best use
of the property is recreation.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
108
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SAM BELL MAXEY HOUSE STATE
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
LOCATION - Sam Bell Maxey State Historic Structure
(SHS) is located at 8122 South Church Street, Paris, Lamar
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1.78 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 579, p. 906, Lamar
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Built in 1867, the Sam Bell Maxey House is a focal
point of the Paris Historic District, a U. S.
Department of Interior preserve of residential
architecture fashionable between 1865 and 1930.
Although the Maxey House underwent consider-
able remodeling in 1911, its High Victorian
Italianate style remains untouched. It has been
recognized with a marker from the Texas Histori-
cal Commission and a listing in the National
Register of Historic Places.
Samuel Bell Maxey topped his colorful career
(which included graduating from West Point in
the same class as Stonewall Jackson and serving
as a Confederate General) with three terms in
the United States Senate. The house is his
memorial.
Symmetrical and nearly square, the building was
set on bois d'arc posts. The large frame structure
with rear wings was finely detailed with an
elaborate two-story portico at the front entrance
below the widow's walk and decorative hoods
over the first floor windows.
General Data
SIZE. 1.78 acres
COUNTY Lamar
MUNICIPALITY Parts
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 112
TORP REGION. 5
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The original five acres, of which a little less than
two now remain, includes gardens, stables, and
several additional buildings. Large shade trees
and shrubs have been planted by TPWD to re-
create the original landscaping.
109
-------
Located on a corner lot, the site is accessed from
South Church and East Washington Streets. East
Washington Street intersects SH 24, which
provides access to the Dallas-Fort Worth
Metroplex, seventy miles south-southwest.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 569ft.msl
SLOPE 2%
SOILS Deport-Urban
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND Southeast
DRAINAGE City Storm Sewer
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1.78 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 21,889
slowly declining unemployment rate. The
economy rests on agribusiness, tourism and the
manufacture of diapers, soups, and clothing,
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The historic district of Paris, with its variety of
architectural styles, consists largely of substantial
residences, with a few, smaller, old frame houses.
To the west of the subject property is an apart-
ment house; to the north, south, and east are
primarily single-family dwellings.
Paris, the county seat of Lamar County, has a
population of 27,000. Growth is stable with a
TPWD operates the property as a museum, ex-
hibiting an architecturally interesting 19th cen-
tury dwelling built and occupied in by a
prominent Texas politician. The house has been
restored and furnished by TPWD under its His-
toric Sites and Restoration Program, dedicated
to preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
The property is protected by the Texas Antiq-
uities Code.
SAM BELL MAXEY HOUSE
STATE HISTORIC SITE
OKLAHOMA
ARKANSAS
PARiS
RED RIVER
'SITE
SH 24
IH 30
LAMAR CO
us 6 :
DALLAS
Fig. 1 - Location
110
-------
lug. 2 - Site
MAXBYHOUSB
BOOt HOUSE
CTJ CHICKEN COOP
STABLE
"1
u
TONNE COURT
SAM BELL MAXEYHOUSE
STATE HISTORIC SITE
& CHURCH ST.
SH24
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BLDGS 7,605 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 1:10
DEPRECIATION $251,678
RECONSTRUCTION COST *375,130
WATER City of Paris
SEWER City of Paris
GAS Lone Star Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Texas Utilities Co.
Buildings consist of the mansion, stable, and
book house. Site improvements include exten-
sive landscaping, driveway, and parking area. The
property is zoned for two-family dwellings; how-
ever, significant remodeling costs could deter
prospective investors. The structure lacks plumb-
ing, heating, cooling, closets, and kitchen
facilities of modern standard.
The heirs of Senator Maxey deeded the house
and land to the Lamar County Historical Society
in 1967, with a reversion clause if the property
ceases to be operated as a museum. The Histori-
cal Society passed ownership to the City of Paris
in 1971 but retained the operating function. In
1979, the city turned the property over to TPWD
with no deed restrictions.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property. The house and out-buildings will con-
tinue to be preserved to interpret the architec-
tural style of the house and the lifestyle of the
Maxey family. Adaptive reuse is planned for the
book house and stable interiors to serve visitors
and staff.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $25,000
BUILDINGS. $260,000
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $ 10,000
MARKET VALUE $295,000
APPRAISAL DATE. March 10,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
111
-------
The appraiser finds that the highest and best use
of this asset is as a museum.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
112
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Region 6
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 6 (EAST TEXAS)
UPSHUR
MARION
RAINS
WOOD
3
I HARRISON
VAN
ZANDT
13.
Her
7
GREGG
SMITH
PANOLA
HENDERSON
N CHEROKEE
RUSK
ANDERSON
5
US 259
2
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. CADDO LAKE STATE PARK
2. CADDOAN MOUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE
3. GOV. HOGG SHRINE STATE HISTORICAL PARK
4. GUS ENGELING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA
5. JIM HOGG STATE HISTORICAL PARK
6. MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE RECREATION
AREA
7. MICROWAVE RADIO TRANSMITTER
8. PURTIS CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA
9. STARR MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE
10. TEXAS STATE RAILROAD SHP &
RUSK-PALESTINE STATE PARK
11. TYLER RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
STATION
12. TYLER STATE FISH HATCHERY
13. TYLER STATE PARK
114
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 6 (EAST TEXAS) covers 9,836 square miles, bounded by the Trinity River on the west and
Louisiana on the east.
ECONOMY - Region 6 constitutes the heart of the East Texas economy. Having suffered from the
depression in the oil and gas industry, its growth will be slower than that of the rest of the state in the
next decade. Although profiting from a healthy timber industry, it will see annual gains of only 0.6%
population growth and 1.7% non-agricultural job growth (led by health, financial services, wholesale
trade, and tourism).
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
Mile
Park Acres 1
1,000 Pop.
14
2
640,156
65
114
GEOGRAPHY - A section of the Pineywoods, Region 6 is well endowed with native and commercially
managed forests. It is the least populous TORP region in the state, with settlement centered in the
Tyler/Longview/Marshall area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank'.
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
343
73,196
1,000-2,000
7th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Eleven of the 13 facilities considered major attractions and
resources by the TORP are TP WD facilities. Freshwater lakes are the dominant resource attraction
in this East Texas region. Twenty-two different water bodies provide a multitude of freshwater
boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Caddo Lake is the only large, natural, freshwater lake
in Texas.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % ofAU Park
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
13
13
15,188
$21,611,236
4% 121%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 6 will be for multi-use trails, athletic fields, swimming facilities, and other urban recreational
areas. Aside from trails, TP WD does not typically provide this type of facility.
Region 6 has more TPWD-owned properties than any other TORP region except for the two highly
urbanized areas containing Houston and Austin/San Antonio. Many of these are administrative. Of
the recreational areas evaluated, only Tyler State Park is close to the populous areas showing need
lis
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK
LOCATION - Caddo Lake State Park (SP) is located on
SH 43, 14 miles northeast of Marshall, Harrison County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 483.81 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 196,
pp. 189,190, and 192 and Volume 228, pp. 75 and 76,
Harrison County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Caddo Lake State Park is located in the heart of
the East Texas timber belt, a region of piney
woods, hardwood bottomlands, and cypress
swamps. Identified by TP WD as one of the most
picturesque parks in the system, the irregularly
shaped tract contains loblolly and shortleaf pines,
oaks, gums, elms, hickories, river birch, and
cypress trees, much of it virgin forest
The tract has gentle to moderate rolling terrain.
Located on Big Cypress Bayou, it stands at the
upper end of Caddo Lake, the South's largest
natural lake (now reinforced with a dam), cover-
ing 32,700 acres. Thirty-three to fifty percent of
the developed park and low-lying areas near the
bayou are subjected to flooding at least once
every year.
Natural features include Spanish moss, water
lilies, white-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum, al-
ligators, and many species of native and
migratory birds.
General Data
SIZE. 483.81 acres
COUNTY. Harrison
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 9/1
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank w
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CADDO LAKE
STATE PARK
SH43
PARCEL A
HARRISON COUNTY
PARCEL
PARCEL C
BIVINS
ATLANTA
ARKANSAS
LOUISIANA
US 59
SITE
MARSHALL
KARNACK
SHO
IH20
TO
DALLAS
Fig. 1 - Location/Parcel Maps
Caddo Lake was formed by the Great Raft, a
series of natural logjams blocking the Red River
and forcing water back into its tributaries. In the
nineteenth century, it provided part of the river
route from New Orleans to the Texas port of
Jefferson 11 miles west.
Topographical diversity on the tract is as great as
its variety of animals and plants. For descriptive
purposes, the property is divided into three par-
cels.
Parcel A is an irregularly shaped area with
undetermined amount of lake frontage,
1,300 feet of road frontage on SH 43 and FM
2198, and 600 feet of frontage on an interior
road (Park Road 2). Parcel A contains most
of the park development and the park
entrance.
Parcel B lies east of Parcel A and is heavily
wooded. It is crossed by draws and gullies
and bordered on the west and north by Park
Road 2 and on the east by FM 2198. It
contains the picnic area but is mostly un-
developed.
Parcel C is pine-covered wilderness located
west of Parcel A across SH 43, and ranges in
topography from hills to swamps. It is not
open to the public or presently utilized by
park personnel.
Acreages given for this property are only es-
timates. No relevant ground survey for the park
has been completed, and deed documents con-
tain closing errors.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 170 - 340 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-30%
SOILS Sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN 33% - 50%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE N Into Big Cypress Bayou
118
-------
Single-family residences, a swamp and a lake
border the property on the north. To the west is
timber production, and to the east is Longhorn
Ordnance Works. Undeveloped timberland and
retail development adjoin the property on the
south.
Access from Karnack is west one mile via
FM 2198 (FM 134), then north on SH 43, which
crosses the property. Marshall is 14 miles south-
west of the park via SH 43. IH 20, principal route
between Dallas (169 miles west) and Shreveport,
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED. 51%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 246.74 acres
UNDEVELOPED 49%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 237.07 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 125 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 212,163
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 26
AREA OF BUILDINGS 23,378 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 83%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $591,283
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Arkla Gasco.
ELECTRICITY. Panola-Harrison Electric Co.
Louisiana, is 30 miles south of the park via
FM 2198.
An outage along the bayou between Parcel A and
B contains a private house and can be accessed
through state property off FM 2198.
Marshall, the county seat, has a population of
24,954. County businesses include lumber
pro cessing, steel and aluminum products, and tile
TO
CADDO
LAKE
CYPRESS BAYOU
SH 43
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
CAMPING WITH UTILITIES
CAMPING
PARK ROAD 2
CABINS
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
FM 2198/FM 134
Fig. 2 - Site Map
119
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and pottery production. Karnack (population
775) is the birthplace of Claudia Taylor
(Ladybird) Johnson, widow of former President
Lyndon B. Johnson. Longhorn Ordnance Works,
a principal industry in the area, loads, assembles,
and packs ammunition and other pyrotechnic
items for the federal government.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering camping, picnicking, hiking, nature
study (especially on the Caddo Forest Trail),
photography, fishing, and boating.
Buildings include two residences, two rest rooms,
nine screened shelters, visitors' center, recrea-
tion and concession building, nine cabins, and six
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $628,953
BUILDINGS $493,407
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $583,900
MARKET VALUE $1,706,260
APPRAISAL DATE December 1,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
commercial
miscellaneous structures. Site improvements in-
clude paved roads and parking areas, campsites,
fencing, nature trails, pier and boat ramp, flag-
pole, sign, and utilities.
The property was a gift from private owners in
1933 and 1937. Earliest stone buildings were
constructed in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation
Corps workers. TPWD plans to continue the use
of the property as a state park and is implement-
ing a program of repairs at the facility. Atten-
dance has increased from 138,031 in 1980 to
212,163 in 1987.
Approximately 227.26 acres of Parcels A and B
have deeds with reversion clauses which restrict
use to public recreation. Should the state cease
to operate this property as a state park for a
period exceeding 24 months, title would revert to
the grantors. Parcel C (the parcel west of SH 43)
is not restricted to recreational use. No zoning
regulations apply, but typical utility easements
are in place. An aqueduct supplying water to the
ammunition plant crosses the extreme northeast
corner of Parcel B.
Because of reversion clauses on Parcels A and B,
the property's outstanding position as a natural
area, and rising public use, GLO appraisers find
the highest and best use for Parcels A and B is the
present use as a state park.
Several alternative uses are possible for Parcel C
without reducing the utilization of the developed
park. Site officials report a steady rise in area
economy with an increase in residential develop-
ment and demand for privately owned recrea-
tional lots. GLO analysts considered that, in view
of its location, terrain, and present unused status,
Parcel C would be suitable for private resort
development, residential subdivision, commer-
cial or retail development, or a small nine-hole
or par three golf course.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
entire site for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized Parcel C, which is noted as
having potential for alternate use. This parcel
could accommodate a small nine-hole or par
three golf course. A plan for increased recrea-
tional use would justify continued management
of Parcel C by TPWD in light of its greater highest
and best use potential.
120
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CADDOAN MOUNDS
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site (SHS)
is located on SH 21, six miles southwest of Alto, Cherokee
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 93.54 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 462, p. 99,
and Volume 834, p. 498, Cherokee County Deed Records.
(An additional 0.3 acres designated as Parcel C is leased
pom the Texas Forest Service.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site marks the
southwestern-most ceremonial center of the
great Mound Builder Culture, an Indian civiliza-
tion which covered the forests of eastern North
America for over 2,500 years (roughly 1,000 B.C.
to 1,500 A.D.). The property, known to scientists
as the George C. Davis site, has been designated
an archeological site by the Texas Antiquities
Committee.
to flooding and is crossed by a small, unnamed
creek, a tributary of Bowles Creek.
Parcel A (70.14 acres) contains two temple
mounds, a burial mound, and a large portion of
the adjacent village area, plus the park improve-
General Data
On the edge of the East Texas woodlands, the SIZE. 93.54 acres
tract consists of three irregularly shaped parcels COUNTY Cherokee
(A, B, and C) where prehistoric burial and temple MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
mounds have been excavated. Vegetation in- SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 3/11
eludes Bahia grass as well as native grasses, TORP REGION. e
weeds, and shrubs, with some areas wooded in TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
sweet gum, oak, and pine trees. The site is subject [22ZZZIZ
121
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CADDOAN MOUNDS
STATE HISTORIC SITE
PARCELB
SH21
PARCEL
CHEROKEE
COUNTY
PARCELC
NACOGDOCHES
TO DALLAS
ALTO
SITE
PARCEL MAP
'SH21
CROCKETT
Fig. 1 - Location
ments. It constitutes 75% of the developed sec-
tion of the park. Weeping Mary Road separates
this parcel from Parcel B. Parcel A has 2,184 feet
of frontage on SH 21.
Parcel B (23.40 acres) is located north of Weep-
ing Mary Road and has 555 feet of frontage on
SH 21. Identified as the outer limits of the docu-
mented archeological site, this parcel is closed to
the public and accounts for 25% of the tract's
undeveloped acreage.
Parcel C (03 acre) is located opposite Parcel A
across SH 21. This parcel, which contains the
High Temple Mound, is ground-leased to TP WD
by the Texas Forest Service through the year
2021. Parcel C is not analyzed in this report
Caddo Indians selected this site for a permanent
settlement about 800 AD. and dominated the life
of the region for 500 years. The mounds were
first recorded by Athanase
de Mezieres, a French ex-
plorer, in 1779 but were not
visited by a professional ar-
cheologist until 1919.
Since that time, ar-
cheologists have been in-
vestigating the mounds to
learn more of their origin
and use. Scientific dis-
coveries continue to shed
light on this most advanced
culture in prehistoric Tex-
as. Investigators expect to
find artifacts on 95% of the
site.
The property is accessed
via SH 21 (in Spanish times
El Camino Real), the route
linking Alto, Crockett, and
several smaller rural com-
munities. A driveway con-
necting to SH 21 serves as
sole access to the site.
Weeping Mary Road, an
oil-surface county road,
bisects the property but
does not provide access. Six miles north in Alto
(population 1,209), SH 21 crosses US 69, prin-
cipal route between Lufkin and Dallas, 148 miles
northwest.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 250 - 280 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-5%
SOILS. Amite series, Luke,
Nacogdoches, Hannahatchlc
FLOODPLAIN 100-Year (strip on creek)
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE. S/SW Into Bowles Creek
The Texas Forest Service utilizes lands to the east
and south as a pine seedling nursery. Davy
Crockett National Forest is located to the south.
A few rural residential tracts and a church are to
122
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the west of the site. Several farms and ranches are
located to the north.
The Cherokee County economy is based on
agribusiness, wood and plastics industries,
government, and tourism.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD preserves the Indian ruins for their his-
torical interest both to the public and to scholars.
Interpretive exhibits, an audio-visual program,
and a .75-mile, self-guided trail explain the
mounds and village area to visitors. No picnick-
ing or camping facilities are offered on the site.
Excavations will continue at Caddoan Mounds to
uncover more information on Early Caddoan
life. If an archeological dig is in progress, visitors
are welcome to observe and ask questions.
The site is expected to remain a focus for ar-
cheological exploration for the foreseeable fu-
ture.
Buildings include two residences, visitors' cen-
ter/office, and maintenance center. Site im-
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 4.54 acres
UNDEVELOPED 95%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 89 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 60 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 15,675
provements include the Wayside Caddo House,
water, sewage, and electrical systems, paved
roads and parking, nature and exhibit trails, fenc-
es, gateway, and flagpole.
TPWD acquired the site in 1975 and 1981 from
private owners and the Texas Forest Service,
respectively, to preserve its valuable archeologi-
cal resources for the state. No zoning restricts
land use. One pipeline easement is of record.
PARKBOUNDARY
NTERPRFTIVB TRAIL
ฆ WAYSIDB EXHIBITS
D EARLY CADDO HOUSB
ฎ BURIAL MOUND
t PARK RESIDENCE AND MAINTENANCE AREA
2. PARKING
X VISITOR CENTER
WBBPING MARY ROAD
BOWLES CREEK
PRIVATE
Fig. 2 - Site Map
123
-------
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is its present use.
Evidence indicates that the entire tract contains
artifacts which will provide priceless information
about the Caddo Indian civilization.
The appraiser examined agriculture, commercial
and residential development, and forestiy as pos-
Improvements/Utllities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 4
AREA OF BUILDINGS 5,687 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 02
DEPRECIATED 95%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $264,955
WATER Alto Rural Water System
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY Cherokee County Electric Co.
sible alternate uses for the property. Impor-
tant location-specific historical attributes, how-
ever, effectively eliminate consideration of other
utilization.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $119,300
BUILDINGS. $251,228
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $95,490
MARKET VALUE $466,018
APPRAISAL DATE. December 16, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
To maintain the integrity of the site, TP WD
should consider acquiring title to the .3-acre
High Temple Mound (Parcel C) from the Texas
Forest Service through purchase or trade.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
124
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GOVERNOR HOGG SHRINE
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park
(SHP) is located on US 37, two blocks south of the Wood
County Courthouse in Quitman, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 26.7 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 623, p. 313;
Volume 635, p. 331; and Volume 636, p. 6, Wood County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park is a
tribute to Texas' first native governor. Born in
nearby Cherokee County, James Stephen Hogg
was married in Quitman to Sarah Ann Stinson in
1851. Their honeymoon cottage is preserved on
the subject property, along with several other
historic structures. Hogg served as governor from
1886 - 1898 and was responsible for the estab-
lishment of the first railroad commission and the
first interstate commerce commission in Texas.
The half-forested rectangular tract (a portion of
which has been the site of the Wood County Old
Settlers' Reunion since 1902) contains
hardwood, post oaks, pecan, and pine trees typi-
cal of its Pineywoods environment and is inter-
spersed with native grasses.
Access is via US 37, which fronts 200 feet of the
property and is the main route between Quitman
and Mineola. The property has additional
General Data
SIZE. 26.7 acres
COUNTY Wood
MUNICIPALITY Quitman
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 2/3
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
frontage on Stephens Street at the northeast
corner. US 80 is approximately 10 miles south of
the tract
125
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Physical Data
ELEVATION 400ft.msl
SLOPE 0% - 3%
SOILS Lufkln Series
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S, N, NW
DRAINAGE Good/City
The property is situated in a commercial section
of Quitman, the comity seat (population 1,994),
and is adjoined by a car dealership, real estate
offices, banks, and a small industrial park. To the
north and southwest are undeveloped woods.
Noted as an agribusiness center, the area also
depends economically on food processing, boat
construction, and fence post production.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state historic park,
one of three state facilities commemorating the
Hoggs. Interpretation of the Hogg family as well
as East Texas regional history is presented to
visitors at Honeymoon Cottage, Miss Ima Hogg
Museum, Stinson home, and Old Settlers' Taber-
nacle. Tours, picnicking, nature study, and a
children's playground are the only activities
available in this day-use park.
Formerly the property of the Wood Comity Old
Settlers' Reunion Association, the tract was ac-
quired by the state in 1946. TPWD participates
in celebrating the annual Old Settlers' Reunion,
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 60%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 16.1 acres
UNDEVELOPED 40%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 10.6 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 10.6
VISITATION (FY'87) 112,699
SH 37
GOVERNOR HOGG SHRINE
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
J
WOOD COUNTY
SITE
SH 37
IH 30
US
FORT
WORTH
MINBOLA >
US 80
DALLAS
SH20
Fig. 1 - Location
126
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\
GOVERNOR HOGG SHRINE
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
STEPHENS
ST.
SH37
1. STINSON HOME/ MUSEUM
2. PAVILION
3. HOGG HOME
4. RANGER'S HOUSE
5. OARAGE/STORAGE
6. PARKING
7. BRIDGE
8. PLAYGROUND
Fig. 2 - Site
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 20,109 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 1:02
DEPRECIATED 52%
RECONSTRUCTION COST OF BLDGS.. $448,383
WATER City of Quitman
SEWER City of Quitman
GAS Lone Star Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY Wood County Electrical
Fiddlers' Contest, and Autumn Trails events, all
popular local activities.
Neither of the historic homes (Honeymoon Cot-
tage or Stinson home) was originally on this plot;
they were moved here to be displayed more con-
veniently to the public. Honeymoon Cottage con-
tains many of the Hoggs' own personal effects.
The Stinson mansion was furnished by the
Governor's only daughter to reflect its ap-
pearance during her maternal grandparents' time
when it was the site of her parents' wedding.
The museum named to honor Miss Hogg (who
donated most of her fortune and personal posses-
sions to the people of Texas) houses regional
history displays and artifacts. A1907 pony truss
bridge has been added to the park as a trailhead
for the nature trail.
The Old Settlers' Tabernacle was rebuilt in 1969,
with only one center beam preserved from the
original building. The Wood County Old
Settlers' Reunion Association retained by deed
the right to meet one week annually on the tract
Hie site itself is zoned "park," while surrounding
land is zoned "commercial." No other restric-
tions on the property were found.
127
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $240,300
BUILDINGS $231,830
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $21,638
MARKET VALUE $493,768
APPRAISAL DATE March 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The developed area contains 16.1 acres (60%).
Buildings in addition to the historic structures
include museum and office, ranger's residence,
rest rooms, pavilion, and two storage buildings.
Site improvements include concrete fountain,
fence, flagpole, tables and benches, swings, brick
entrance, parking lot, and roads.
The remaining acreage, 10.6 acres (40%), a strip
along the west boundary, is undeveloped, raw
timberland.
TPWD plans to continue present operation of the
facility as a state historical park.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
for this property, were there a market, would be
commercial use, as it is well-located two blocks
from the county courthouse. However, there is
currently little demand for property in this area
of town. In light of this factor, GLO appraisers
find that the highest and best use of this tract is
recreation. If the property were to become valu-
able enough to justify the cost of moving the
historic buildings to another site, it should be sold
or leased.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
128
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GUS ENGELING
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area VyJ
(WMA) is located on US 287 adjacent to the community of
Bethel, approximately five miles northeast of Tennessee
Colony, Anderson County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 10,941.55 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 422, p. 22;
Volume 425, p. 55; Volume 429, p. 444; Volume 433, pp. 512
and 515; Volume 439, p. 177; Volume 446, pp. 518 and 521;
Volume 502, p. 123; Volume 505, pp. 516 and 595; Volume
510, p. 61; Volume 515, p. 517; Volume 570, p. 403; and
Volume 629, pp. 590 and 598, Anderson County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area con-
tains Texas' first dedicated acreage under the
MARSH program (Matching Aid to Restore
State's Habitat), a project of the national private
conservation group Ducks Unlimited. The
WMA is the largest wooded area in western
Anderson County and was named for the late Gus
Engeling, a TP WD wildlife biologist killed in the
line of duty in 1951.
The tract is an irregularly shaped rectangle with
flat to gently rolling woodlands. Dense stands of
oak and hickory shade understory species such as
yaupon, greenbrier, dogwood, hawthorn, elm,
and huckleberry. Catfish Creek, a tributary of
the Trinity River, meanders through the area and
is bordered by bottomland hardwoods. Small
tracts of open grasslands are found throughout
the tract
General Data
SIZE. 10,941.55 acres
COUNTY Anderson
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 3/11
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
129
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GUS ENGELING
WILDLIFE
MGMT. AREA
TO
CORSICANA
BETHEL
SH 19
US 287
TENNESSEE
COLONY
\ PALESTINE
-*J
US 79
Fig. 1 - Location
The WMA supports deer, feral hogs, squirrels,
furbearers, quail, mourning dove, waterfowl, and
turkey. Currently the WMA is overpopulated
with deer, which are regularly hunted by the
public. The feral hog population is also quite
substantial, and hogs may be taken during all deer
hunts as well as during the special hog hunts in
January and February.
Because of its size and diversity, the tract has
been partitioned for descriptive purposes into
three parcels.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 250-490 ft msJ
SLOPE Gently sloping
SOILS Fuquay-KIrvin-Darco Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN 1,800 acres
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE Southwest Into Catfish
Creek
Parcel A (10,061 acres) is the parcel north of US
287, which transects the subject property. Parcel
A contains nearly 1,800 acres of woods and wet-
lands, contrasted by approximately 8,261 acres of
sandy hills with a heavy concentration of post oak
and sand jack woods. Catfish Creek, with its
unusual pitcher-plant bog, crosses this parcel and
has created a marsh which is attractive habitat for
waterfowl. This portion of Catfish Creek is listed
as a National Landmark by the Federal govern-
ment
Parcels B and C (880 acres) are located south of
US 287. They are composed of approximately
60% open pastureland and 40% post oak woods.
Parcel B (35 acres) contains the WMA head-
quarters and radio tower. Parcel C (845 acres)
consists of native pastureland dotted with several
ponds and has frontage on US 287 and FM 2706.
Located 21 miles northwest of Palestine and 32
miles southeast of Corsicana, the WMA is ac-
cessed via four routes: US 287, FM 2706, FM
2961, and Eubanks Road. Ten miles of gravel
130
-------
roads and 50 miles of off-road trails serve on-site
needs.
fund surrounding the property is divided into
improved pastureland, native pastureland,
hardwood woodland, and wetlands. Cayuga
High School is immediately west of the subject
site in the Bethel community. Coffield, Beto I,
Beto II, and Michaels Units of the Texas Depart-
ment of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) are located five
miles away and employ some 3,096 area resi-
dents.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED .97%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 100 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.09%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 10,B41.55 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 7,800
The Anderson County economy is based on
TDCJ activities, manufacturing, distribution,
tourism, hunting and fishing leases, ranching, and
other agriculture. Improved pastures support
one animal unit per three acres.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes this natural site with its unique
relic vegetation for wildlife research, for public
use, and for other management needs. Primary
public use occurs on the northern parcel (Parcel
A), which offers picnicking, camping, trails, and
hunting at appropriate times of the year.
An enlarged waterfowl habitat has been created
by damming Catfish Creek in Parcel A. This
MARSH project, to which Ducks Unlimited has
contributed $431,913, plus engineering/design
and construction/contracting assistance, is part of
2981
PARCEL A
PARCELB
PARCEL C
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL
EUBANKS RD.
US 287
TO PALESTINE
FM 2706
PAVED ROAD
GRAVEL ROAD
TRUCK TRAIL
NATURE TRAIL
DAY CAMP
OVERNIGHT CA11P
X
A
SCREENED SHELTER.
SANITARY STATION
VISITOR REGISTRATION
RESIDENCE
Fig. 2 - Site
131
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an ongoing program of conservation at the
WMA.
Buildings include three residences, two garages,
office, shop, three storage sheds, barn, three
stables, four comfort stations, fourteen screened
shelters, check station, and pump house.
Site improvements include roads, two developed
nature trails, gasoline storage and pumps, flag-
pole, four incinerator disposal units, sidewalk,
and radio tower. Site improvements included by
the appraiser in the land value consist of well and
pump, water pipes, ponds, gravel roads, jeep
trails, and fences.
The property was purchased in multiple seg-
ments from private owners with matching federal
funds during the period 1950 through 1961. It was
designed to be a research study site, natural area,
and public hunting area. The Pittman-Robertson
Wildlife Preservation Program provides for state
protection and conservation of the WMA's
natural features. No zoning applies, although
typical utility easements are in place. Existing oil
and gas leases provide additional revenues to the
state.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 35
AREA OF BUILDINGS 19,613 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $313,374
WATER BCY Water Co-op.
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY New Era Electric
Cooperative
The value of the timber on the property is as-
sessed at $25 per acre, but harvesting is not
economically feasible at current timber prices.
TP WD plans to continue the property in its
present use. GLO appraisers find that the highest
and best use of Parcel A is a wildlife management
area. The terrain, native hardwood forests,
vegetation, and wetland make this tract ideally
suited for an upland game and waterfowl habitat.
Parcels B and C, which include the WMA build-
ings, are separated from the wildlife management
portion of the property by a road and are current-
ly underutilized. Improvements cover ap-
Appraisai Data & Values
LAND $7,276,131
BUILDINGS. $208,902
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $50,500
MARKET VALUE $7,535,533
APPRAISAL DATE. November 5, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Wildlife habitat,
agriculture
proximately 35 acres. The remaining 845 acres
(Parcel C) have alternate use potential for com-
mercial grazing as, to date, it is not being used for
WMA operations. TP WD has expressed no fu-
ture use plans for the parcel. Despite poor
economic factors in the general area,
marketability of the parcel is feasible because of
its proximity to TDCJ facilities, residential
development, and the Bethel community, as well
as because of its good pasture and significant road
frontage.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized Parcel C, which is noted as
having potential for alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of Parcel C by TPWD in light of its
greater highest and best use potential.
132
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
JIM HOGG STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - rim Hogg State Historical Park (SHP) is
located one mile east of Rusk, off US 84 in Cherokee County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract cavers 177.36 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 237, p. 600,
and Volume 745, p. 674, Cherokee County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Set in the Pineywoods of East Texas, the subject
property preserves a part of Mountain Home
Plantation, birthplace of James Stephen Hogg,
Texas' first native governor. The future
governor's father fanned the large plantation
from 1839 until 1862 when he died while serving
as a Confederate General during the Civil War.
In 1941 the City of Rusk deeded the site to the
state, stipulating that TPWD build a replica of the
Hogg home, which had been destroyed by fire, on
the tract.
Today this reproduction, not an exact copy of the
original house but typical of the period, displays
pioneer artifacts as well as memorabilia of Hogg
family history. The family cemetery is also lo-
cated on the property.
The tract is irregularly shaped and wooded with
loblolly pine, post oaks, and sweet gum trees.
Understory vegetation consists of native grasses,
shrubs, and briars. Some open areas are in gras-
ses such as common bermuda and needle grass.
Three to four acres in the park contain intro-
General Data
SIZE. 177.36 acres
COUNTY Cherokee
MUNICIPALITY Rusk
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 11/3
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
duced lawn cover and ornamental shrubs. Rac-
coons, squirrels, and an occasional fox or bobcat
are typical fauna.
Located one-half mile off US 84, the tract is
accessed at its northernmost corner by Firetower
133
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JIM HOGG
STA TE HISTORICAL PARK
JOHNSON
DR.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
US 84
US 69
RUSK
TYLER
SITE
IH45
DALLAS
Fig. 1 - Location
Road, a paved county road. US 69 is two miles
west of the site. Both highways pass through the
city of Rusk.
This well kept park is surrounded by single-family
dwellings. Older residential lots adjoin the tract
Physical Data
ELEVATION 600-735 ft. msl
SLOPE 2% -40%
SOILS Bub-Nacogdoches Complex
FLOODPLAIN - None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE S&SWlnto College Creek
and Rusk City Lake
to the north and west To the east, a new residen-
tial subdivision maintains an occupancy rate of
only 20%. The new Birmingham Golf Course is
located south of the tract.
Rusk, county seat of Cherokee County, has a
population of 4,612. County economy is based on
agribusiness, wood and plastics industries,
government, and tourism. Other state holdings in
the area include the Rusk State Hospital, Fair-
Utiiizatlon Data
DEVELOPED 3%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 5.36 acres
UNDEVELOPED 97%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 172.00 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 40-60 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 25,610
134
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child State Forest, Rusk/Palestine State Park,
and the Texas State Railroad State Historical
Park.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as an historical park,
offering tours of the replica plantation house,
picnicking, nature study, and hiking trails. There
are no provisions for overnight camping. Atten-
Improvements/Utllitles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 4
AREA OF BUILDINGS 4,621 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 8%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $189,952
WATER City of Rusk
SEWER City of Rusk
GAS Entex Gas
ELECTRICITY Southwestern Electrical Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $186,228
BUILDINGS. $150,968
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $26,143
MARKET VALUE $363,339
APPRAISAL DATE. December 18,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
dance in FY 87 was 25,610, a substantial decline
from 48,477 in FY 85.
For descriptive purposes, the property has been
divided into two parcels.
Parcel A (5.36 acres), comprising 3% of the total
acreage, contains the park development and the
Hogg Cemetery. Buildings include the replica,
manager's residence, and maintenance shed.
Site improvements include a water and sewer
system, roads, fence, and picnic grills.
Parcel B (172 acres), a scenic forest area of tower-
ing pines and nature trails, constitutes an un-
ary LIMITS
yw FIRETOWERROAD
PARK 1
ROAD >/\
3ฐ / \ X
/ ฆ l\
0' rB f|.
! ^ 1 J
' VV
I V
V-... /'
UNPAVBD TRAILS
L MUSEUM HEADQUARTERS
2. PARE MANAGER'S RESIDENCE
J. MAINTENANCE
4 REST ROOMS
m 1 HOGG CEMETERY
Fig. 2 - Site
135
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developed area of 97%, open to the public for
hiking and nature study.
Although the subject property lies within the city
limits of Rusk, there is no zoning. A reversion
clause in the deed states that the property must
be maintained as a state park commemorating
the birthplace and memory of James Stephen
Hogg. In case of noncompliance, the property
reverts to the City of Rusk. TP WD plans to
continue present use, interpreting early East
Texas life in a representative pioneer home and
preserving the Hogg Cemetery.
In view of the deed restriction, GLO appraisers
find that the present use of the property is the
highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
136
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MARTIN CREEK LAKE
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Martin Creek Lake State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located on FM 1716, four miles southwest of the
town of Tatum, Rusk County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 286 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 1441, p. 96, Rusk
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Martin Creek Lake State Recreation Area
provides the only public access to one of the most
popular fishing lakes in East Texas. Constructed
by Texas Utilities Generating Company in 1974,
the 5,000-acre reservoir produces excellent year-
round fishing for large-mouth bass, crappie,
channel catfish, and sunfish.
The irregularly shaped tract consists of gently
rolling terrain of forests and established pas-
tureland. Loblolly and shortleaf pine, post oak,
and yaupon grow in the uplands. Creek-bottom
woodlands are present in the western part of the
park with willow oak, sweetgum, water oak,
winged elm, and river birch the most common
trees. Understory consists of native shrubs,
panicum, and bluestem grass, with pastures of
native grasses, Bahia, and common bermuda.
Representative animals include white-tailed
deer, swamp rabbit, gopher, squirrel, and nutria.
General Data
SIZE. 286 acres
COUNTY Rusk
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 3/9
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The great blue heron, green-backed heron, and
northern cardinal are among the many birds com-
monly seen in the SRA.
The area has a rich history and contains portions
of Trammel Trace, an early Indian trail widened
137
-------
Fig. 1 Location
TO
DALLAS
FM 1716
JATUM
SH/322
MARTIN CREEK
LAKE SRA
SH 43
IN
HENDERSON
to a wagon path, which served as one of the major
early immigrant routes from Arkansas to Texas.
The Harmony Hill community, established after
statehood, lies partially in the SRA and has been
Physical Data
ELEVATION 325ft.msl
SLOPE
SOILS Sacul sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into lake
designated a National Register Archaeological
District. Historic buildings in the SRA include a
circa 1853 log church, three homesteads, and an
old stone bridge.
Access to the SRA is via FM 1716 (partially
paved), which connects to SH 43, main route
between Tatum (population 1,531) and Hender-
son (population 11,972). The site fronts on both
routes and is approximately 12 miles northeast of
Henderson and 153 miles southeast of Dallas.
Martin Creek Lake, a lignite-fired, electric power
generation plant, and undeveloped land lie to the
east and south of the property. To the north are
farmlands and the Harmony Hill Cemetery, a
residential subdivision is to the northeast on FM
1716. Farther north of the site is an area of run-
down residential lots that failed to sell due to the
soft real estate market.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
AMOUNT DEVELOPED.
UNDEVELOPED
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
BUILDABLE AREA
VISITATION (FY'87)
7%
.. 20 acres
93%
266 acres
250 acres
.... 164,048
138
-------
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 950 sq.ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST. S61.408
WATER Wall
SEWER Stptlc
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Rusk County Electric Co.
Nearby, open land lies fallow due to the limited
production capacity of local soils. Many lflrge
tracts have reverted to native vegetation and
game animal habitat, their primary function con-
fined to recreational hunting.
The Rusk County economy is based on oil
production, lumbering, agribusiness, and
tourism.
TP WD utilizes the property as a state recreation
area offering camping, primitive camping on an
island, hiking along an historic roadway, picnick-
ing, playground, boating, swimming, and excel-
lent fishing.
The SRA also conserves for the public, within a
small area, a transect of ecological communities
from creekbottom through slope woodlands to
upland forests. Continued protection will allow
regeneration of excellent mammal and bird
habitat
Texas Utilities Generating Company donated
the bulk of the land to TPWD in 1976; seventy
additional acres were purchased in 1985. Texas
Utilities has reserved a 270-foot-wide easement
running north and south from SH 43 for future
transmission lines. Typical utility easements exist
on the property.
PARK HIAOOUARTIRS
RtSlOdCl
u PARKING A*{A
QQ RCS'flOOM
Q *f STROOMW*MOซIRS
Q heme ARIA
Q GROU'PAVHION
Q BOAT RAMP
ฎ 'ISHINGNIR
U mikingtmii
B SCRltMfDtMll II" AWIA
Q WUITI U$E CAWnNb
&
ฃMEttOIRiON Jy
mm 's:
lOAt IN CAปHซMซ
Fig. 2-Site
139
-------
The GLO appraisal report identifies 266 acres
(93% of total property) as undeveloped and
maintained by TP WD as a game preserve. The 20
developed acres (7%) contain public recreation,
park maintenance, and park personnel facilities.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $314,600
BUILDINGS $59,000
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $376,000
MARKET VALUE $749,600
APPRAISAL DATE Nov. 6, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Recreation
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property and to invest $2.5 million dollars in
improvements. Intensive development of an ad-
ditional 125 acres will expand existing facilities
and add nature study to the activities offered.
A comfort station is the only building on the SRA.
Site improvements include a steel-span
pedestrian bridge, docks, water system, septic
system, electric system, rock retaining walls, 63
picnic tables, playground, group pavilion, fishing
piers, two boat ramps with ample parking, and
swimming beach. Camping areas provide 60
multi-use campsites with water and electricity,
and 21 screened shelters.
The deed of gift contains reversionary clauses,
restricting the use of 216 acres of the property to
recreation.
GLO appraisers find that the site's highest and
best use is public recreation and conservation.
Only 25% of the tract is not restricted by deed to
parkusage. This quarter of the tract currently has
oil and gas leases in place. While further mineral
development is possible, the only other alterna-
tive, suburban housing, is not viable in the current
economic market
The combination of limited economic alterna-
tives, deed restrictions, and the utilization of the
asset by the public support the conclusion that the
land is being fully utilized.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
140
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MICROWAVE RADIO TRANSMITTER
LOCATION- The Smith County Microwave Radio Trans- .
mitter is located within the boundaries ofW. T. Winters City
Park in the City of Tyler, Smith County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 2.07acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 99, p. 538, and
Volume 185, p. 348, Smith County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Smith County Microwave Radio Transmitter
is situated on a small, square, two-acre tract
(formerly part of a city dump) in Tyler's W. T.
Winters Park (popularly called Peach Street
Park). The tract, located in an economically
depressed, low-income section of Tyler, was
formerly known as the Old Pest House Property.
A large creek separates the subject site from the
park proper, both of which have small stands of
hardwood and pine timber along the north
boundary. Other vegetation on the site consists
of native grasses and weeds.
Tyler (population 73,021) is famous as the Rose
Capitol of the World and for its azaleas, pine
forests, and annual Rose Festival Parade. The
local economy rests on agriculture, manufactur-
ing, tourism, and oil production. The recent
downturn in the oil business has depressed the
economic climate of the region.
General Data
SIZE. 2.07 acres
COUNTY Smith
MUNICIPALITY Tyler
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 2/6
TORP REGION 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Law Enforcement
Access to the radio transmitter is poor, via a
small, very eroded gravel road off Connally
Street There is no street frontage. The un-
bridged creek prevents access through the park.
Connally Street leads four blocks south to Glen-
141
-------
Physical Data
ELEVATION 550 - 590 ft. msl
SLOPE 5% - 15%
SOILS Wolfpen sand
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE West and north Into creeks
wood Boulevard (US 69), a major Tyler
thoroughfare, which reaches IH 20, principal
route between Tyler and Dallas.
Surrounding land uses are residential develop-
ments, parkland, and an elementary school. The
site is located in the southwest quadrant of Tyler,
which has suffered from an economic recession
and negative growth patterns.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD Law Enforcement Division has operated
the site as a microwave radio tower facility in the
past, but the tower is currently not used.
Buildings are limited to one 216 square-foot
radio equipment building and and a 319-foot
steel tower. No site improvements are listed in
the GLO appraisal report.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 2.07 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
MICROWAVE RADIO TRANSMITTER
TO DALLAS
IH 20
STTE
US ซ
N
r
rYLER
SMITH CO.
SH 31
I
HOUSTON ST.
WINTERS
PARK
CONNALLY ST.
GLENWOOD BLVD.
(US 69)
-US ป
Fig. 1 - Location Map
142
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 216 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $42,194
WATER City
ELECTRICITY City
The original 14.08-acre tract was purchased by
the City of Tyler from private owners in 1910 (5
acres) and 1927 (9.8 acres) for use as a municipal
dump. It operated as a dump until 1937. In 1948,
the City conveyed a portion of the tract (2.06
acres) to the Texas Department of Highways and
Public Transportation for use as a radio station.
TDHPT transferred the property to TP WD in
1976.
TPWD has recently dismantled the deteriorated
tower and allowed the property to revert to the
City of Tyler.
Highest and best use under the deed restriction
is the same as the present use.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $3,099
BUILDINGS $36,755
MARKET VALUE $36,854
APPRAISAL DATE March 27, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Law Enforcement
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office supports Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department's action since it no
longer needs this location for a radio tower.
143
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
144
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PURTIS CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCA TION - Purtis Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on FM 316, approximately four miles north of
Eustace, in Van Zandt and Henderson Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,566.01 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 1,037,
pp. 203-245 and 280-286; Volume 1,059, p. 361; and
Volume 1,080, pp. 326-338, Van Zandt County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Designed primarily for recreational fishing, Pur-
tis Creek State Recreation Area provides out-
door opportunities to citizens of East Texas and
the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In coopera-
tion with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service,
TP WD designed and constructed the 355-acre
lake (the centerpiece of the facility) specifically
for fish. TPWD has provided ponds south of the
dam as special rearing areas for young fish.
Purtis Creek Lake is unusual in offering large-
mouth black bass fishing on a catch-and-release
basis only. According to TPWD, this regulation
will improve both numbers and size of bass
catches. Catfish, crappie, and bluegill catches
may be retained.
The SRA is part of the 1826 grant to early Texas
impresario David G. Burnet Once heavily tim-
bered, much of the region was cleared in the 19th
century for cotton cultivation.
General Data
SIZE. 1,566.01 acres
COUNTIES Henderson and Van Zandt
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 5/12 and 2/9
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The irregularly-shaped tract is located in the Post
Oak Savanna vegetational area and is both flat
and steeply sloped. Many small streams in addi-
tion to Purtis Creek, a tributary of Cedar Creek
Reservoir, cross the property. Trees include red
Preceding page blank
145
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PURTIS CREEK
STATE RECREATION AREA
VAN ZANDT COUNTY
HENDERSON COUNTY
SITE
US 175
FORT
WORTH
DALLAS
FM316
EUSTACE
CEDER CREEK
RESERVOIR
ATHEMS--s
Fig. 1 - Location Map
oak, black jack oak and eastern cedar. The ma-
ture post oak stands within the site are con-
sidered the best in the state park system. The area
is inhabited by many species of birds including
marsh and red-tailed hawk, American kestrel,
and the great blue heron.
The site, located on a line between Van Zandt
and Henderson Counties, is accessed via FM 316
approximately three miles north of Eustace
(population 541) where it joins US 175, principal
route between Athens and Dallas. Athens
(population 10,197) is approximately 15 miles
southeast of the SRA; Dallas is approximately 64
miles northwest
Adjoining land is used for small farms, mostly in
cattle operations.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the subject property as a state
recreation area with an emphasis on fishing. The
number of boats allowed on the small lake at one
time is limited to 50, and a no-wake restriction
applies. Other activities offered in addition to
boating and fishing are camping, photography,
picnicking, and hiking.
TPWD opened the facility, its 111th, on Novem-
ber 9,1988. (The GLO appraisal was completed
in December 1986; land values were reassessed
Physical Data
ELEVATION 375 - 468 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-10%
SOILS. Bernaldo fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN 23% (lake)
PREVAILING WIND S - SE
DRAINAGE NE to SW Into Purtls Creek/lake
in an addendum appraisal dated April 12,1988.
Neither appraisal included the recreational
facilities or new buildings now in place at the
SRA; their value is not reported at this time.)
At the time of the original appraisal, buildings
included a mobile home, portable storage build-
ing, main office, and equipment storage building.
Site improvements were limited to boundary
fencing, two fish-rearing ponds, the Purtis Creek
dam and lake, and a water system.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 23.5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 368.01 acres
UNDEVELOPED... 76.5%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,198.00 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 899.70 acres
VISITATION Not available from TPWD
Since the GLO's appraisal, new buildings con-
structed under the initial development phase in-
clude a headquarters, maintenance building,
comfort station, and rest room with showers,
146
-------
totalling 3,693 square feet. Site improvements
now in place include 59 multi-use campsites, 40
picnic sites, playground, two boat lanes, two
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 4
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,632 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 60%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $17,623
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Penny's Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY Kaufman County
Co-op., Inc.
lighted fishing piers, boat trailer parking, two
fish-cleaning shelters, and a boat dock. A 13-
mile hiking trail has been developed north of the
campsite area just to the west of the lake. A
permanent residence for the superintendent is
being planned.
TP WD plans to continue using the site as a state
recreation area, eventually completing addition-
al camping and shelter sites as set forth in the
master plan. Upon completion, one-third of the
park will remain undeveloped in accordance with
Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan (TORP)
guidelines. Because the facility is new, no visita-
tion figures are available.
The site was acquired in August 1976 from
private owners. There are no reversion clauses,
deed restrictions, leases or encumbrances that
adversely affect the marketability of the property.
A flowage easement is in place. The U.S. Soil and
Conservation Service retains control of the dam,
while the state owns the impounded waters. The
property is not zoned.
DAY-USE PICNIC AREA
PURHS CREEK
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
MULTI-USE CAMPING AREA
PURHS CREEK
LAKE
PARK ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
PURHS CREEK
I , DAM
FM316
Fig. 2 - Site Map
147
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
BUILDINGS
SITE IMPROVEMENTS.
MARKET VALUE
APPRAISAL DATES
$2,505,618
$7,036
$1,458,329
$3,971,000
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
December 9, 1986
& April 12, 1988
Recreation
The GLO appraiser finds that current use as an
SRA is the highest and best use for the site.
Alternate land use considered was limited to
farming and ranching. Given the ample supply of
raw land being offered for sale in this market or
being held for future investment, the GLO
believes that no market demand exists at this time
for the property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
148
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
STARR MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Starr Mansion State Historic Site (SHS) is
located at 407 West Travis Street, Marshall, Harrison County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 3.79 acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 805, p. 562;
Volume 952, p. 637, and Volume 1080, p. 412, Harrison
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Starr Mansion State Historical Site, with its
seven historic buildings, was the family com-
pound of a prominent pioneer Texas family for
approximately 125 years. Immigrating to Texas
from Ohio in the days of the Republic, the Starrs
became wealthy through land management and
investment. They purchased Rosemont, the first
house on their Marshall property, in the 1860s,
and built imposing Maplecroft, the centerpiece
of the compound, in 1870. Other family houses
were added for the six Starr daughters; one of
these, the Blake Home, is part of the SHS.
The powerful and influential Starrs built their
great house in the transitional Italianate style,
with strong New Orleans influence. Many of the
decorative and wrought iron elements were
shipped in from Louisiana and Saint Louis.
The rectangular tract is located on a hill, and, for
descriptive purposes has been divided into four
parcels.
General Data
SIZE 3.79 acres
COUNTY. Harrison
MUNICIPALITY. Marshall
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 1/9
TORP REGION 6
TPWD JURISDICTION. Park
Parcels A and B (1.98 acres) contain Maplecroft,
Rosemont, the Blake Home, and other site im-
provements. Beautifully landscaped with large
red maple trees, live oak, dogwood, and various
249
-------
STARR MANSION
HARRISON COUNTY
MARSHALL
Fig. 1 - Location
fruit trees, the grounds are lined with many
varieties of shrubs and flowering plants. Ber-
Physlcal Data
ELEVATION 385 feet msl
SLOPE 7%-5%
SOILS Bowie Fine Sandy Loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE Into city system
muda and St Augustine grasses are used for
lawns. These parcels are bordered by South
Grove, Fulton, Crockett, and Travis Streets and
have curb parking along its east and south sides
on Fulton and Travis Streets.
Parcels C and D (1.81 acres) are two vacant lots
across Travis Street and south of the historic
parcels. They are bordered on the west by Grove
Street, on the south by Block Street, and on the
east by residential property.
The subject property is situated on the edge of
the Marshall business district, with commercial
and some residential properties adjoining. Com-
mercial properties include a private school,
utility company, and shopping center to the
north; law offices to the east; a funeral home, pet
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 52%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 1.98 acres
UNDEVELOPED 48%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1.81 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 344
store, day-care center, and savings and loan com-
pany to the southeast; and a feed store and
answering service to the south. Single-family
ISO
-------
residences lie to the west, and two apartment
complexes to the southwest
Marshall's economic base is dependent on lum-
ber processing, steel and aluminum products,
tile, and pottery production. Its population is
24,954. The subject property is four miles north
of IH 20, principal route between Shreveport and
the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD maintains the property as a state historic
site. Guided tours, designed to illustrate social
and technological changes that occurred during
the family's history, are conducted daily through
the main house and grounds.
Buildings include Maplecroft, Blake Home,
Rosemont Wing, two garages, school/laundry
building, and shed. The value of the site im-
provements is included in the building value, and
they are not listed separately.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 9,923 sq. ft.
WATER City of Marshall
SEWER City of Marshall
GAS EntexCo.
ELECTRICITY. Southwestern Electric Company
The agency plans to continue present use as a
state historic site. Future plans for Parcels A and
B, as identified in the Starr Family Interim Use
Plan, include repairs and preservation of the his-
torical, archeological, and architectural resour-
ces, including furnishings, for further research
and analysis.
Parcels C and D are designated as archeological
resources. Foundations of two houses and
several outbuildings exist on these lots, as well as
an old well and possibly a cemetery. Until test
excavations can be completed, all ground-dis-
CROCKETT STREET
STARR MANSION
STATE HISTORIC SITE
1. BLAKE HOME
(PARK RESIDENCE)
2. MAPLECROFT
3. ROSEMONT
4. SCHOOL/LAUNDRY
5. TOOLSHED
6. GARAGE
GROVE
STREET
*
FULTON
STREET
TRAVIS STREET
Fig. 2 - Site
151
-------
turbing activities must be cleared through a His-
toric Sites and Restoration Branch archeologist.
Parcels A and B were given to the state in 1976
by Mrs. Clara Starr Pope Willoughby, last surviv-
ing descendent of the founder of the family, and
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $165,200
BUILDINGS $311,404
IMPROVEMENTS Not given
MARKET VALUE $476,604
APPRAISAL DATE April 19, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
passed to TPWD on her death in 1985. A rever-
sion clause restricts use to a historic site, with title
to go, on default, to the Harrison County Histori-
cal Society. Parcels C and D were the gift of the
estate of Ruth Starr Blake in 1981. This con-
veyance also specifies reversion to the County
Historical Society should TPWD cease to use the
tract for preservation purposes.
The site is zoned C-3, General Business District.
Typical city utility easements cross the property.
GLO appraisers find that if deed restrictions
were not in place, residential and commercial
uses would be feasible. Parcels A and B are being
used in a manner consistent with the function of
the facility. Because they are restricted, they have
no immediate potential for greater utilization.
Therefore, the present use as an historic site is
considered the highest and best use.
Parcels C and D are now being reserved for fu-
ture archeological research.
Restrictions on parcels A and B, require ar-
cheological mitigation wherever there is ground
disturbance. These restrictions also apply to par-
cels C and D.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
152
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
TEXAS STATE RAILROAD
STATE HISTORIC PARK AND
RUSK - PALESTINE STATE PARK
LOCATION - Texas State Railroad State Historic Park
(SHP) runs from three miles west of Rusk to six miles east
of Palestine, paralleling US 84 for a distance of 25.5 miles.
It connects the Rusk (Cherokee County) portion of
Rusk-Palestine State Park to the Palestine (Anderson
County) portion of Rusk-Palestine State Park.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tracts cover an estimated
499.052 acres, more particularly described by deeds in
Volume 848, p. 402; Volume 829, p. 673; and Volume 835,
p. 887, Anderson County Deed Records; and in Volume
663, p. 244; Volume 678, pp. 725 and 728; Volume 680,
p. 734; and Volume 668, p. 368, Cherokee County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Considered one of the longest, narrowest, and
most unusual state parks in the nation, Texas
State Railroad State Historic Park consists of two
depots (one in Palestine and one in Rusk) and
25.5 miles of right-of-way which connects them.
Adjacent to the two depots are the two parcels of
separately administered Rusk-Palestine State
Park, providing recreational facilities to travelers
on the railroad.
The historic steam railroad, constructed in 1869
by convict labor and successful as a passenger
line for almost half a century, fell into disuse in
1917. From 1917 until 1969, it was leased to a
private company which operated it as a freight
line until trucking became more economical. In
September 1971, the state legislature granted
ownership to TP WD.
Under TPWD administration, depots were built
on the east side of Palestine and the west side of
General Data
SIZE 499.052 acres
COUNTIES Anderson, Cherokee
MUNICIPALITIES Rusk, Palestine,
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 3/11
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
153
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Rusk. In 1972, through community efforts,
acreage adjacent to the Rusk depot was set aside
Physical Data
ELEVATION 250 - 500 ft. msl
SLOPE Rolling
SOILS Sands, sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE Into Neches River
for the use of railroad patrons. In 1975, a similar
plot of land was set aside in Palestine by coopera-
tive effort of local citizens and Anderson County.
Both sites came under TPWD administration in
1982, creating a two-sectioned state park, one
parcel adjacent to each terminus of the railroad.
The Palestine parcel consists of an irregularly-
shaped tract totalling 85 acres (60 state-owned
and 25 leased from the City of Palestine) with
gently rolling slopes. A three-acre lake is located
in the south-central sector of this parcel. The
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 499.052 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY'87) State Park 92,300
RR 130,694
triangular Rusk parcel contains 138 acres (28
state-owned and 110 leased from the City of
Rusk) and includes a stocked 15-acre lake.
TEXAS STATE RAILROAD
STATE HISTORIC PARK
1 CHEROKEE COUNTY
\ J ^
ANDERSON COUNTY
TYLER
NECHES
RIVER ฆ
SITE
CHEROKEE COUNTY
RUSK
US 84
US 69
PALESTINE
SH 19
LUFKIN
ANDERSON COUNTY
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Both parcels have pre-
dominantly native vegetation,
with introduced St. Augustine
grass. Many types of trees, in-
cluding loblolly pine, sweet-
gum, dogwood, redbud,
cedar-elm, blackjack oak, and
willow, occur in both parks.
Animals within the sites in-
clude reptiles and amphib-
ians, various bird species, and
mammals such as deer, fox,
squirrel, raccoon, and opos-
sum.
The parks are both located on
US 84, which connects Pales-
tine and Rusk. Excellent ac-
cess is available from either
city. US 69 is two miles east of
Rusk State Park and SH 19
three miles west of Palestine
State Park.
Surrounding land is used for
grazing, timber production,
and residential subdivisions.
154
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ADM. HEADQUARTERS
US 84
RESIDENCES
PARKING
CAMPING AREA
PARK ROAD
NECHES RIVER
RUSK
DEPOT
PALESTINE PARCEL
RAILROAD
RIGHT-OF-WAY
PALESTINE
DEPOT
US 84
US 84
LAKB
RUSK PARCEL
Fig. 2 - Site Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE ride on an authentic, steam-powered train. The
RUsk parcel of Rusk-Palestine SP provides pic-
_,TrT^ t,.., nicking, fishing, camping, tennis, and a
TPWD operates the historic park as a recreation Its laJe is st0^ke| ^ b catfish
facility, offering citizens a rare opportunity to ^erch. The Palestine parcel offers picnicking
and a playground. Souvenirs and refreshments
are sold in both depots. In the Rusk depot, a small
Improvements/Utilities theater shows a movie of the railroad's history.
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA OF BUILDINGS 31,550 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 6%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,336,431
WATER Maydell - Maydell Water Supply,
Rusk - City of Rusk, Palestine - City of Palestine
SEWER Maydell - Septic,
Rusk- City of Rusk, Palestine - City of Palestine
GAS Rusk - Entex Gas Co.
ELEC. Maydell-Cherokee Co. Elect. Co-op.
Rusk - Cherokee Co. Elect. Co-op.
Southwest Electric Co.
Palestine - Texas Utilities Co.
Buildings on state-owned land include two main-
tenance structures, two residences, headquarters
(at Rusk), two depots, interpretive building,
storage facility, and shop.
Site improvements include rest rooms at both
sites, two water towers, playground equipment,
two flagpoles, two loading docks, radio tower,
park entrance signs, electric, water, and sewage
systems, gasoline and diesel storage and pumps,
cross-tie storage, 30 miles of railroad track, rail
ties and ballast, 28 railroad switches, 2,084 feet of
concrete bridges, 2,614 feet of treated timber
bridges, roads, sidewalks, fences and parking
155
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $546,123
BUILDINGS $205,605
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,123,272
MARKET VALUE $1,875,000
APPRAISAL DATE January 9, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
areas. Palestine park has two picnic shelters with
tables and 52 picnic sites.
Many of the buildings and site improvements for
Rusk-Palestine State Park are on leased lands.
They were not appraised and are not included in
this report.
TP WD plans to continue use of the properties as
a state historic park and state park. The GLO
finds that this is their highest and best use.
A section of the Rusk portion of Rusk-Palestine
SP, which was granted to TPWD by the city, is
within municipal boundaries and is zoned
residential. The Palestine portion, which was
acquired from private owners, is not zoned. Typi-
cal utility easements are in place at both sites.
Portions of the railroad property are restricted by
reversion clauses in the deeds.
Private commercial utilization of the railroad was
considered as an alternate use by the appraiser
but not found economically viable. No current
demand exists for commercial or residential
development of either portion of Rusk-Palestine
SP.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject properties for agency operations.
156
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
TYLER RESEARCH
AND MANAGEMENT STATION
LOCATION - Tyler Research and Management Station is
located approximately one-half mile east of the city limits of
Tyler, Smith County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION -The tract covers 82.5 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 792, pp. 609,
612, and 614, Smith County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Tyler Research and Management Station
houses the TPWD Wildlife Division Region 3
Headquarters and related offices, and the TPWD
Fisheries Division regional and district offices.
Approximately two-thirds of the tract is native
pastureland, and approximately one-third is
wooded with a good stand of pine and hardwood
timber. A small section near a branch of Gilley
Creek on the northwest side of the tract floods
during heavy rains. The entire site has natural
drainage into this creek.
The property is 12 to 15 miles south of IH 20,
principal route between Dallas and Shreveport,
and two miles southwest of SH 64. The site fronts
FM 848, a secondary artery in the county, for
1,439 feet. A dirt road abuts the interior half of
the south property line but no access points are
noted on TPWD records.
Most of the surrounding land is used for pasture
and farming with rural homesites becoming more
General Data
SIZE. 82.5 acres
COUNTY Smith
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 2/6
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
frequent along SH 64 about one mile north of the
site. Surrounding properties are small, averaging
34 acres, about half the size of the subject tract.
The community of New Chapel Hill (population
618) is 1.5 miles to the east.
157
-------
TYLER
RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT STATION
SH 64
SMITH
COUNTY
TYLER
GILLEY
CREEK
NEW /
CHAPEL
HILL
FM 848
DALLAS
IH 20
IH 20
TO SHREVEPORT
SH 64
^TYLER
SITE
Fig. 1 - Location Map
The nearest major commercial area is in Tyler
(population 73,021), along Loop 323, three miles
to the west. Tyler, the county seat of Smith Coun-
ty, is known as the Rose Capital of the World and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 500 - 550 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 20%
SOILS Plckton loamy fine soil
FLOODPLAIN Small amount In 100-year
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE Into creek
bases its economy on manufacturing, agribusi-
ness, rose production, oil, and tourism. Although
there is no major growth in the immediate area
of the subject tract at this time, it does lie in
Tyler's growth path and can expect to be affected
by urban expansion in the future.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD acquired the tract in 1954 to serve as a
bird hatchery to stock state hunting lands with
turkeys and later with pheasants. The site was
also used for research until closure in 1988. The
tract now houses offices of the wildlife and
fisheries divisions. TPWD has no official plan for
the future of this site at the present time.
A staff of 14 now occupies the offices and former
residences. Activities range from fisheries
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 75%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 62 acres
UNDEVELOPED 25%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 20.5 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 10-15 acres
158
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 19,687 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 75%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $327,641
WATER Southern Utilities Company
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Texas Power & Ught Company
projects, resource protection, and administrative
duties to distributing wood duck-nesting boxes to
the public in conjunction with private and Texas
Department of Criminal Justice programs. An
additional fisheries office may be relocated to the
site from rented space if costs to adapt existing
structures are not prohibitive.
The acreage at the rear of the property is 50%
unused. TP WD has considered using this area for
a hunter safety program or a nature trail, but staff
on site feel that both options pose management
difficulties because this facility is not conducive
to public access.
Buildings include an office/laboratory, three
residences, and a utility building. Site improve-
ments include roads, parking lots, and utilities.
No zoning or deed restrictions limit the use of the
property.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $185,625
BUILDINGS. $279,479
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $322,400
MARKET VALUE $787,504
APPRAISAL DATE March 30, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Residences,
agriculture
GLO analysts find that the tract is underutilized
in its present use. In view of the current pattern
of rural residential development, the highest,
best, and most feasible use in today's market is
IH 20
TO DALLAS
PROPOSED OUTER LOOP
RIGHT-OF-WAY
L OFFICE*HATCHERY
1 SHOP A STORAGE
3. WATER WELL
4. RESIDENCE
5. SHED
SH 64
rTX*,
f V SITE
TYLER
FM 848
Fig. 2 - Location Map
159
-------
large-acreage rural homesites or agriculture.
(The GLO appraiser valued the property as
agricultural land.)
Subsequent review of highway plans for Tyler
indicates that a proposed outer loop will cross the
subject tract, drastically increasing its value and
marketability as a commercial rather than as an
agricultural asset. The path of this proposed high-
way would accomplish the following:
1. remove the three most used of the six struc-
tures;
2. necessitate purchase of right-of-way by the
Highway Department;
3. cause approximately seven-acres to be
divided from the main property by the new
loop;
4. create approximately 2,600 feet of frontage
on state property along the loop; and
5. vest TPWD with possibly two corners on an
intersection.
While completion of this outer loop is five to ten
years away, right-of-way purchase and TPWD
alternate housing plans must be made in the near
future. Discussions with TPWD indicate that
construction of access roads will precede loop
construction by several years, further advancing
the timeline for planning the use of this tract.
Asset Management staff feel that the property
should
1. continue to be used in its present manner as
an interim use; and
2. be planned for use in conjunction with the
Highway Department to assure maximum
benefit to the state.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify use of
this underutilized property which is noted as
having potential for alternate use. The plan
should consider the impact of the planned outer
loop.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the property by TPWD in light of
its greater highest and best use potential.
160
-------
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
TYLER STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Tyler State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is located on
SH164 (Greenbriar Road), approximately two miles west of
the City of Tyler, Smith County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 42.44acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 174, p. 437, and
Volume 266, p. 623, Smith County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Known as one of Texas' original fish hatcheries,
Tyler State Fish Hatchery has historically seeded
the state's lakes and waterways with trophy-sized
Florida largemouth bass, as well as other game
fish species.
The odd-shaped, rural tract is located on Indian
Creek immediately downstream from
Greenbriar and Bellwood Lakes. Seventy-eight
percent (33.10 acres) is within the 100-year
floodplain and contains 27 ponds that are fed by
gravity and cover 14.5 acres. Buildings have been
erected on the higher 9.34 acres (22%). Bellwood
Lake lies one mile to the northeast. Hardwood
timber and some pine varieties grow along the
outer boundaries of the property.
For descriptive purposes, the GLO has divided
the property into three parcels, all of which front
on Greenbriar Road (which crosses the proper-
ty)-
Parcel A (3.5 acres) is elevated and has scenic
appeal, with a covering of Bermuda grass and
scattered hardwood trees.
General Data
SIZE 42.44 acres
COUNTY. Smith
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 5/2
TORP REGION 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
161
-------
TYLER
STATE FISH HATCHERY
ST. LOUIS
S.W.RR. \
SMITH COUNTY
GREENBRIAR
-ROAD
SITE
TO DALLAS
LOOP 323
TRACT PARCELS
SH 31
IH 64
TYLER
Fig. 1 - Location
Parcel B (17.22 acres) contains 13 of the hatching
ponds. Approximately 15.22 acres lie in the 100-
year flood plain. The remaining, hilly two acres
are the site of a staff residence.
Parcel C (21.72 acres), located east of Greenbriar
Road, is similar to Parcel B. Approximately
17.72 acres are in the floodplain and contain 14
hatching ponds. Four hilly acres are used for a
second staff residence.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 400 -446 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 20%
SOILS Cuthbert, Plckton,
Wolfpen,Mantachle
FLOODPLAIN 78%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE NW Into Indian Creek
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 42.44 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
Access is via Greenbriar Road, which connects to
Loop 323 by SH 31. IH 20 is ten miles north.
The subject tract is bordered by agricultural land
and rural subdivisions. Only lots abutting
Greenbriar Road are considered developed. In-
dian Creek and the St. Louis SW RR form the
northern boundary of the tract. The City of
Tyler's Pounds Airport is 1.5 miles north-
northwest.
Tyler (population 73,021) is known as the Rose
Capital of the World, with more than $78 million
in annual sales of roses and other horticultural
162
-------
crops. Tourism, oil production, manufacturing,
and agribusiness also contribute to Smith
County's economy.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site, acquired in 1925 from
a private owner, as a fish hatchery. Its production
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA OF BUILDINGS 14,095 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 1:01
DEPRECIATED 67%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $176,318
WATER Well, community
ELECTRICITY Texas Power and Light Co.
of Florida largemouth bass has contributed
greatly to the sport of bass fishing in Texas.
Buildings include three residences, garage,
storage building, pumphouse, office-warehouse,
feed building, shed, and raceway building.
Site improvements include fencing, flagpole,
paved and oil-topped roads and parking lots,
shed, seven underground tanks, water well with
pump, tank, and lines, five septic systems, 27
hatching ponds, and pond water distribution and
drainage system.
Approximately 20.72 acres in Parcels A and B on
the east side of Greenbriar Road have reversion-
ary clauses in the deeds; they stipulate that failure
on the part of the state to maintain a fish hatchery
would cause the property to revert to The
Greenbriar Orchard Company, a private cor-
poration. The facility has unlimited water rights
GREENBRIAR ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROADS
PONDS
ST. LOUIS S.W. RR
GREENBRIAR
LAKE
INDIAN CREEK
Fig. 2 - Site
163
-------
to Greenbriar Lake as long as the state operates
the site as a fish hatcheiy. No city zoning regula-
tions apply. Typical utility easements are in
place.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $99,274
BUILDINGS. $176,318
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $230,380
MARKET VALUE $505,972
APPRAISAL DATE March 30, 1987
HIGHEST/WD BEST USE Fish hatchery
The unrestricted 21.72 acres on the west side of
Greenbriar Road are possible residential
development land. However, the GLO appraiser
found no property sales within the last two years
for this area of the county. Growth development
has been limited due to the overall slump in the
area economy.
In view of market conditions, reversion clauses
on the east half of the property, and Tyler's
slowed growth, no change in present use is indi-
cated.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
TPWD plans to continue use of the site as a fish
hatcheiy, and GLO appraisers find that this is the
property's highest and best use.
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
164
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
TYLER STATE PARK
LOCATION - Tyler State Park (SP) is located on SH14,
eigfit miles north of the City of Tyler, Smith County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 983.03 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 338, pp.
518, 519, 521, and 623; Volume 340, pp. 308, 310, 311, 313,
315, 316, 318, 320, and 321; Volume 542, p. 513; and
Volume 841, p. 383, Smith County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Tyler State Park, one of the most attractive and
popular in the Texas park system, preserves a
good example of the mixed hardwood-pine forest
that once covered East Texas. The drier uplands
are thick with loblolly and shortleaf pines, hick-
ories, post oaks, blackjack oaks, and eastern red
cedars. Sweet gums, elms, red oaks, and
American holly trees dominate the moist
lowlands.
Deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and
numerous species of birds inhabit the park.
Drainage on the tract is good, flowing eastward
into creeks which feed a 65-acre lake. The ir-
regularly shaped property does not lie within a
floodplain.
Park Road 16 provides access and interior cir-
culation, connecting to FM14 near the northeast
corner of the park. The park is accessible from all
directions via EH 20, two miles to the north, and
lies within two hours of Dallas, Texarkana, or
Lufkin.
General Data
SIZE. 983.03 acres
COUNTY Smith
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 2/6
TORP REGION. 6
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The property occupies a northern, rural section
of the county and is surrounded by pasture and
timberland, with some rural homesites. Tyler,
165
-------
f
TYLER
STATE PARK
SMITH
COUNTY
DALLAS
TO LUFKIN
Fig. 1 - Location Map
called the Rose Capitol of the World, is eight
miles south and has an economic base of tourism,
oil, rose production, manufacturing, and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 450 - 600 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 20%
SOILS Fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE E Into Saline Creek
agribusiness. Rose bushes and horticultural crop
sales total more than $78 million annually.
The subject property does not lie within the
growth pattern of Tyler (population 73,021),
which, according to studies by the University of
Texas at Tyler, is spreading southward.
PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the subject tract
as a state park, offering fishing,
boating, camping, hiking, nature
study, and swimming. During the
summer season, boats, canoes, and
paddle boats are available for rent.
(Because of the small size of the
lake, waterskiing is prohibited and
boat speeds are limited to five
mph.) The park's excellent 400-
foot beach has a bathhouse
facility.
Hiking and nature trails have been
well developed, and spacious
group camping facilities can ac-
commodate up to 100 persons. Ac-
cording to TPWD records, Tyler
SP has the fourth highest over-
night visitation in the state. The
park ranks second for overnight
use among inland parks (79,200 in FY 87). Al-
most half a million people visited the park in FY
87.
Buildings include three residences, garage, head-
quarters, office, boathouse, seven rest rooms,
concession stand, laboratory, group shelter,
screen shelter, warehouse, maintenance build-
ing, and bathhouse. Many were constructed of
native stone and timber by the Civilian Conser-
vation Corps in the late 1930s.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
UNDEVELOPED
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
BUILDABLE ACRES
VISITATION (FY '87)
29%
283 acres
71%
700 acres
690 acres
....405,371
166
-------
Site improvements include paved roads and
parking areas, 206 camping and picnic sites, two
water wells and accompanying facilities, sewer
treatment plant, rock gateway, nature trail, eight
underground tanks, flagpole, six street lights,
fishing piers and docks, boat ramp, swimming
platform, pavilion, and fencing.
TPWD recognizes Tyler SP as a prime outdoor
recreational facility for the state and plans to
continue present use.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 21
AREA OF BUILDINGS 27,913 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 56%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $232,733
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY Texas Power and Light Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $983,000
BUILDINGS $298,785
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,362,000
MARKET VALUE $2,643,785
APPRAISAL DATE December 1, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The GLO appraiser finds that the highest and
best use of the property is a public recreation
facility. The facility is a major park in the system,
and restrictive covenants in the deeds prevent
alternate use. The property reverts to the City of
Tyler and Smith County if the state ceases to use
it for a public park.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
HEADQUARTERS
ฉ PICNIC AREA
~ CAMPING AREA
~ RESIDENCE
A SCREENED SHELTER
PARK BOUNDARY
PARK MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
LAKE
PR 16
Fig. 2 - Site Map
167
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Intentionally Blank Page
168
-------
Region 7
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
I
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 7 (WEST CENTRAL TEXAS)
KNOX
HASKELL
I THROCKMORTON
US 277
KENT
! STONEWALL
j JONES
STEPHENS
FISHER
SHACKELFORD
SCURRY
!H 20
CALLAHAN
1
i TAYLOR
MITCHELL
BROWN
COLEMAN
I RUNNELS
COMANCHE
brownwood;
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. ABILENE STATE RECREATION AREA
2. FORT GRIFFIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK
3. LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE RECREATION AREA
170
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 7 (WEST CENTRAL TEXAS) covers 17,764 square miles of rolling plains around the City
of Abilene.
ECONOMY - Like the Panhandle Region, Region 7 has been weakened by consolidations in the oil
and gas industry. This area is expected to recover slowly during the next decade, during which .7%
population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth (led by manufacturing, health, trade, and
transportation) are projected annually.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
ParkAcres/
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
19
1
323,327
18
64
GEOGRAPHY - Consisting of portions of the Rolling Plains and Edwards Plateau, Region 7 is noted
for its cattle industry. It is close to the median in population for TORP regions, with population
concentrated in the Abilene area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
217
20,743
500-999
23rd
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - All four of the TP WD facilities in Region 7 are listed among
the six major attractions and resources by the TORP. TPWD supplies only 10% of the recreational
land in this region. Local government provides the largest number of park facilities with 37% (133
parks), followed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers with 31%, and the private sector with 21%.
Lake Colorado City State Recreation Area is leased property and is not evaluated in this report.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
4
3
1,665
$4,249,339
1% / 8%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 7 will be for multi-use, hiking, and horseback trails, playgrounds, and other athletic facilities.
Of these, trails are typical TPWD amenities.
171
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
172
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ABILENE STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Abilene State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on FM 89, four miles southwest of Buffalo Gap and
nineteen miles southwest of Abilene, Taylor County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 621.4acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 226, p. 530, Taylor
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Abilene SRA is set among a low range of hills
in the extreme western portion of North Cen-
tral Texas. These hills, the Callahan Divide,
separate the headwaters of the Brazos and Col-
orado Rivers. Only at the town of Buffalo Gap
is there a break in the divide.
The region was originally inhabited by two Indian
tribes, the Tonkawas and the Comanches. It was
not until the 1870s that the Comanches were
subdued, allowing the town of Abilene to be
established in 1881. By that time, hunters had all
but exterminated the buffalo herds which gave
the gap its name, and stage coach and train routes
had brought civilization to Taylor County.
Forty years later a dam was built across Elm
Creek to create a water supply for the munic-
ipality which in 1933 gave the subject site, just
below the dam, to the state for a recreation area.
That same year, the Civilian Conservation Corps
built the original stone improvements, including
the swimming pool and a concession/head-
quarters building with a dance terrace. Shelters
and campgrounds were added in the 1960s and
General Data
SIZE. 621.4 acres
COUNTY Taylor
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 24178
TORP REGION. 7
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
1970s. Although the site was acquired chiefly for
outdoor recreation, every possible effort has
been made to preserve the natural environment.
Preceding page blank
173
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Most of the SRA has been left in its natural state.
The Abilene climate is semi-arid, supporting
short prairie grasses and brushland punctuated
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,950 - 2,050 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-10%
SOILS Tarrant-Tabosa
FLOODPLAJN Area along creek
PREVAILING WIND SW, NW
DRAINAGE Into Elm Creek
by wooded stream valleys. The heavily vegetated
areas of the park are composed of ash juniper,
live oak, and mesquite trees. Pecan trees grow on
the banks of Elm Creek, attracting numerous
types of birds. Animals on the property include
deer, raccoons, armadillos, and coyotes.
Access is via FM 89 which cuts through the
property from southwest to northeast providing
approximately 72,000 linear feet of highway
frontage. US 277, the main route linking San
Angelo, Abilene, and Wichita Falls, is located
eight miles to the northwest of the site. IH 20,
connecting Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso, pas-
ses through Abilene (pop. 109,900), 19 miles
north of the park.
The area's economy depends on Dyess Air Force
Base, feedlots, agribusiness, manufacturing, and
education. Principal crops are cattle, hogs, sheep,
cotton, and sorghum. TTiere is some oil and gas
production, now in a depressed state.
ABILENE
STATE RECREATION AREA
TAYLOR COUNTY
ABILENE
BUFFALO
' GAP
TAYLOR
COUNTY
SAN ANGELO
Fig. 1 - Location
174
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ENTRANCE
TO
ABILENE
BOY SCOUT CAMP
TONKAWA
FM
89.
LAKE
ABILENE
ELM
HIKING TRAIL
RESIDENCE
CAMPING
TO
US 277
GROUP SHELTER
REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Fig. 2 - Site
Surrounding land uses include agriculture and
cattle ranching, with a stocking ratio of one
animal unit per 20 acres. To the west, the
municipally owned Lake Abilene adjoins the site.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state recrea-
tion area, offering a great variety of activities
including camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming,
photography, and bird-watching. Recreational
facilities include 12 campsites with nearby water
and 83 campsites with built-in utilities. In addi-
tion, group trailer sites, shelters, picnic areas, and
playgrounds are located throughout. A swim-
ming pool and park store are open during the
summer months. The store is privately operated
under a concession agreement renewable each
year.
Although the, usually shallow waters of Elm
Creek cannot support water recreation, visitors
to the SRA may fish and enjoy other water-re-
lated activities on Lake Abilene, just across the
road from the western edge of the site.
A 1.5-mile hiking trail follows Elm Creek and
loops around the campground toward the south
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 39%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 242.35 acres
UNDEVELOPED 61%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 379.05 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 205
VISITATION (FY '87) 151,023
175
-------
end of the property. A portion of the official state
longhorn herd is maintained in the SRA.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 24
AREA OF BUILDINGS 15,125 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 19%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $405,657
WATER Well
SEWER Treatment Plant
GAS H.W. Lemens & Co.
ELECTRICITY Wesf Texas Utilities Co.
Buildings include headquarters, maintenance
building, three storage buildings, regional build-
ing, two residences, mess hall, four rest rooms,
eight screened shelters, water treatment build-
ing, pump house, concession, and group struc-
ture. Site improvements include a water tank,
water treatment plant, sewer lines, swimming
pool, wood fencing, paved areas, two flagpoles,
and ten pieces of playground equipment.
TPWD shows the total visitation for FY 1987 as
151,023, with over 88% of these being daytime
visitors. After four consecutive increases in vis-
itation from FY 1981-1984, SRA visitation totals
have since fluctuated with a high of 175,677 in FY
1984 and a low of 137,099 the following fiscal
year. Average visitation since FY 1980 is 151,676,
in line with the FY 1987 count.
The original property deed shows a total area of
507 acres. In 1966, TPWD deeded 17.539 acres
to the State Highway Department for a right-of-
way easement. In a 1970 re-survey of the proper-
ty, TPWD surveyors found 131.939 additional
acres, making the total of 621.4 acres.
The eastern 131.4 acres have been leased since
1949 to the Boy Scouts of America for camping
(Camp Tonkawa). Terms of the original agree-
ment called for a $10 payment per year for 19
years. In 1956, before the original contract ex-
pired, the lease was extended for sixty-two years,
on the basis of a $1.00 per year payment. Struc-
tures and improvements within Camp Tonkawa
may be removed by the Boy Scouts at the ter-
mination of the lease.
The site is 61% undeveloped, including, for the
purpose of the appraisal, the land leased to the
Boy Scouts. The remaining 245 acres contain the
offices, homes, roads, campsites, and other site
and recreational improvements.
A reversion clause in the deed restricts the use of
the property to recreational purposes. If TPWD
ceases to operate the facility for public recrea-
tion, the land, which is not zoned, will revert to
the City of Abilene. The grantor retained all
water rights; spillway easements are in place be-
low Lake Abilene.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $559,260
BUILDINGS $329,151
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $795,890
MARKET VALUE $1,684,301
APPRAISAL DATE. January 13, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TPWD plans to continue using the property as an
SRA, and the GLO appraiser has determined
that this is its highest and best use. Considering
the legal restrictions, depressed local economy,
and outdoor recreational opportunities offered
to the public, the General Land Office foresees
no immediate demand for alternate use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
176
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT GRIFFIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Fort Griffin State Historical Park (SHP) is
located on both sides of US 283, approximately 14 miles north
of Albany, Shackelford County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 506 acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 122, p. 262;
Volume 108, p. 415, and Volume 137, p. 447, Shackelford
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Listed in the National Register of Historic
Places, Fort Griffin was established in 1867 in
response to settlers' need for more protection
from Indian raids during the federal reoccupa-
tion of Texas after the Civil War. Located over-
looking a bend of the Clear Fork of the Brazos
River, the establishment was first known as Fort
Wilson but was renamed to honor General Char-
les Griffin, Commander of the US Army Depart-
ment of Texas. Fort Griffin became Texas' best
known fort, but like most frontier forts, it had a
short life and was never finished as originally
planned.
Only nine of its buildings were permanently con-
structed of stone; the other 81 were crude, tem-
porary structures of wood, canvas, and earth.
Scarcity of materials, absence of funds, and fight-
ing the Indians defeated the Army's efforts to
construct an ideal fort. Nevertheless, Fort Griffin
played a major role in defeating the Kiowa and
Comanche and overseeing their transfer to reser-
vations in Oklahoma. Its mission accomplished,
the military fort was closed in 1881.
General Data
SIZE. 506 acres
COUNTY Shackelford
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 30164
TORP REGION. 7
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
As Indian assaults subsided and great cattle
drives developed, Fort Griffin flourished as a
frontier community, but when the buffalo and
cattle drives were gone, the town died a natural
death.
177
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
THROCKMORTON
FORT GRIFFIN
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
ABILENE
US 283
ALBANY
IH 20
Mesquite, live oaks, cactus, and grasses grow on
the higher sections of the property, with elm,
hackberry, and pecan along the river bottom. The
official state Longhorn cattle herd is kept on the
tract which is also the range for a large number
of deer and other animals native to North Central
Texas.
Access to Fort Griffin is via US 283 from Albany
where it connects with US 180, principal route
between Fort Worth and Hobbs, New Mexico.
The park has approximately 1.5 miles of US 283
frontage.
All surrounding land in this desolate area is used
for ranching, with a ratio of one animal unit per
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1200 - 1250 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%- 10%
SOILS Frio, Throckmorton-Palo Pinto
FLOODPLAIN.... Along Clear Fork of Brazos River
PREVAILING WIND NW, SW
DRAINAGE N Into Clear Fork of Brazos River
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 20%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 100 acres
UNDEVELOPED 80%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 406 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 64,199
60 acres. Flooding along the Brazos River and
grass fires are occasional hazards in the area.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD maintains the tract as a state historical
park, offering a self-guided tour of the ruins,
visitors' center with small museum, playground,
camping, picnicking, and a look at the state Long-
horn breeding herd. (Selected steers from the
herd are also displayed at other state parks.)
Visitors on the self-guided tour can trace the
position of long-vanished barracks, parade
grounds, post library, school, chapel, store,
officers' quarters, bakery, powder magazine, and
cemetery. The bakery and two of the barracks
178
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 9
AREA OF BLDGS 9,414 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 69%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $196,366
WATER Shackelford County Co-op.
SEWER Septic
GAS Baker Butane Co.
ELECTRICITY Ft. Belknap Electric Co-op.
have been completely restored; the other build-
ings are represented by a combination of founda-
tions and partial walls.
Present buildings include the historic bakery and
two barracks (enlisted men's huts), contem-
porary ranch house, storage barn, hay barn, inter-
pretive center, rest room, and stone shelter. Site
improvements include playground equipment,
flagpoles, and pavement.
A 40-seat amphitheater consisting of wooden
benches and grass surface offers film and slide
show programs on summer evenings. There are
currently 20 campsites, 15 with electricity.
An increase in visitation has been consistent
since FY 1984.
The site was deeded to the state in three lots
(1935, 1940, and 1947) by Shackelford County,
with use restricted to a state park. The 1935 deed
contains a reversion clause. The tract is not
zoned, but a powerline easement is in place along
the west side of US 283.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a state historical park. GLO ap-
praisers find that the present use is also the
highest and best use. Even if deed restrictions
CLEAR FORK
OF
BRAZOS RIVER
s
~
HISTORICAL AREA
HEADQUARTERS
FORT COMPOUND
FENCE
UNPAVED ROADS
RESIDENCE
MAINTENANCE BLDG.
CAMPING AREAS
Fig. 2 - Site
179
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
BUILDINGS
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
MARKET VALUE
APPRAISAL DATE
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
$227,731
.. $59,977
$0
$287,708
February 3, 1987
Recreation
and historic values were not present, no market
currently exists for residential or commercial
development in the area. Ranching would be a
possible alternate use if the title were not
restricted.
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
180
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE
RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Lake Brownwood State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located at the terminus of Park Road 15 off of FM
2559, 22 miles north of the City of Brownwood, Brown
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 538 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 36, p. 285, Brown
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Donated to TPWD in the early 1930s by Brown
County Water Improvement District #1 for use
as a state park, the subject property lies on the
shores of Lake Brownwood, a 7,300-acre im-
poundment of Pecan Bayou, a tributary of the
Colorado River. The Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) constructed many of the SRA's
attractive stone buildings, some of historical
value. Lake Brownwood is a popular recreational
center for a wide section of North Central Texas.
The site is near the geographical center of the
state. Ecology is diverse due to the proximity of
three biological districts: Cross Timbers, North-
Central Prairie, and Edwards Plateau. Live oak,
mesquite, and prickly pear are typical vegetation
of the rolling hills and narrow valleys of the
region. Fossil remains of over five hundred ex-
tinct animal and plant species have been iden-
tified in the alternating layers of limestone and
shale.
General Data
SIZE. 538 acres
COUNTY Brown
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 24/65
TORP REGION. 7
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Access is via Park Road 15 which connects to SH
279 six miles west of the SRA. SH 279 leads south
to Brownwood (population 19,396) about 22
181
-------
LAKE BROWNWOOD
STATE RECREATION AREA
TO
asco
TU
ABILENE
US
183
SH 36
TO
COMANCHE
SH 36
FM 2559
SITE
SH
279
TO
SAN ANGELO
TO
FORT WORTH
US 67
US 67
BROWNWOOD
US
377
US 84/183
TO BRADY
TO AUSTIN
Fig. 1 - Location
miles from the SRA and north to Cross Plains
where it joins highways into Abilene.
Land other than state-owned surrounding the
lake, which has a 95-mile shoreline, is used for
recreation, vacation houses, lake lots, and fishing.
Non-lake frontage areas are generally residential
developments. Where no water is available, hunt-
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,425- 1,520 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% - 20%
SOILS Callahan/Throck Assoc
FLOODPLAIN Below 1,435 ft
PREVAILING WIND SB
DRAINAGE N, E, & S into Lake Brownwood
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 49%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 266 acres
UNDEVELOPED 51%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 272 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 232,041
ing, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and grazing are
predominant.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state recrea-
tion area offering fishing, boating, swimming,
playgrounds, camping, and picnicking. The park
has three short trails: a 1 1/2-mile hiking trail, a
182
-------
3/4-mile nature trail, and a mini-bike trail. In the
summer, a small store sells basic camping sup-
plies and rents paddle boats. A boat ramp and
lighted piers are provided for fishers.
Camping facilities are unusually varied. There
are 14 campsites with water only, 55 campsites
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 48
AREA OF BLDGS 37,319 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 28%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,442,364
WATER Well
SEWER On-site plant
GAS Bob LP Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY... Comanche Co-op. & T.U. Electric
with water and electricity, and 20 with water,
electricity, and sewage. Beach Lodge and Fisher-
man Lodge, both with kitchen and fireplace ac-
commodations, sleep sixteen and ten, respective-
ly. Other group camping facilities include a
dining hall and bunkhouses. Ten screened shel-
ters and 17 cabins with fireplaces and air con-
ditioning are also available.
Buildings include headquarters, visitors' center,
overlook, overlook shelter, concession, 17
cabins, Beach Lodge, Fisherman Lodge, dining
hall, four bunk houses, seven rest rooms, four
residences, ten screened shelters, building for
storage of volatile substances, vehicle shed, pump
house, maintenance building, laboratory and
sewage treatment plant, water laboratory, and
pump house.
Site improvements include roads and parking
lots, 89 camp sites, 20 picnic sites, sewer and
water mains, sewage treatment plant, stone
entrance, pedestrian bridge, hiking and nature
trails, docks, pier, ten-stall boat slip, jetty and
PARK STORE
LAKE BROWNWOOD
STATE RECREATION AREA
GROUP
HALL -
FISHING
PEER
MOORING
DOCK
!/
BUNKHOUSES
RESIDENCE
NATURE TRAIL
PAVED ROAD
ENTRANCE
B V
HIKING [(
TRAIL j! girl
REST ROOM
PARK ROAD
SCOUT
PICNIC AREA
! CAMP
CABIN
(PRIVATE)
CAMPING
SCREENED SHELTER AREA
Fig. 2 - Site
183
-------
floating walkway, playground equipment, and
flagpole.
Total visitation at the SRA increased steadily
from 1980 until 1986 when it peaked at 260,651,
but figures declined 11% in 1987. Overnight
visitation numbers have declined 28% since
1981.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $725,625
BUILDINGS $1,043,205
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $508,500
MARKET VALUE $2,277,330
APPRAISAL DATE February 18, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The property is 51% undeveloped (approximate-
ly 272 acres), with all buildings and site improve-
ments located on the remaining 266 acres. GLO
appraisers consider all undeveloped property
developable.
The property is not zoned. A reversion clause in
the deed restricts use to a public state park; any
other use could cause title to revert to the Brown
County Water Improvement District #1. A 50-
year gratis lease (covering 73 acres) to the Heart
of Texas Girl Scout Area Council, Inc., expires in
2004.
TPWD plans to continue present operation of the
property as a state recreation area. GLO ap-
praisers, in view of deed restrictions, find that
present use of the asset is also its highest and best
use.
Alternate use, if the property were unrestricted,
would follow the well-defined recreational
development patterns already established
throughout the lakeshore. These include vaca-
tion homes, fishing docks, boat ramps, camp sites,
and commercial/recreational facilities. Density
of use would depend on the availability of potable
water and deep-water frontage. The SRA would
be an attractive site for residential or commercial
development were the reversion clause not in
force.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
184
-------
Region 8
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
I
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 8 (UPPER RIO GRANDE)
8
HUDSPETH
CULBERSON
EL PASO
EL PASO
JEFF DAVIS
PRESIDIO
US 90
BREWSTER
'.7
SH 67
4
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. BLACK GAP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
2. DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
3. ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA & STATE PARK
4. FORT LEATON STATE HISTORIC SITE
5. FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
6. HUECO TANKS STATE HISTORICAL PARK
7. LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
OCOTILLO UNIT
8. MAGOFFIN HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE
9. SIERRA DIABLO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA
186
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 8 (UPPER RIO GRANDE) covers 21,049 square miles of the Trans-Pecos, having common
boundaries with New Mexico and the Republic of Mexico's
State of Chihuahua.
ECONOMY - Boosted by maqniladnra (twin plant) industries in Mexico and retail trade from Mexican
citizens, the entire Border area (and as a part of that, Region 8) is expected to overcome a temporary
financial setback and grow steadily in the next year. The Border area will experience better-than-
average expansion, projected as 1.7% population growth and 2.2% non-agricultural job growth (led
by manufacturing, supplies, and transportation for the twin plants) annually.
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
Mile
Park Acres!
1,000 Pop.
6
1
587,195
28
2,540
GEOGRAPHY - Occupying the greater portion of the Trans-Pecos, Region 8 is rich in scenery and
encompasses both Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. It is the sixth most populous
TORP region of the state, with 95% of the residents residing in the El Paso area
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
176
1,491,489
1,000-2,000
5th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Region 8, with its extensive desert and mountainous areas,
contains more TP WD acres and more total park acres than any other TORP region. Nine TP WD
facilities are listed among the 16 major attractions and resources by the TORP. The federal govern-
ment is the largest supplier of recreational land, with over 800,000 acres, or 54% of the total. The Big
Bend Ranch (over 200,000 acres) was acquired subsequent to this evaluation cycle and is not included
in this report.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
12
9
120,144
$19,078,910
5% 18%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 8 will be for athletic fields, boat ramps, campsites, and golf courses. Of these, campsites and
boat ramps are typical TP WD amenities.
Preceding page blank
187
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
188
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BLACK GAP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Black Gap Wildlife Management Area _
(WMA) is located vn SH 2627, 55 miles south of Marathon, '
Brewster County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 77,810.48 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 115, p. 59;
Volume 120, p. 558; Volume 121, pp. 232 & 551; Volume 127,
p. 322; Volume 134, pp. 19 & 225; Volume 136, p. 56; Volume
143, p. 206; and Volume 164, p. 115, Brewster County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated adjacent to Big Bend National Park in
an area of spectacular limestone mountains,
Black Gap is the largest wildlife management
area in the state. Its vast acres of canyons, peaks,
and desert draws, from which all domestic live-
stock has been excluded, are being used to study
conservation techniques for improving West
Texas range conditions. Limited public hunting
and fishing is permitted.
Studies are also being conducted on methods of
efficiently collecting, storing, and utilizing mois-
ture for wildlife in this arid region where annual
rainfall averages eight inches.
Beneficiaries of this research include the desert
mule deer, cougar, javelina, and scaled quail.
Other game and non-game species in the area are
the pronghorn antelope, Gambel's quail, Rio
Grande turkey, mourning and white-winged
doves, ducks, and many species of birds and rep-
tiles. Black bears are infrequent visitors. Prin-
General Data
SIZE. 77,810.48 acres
COUNTY Brewster
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25168
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
cipal predators are the coyote, mountain lion, and
bobcat.
Black Gap WMA is carved from a once over-
grazed but now restored area of Chihuahuan
Preceding page blank
189
-------
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 1,600 - 4,670 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%- 100%
SOILS Igneous and limestone
mountains and hills
FLOODPLMN 600 - 700 acres
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE. SE Into Rio Grande
Desert scrub. The site is an important pathway
between the eastern portions of the North
American desert and the Mexican plateau. It is
one of the best examples of low mountain desert
remaining in Texas and the most species-rich
area of the Chihuahuan Desert Black Gap is
named for a natural cleft in the basalt ridge north-
east of the Sierra del Carmen range. Its distinc-
tive geology of mountains and deep canyons is
among the last unspoiled frontier areas in the
United States.
Vegetation consists primarily of desert scrub
species including redberry juniper, pinon, shin
oak, Spanish oak, Texas walnut, mesquite, and
Mexican persimmon. Other flora typical of the
region are creosote bush, catclaw, sotol, yuccas,
ceniza, mesquite, prickly pear, various other
cacti, and desert grasses.
The property is an irregularly shaped area ap-
proximately 15 miles wide at its widest point and
12 miles long. Several small parcels are scattered
in a north-south line following the Rio Grande
River. It is unfenced, open rangeland except
along the 25 -mile river boundary where a barrier
prevents the invasion of animals from Mexico. Six
to seven hundred boggy acres along the Rio
Grande lie in the floodplain.
An additional 30,761.24 acres are leased from the
General Land Office (Permanent School Fund
land) and private owners, giving the WMA con-
trol over 108,571.72 acres. Only the area owned
by TPWD is evaluated in this report.
BLACK GAP
WILDLIFE
MARATHON
MANAGEMENT AREA
US1385
RR 2627
SH 118
FM 170
SH 11B
BIG BEND
NATIONAL PARK
MEXICO
MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location
190
-------
BLACK GAP
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
RIO GRANDE RIVER
LEASEDACREAGE
MEXICO
Fig. 2 - Site
The property is bordered on the east by the Rio
Grande River and the Mexican State of Coahuila.
The north are Stillwell and Mayhew ranches and
a large tract of Permanent School Fund land. To
the south is Adams ranch, and Big Bend National
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA 6,105sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 23%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $192,586
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Rio Grande Electric Co-op.
Park lies to the west The Nature Conservancy
owns a large area situated between Black Gap
and Big Bend on its southwestern edge.
Most ranches in Brewster County are 30,000 to
50,000 acres in size and utilized mainly for hunt-
ing and recreation. Low rangeland productivity
and low rainfall limit cattle grazing as an
economic venture. The land accommodates
three to four game animals per section.
Access is via US 385, south from Marathon for 55
miles to Ranch Road 2627, then southeast 13
miles to the WMA. Marathon provides a link to
US 90, main east-west route between Del Rio
and Marfa. Only visitors holding fishing or hunt-
ing licenses are admitted during deer and javelina
seasons. Access is by 15-to-18 miles of dirt road,
the condition of which varies with rainfall. Only
60% of the site is accessible due to rough, rugged
terrain.
Farm Road 2627 continues through the WMA to
the Rio Grande, where a bridge used by mining
companies to transport ore into the U.S. connects
to La Linda, Coahuila, Mexico.
191
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PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
pipelines, domestic water tanks, wildlife water
tanks, five water wells, and 30 dirt tanks.
Black Gap WMA was acquired during 1948
through 1959 from private landowners. TPWD
utilizes the property as a wildlife management
area to study the ecology and management of
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED Less than 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 3 acres
UNDEVELOPED Greater than 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 77,807.49 acres
desert fauna with emphasis on desert mule deer.
It offers public fishing, limited deer and javelina
hunting, and seasonal dove and quail hunting.
The presence of a variety of wildlife in an area
once almost devoid of game highlights the suc-
cess of the present restoration program. Since
acquisition, many permanent water storage sites
and vegetative food plots have been added to the
area.
Primitive camping is available at no charge for
fishers along the Rio Grande and for hunters at
designated sites. The 25 primitive camping shel-
ters consist of concrete slabs with sheet iron
roofs. There is no drinking water and minimal
sanitary facilities.
Buildings on the WMA include two residences, a
bunk house, garage, pump house, stable, storage
shed, and radio repeater house. Site improve-
ments include fishing camps, corrals, water
There are no zoning regulations or deed restric-
tions on the land. Typical easements are in place.
The stretch of the Rio Grande which borders the
WMA is protected by the Federal Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act.
TPWD plans to continue using the property as a
wildlife management and research area, and
GLO appraisers have determined that this is its
highest and best use. Limited cattle grazing, the
only alternative land use, is generally not
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $3,891,008
BUILDINGS. $148,296
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $289,000
MARKET VALUE $4,328,304
APPRAISAL DATE November 20,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
economically feasible, while TPWD's research
program is a continuing asset to the state's game
conservation program.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
192
r
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
LOCATION - Davis Mountains State Parte (SP) is located
on SH118, three miles west of Fort Davis, Jeff Davis County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,320.78 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 33, p. 619,
Volume 61, p. 640, and Volume 35, p. 330, Jeff Davis County
Deed Records.
(TPWD leases 547.49 acres of additional land.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Davis Mountains SP, set in the foothills of the
Davis Mountains range, was one of the first parks
developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in
Texas. The mountains were named for Jefferson
Davis, then U. S. Secretary of War, who founded
nearby Fort Davis to combat hostile Indians who
threatened the waves of gold seekers, settlers,
and traders who passed through this remote area
after the Mexican War.
The fort was active from 1854 until 1891. In 1961
its ruins were declared a National Historic Site,
and a restoration/preservation program was in-
itiated by the National Park Service. This well-
developed federal project forms the eastern
border of Davis Mountains SP. McDonald Ob-
servatory, operated by the University of Texas, is
13 miles west on Mount Locke. Within the park,
TPWD operates Indian Lodge, one of three
hotels in the state park system. The lodge offers
attractive accommodations in a region with few
towns and motels.
General Data
SIZE. 1,320.78 acres
COUNTY Jeff Davis
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25169
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The ecologically remarkable site contains the
only example of Desert Plains Grassland and
transitional juniper-oak woodlands in the Texas
park system. Evergreen oak woodlands dominate
Keesey Canyon (a prominent feature of the
193
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Physical Data
ELEVATION 4,900 - 5,510 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-30%
SOILS Malnstay-Brewster
FLOODPLAIN Along the draw
PREVAILING WIND NW, SW
DRAINAGE Into canyon
park), and the area supports a diversity of plants
and wildlife, including isolated stands of
ponderosa pine.
According to TPWD, bird life in the park is
among the most interesting in the American
West. Davis Mountains is the only state park to
shelter the Montezuma quail. In wet years, the
region abounds in wildflowers. Emory oak, gray
oak, and one-seed juniper are the most common
trees, with many attractive shrubs, including scar-
let bouvardia and Apache plum.
Access is via SH 118, a major link between Fort
Davis and IH 10 which is 48 miles to the
northwest The property is located on a popular
tourist route, halfway between Carlsbad Caverns
and Big Bend National Park.
The SP is bordered on the east by the federally-
preserved National Historic Site and on the
north, south, and west by large cattle ranches of
20,000 to 30,000 acres. The stocking ratio is one
animal unit to 150 acres.
DAVIS
MOUNTAINS-
STATE PARK
SH 118
FORT DAVIS
SH/17
MARFA
PRESIDIO
MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
194
-------
fO*OfT0*Wf
miionm Mtioac
mi
<00 NOT INTER
AFTt* HOURS1
I LEGEND
Fig. 2 - Site Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering an interpretive center, hiking on an ex-
tensive trails system, campfire programs, camp-
ing, picnicking, and breathtaking Skyline Drive
which winds over the park's highest ridges. This
five-mile scenic road to the top of Davis Moun-
tain provides spectacular views of Old Fort Davis
and surrounding mountains. Two scenic over-
looks are almost 6,000 feet above sea level.
Mount Livermore, one of Texas' highest peaks,
is visible from the SP. Public programs offered at
the University of Texas' nearby McDonald Ob-
servatory are a popular attraction.
Pueblo architecture inspired the design of Indian
Lodge which has 39 guest rooms, a heated swim-
ming pool, restaurant, and several areas for view-
ing the horizon and relaxing. So popular is this
resort that reservations must sometimes be made
as long as a year in advance. Of the 252,087 park
visitors in 1987,62,180 stayed overnight.
Buildings consist of the lodge, five rest rooms,
two residences, interpretive center, maintenance
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 20%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 264.16 acres
UNDEVELOPED 80%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,056.62 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 252,087
195
-------
building, observation building, two storage
facilities, office, warehouse, washateria, and
headquarters. Site improvements include an am-
phitheater, septic tanks, paved roads and parking,
waterlines, underground electrical lines, and pic-
nic areas. The GLO appraisers include the value
of these improvements in the building values.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 17
AREA OF BUILDINGS 46,186 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 41%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $2,304,472
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY West Texas Utilities Company
A deed restriction limits the use of the property
to public recreation. No easements or zoning are
in force. In 1933, J.W. Espy donated the greater
part of the property to the state; J.W. Merrill
donated a smaller tract in 1937.
TPWD plans to continue operating the tract as a
state park, with ongoing repair programs to ex-
tend the life of the CCC structures. GLO ap-
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $396,558
BUILDINGS. $1,353,515
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $1,750,073
APPRAISAL DATE March 13, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
praisers find that the highest and best use of the
property, if unrestricted by a reversion clause in
the deed, would be ranching, wildlife manage-
ment used for recreation purposes, and possible
subdivision into recreational tracts with homesite
potential.
Because park deeds restrict land use and TPWD
has pursued the most efficient commercial use
(motel), GLO considers the tract to be fully util-
ized.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
196
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA AND STATE PARK
LOCATION - Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management
Area (WMA) and State Park (SP) is located on SH118, 26
miles south of Alpine, Brewster County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 23,146.7 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 255, p. 455,
Brewster County Deed Records.
0^
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Elephant Mountain rises 2,000 feet from the
desert floor and peaks 6,230 feet above sea level
in a spectacular area of the Trans-Pecos. Of
volcanic origin, it is located in the remote
Chihuahuan Desert, a scenic natural landscape
with little evidence of alteration by man. The
mountain is the predominant natural feature of
this extensive tract, of which approximately 30%
is inaccessible.
Vegetation is primarily desert scrub species in-
cluding redberry juniper, pinion, shinoak,
Spanish oak, Texas walnut, Mexican buckeye,
mesquite, hackberiy, and Mexican persimmon.
Game inhabiting the area include desert mule
deer, pronghom antelope, javelina, scaled quail,
mourning dove, and, less frequently, black bear.
Free-ranging elk roam the Del Norte Mountains
about 20 miles to the east. Predators include
coyote, mountain lion, and bobcat. Numerous
nongame birds and animals also inhabit the area.
The property falls within the former range of
Texas desert bighorn sheep and in accordance
General Data
SIZE 23,146.7 acres
COUNTY. Brewster
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 25/68
TORP REGION 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
with deed stipulations, a bighorn sheep introduc
tion program is under way.
197
-------
Physical Data
ELEVATION 4,200 - 6,230 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%- 100%
SOILS Igneous, limestone
gravel
FLOODPLAIN Small area along creeks
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE. Into creeks
Small areas near Calamity Creek are subject to
occasional flash-flooding typical of the desert,
with some resulting erosion.
The property is divided into two parcels.
Parcel A (22,946.7 acres) is a wildlife manage-
ment area and contains all park improvements.
Parcel B (200 acres) is located in the northwest
corner of the property just north of the tract
entrance. Set aside for use as a state park, it is
bounded on the west by SH 118 and on the east
by Calamity Creek. It comprises less than 1% of
the total acreage and has no improvements.
Good access is available along SH 118, the main
route between Alpine and Big Bend National
Park. There are no communities closer than Al-
pine where SH 118 joins US 90, principal route
between Van Horn and Del Rio.
Brewster is the largest county in Texas. Over
6,000 square miles in area, it is equal in size to
Connecticut and Rhode Island and averages
three square miles for every inhabitant. Ap-
proximately 6,000 of its 8,000 population live in
Alpine, the county seat Tlie local economy rests
on ranching, hunting, and tourism.
Surrounding land is used for hunting, recreation,
and large cattle operations. Stocking rate is es-
timated at 10 animal units (including deer) to a
section (square mile) of land. Lack of water in
this arid region limits utilization of much of the
property.
NEW MEXICO
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA AND STATE PARK
1H 20
PORT STOCKTON
US 290
US 90
SITE
ALPIN&
PRESIDIO
L CO.
BREWSTER
CO. j*"*
SH
118
REPUBLIC OF
MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
198
-------
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA AND STATE PARK
HEADQUARTERS
HWY
118
RADIO TOWERS
ROAD
PARCEL
CH/1X
VAfifPY
PARCEL A
CALAMITY
CREEK
rig. 2 - Site Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
C. G. Johnson of Houston presented the subject
property to TPWD in 1985 to be used as a wildlife
management area for conservation and develop-
ment of bighorn sheep and other large game
animals. Additional tract uses were to be com-
patible wildlife-oriented research and recrea-
tion, including hunting and fishing. Two hundred
acres were to be set aside for wilderness camping.
TPWD plans to develop the property, now being
held in reserve, in accordance with these direc-
tives. The gift deed creates an advisory commit-
tee to consult with TPWD in its plans for the
property development and management.
Parcel A will be used to study conservation tech-
niques for improving West Texas range condi-
tions, including predator-prey relationships.
Buildings include an office, shop, three residen-
ces, combination bunkhouse and laboratory,
bam, and conference center. Site improvements
include a water system for livestock and wildlife
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 200 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 22,946.7acres
with wells, windmills, pumps, pipes, tanks, and
troughs; eleven surface tanks; corrals; six primi-
199
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 18,950 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 16%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $465,434
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Rio Grande Electric Co.
tive campsites for hunters; and five utility build-
ings.
Parcel B will be minimally developed for rough
camping.
Mr. Johnson reserved the Guest House, its sur-
rounding land for 75 feet in all directions from its
outside walls, and right of ingress and egress to
himself and his heirs forever. Use of the con-
ference center is restricted to bighorn sheep or-
ganizations or tax-exempt groups with concerns
for hunting and conservation of big game
animals. The deed contains many restrictions as
to use of the property but no reversion clause.
In 1980 Mr. Johnson established a 22-acre ex-
perimental pistachio orchard with drip irrigation
system just east of Calamity Creek. TTie orchard
failed to flourish due to root rot, but new seed-
lings have been planted. A small, abandoned
alfalfa field with an underground waterline lies
southeast of the orchard. The appraiser places
no value on the orchard, field, irrigation system,
or water line.
Telephone, television, and law enforcement
agency radio towers with easements are located
on top of Elephant Mountain.
GLO appraisers find that in view of the deed
restrictions the highest and best use of this
property is as a state park on Parcel B and a
wildlife management area on Parcel A.
Appraisal Data and Values
LAND $3,472,005
BUILDINGS $395,340
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $175,300
MARKET VALUE. $4,042,645
APPRAISAL DATE April 16, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat and
recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
200
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT LEATON STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Fort Leaton State Historic Site (SHS) is
located on FM 170, four miles east of US 67 in Presidio
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 17.28acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 176, p. 296;
Volume 187, p. 53; Volume 195, p. 478; Volume 219, p. 276;
and Volume 219, p. 278, Presidio County Deed Records.
(Subsequent TPWD surveys show 16.529 acres. An additional
.936 acre is leased by TPWD.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort Leaton State Historic Site was the fortress-
home of Benjamin Leaton, one of the most in-
triguing personalities in Texas frontier history. It
is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert about four
miles southeast of the town of Presidio.
Although it was never an official U. S. military
installation, this historic structure is the largest
adobe complex ever built in Texas. TPWD plans
to reconstruct the fort as it stood in the late 1840s,
when Leaton built it. He acquired the land with
forged documents and operated the complex as a
private trading post and refuge against hostile
Indians.
Leaton chose the site of El Fortin de San Jose
(the Little Fort of Saint Joseph), a scattered rural
settlement which had grown up around an aban-
doned Spanish military garrison. It stood on the
ChihuahuanTrail, an important trade route from
the Gulf port of Indianola to Presidio and El Paso
in the period after the Mexican War.
From this massive stronghold, which included a
General Data
SIZE. 17.28 acres
COUNTY Presidio
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/68
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
horse corral and 40 rooms, Leaton traded with
travelers and bartered with Indians for cattle they
had stolen in Mexico. He soon emerged as a
201
-------
0, EL PASO
PECOS
US 290
van horn
US 290
0 FORT STOCKTON
SHl 17
lLPINE
US/67
SH
118
PRESIDIO
ฎkFM 170
LAJITAS /
TERLINGUA
BIG BEND
NATIONAL PARK
ig. 1 - Location
family occupied the fort until 1926. After 1926,
the vast building remained vacant and deteriorat-
ing until the 1930s when local efforts allowed for
partial restoration. This preservation attempt
failed, and the property was acquired through
purchase by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Skidmore of El
Paso, who donated it to the state in 1968.
The property has 900 feet of frontage on FM170,
and the fort proper sits on a low bluff overlooking
the Rio Grande floodplain. The 12-acre restored
site divides the cultivated river bottom on the
south from the sharply contrasting, bleak, rocky
country ascending to the Davis Mountains on the
north.
This river bottom, one of the oldest, continuously
cultivated farmlands in North America, has
produced cotton, onions, and the famous
dominant and controversial figure along the bor-
der, earning both grudging respect and contempt
from his contemporaries.
After Leaton's death in 1851, the fort passed
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,550 - 2,600 ft. msl
SLOPE Level-30%
SOILS Shallow gravelly deep
clay loam
FLOODPLAIN 30% (5 acres)
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE South Into Rio Grande
through various hands and was taken over in 1862
by John Burgess, a successful businessman whose
202
-------
Presidio cantaloupe; how-
ever, the valley is now in a
depressed economic state
and much of the privately
held farmland is for sale.
Aside from the Rio Grande
Valley, surrounding land has
little monetary or practical
value. A one-animal-unit to
200 acres ratio holds grazing
to a minimum. Except for
farmland now on the market,
much of the surrounding
property is state owned.
FM 170 between Presidio
and Lajitas, known as the
River Road, is considered
one of the state's most scenic
drives. The area offers
breathtaking vistas of spectacular desert terrains
and deep canyons. At Presidio, FM 170 intersects
US 67 going north to Marfa and US 90.
I m provements/Utl I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BUILDINGS 15,987 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 100%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $460,768
WATER Well
SEWER Septic System
GAS None
ELECTRICITY West Texas Utilities Co.
1. RESIDENCE & MAINTENANCE AREA
2. HISTORICAL FACILITY (FORT LEATON)
3. ENTRANCE & PARKING
Fig. 2 - Site
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state historic
site. Over 30,000 people visited Fort Leaton in
1987 in spite of geographical isolation and lack of
overnight facilities.
Seventy-one percent of the 17.28 acres is de-
veloped, and 29% is undeveloped. The undevel-
oped portion lies in a floodplain. Three acres next
to the fort (used for parking) are under a ten-year
Utilization Data
Tourism is the area's main economic base. An
International Bridge at Presidio connects to
Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, a well-known ter-
minus of the Mexican Railway. Trips through
Copper Canyon begin here and continue to Los
Mochis on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Although
archeological exploration has been unable to
substantiate the claim, an annual festival at Fort
Leaton reflects local belief that the fort was con-
structed on the site of a seventeenth century
Spanish mission.
DEVELOPED 71%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 12.28 acres
UNDEVELOPED 29%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 5 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 31,624
renewable lease (1986-1996) from the General
Land Office at $50/year.
Buildings include the fort, a residence, and main-
tenance building. Site improvements include
203
-------
water, sewer, and electrical systems, picnic sites,
hiking trail, portal, and chain-link fence. No deed
restrictions or zoning were found on the proper-
ty. Typical utility easements are on site.
TPWD's extensive research insures that recon-
struction efforts protect the historic structures
and reflect the relevant period of Southwest his-
Appralsal Data & Values
LAND $5,183
BUILDINGS $402,850
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $48,100
MARKET VALUE $456,133
APPRAISAL DATE May 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
tory. TP WD plans to continue using the tract as
a state historic site, and GLO appraisers have
determined that this is its highest and best use.
The site is too small for ranching and too far from
population centers for commercial development.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
204
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
LOCATION - Franklin Mountains State Park (SP) is located
in the City of El Paso, approximately seven miles north of the
central business district, El Paso County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 7,113.87 acres,
more particularly described in 44 separate deed conveyances
maintained in the General Land Office's State Real Property
Inventory and in El Paso County Deed Records.
(TPWD acquired 3,680.0039 acres after the property way
appraised by GLO staff in 1987.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest park
in the nation located entirely within the legal
limits of a city. It contains 7,192-foot North
Franklin Mountain, the highest peak in El Paso
County. This rugged property offers exceptional
views, mountainous desert terrain, and vast, un-
developed recreation land to the inhabitants of
Texas' fourth largest city.
The City of El Paso, established on the banks of
the Rio Grande, grew up around the Franklin
Mountains which reach almost to the Mexico
border in the south and extend well into New
Mexico in the north. The range consists of many
dominant peaks and ridge lines with very steep
slopes and grades that average between 35% and
100%. Their extremely harsh topography and
rough terrain result in poor and limited access.
The Franklins include one of the most geologi-
cally mixed and complex areas of Texas. They lie
within the Lower Sonoran desert ecological zone,
supporting desert vegetation at low elevations as
well as oak-juniper woodlands at higher eleva-
tions.
Genera! Data
SIZE. 7,113.87 acres
COUNTY El Paso
MUNICIPALITY El Paso
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 29170
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Other vegetation consists of side oats grama, blue
grama and other desert grasses, creosote bush,
ocotillo, cacti, and mesquite. The park is the
habitat of typical desert birds, reptiles, and mam-
mals.
205
-------
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS
STATE PARK
EL PASO CO.
EL PASO CITY LIMITS
INTERNATIONAL BORDER
HIGHWAYS/ROADS
SITE
US 54
SH
FM 3255
UNTIED
STATES
IH10
MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location
The economic basis of the area includes tourism,
manufacturing, distribution, and especially,
government. El Paso is the site of Fort Bliss and
the U.S. Army Air Defense Command.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 4,540 - 7,192 ft. msl
SLOPE 10% - 100%
SOILS Delnorte-Canutlo, Igneous
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND N, S
DRAINAGE Natural
Footpaths and abandoned jeep trails access this
wilderness area which can be reached by SH 375
Trans-Mountain Road, connecting US 54 (W&r
Road), 1.5 miles to the east, with IH 10, ap-
proximately 3.25 miles to the west.
Surrounding land consists of brush, rangeland,
and exposed rock, some in transitional uses.
Several high-end residential developments have
appeared west/southwest of the park near the
Coronado Golf Course and Country dub. Up-
scale development follows the valley west along
the river and along the southwest edge of the
park.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 7,113.87 acres
BUILD ABLE AREA 570 acres
VISITATION Not available
206
-------
Castner Range, abutting the park on the east, was
a Fort Bliss firing range during World War n. The
range has never been deactivated and still con-
tains live shells; consequently, much of this area
is off limits to the public. On the west, a portion
of the park is adjacent to land owned by the City
of El Paso and used by its public utilities.
The Permanent School Fund has scattered in-
holdings in the park, which total 5,241.63 acres
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER No
SEWER No
GAS No
ELECTRICITY City
and are leased to TP WD for a total of $541 per
year.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD currently limits use of this park to day
trips, picnicking, and hiking. No water or trees
are found along the hiking route. No motorized
vehicles are permitted in any section of the park.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, a
group of local businessmen, purchased the
property using Urban Park Fund money at the
direction of the 69th Legislature (1985).
No buildings or improvements exist on the
property at this time. The tract is zoned Planned
Mountain Development District (PMD) to
protect significant natural features of the moun-
tain area and preserve the city's unique visual
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS
STATE PARK
MOUf
STATE
PM 3255
SH 375
CORONADO
HILLS
I [PORT
RIO
GRANDE
canyo4
RDl \
Fig. 2 - Site
207
-------
setting. The PMD requires clustering of residen-
tial densities to preserve larger areas of open
space and to minimize scarring and disturbance
of the area's natural character. The City Council
provides special permits for permitted uses. Typi-
cal highway and utility easements are in place.
GLO examined residential mountain develop-
ment, recreation, aggregate rock mining, and
communication to determine the tract's highest
and best use.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $6,046,800
MARKET VALUE $6,046,800
APPRAISAL DATE May 8, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
1. Because of proximity to downtown El Paso,
residential development has occurred below the
park boundaries during the past decade.
Development has been limited due to the high
cost of meeting zoning and grading requirements.
Historical analysis of higher-priced lots revealed
a sluggish market absorption rate magnifying
development risk. In view of these disad-
vantages, residential development on steep
grades within the park is not considered
economically feasible at this time. Once the
economy improves, some development could
take place along the ridges at the southwestern
edge of the park.
2. The presence of abundant aggregate rock
supply might indicate potential for commercial
rock mining. However, with no apparent appreci-
able demand in the El Paso market, the GLO
appraiser believes that a prudent purchaser/in-
vestor would not pay premium price here for
unmined rock.
3. The higher mountain tops are suitable for
radio and television towers; local market condi-
tions, including a limited lessee market, however,
do not make this the best utilization of the
property.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the property at the present time is a public
recreational facility. If the general and real estate
economies of the region improve, a detailed
topographic study of the western and south-
western fringes of the park should be conducted
to determine whether land within the park is
suitable for private, high-end residential use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
208
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HUECO TANKS STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Hueco Tanks State Historical Park (SHP) is
located on Ranch Road 2775, approximately 32 miles north-
east of the City of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 860.34 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 254, p. 274,
and Volume 333, p. 356, El Paso County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Hueco Tanks region has been an oasis in the
Chihuahuan Desert for centuries. Desert
dwellers and travelers gravitated to the huecos,
large pot-like depressions in the 34-million-year-
old rock which serve as natural cisterns. The
rugged terrain features a spectacular 400-foot
cliff that attracts rock climbers from around the
world.
Concentrated in this oasis are plants and animals
characteristic of both woodland and desert A
hidden forest of evergreen oaks and juniper, rem-
nant of the great, vanished forest which once
covered southwestern Texas, surrounds the
granite outcroppings. Tropical ferns, more com-
monly seen in Mexico, flourish. Many caves con-
tain prehistoric Indian art. Archeologists have
identified remains of Folsom, Desert Archaic,
Mogollon Pueblo, and Mescalero Apache cul-
tures in the park, some more than 10,000 years
old.
General Data
SIZE. 880.34 acres
COUNTY El Paso
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25(74
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The SHP offers the greatest diversity of mammal
and reptile life in Texas. Three varieties of
shrimp occur seasonally in the tanks, and over
150 species of birds have been observed in the
park. TPWD considers Hueco Tanks a living
geological and environmental laboratory, and
209
-------
one of the most significant natural resources in
the state park system.
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 4,500-5,700 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-5%
SOILS Limestone rock land-azlor
association & Igneous rock land limestone
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE. Natural
After the Mexican War, westward migration to
the gold fields of California brought Americans
of European descent into this remote wilderness
for the first time. As early as 1849, emigrants
passed regularly through Hueco Tanks on their
way to El Paso and beyond. This same route was
used from 1858 to 1859 by the famous Butterfield
Overland Mail. Ruins of the Butterfield stone
and adobe station are preserved in the park.
The tract is bordered by desert, set with old sur-
vey stakes from a post-World War II develop-
ment that was never completed. Nearest
development is the Fort Bliss Military Reserva-
tion three miles west The Hueco Mountains lie
one mile east. There are no zoning restrictions,
deed restrictions, or utilities in this isolated area.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 11
AREA OF BUILDINGS 7,940 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $324,904
WATER Well System
SEWER Septic
GAS. Propane
ELECTRICITY. Rio Grande Electric
Access is via RR 2775,5.5 miles north of US 62 -
US 180, principal route between El Paso and
Carlsbad, New Mexico. Park Road 68 provides
roadway within the SHP.
HUECO TANKS
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
/ / SITE
\ /
1 /
l /
J RR2775
/
L.. y~") US 62-180 ^
L CARLSBAD, N.M.
EL PASO j
j
j
Fig. 1 - Location
210
-------
Fig. 2 - Site
HUONG TRAIL
NORTH
MOUNTAIN
r
EAST
MOUNTAIN
WEST
MOUNTAIN
PARK
ROAD
68
HEADQUARTERS
A CAMPING AREA
P PICNIC AREA
R RESTROOM
ฆ RESIDENCES
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD preserves the site as an historic resource,
natural area, and public recreational area. Ac-
tivities available include picnicking, camping,
hiking, nature study, and rock art tours. The park
had over 92,000 visitors in 1987, 6,000 of whom
stayed overnight.
Identified in newspaper articles as one of only
two challenging U.S. winter rock-climbing sites,
the park is host to hundreds of rock-climbing
enthusiasts from all over America, Europe, and
Japan during the cooler months. TPWD is study-
ing a permit system to allow placement of climb-
ing bolts on rock faces. This effort to
accommodate an increasingly popular sport will
safeguard the historical and natural resource.
Buildings include two staff residences, head-
quarters, service building, three rest rooms, paint
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 46 acres
UNDEVELOPED 95%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 814.34 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 576.43 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 92,105
211
-------
one of the most signify
the state park sv**'
$473,187
$290,286
$355,248
\ $1,118,721
AP) - December 9, 1986
HIGHt. j BEST USE Recreation
Site improvements include 20 overnight sites; 58
picnic sites, 44 of which are covered with shade
shelters; underground fuel storage; paved streets
and parking; fencing; security and area lighting;
flag pole; and water retention structures; and
water, gas, electric, and sewer lines.
TPWD acquired the property from private
owners in 1970 and plans to continue present use
as an historical park facility. GLO appraisers
have determined that present use is also the
highest and best use. The region is too dry for
agriculture and the tract too small for ranching.
The surrounding area was staked for homesite
development in the early fifties, but none took
place due to lack of water. There are no plans to
install utilities at this time.
TPWD identifies this property as one of its most
valuable cultural, physical, and natural resources,
and will continue protecting this ecologically sen-
sitive area. Resource protection precludes any
alternate development of the property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
212
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA - OCOTILLO UNIT
,-o
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,082.14 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 256, p. .214,
and Volume 258, p. 229, Presidio County Deed Records.
\
vr\
\y v
'ป t
LOCATION - The Ocotillo Unit of the Las Palomas
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located on FM170, 34 v'
miles northwest of Presidio, Presidio County, Texas. f
V\/ .
A
V
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
/
The Ocotillo Unit of Las Palomas WMA was
acquired in 1985 to protect the Upper Big Bend
white-winged dove population, a large sub-
-species wfiiciTnestsljfthe United States only in
ฆv^esidio and HudspethjCounties, Texas. The
tract-is part of-TPWD's fourteen-unit Las
Palomas Wildlife Management Area. Other units
are located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and
protect the Eastern white-winged dove popula-
tion. The unit was named Ocotillo after a com-
mon desert plant known in English as devil's
walking stick.
Rugged, sparsely populated Presidio County is
one of the most barren and remote counties in
the state. In a 3,857-square mile area, there is an
average of one person for every four square
miles. Among Presidio County's scenic attrac-
tions are the state's highest waterfall, Capote
Falls, and some of its tallest mountains Chinati
Peak, near Ocotillo Unit, is over 7,728 feet high.
Due to lack of rainfall, vegetation is confined to
desert brush and saltcedar trees in the floodplain.
The area is famous nationally for its record
General Data
SIZE. 2,082.14 acres
COUNTY Presidio
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/68
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
213
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
(OCOTTLLO UNIT)
SITE
MEXICO
RIO
GRANDE
US 90
FM 170
US 67
RUIDOSA
temperatures, ranging from four to 117 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Irrigated cropland, bottomland pasture, salt-
cedar nesting areas, wetlands, and upland desert
are all found in this WMA. A substantial portion
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,750 - 2,960 ft msl
SLOPE Level to gently sloping
SOILS Nlckel-Canutlo/Glendale
FLOODPLAIN 300acres
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE Into Rio Grande
of land consists of rough, desert foothills and
canyons that support yucca, acacia, agarito, and
other food plants.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 10 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.5%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 2,072.14 acres
About 170 species of birds have been identified
in the WMA in addition to white-winged doves,
which feed, water, nest, and stage migrations
here. Quail are year-round residents. The birds
find water at small springs in the canyons and in
the Rio Grande River.
The site is an irregular diamond shape, ap-
proximately 1.5 miles long and one mile wide.
Four miles of meandering Rio Grande form its
western border. The property is fenced on three
sides, and a cattle guard crosses the highway at
214
-------
the property line. FM 170 runs north-south
through the property and divides it into two par-
cels.
Parcel A (585 acres) covers the land west of FM
170. Three-fourths of this parcel is irrigated and
improved pasture sloping toward the river. All
improvements are located on this parcel.
Parcel B (1,497.14 acres) lies east of FM 170. It
features steep canyon walls rising 100 to 150 feet
above arroyos which drain toward the river. A
small portion is hill and brushland or native pas-
ture.
Approximately 300 acres are located within the
floodplain of the Rio Grande. A ten-foot levee
formerly protected this 300 acres, but a break at
the southern end now allows flooding. Since un-
HEADQUARTERS
PARKING AREA
regulated flooding interferes with habitat-
management, there are plans for repair.
Tourism, ranching, and hunting leases are the
basis of the Presidio County economy. Visitors
take scenic drives along the Rio Grande, explore
ghost towns, visit Big Bend National Park in ad-
jacent Brewster County, and cross to Ojinaga,
Mexico to board the scenic railway to the
Mexican west coast.
Access to Ocotillo Unit is via FM 170, which
follows the Texas-Mexico border along the Rio
Grande. The highway begins at the western edge
of Big Bend National Park, passes through the
town of Presidio, and continues northwest to its
terminus at Candelaria.
The tract is surrounded on the north, south, and
east by sheep and cattle ranches,
30,000 to 40,000 acres in size. A
homesite is located immediately
south.
PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
RANCHING
\ RANCHING
WINDMILL V'
PASTURE
PARCEL A
HOOPER
ASTURE
PARCEL V RANCHING
B >
\
MEXICO
RANCHING
FM 170
RIO GRANDE
RUIDOSA
Fig. 2 - Site
TPWD operates the tract as a
wildlife management area for
white-winged dove and as a
public dove hunting area in
designated seasons. Hunting of
white-winged and mourning
dove is by permit issued at the
area on scheduled hunt dates.
Buildings include an adobe
house and equipment and
storage sheds. Other site im-
provements include fences and
corrals. These improvements
are located along FM 170 a
quarter mile inside the property
boundaries.
The property is not zoned. The
federal government owns an
215
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BUILDINGS 3,424 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 69%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $52,683
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Rio Grande Electric
easement reaching 200feet from the center of the
Rio Grande along the property's 22,585 feet of
river frontage (97.3 acres).
TP WD personnel plan to plant wheat, barley,
grain sorghum, and sunflowers to produce a more
abundant supply of avian food. Alfalfa will be
planted for deer forage. Development of new
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $239,446
BUILDINGS $16,474
SITE IMPROVEMENTS Included In land value
MARKET VALUE $255,920
APPRAISAL DATE February 13, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
water resources will include installation of auto-
maticwatering devices and gallinaceous guzzlers,
a water catchment and storage device for water-
ing doves. Development of water control struc-
tures, and nesting and resting areas are also on
the agenda. Efforts will be made to restore
depleted mesquite, cottonwood, and black wil-
low woodlands that were once important to
wildlife habitat in the region.
Hie property was purchased with money received
from the sale of the six-dollar white-winged dove
Hunting Stamps required of all white-wing
hunters since 1971.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property, with the improvements mentioned.
GLO appraisers feel this is its highest and best
use. Hie Ocotillo Unit serves an important pur-
pose in dove conservation. The only reasonable
land-use alternative, ranching, seems unpromis-
ing in view of the stocking rate of one animal unit
to 600 acres and the present depressed cattle
business.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
216
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MAGOFFIN HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCA TION - The Magoffin Home State Historic Site (SHS)
is located at 1120 Magoffin Avenue, El Paso, El Paso County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers one-and-one-
half acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume
663, p. 934, El Paso County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Joseph Magoffin, civic leader and member of a
pioneer El Paso family, built the Magoffin
homestead in 1875. It is an example of the Ter-
ritorial architectural style which is rare in Texas.
The building's combination of adobe construc-
tion and Greek revival detail is evidence of the
early Americanization of the southwest.
TP WD manages the property as a public state
historic site. The surrounding neighborhood has
been planned as an historic district by the City of
El Paso. The Magoffin homesite could become
the district's centerpiece and focus of community
and economic revitalization.
The Magoffin family was prominent in early West
Texas history. The settlement named for them
was an important town in the early days of Texas
statehood and was the site of the first Fort Bliss.
Later it grew into the City of El Paso. After
recouping family fortunes which had declined
during the Civil War, Joseph Magoffin con-
General Data
SIZE. 1.5 acres
COUNTY El Paso
MUNICIPALITY El Paso
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 29172
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
structed his grand house in the new, American
style. As a social and community leader, he held
many civic offices including mayor.
Through the years, the Magoffin family has
retained this early showplace which has been
enlarged to its present 6,776 square feet and
217
-------
EL PASO
SH 54
COTTON ST.
NEW MEXICO
05
IH 10
REPUBLIC
or
MEXICO
SH 20
MAGOFFIN HOME
STATE HISTORIC SITE
\ US 02/85
Fig. 1 - Location
surrounds a 3,000 square-foot central courtyard.
The one-story house, with many of its original
Victorian furnishings still in place, dominates the
one-and-one-half acre lot. A lawn enhanced by
Physical Data
ELEVATION 3702 - 3707 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%
SOILS Man-made, Gila soil
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE Curb and gutter
ornamental trees now surrounds the homestead,
which has been designated an historic structure
by the City of El Paso.
The house is five blocks away from the El Paso
County Courthouse and faces Magoffin Avenue,
a main artery of downtown El Paso. It is six blocks
south of IH 10, two blocks south of SH 20, and
five blocks north of US 62/85, in the south-central
portion of the city.
This area is known for its stately Victorian man-
sions. Some are still used as single-family dwell-
ings while others have been converted into law
offices because of proximity to the courthouse.
Land adjacent to the 1.5-acre subject site on the
northeast is part of Federal Housing Authority
subsidized housing built in 1941.
The area contains 232 structures identified as
architecturally or historically significant. Two
years ago, Westin Hotels refurbished El Paso's
oldest hotel, located about one-half mile from
the Magoffin Home. Reconstruction fostered the
revitalization of the entire area, now designated
as historic by the City of El Paso. This designation
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 1.5 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 3,968
precludes industrial or heavy commercial use and
allows only light commercial or residential
development.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD preserves the property as a state historic
site and example of an unusual architectural style
from a by-gone era of Texas history. The main
218
-------
sectio n of the house, which was originally used for
entertaining, is now a museum. Part of the center
wing, was converted into a small apartment for
the late Octavia Magoffin Glascow, last family
member to occupy the house. It is now the park
superintendent's living quarters.
Due to an outreach program by the superinten-
dent to local schools, clubs, and other groups, the
park had almost 4,000 visitors in 1987, a 35%
increase over the last five years.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 6,776 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 1:1
DEPRECIATION 6%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $467,341
WATER City of El Paso
SEWER City of El Paso
GAS Southern Union Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY El Paso Electric Company
The site was acquired by TP WD in joint owner-
ship with the City of El Paso in January, 1976.
TPWD maintains control the property, which is
AVI
OCTAVU
ST. ซ
Fig. 2 - Site
presently zoned A-3 (Apartment). The city's cur-
rent land use and zoning policy for the Magoffin
area precludes a zoning change. TPWD plans to
continue using the property as a museum and
park.
Since the building exemplifies a vanished and
historic architectural style, the GLO appraiser
finds that the current highest and best use of the
property is a state historic site.
u/
n iiii innniT7/
IH 10
SO. PAC. RAILROAD RESERVATION
TEXAS AVE/SH 20J-
MAGOFFIN.
AVE
PROPOSED HISTORIC
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
MAGOFFIN HOME
STATE HISTORIC SITE
COTTON ST.
Fig. 3 Surroundings
219
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
BUILDINGS
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
MARKET VALUE
APPRAISAL DATE
HIGHEST AND BEST USE.
May 8, 1987
..Recreation
$117,612
$375,286
..$68,100
$560,998
As area land values rise due to the influx of offices
and other upscale commercial development, and
as future restoration in the designated historic
area progresses, the value of the Magoffin site
may also increase accordingly.
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
220
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SIERRA DIABLO
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Sierra Diablo Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located on the Culberson-Hudspeth County line,
approximately 21 miles north of Van Horn, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 7,791.33 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 126, pp. 876,
882, and 897; Volume 3, p. 463, and Volume 62, p. 290,
Culberson County Deed Records.
(An additional 640 acres was purchased by TPWD sub-
sequent to the 1987 appraisal.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Sierra Diablo Wildlife Management Area is lo-
cated in the Chihuahuan Desert along the rim-
rock of one of the most desolate sections in West
Texas. It is part of the remote Sierra Diablo
Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles south
of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
This inhospitable and almost inaccessible land
was the scene of one of the last Indian battles
fought in Texas. A rock shelter and cave preserve
pictographs which offer a glimpse of prehistory.
The WMA consists of 13 scattered sections lo-
cated north to south along the Culberson and
Hudspeth County line in an area 17 miles long
and four miles wide. It is mostly vacant, open
range land with no fencing, one small cluster of
buildings, and a group of bighorn sheep-breeding
pens.
This unusual mountain habitat is conducive to
survival of bighorn sheep. Its sheer bluffs and
canyon walls form natural barriers as they rise
from the valley below.
Elevations range from 3,000 to 6,800 feet with an
annual average rainfall of seven to ten inches.
General Data
SIZE. 7,791.33 acres
COUNTIES Hudspeth and Culberson
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/69
TORP REGION. 8
TPWD JURISDICTION -...Wildlife
221
-------
GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS
NATIONAL PARK
I
I
HUDSPETH
COUNTY
CULBERSON COUNTY
SIERRA j
DIABLO j
WMA O
TO EL
PASO
SIERRA
BLANCA
ALLAMOORE
VAN HORN
pRIVATE RANCH roads
Fig. 1 - Location
The tract is landlocked, but staff and visitors have
verbal agreements allowing easements over 20
miles of private ranch roads, passable only by
Physical Data
ELEVATION 3,000 - 6,800 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%- 100%
SIOLS Ector-Rock-Outcropplng Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE, NW
DRAINAGE ฃ Into Salt Lake
four-wheel drive vehicles during bad weather.
The access dirt road begins just north of Al-
lamoore, 11 miles west of Van Horn on IH 10,
principal highway between San Antonio and El
Paso.
The WMA is surrounded by large cattle ranches.
The J. V. McAdoo ranch house (built in 1917 by
the first white man ever to own the land) still
stands. Mr. McAdoo's family lives nearby and
continues to ranch in the area.
The region is sparsely populated. Culberson
County, covering 3,185 square miles, has a
population of only 3,500, of whom 3,000 live in
Van Horn, the county seat. The remainder of the
county averages one person for each six square
miles. Hudspeth County, covering 4,566 square
222
-------
miles, averages one person per three square
miles.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a wildlife
management area and plans to continue this use.
Department emphasis is on the study and hunting
of mule deer and the study, preservation, and
propagation of bighorn sheep. An attempt made
some years ago to revive the bighorn population
failed, but new attempts have been more success-
ful At this time there are approximately 75 on
the WMA, which is especially suited through its
terrain and isolation for bighorn habitat.
Licensed hunters holding special permits are the
only members of the public admitted to the
WMA. During the hunting season only one or
two persons are allowed to hunt bighorn sheep,
and usually about thirty persons are allowed to
hunt mule deer. (The number of kills allowed is
based on deer population control factors.)
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 8.21%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 640 acres
UNDEVELOPED 91.79%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 7,151.33 acres
SIERRA DIABLO
WILDLIFE MANA GEMENTAREA
HUDSPETH CO. CULBERSON CO.
~
PARCEL B
STATE-OWNED PARCELS
PRIVATE RANCH ROADS
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP
TO
SIERRA BLANC A
TO
ALLAMOORE
PARCEL A
TO IH10
Fig. 2 Site
223
-------
The WMA is divided into two parcels. Parcel A
contains 2,456 acres of open, contiguous range-
land located in the southern part of the tract. It
contains all improvements, buildings, and breed-
ing pens.
Parcel B covers the same type of rangeland but is
not as rough as Parcel A and not on contiguous
parcels of land. The 5,335.33 acres are checker-
Improvements/Utilitles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BLDGS 2,738 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 47%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $43,671
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Rio Grande Electric Co.
boarded over an approximately 12-mile area
north of the principal site. The only access to the
separate parcels within the WMA is through
private properties.
A 40-acre brood facility built by the Texas
Bighorn Society on the WMA was donated to
TPWD in June 1983. The four, ten-acre pens
provide the sheep a measure of protection from
predators, chiefly coyotes and mountain lions.
Buildings include a residence, barn/shed, and
garage. Site improvements include radio tower
and storage building, flagpole, sidewalks, cattle
guard, sheep pens and gates, sheep shelters, two
windmills, seven storage tanks, three water
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $451,897
BUILDINGS. $23,504
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $43,915
MARKET VALUE $519,316
APPRAISAL DATE. June 8, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Midlife habitat
troughs, four livestock drinking bowls, waterline,
and wildlife water catchments.
TPWD acquired the first portion of the property
in 1945 and 1947 from the GLO, and a second
portion in 1957 from private owners. There are
no deed restrictions or zoning regulations. Typi-
cal utility easements are in place.
GLO appraisers have determined that present
use is also the highest and best use of the subject
property and identify no feasible alternate use.
One section (640 acres) accommodates three to
four animal units, far too low for ranching pur-
poses. In light of the limited access, physical con-
straints on commercial productivity, and
suitability of the site for its current use, GLO
does not foresee a higher utilization of the asset
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
224
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r
3.
Region 9
-------
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-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 9 (PERMIAN BASIN)
BORDEN
GAINES
DAWSON
IH 20
ANDREWS
MARTIN
HOWARD !
' | ECTOR
OD^SSAT
GLASS-
COCK
LOVING
MIDLAND
WINKLER
j MIDLAND !
, REEVES
j CRANE
UPTON
WARD
US 290
PECOS
. ; TERRELL
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. BALMORHEA STATE RECREATION AREA
2. BIG SPRING STATE RECREATION AREA
226
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-------
REGION 9 (PERMIAN BASIN) covers 23,459 square miles and includes the southernmost portion
of the Great Plains of Texas.
ECONOMY - Region 9 has been weakened economically by consolidations in the oil and gas industry,
but it is expected to recover slowly with the rest of the plains area in the next decade. During this time
period, .7% population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth (led by manufacturing, health,
trade, and transportation) are projected per annum.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
17
2
396,515
17
27
GEOGRAPHY - A combination of High Plains and Trans-Pecos ecology, Region 9 is heavily
dependent on subsurface natural resources. It is the ninth most populous TORP region of the state,
with most population concentrated around the Midland-Odessa area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
209
10,515
500-999
18th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - TP WD facilities are listed in the TORP as the only major
attractions and resources in the region. TPWD supplies 40% of the total recreational land, followed
by local governments with 33%. Local governments provide the greatest number of parks (181).
Monahans Sandhills is leased property and is not evaluated in this report
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
3
2
425
$929,200
.9% / 4%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreation facilities by 1995 in
Region 9 will be for multi-use trails, athletic fields, and various other types of trail facilities. Of these,
trails are typical TPWD amenities.
227
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BALMORHEA STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Balmorhea State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on US 290, 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Old
US 290 and SH 17 in Toyahvale, and 4.3 miles west of
Balmorhea, Reeves County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 43.1 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 94, p. 373, Reeves
County Deed Records.
(An additional 4.76 acres is leased by TPWD.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Balmorhea State Recreation Area, the Oasis of
West Texas, is the site of San Solomon Springs,
the largest natural spring in Texas. Balmorhea
SRA (the unusual town name was compounded
from the surnames of early land owners) is lo-
cated in the Toyah Valley on the northern edge
of the Davis Mountains. Once named Mescalero
Springs for the Apaches who watered their horses
along its banks, the springs were renamed by
Mexican farmers who first used its water for ir-
rigating crops.
Today the site is a scenic recreational attraction.
Tourist courts, a 1.75-acre swimming pool,
Spanish-style buildings, lawns, and trees provide
a refreshing contrast to the flat desert plains to
the north and east of the park. The SRA canals
serve as a refuge for two rare and endangered
desert fish: the Comanche Springs pupfish and
the Pecos mosquito fish.
In 1851 canals were built to facilitate large-scale
irrigation, and in 1927 the Bureau of Reclama-
tion dredged the springs and constructed the
main canal. The natural ciertega (marsh) environ-
ment is now a 30-foot deep swimming pool, one
General Data
SIZE 43.1 acres
COUNTY. Reeves
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 25169
TORP REGION 9
TPWD JURISDICTION.... Parks
of the largest spring-fed pools in the world, with
a capacity of almost three million gallons. The
National Park Service conceived the original im-
229
Preceding page blank
-------
BALMORHEA
STATE RECREATION AREA
PECOS^
US 20
r-
CO
\
TO EL 1H10 I
PASฐ BALMORHEA ^
OS290
IH 10
TOYAHVALE^*"
SITE
SH
17
TO FORT DAVIS
Fig. 1 - Location
provements in the park, and the Civilian Conser-
vation Corps built them in 1935.
For appraisal purposes, the SRA is divided into
three parcels, each different in character and use.
TP WD owns two and leases one from a local
water district.
Parcel A (21.55 acres) is the scenic parcel. It
adjoins the springs and includes the cultivated
vegetation such as large, native shade trees (Rio
Grande cottonwood, velvet ash, sycamore, hack-
berry and desert willow) and ornamental trees
(mulberry and cypress). The headquarters, con-
cession building, parking lot, and San Solomon
Springs Courts are on this tract.
Parcel B (21.55 acres) occupies the eastern half
of the SRA, which is unimproved. Desert or west
Texas scrub vegetation occurs on the sandy and
gravelly soil of this dry, upland portion. Mes-
quite, catclaw, acacia, mimosa, yucca, and several
species of cactus are the
dominant wood species.
Camping and picnic areas are
located on this parcel.
Parcel C (4.76 acres) contains
San Solomon Springs, with its
swimming pool, and is leased
by TP WD from Reeves Coun-
ty Water Improvement Dis-
trict (RCWID) until 2029.
The spring-fed canals are
owned and maintained by the
Water District. Parcel C is not
evaluated in this report
Twenty-two to 26 million gal-
lons of 76ฐ F artesian spring
water flow daily into San
Solomon's natural circulation
system. From the pool it runs
into the canal system to be
used for vital desert irriga-
tion.
Cattail, sedges, and saltgrass
appear along some of the
SRA's canals. Other plant life is a mixture of
wetland, desert scrub and grassland, and cultural
(man-made) vegetation types. Dominant grasses
are black, blue and side oats grama.
The swimming pool and canals contain several
species of minnows, perch, and catfish, as well as
crayfish. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, raccoons,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 3,100 - 3,200 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Verhalen clay, class 2s
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S-SW
DRAINAGE Into Irrigation canals
javelina, skunks, porcupines, coyotes, bobcats,
and ground squirrels live in and around the SRA.
230
-------
A variety of migratory birds including the Vermil-
lion flycatcher, herons, thrashers, ducks, and
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 12
AREA OF BLDGS 22,154 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 57%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $686,036
WATER Madeira Valley Water Corp.
SEWER Septic
GAS Southwest Texas Municipal Gas
ELECTRICITY West Texas Utilities
swallows visit the area. Year-round species in-
clude mourning dove, quail, hawks, roadrunners,
and ringneck pheasants.
The north side of the property has over 2,000 feet
of frontage along US 290, which is one mile south
of IH 10, the main highway between El Paso and
San Antonio. The SRA entrance is on US 290.
One-tenth of a mile west, US 290 intersects SH
17, which leads south to Ft. Davis. The western
boundary is a comity dirt road. The park is ser-
viced by Park Road 30.
Adjoining land uses to the south and east include
farms and cattle ranches. Properties to the north
of US 290 are small-acreage tracts used for
homesites. Reeves County has a population of
16,000 of whom 13,000 live in Pecos, the county
seat The other 3,000 are spread over the county's
2,600 acres. The economic base of the county is
tourism, cotton, grain, alfalfa, oil, gas, sand, and
gravel.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a well-
developed, high-use state recreation area. The
park had 86,811 visitors with gross receipts of
$123,969 in 1986, and 133,469 visitors in 1987, of
whom 16,626 stayed overnight. The SRA offers
camping, motel-type tourist cabins, swimming
TRACT PARCELS
ฉ
ฉ
HIGHWAY 290W
HEADQUARTERS
TOURIST COURTS
PICNIC AREA
BATHHOUSE
MAINTENANCE BUILDING
RESIDENCE
CAMPING
Fig. 2-Site
231
-------
and scuba diving (summer only), picnicking, and
playground.
Buildings include bathhouse, concession stand,
18 cabins, three rest room and shower buildings,
two residences, maintenance and shop building,
garage, headquarters, and entrance booth.
Site improvements include water, irrigation,
electrical and gas systems, dump station with
sewage system, roads and parking areas, bridges,
canal, 34 campsites, 17 picnic sites, playground,
sidewalk, fences, and portal with cattle guard.
The comfortable and modern San Solomon
Springs Courts, originally built by the CCC in
1940, are popular with travellers visiting Big
Bend National Park, Fort Davis, and Carlsbad
Caverns. Their attractive Spanish architectural
style features adobe walls and red tile roofs.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 79.2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 34.1 acres
UNDEVELOPED 20.8%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 9.0 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 9.0
VISITATION (FY'87) 133,469
Some units have kitchenettes, and all offer stand-
ard motel amenities. San Solomon Springs
Courts, Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State
Park, and Landmark Inn near San Antonio, are
TPWD's only hotels.
The deed to Parcels A & B contains a reversion
clause limiting use to a state park (Parcel C is
leased by contract agreement from RCWID).
Private use would jeopardize water rights, as they
are owned by RCWID and issued over ap-
proximately 10,000 acres of land in the Rio
Grande Valley to the Texas State Park Board.
The 95-year water contract with RCWID re-
quires that the property be used as a state park or
for park purposes. If it is not, all rights and title
to property, improvements, and facilities revert
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $10,775
BUILDINGS. $368,875
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $154,950
MARKET VALUE $534,600
APPRAISAL DATE. May 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
to grantors. Loss of water rights would effectively
render the property useless because the area
receives an average annual precipitation of six
inches.
Typical utility easements are in place. There is no
zoning.
TP WD plans to continue the property in its cur-
rent use as a state recreation area, and GLO
appraisers have determined that this is its highest
and best use. The land is of minimal value without
water rights; in conjunction with the springs, how-
ever, the SRA is a source of both revenue and
recreation for the state.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
232
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS Sc. WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BIG SPRING STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Big Spring State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on FM 700, .65 miles west of US 87, in the City of
Big Spring, Howard County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 381.99 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 129, p. 120;
Volume 139, p. 29; Volume 109, pp. 30 and 32; and Volume
484, p. 514, Howard County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Big Spring SRA encircles Scenic Mountain, a
200-foot limestone-capped mesa overlooking the
City of Big Spring. The site's major attraction is
the panoramic view from this mesa, stretching 25
miles in all directions on clear days.
The subject property lies on the northern margin
of the limestone terrain of the Edwards Plateau.
The Southern High Plains, North Central Rolling
Plains, and Caprock Escarpment merge at this
point
livestock have not grazed on the site for over 45
years, leaving the rocky hillsides to harbor an
interesting mix of plants and animals charac-
teristic of all three regions. Most numerous
animals are cottontail and jack rabbits, ground
squirrels, and a variety of birds. A prairie dog
town was established in the SRA in 1970.
Vegetation includes native grasses, cedar brush,
and yucca.
Parcel A (344.19 acres) was a gift from the City
of Big Spring and private landowners in 1934.
This parcel contains Scenic Mountain and all the
improvements.
General Data
SIZE.
COUNTY
MUNICIPALITY
SEN/REP DISTRICTS..
TORP REGION.
TPWD JURISDICTION
381.99 acres
Howard
....Big Spring
28169
9
Parks
233
-------
and scuba diviป"
playgroup'1
BIG SPRING
STATE RECREATION AREA
TO
MIDLAND
FM330
FM 176
FM 700
US 87
TO
ABILENE
TO SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 - Location
In the mid-1930s, approximately 200 men from
the Civilian Conservation Corps worked for 18
months building the original park facilities. The
headquarters, pavilion, and rest room were con-
structed from limestone quarried on the site.
Most of the work was done with hand tools. The
centerpiece of this monumental work is the
three-mile drive around the mesa, with a retain-
ing wall patterned after the mortarless masonry
used by the Romans.
Parcel B (37.8 acres) lies on the west side of the
SRA. Formerly a part of Webb Air Force Base,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,400 - 2,810 ft. msl
SLOPE 5%-70%
SOILS Ector-Rock outcrop
complex
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S, SE
DRAINAGE Into creek
it was deeded to the state by the U. S. Department
of the Interior when Webb was closed in 1979.
This parcel lacks the scenic appeal of Parcel A
and has limited access off of Randolf Boulevard.
The presence of a gravel pit and city water storage
tanks decreases the desirability of this parcel.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 6.8%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 25.97 acres
UNDEVELOPED 93.2%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 356.01 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 230
VISITATION (FY'87) 87,000
Access to Parcel A is via Park Road 8 from FM
700 (Marcy Drive) in the western section of Big
Spring. Big Spring is easily reached via IH 20 (US
80), main route between Fort Worth and Mid-
land, US 87 (connecting Lubbock and San An-
gelo), FM 350, and FM 176.
Heavy industrial use and zoning for single-family
dwellings surrounds the property. To the north
234
-------
are a Texas National Guard Armory, medical
complex, and commercial properties. Southwest
Collegiate Institute for the Deaf and a federal
prison camp lie to the west. Residential proper-
ties lie to the south, southwest, east, and
northwest. Some agricultural lands that adjoin on
the southwest are used for cotton and wheat or
for grazing. Stocking ratio in the surrounding
area is one animal unit per 25 acres.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the tract as a day-use-only
recreation area. Park attractions include pic-
nicking, playground, hiking, a scenic roadway
with a view from the mesa top, jogging, and na-
ture study.
Buildings include residence, headquarters and
office building, rest rooms, pavilion, entrance
booth, and maintenance and storage buildings.
The headquarters complex houses park office
facilities, interpretive center, and small open-air
shelter with picnic tables.
m 20
US 87
IH 20 / US 80
BIG SPRING
FM 700
FM 700
PARCEL A
SITE
US 87
PARK
ROAD
PARCEL B
Fig. 2 Site
The interpretive center includes an Indian ar-
tifact display, assorted fossils found in the area,
and a mounted exhibit of area wildlife. Visitation
figures for 1987 were 87,000, a slight increase
over previous years.
Site improvements include water, electric and
natural gas systems, fences, asphalt roads and
parking areas, scenic overlook, playground
equipment, three picnic areas, portal, and flag-
pole.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA 5,650 sq. ft
BUILDINGS DEPRECIATED 31%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $126,220
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS Natural gas systems
ELECTRICITY. City
235
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $248,294
BUILDINGS. $96,306
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $50,000
MARKET VALUE $394,600
Although Parcel B has no improvements, it is
available for overflow use. TPWD hopes to im-
prove this parcel with picnic tables and other
amenities.
Should the state cease to operate this property as
a state recreation area, title would revert to the
grantors (City of Big Spring and U. S. Depart-
ment of Interior). Even if these reversion clauses
did not exist, commercial or industrial use would
be feasible for only part of the tract due to steep
slopes.
The property lies within the city limits but is not
subject to zoning ordinances. Typical utility ease-
ments are in place. The City of Big Spring has
perpetual easements for water storage reservoirs
on Parcel B and for a pumping station on the
mesa.
TPWD plans to continue present use of this site.
GLO appraisers find that highest and best use of
the property is its current use. The reversionary
clauses in the deeds eliminate consideration of
any alternate uses of the property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
236
-------
Region 10
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 10 (CONCHO VALLEY)
STERLING
COKE
REAGAN
US ซ7
BRADY
CONCHO
TOM GREEN
McCULXjOCH
CROCKETT
MENARD
SCHLEICHER
ซ 10
KIMBLE
MASON
SUTTON
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. FORT LANCASTER STATE HISTORIC SITE
2. FORT McKAVETT STATE HISTORIC SITE
3. SAN ANGELO STATE FISH HATCHERY #1
4. WALTER BUCK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
& SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK
238
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 10 (CONCHO VALLEY) covers 16,290 square miles of the Edwards Plateau - rolling plains
transitional zone around the City of San Angelo.
ECONOMY - As in other sections of the plains, Region 10 has been weakened economically by
consolidations in the oil and gas industry. However, the plains area is expected to recover slowly in
the next decade, during which .7% population growth and 1.4% non-agricultural job growth (led by
manufacturing, health, trade, and transportation) are projected.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
13
1
142,854
9
146
GEOGRAPHY - Region 10 is Texas' leading producer of sheep and cattle. Only two TORP regions
are less populous. Settlement is concentrated around the San Angelo area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
138
20,878
0-499
22nd
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The four TP WD facilities are on the TORP list of the five major
attractions and resources in the region. Approximately 18% of the resources in Region 10 is
considered developed recreational land. Federal and state facilities supply about 50% of the recrea-
tional land, with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers supplying the most acres of any agency. Counties,
cities, and other local governments account for the greatest number of parks in tide region (96) and
supply the most facilities.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
4
4
2,868
$3,117,394
3% / 14%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest needs for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 10 will be for fishing structures and athletic facilities, including swimming Hiking trails,
number seven on the needs list, and campsites, number ten on the list, are typical TPWD amenities.
239
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT LANCASTER STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Fort Lancaster Slate Historic Site (SHS) is
located off US 290,35 miles west of Ozona, Crockett County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 81.56 acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 236, p. 555, and
Volume 294, p. 27, Crockett County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort Lancaster SHS lies on the east bank of Live
Oak Creek about one-half-mile above its junc-
tion with the Pecos River in West Texas. As early
as 1849, there was a well-defined trail across the
Pecos at this spot as Americans headed for the
gold fields of California. The fort was established
in 1855 by the U.S. Army as one of four posts
protecting the military road between San An-
tonio and El Paso. Infantrymen accompanied
travelers between Fort Lancaster and Fort Stock-
ton, 80 miles west, to protect them from hostile
Apaches.
By 1860 the fort had 25 permanent buildings
housing 72 infantrymen and four officers. US
troops were withdrawn during the Civil War and
replaced by Texas State Troops, but when Texas
could no longer sustain the garrison, hostile In-
dians seized the opportunity to burn the fort to
the ground. Today, after standing unoccupied for
more than a century, only limestone chimneys
remain of the fort to mark this colorful chapter in
the history of the West
General Data
SIZE. 81.56 acres
COUNTY Crockett
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/67
TORP REGION. ... 10
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Quality of vegetation is poor, indicative of low
average annual rainfall (less than 15 inches).
Desert-scrub and grasses such as curly mesquite,
buffalo, and bluestems predominate, with
creosote bush, mesquite, and cactus as the
Preceding page blank
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND "
REGIONAL
RF*V^
PASO
TO. SFIELD
OZONA
US 290
FORT LANCASTER
STATE HISTORIC SITE
Fig. 1 - Location
dominant woody species. Although the county is
a major sheep producer, there is a low potential
for other agricultural uses.
Crockett County has a population of 4,700 oc-
cupying its 2,800 square miles. The county seat,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,150 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-8%
SOILS Clay loams
FLOODPLA1N None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE W Into Live Oak Creek
Ozona, has a population of 3,500, with the
remaining 1,200 people scattered across the
county, averaging 23 persons per square mile.
The tract consists of two parcels of land on the
western edge of the county surrounded by a
private ranch.
Parcel A (76.51 acres) is fenced and at the end of
the half-mile entrance road to the SHS, which
extends from US 290. It was the site of the old fort
and includes the remnants of the original military
buildings, visitor's center, office, and parking lot.
Parcel B (5.05 acres) is one-fourth mile east of
Parcel A along the entrance road. It contains two
park personnel residences, a steel structure used
for a shop, and equipment storage buildings.
Both parcels together create the only small
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 4
AREA 6,390 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED. 40%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $209,456
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY. SIV Texas Electric Co-op.
acreage tract in the vicinity, almost square in
shape, with rolling terrain typical of the area and
well drained by small gullies.
242
-------
Access is via US 290, from which the paved
entrance road extends about ten miles southeast
of the town of Sheffield and 35 miles west of
Ozona. IH 10, principal route between El Paso
and San Antonio, runs four miles north of and
parallel to US 290.
Surrounding land is used for oil production and
cattle, sheep, and horse ranching.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a state historic site. Twelve of the 38
ruined buildings have been excavated by state
archeologists, who are continuing excavations
and preserving the ruins. (The enlisted men's
barracks have been partially restored.) The SHS
offers picnicking, a museum, and a self-guided
tour of the ruins. There is no overnight camping.
Buildings aside from historic structures include
visitors' center, office, two residences, and shop
and equipment storage building.
Site improvements include roads,
parking area, water system,
electrical system, fencing, flag-
pole, and entranceway.
The site was a gift in 1968 from the
Meadows family, owners of the
large surrounding ranch. The
family donated additional acreage
in 1975. Both deeds contain rever-
sion clauses restricting use of the
tracts to state historic site or park.
No zoning restricts the property,
but typical utility easements are in
place.
uses, and the tract is too small an economic unit
for livestock production.
The fort is historically important and its preser-
vation safeguards a reminder of Texas' legendary
past. Despite its isolation, Fort Lancaster at-
tracted over 18,400 visitors in 1987. While these
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 44.8%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 36.56 acres
UNDEVELOPED 55.2%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 45 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 30 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 18,422
figures are good for so remote a site, they are not
substantial enough to support commercial tourist
facilities normally associated with such an attrac-
tion.
PARCEL A
I PARCEL B
ENTRANCE
ROAD
v
Fig. 2 - Parcels A & B
The GLO appraiser finds that the
highest and best use of the subject
property is a state historic site. If
no reversion clause existed, the
highest and best use would be as a
ranch headquarters or branch
camp. Lack of rain, harsh climate,
rough terrain, and sparse popula-
tion argue against most alternate
243
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\
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* \
\
\
KtTCMSM*\
KACMMrrxMor ฆ \
Homru.m
LATDINU,
LAUMOUttU
U\Vj COMMESSAXV
v
; liriwuuu^ r, i
COWtALl ป KITOMU*ซUI OWjCWr OUMTtM (
(TOMHOUM (uimi
Voiron CSNTtR
Fig. 3-Site
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $11,418
BUILDINGS. $82,848
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $24,400
MARKET VALUE $118,666
APPRAISAL DATE. October 16, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
244
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS ฃ WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT MCKAVETT STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Fort McKavett State Historic Site (SHS) is
located at the intersection of FM 864 and FM1674, 20 miles
west of the town of Menard in Menard County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 81.94 acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 83, p. 11; Volume
85, pp. 301 and 304; Volume 86, p. 58; Volume 87, pp. 21,
29,33, 36, 545, and 547; Volume 88, pp. 1,3, and 89; Volume
89, p. 210; Volume 90, p. 60; Volume 91, p. 779; Volume 93,
pp. 715, 868, and 885; Volume 94, p. 3; Volume 97, p. 629;
Volume 98, pp. 273,281,284,287,310, 321, and 385; Volume
100, p. 99; and Volume 109, p. 180; Menard County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort McKavett was established in 1852 on the San
Saba River as a deterrent to Indian raids and to
protect the Upper El Paso Road, an important
artery for emigration to the California gold fields.
It was named to honor Captain Henry McKavett,
a Mexican War hero.
The fort served as a vital link in the U.S. military
frontier defense system. In 1859 the Indian
threat on the San Saba diminished, and the post
was abandoned. However, during the Civil War,
Indian raids increased drastically, and the fort
was reactivated in 1868 by black troops of the
38th Infantry, the famous "buffalo soldiers."
Units of four black regiments served at Fort Mc-
Kavett before the Indians were subdued and the
post deactivated in 1883.
Fort McKavett is the most nearly intact historic
site of its type in the state system. Twelve of the
forty major structures at the fort have been re-
General Data
SIZE. 81.94 acres
COUNTY Menard
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/67
TORP REGION. 10
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
stored. Numerous stabilized ruins and large ar-
cheological areas remain from the period.
245
-------
TO
SONORA
US 83
SH190
i MENARD
FM *64
JUNCTION
\fort
McKAVETT
FM 1674
TOIHIO
TO BRADY
Fig. 1 - Location
For purposes of appraisal, the site has been
divided into three parts: Parcels A, B, and C.
Parcel A (three acres) is severed from the main
property on the north by FM 864 and on the west
by FM 1674. The area has level to gently rolling
Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,100 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% - 10%
SOILS Tarrant, Frio, Dev
FLOODPLAIN 15 acres
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE Into San Saba River
terrain with native pasture and mesquite. It con-
tains no improvements and is not being used by
TP WD.
Parcel B (35.69 acres) contains active springs that
run into the San Saba River and the most attrac-
tive scenery in the SHS. In native pasture with
moderate to thick cover of oak trees, brush, and
native pecan, this parcel slopes from east to west
into a draw around the springs. Except for a
partially restored lime kiln and its trails near the
spring, there are no improvements or historic
buildings.
Parcel C (43.25 acres) in the eastern portion of
the property has the most improvements and
buildings but little scenic value. This parcel of
native pasture with little or no trees has the
highest elevation and is the location of all the
historic structures except the lime kiln.
An Episcopal Church and Masonic Lodge Hall,
both completely surrounded by SHS land, are
located on small private plots in Parcel C. Title
holders to both have right of access across the
state land.
Parcels A and C have frontage on FM 864 which
connects approximately five miles northeast to
246
-------
i90f the principal route to Menard. Travel-
southwest, FM 864 leads to Sonora, ap-
^; JrSdmately 45 miles away. The park entrance
^SlUy In Parcel C, off of FM 864. Parcel A has
llgtjoiftage on FM 1674, which connects to IH 10,
^ 25 miles south of the subject site.
ฆ
^The area is sparsely settled with an economy
Abased on ranching, tourism, and oil and gas
^^production. Surrounding land is used for ranch-
k". W with some scattered homesites to the south
Improvements/Utilities
$ฆ VNO. OF BUILDINGS 20
AREA OF BUILDINGS 23,531 sq. ft.
,DEPRECIATION 71%
; , RECONSTRUCTION $594,190
\WATER Well
SEWER Septic
OAS None
ELECTRICITY.... Southwest Texas Electric Co-op.
and west The only commercial enterprise within
a 30-mile radius is the Fort Trading Post just
north of the park, a grocery/saloon/cafe and post
office which serves the surrounding area.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the tract as a state historic site,
with 14 restored buildings, a number of ruins, and
a self-guided trail to the historic lime kiln and to
the springs. Picnicking is available, but no over-
night camping is allowed. No user fee is charged.
Each year in February, a living history celebra-
tion reenacts life at the fort during its prime.
People from all over the state dress in 1880s
costumes and take part SRA annual visitation
figures are large considering the remoteness of
the area and its distance from major highways.
Restored historic structures include a hospital,
mortuary, sink house, school, headquarters, bar-
racks, seven officers' quarters, smokehouse,
/ B
'-"/"ฆf ITNTIPRTITTT T7PT
MT" PARCEL
FORT MCKAVETT
STATE HISTORIC SITE
V
1 LAUNDRESS QUARTERS
t BARRACKS
3 CAVALRY STABLXS
4 OFFICERS QUARTERS
ft HOSPITAL/ MORGUE
ฎ OLD HOSPITAL
? COMMISSARY STOREHOUSE
QUARTERMASTER STOREHOUSES
ft CUARfiHOUSE
ID COMMANDDtO OPTICtRS QUARTERS
>1 RANGER'S RESIDENCE ft MAINTENANCE AREA
it PICNIC AREA
IS PARKING AREA
ฃ
Fa H*
FM 1674
Fig. 2 Site
247
-------
bakery, and officer-of-the-day building. Modern
buildings consist of the superintendent's
residence, garage, visitors' cabin, and a vacant
house. Site improvements include a water sys-
tem, wells, windmills, roads and parking area,
electrical system, storage shed, fencing, portal,
and flagpoles.
No zoning affects the property. Typical utility
and road easements are in place. The tract was
designated a State Historic Site on May 17,1968.
This designation requires review by TP WD
before any changes can be made and places
restrictions on property use, but no deed restric-
tions affect the disposition of the property.
TP WD plans to continue to operate the property
as a state historic site for the education and en-
joyment of the public and to preserve a colorful
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 53.2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 43.25 acres
UNDEVELOPED 46.8%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 38.69 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 13,536
chapter in Texas history. The agency has plans to
restore three additional historic structures ac-
cording to their original military specifications,
but no b eginning date for this project has yet been
set
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
for Parcels B and C is recreation land or, if his-
torical values are not considered, homesites.
Ranching is not an option because of the low one-
animal-unit-to-15 acres ratio on a relatively small
site. A lodge or camp could be built for the many
hunters who visit the area seasonally, but such a
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $54,840
BUILDINGS. $105,000
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $25,000
MARKET VALUE $184,840
APPRAISAL DATE. September 4,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Residential-
(Parcel A) Recreation-(Parcels B&C)
venture would be highly speculative for a private
sector investor. There may also be market
demand for a lodge, camp, eating facility, and gift
shop to serve park visitors.
Because Parcels A and B comprise 46% of the
tract and are not developed, these parcels may be
considered either underutilized or marginally
utilized by the public.
Highest and best use for Parcel A is a develop-
ment for small homesites, although there is
limited market for this type of tract. TP WD has
no current operational use for this parcel and no
plans for its future use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations. TPWD
should develop a plan to intensify the use of the
underutilized portions of the site, particularly
Parcel A which is noted as having potential for
alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of Parcel A by TPWD in light of its
greater highest and best use potential.
248
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SAN ANGELO STATE FISH HATCHERY #1
AND TPWD REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS
LOCATION - The San Angelo State Fish Hatchery 41
and TPWD Regional Headquarters is located at 3407South
Chadboume Street (FM378) in San Angelo, Tom Green
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 3.91 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 148, p. 340;
Volume 384, p. 520; and Volume 398, p. 18, Tom Green
County Deed Records.
(The tract originally covered 63.91 acres. In 1988,12
months after TPWD staff vacated the hatchery operation,
60 acres reverted automatically to the original owners or
their heirs/assigns in accordance with a reversion clause in
the deed.
According to agency sources, TPWD is aware of the
reversion clause but retains the entire property on the State
Real Property Inventory from which the appraisal and
evaluation are compiled Hence, all values and tables in
this report reflect the entire facility, before Parcels A and B
reverted to original owners.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Private citizens interested in establishing a fish
hatchery in San Angelo donated 60 acres to the
Game, Fish and Oyster Commission of Texas in
1928. The original donation consisted of two
tracts.
Parcel A (52.39 acres) and Parcel B (7.61
acres) operated as a fish hatchery until va-
cated by TPWD in November 1987.
Parcel C (3.91 acres) was purchased by
TPWD in 1958 to serve as its Wildlife and
Fisheries Regional Office. The Depart-
ment retains ownership of this parcel.
(TPWD leases an additional 15.5 acres from a
private owner for hatchery use, but information
on tract location is not available from TPWD.)
General Data
SIZE. 63.91 acres
COUNTY Tom Green
MUNICIPALITY San Angelo
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25166
TORP REGION. 10
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
249
-------
SAN ANGELO
state fish hatchery #/
AJU) TPWD REGIONAL UlislDQUAMb'RS
spring
/ tviu HHHMN
ซ>hikvy
srm
UIVtlH
SAN ANOELO
VvV^s> ;$ via Chadbourne Srer.
. through San Angeio -=^r; r; ป>ซฆซ
^ ^ the main highway bers je- Sa.
Slg Spring.
tract is bordered by the Cor^rc
N land on the west, woodec pssas xtjfc
and Chadbourne Street to -rrr
*Yy*v\Yimately 250 feet of fro-^gt m ISdC
Nnxme,. which intersects with TIL -
\Mwvitwateh* 1,000 feet to the tzr. sx. jeanE*
v ^xvtfeUow Air Force Base, 25 ' ""
tract.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
fig. 1- Location Mujj
The tract lies just east of the Concho River ami is
covered with native grasses and trees, primarily
pecan, oak, cedar, mesquitc, anil elm. I ho area
has great scenic appeal.
San Angeio became a cattle and sheep ranching
center in the 1870s. Today it is the larges! wool
market in the United States, 'lo sirenmhen its
tourist market, the city has created a river walk
on the Concho River and a restoration district ol
picturesque buildings from frontier days.
San Angeio is also known for Concho River
nMtls the only freshwater pearls in the world
colored pink to purple. Diversified industries
include oil field equipment, plastics, medical sup
plies, jet aircraft, and a military base.
Physical Data
* has not officially closed the zฑ
bv\t has budgeted no funds for its opermrr snac
November 1987, when fish hatc'-srr xeczm*
ปvu\ovl. At the time of this writir.z 77*3 sal
the leased and reverted prrperaa ~
and support activities. This ss
Ito continue.
Utilization Data
"Mil OPED
AMoUA/r DEVELOPED
UNni WLQPED
U IN T UNDEVELOPED.
'3.2 sera
elevation
SLOPE
SOILS
FLOODPLAIN
PREVAILING wind .
drainage
1,800- 1,01)0 It. innl
.Level to uontly uloplnu
Rlsconcho (>i kJ Spur
No/hi
SW
Inln tlvor
1 Wl) operates the 3.91 acres reir.fcr~ir -
',vv'>"MMhip as a wildlife and fisher^ rscna!
hem|,j,utcvs
11,0 ซ U <) appraiser found the higras: ex.:
,U| 'he subject property is a ฃsi
hum ซ* |n small but developing rsres 3*
mlปซซ iiliui ปl operations in the privet sescrir
w I ho existing facilities are suitec.
ol operational changes sinct ฎ"
P"hmi|, however, GLO analysts fisctsa*
it *ป',,ml ,,cst use of Parcel C (stฃ oraai3f
is commercial.
/Ml
-------
Parcel C's only building is a Game Office. Site
improvements include paved road, fence,
sidewalks, and flagpole. There are no known
restrictions on the tract. It has good highway
access and visibility to traffic from the nearby Air
Force base. Its current density of development
(FAR .004) reaches only to residential level, and
a more intense use is indicated.
The present and future utilization of this facility
by TP WD is unclear. Until it is determined, com-
Improvements/Utllltles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
FLOOR -TO - AREA- RATIO 1:.004
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,510 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 23%
RECONSTRUCTION 5309,338
WATER City
SEWER Septic system
GAS Lone Star Gas Company
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $159,775
BUILDINGS. $198,213
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $363,600
MARKET VALUE $721,588
APPRAISAL DATE. July 1, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery/
Commercial
mercial potential of the remaining state-owned
land cannot be evaluated or a recommendation
for alternate use considered.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject tract and determine future agency plans
for its utilization.
0
PONDS
SITE BOUNDARY
PARCEL C
PARCEL B
CONCHO RIVER /
CHADBOURNE ST.
(FM37S)
TO
FM 12Z3
S>
ฃ7
U
Fig. 2 - Parcel and Site Map
251
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
WALTER BUCK WMA - SOUTH LLANO
RIVER STATE PARK
LOCATION - The Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area
and South Llano River State Park tract is located on US 377,
three miles southwest of Junction, Kimble County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,640.8 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 92, p. 592,
and Volume 99, p. 82, Kimble County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The late Walter Buck gave the Walter Buck
WMA - South Llano River SP tract to TP WD in
1977 to be used as a park for conservation. Both
the Parks and the Wildlife Divisions of TP WD
manage the area. The section along the South
Llano River (Parcel A) is being developed as a
state park. The remainder (Parcel B) is a wildlife
management area for study and development of
conservation techniques. It is also available for
limited public use.
The subject property lies along the edge of the
Balcones Escarpment. Approximately 2,100
acres are undeveloped Texas Hill Country in an
area of limestone hills with dense stands of
juniper and Spanish oak punctuated by canyons.
Elm and live oak trees grow along the many
spring-fed streams. The remaining 540.8 acres
are principally river bottom and pasture.
Parcel A (508 acres), designated as South Llano
River State Park, includes all of the river bottom
and 1.17 miles of river and is about 25% low,
stony hillsides. The former ranch headquarters
improvements and two operating water wells are
General Data
SIZE. 2,640.8 acres
COUNTY Kimble
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/67
TORP REGION. 10
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
located on this parcel, which slopes north and
then east toward the river.
253
-------
TO EL PASO
JUNCTION
IH 10
PARK
ROAD
73
TO SAN ANTONIO
SOUTH LLANO RIVER
STATE PARK/WALTER BUCK WMA
TO
DEL RIO
Fig. 1 - Location
Approximately 75 % to 80% of Parcel A is subject
to floods, with a flooding frequency rate of once
in two-to-five years. The latest flood (1985) sent
water 15 feet above the park road bridge. Flood-
Physlcal Data
ELEVATION 1,700 ft. - 2,142 ft msl
SLOPE 0% - 20%
SOILS OakaJla, NuvaJde, Tarrant
FLOODPLAIN... 75% - 80% of the norm 508 acres
PREVAILING WIND SW, N
DRAINAGE Into South Uano River
ing is rapid and recedes within 24 to 36 hours.
Parcel B (2,132.8 acres) is being developed as
Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area. It com-
Utlllzation Data
DEVELOPED. 18%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 475.34 acres
UNDEVELOPED 82%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 2,165.46 acres
BUILDABLE AREA. 75 acres
prises all the rougher hill land and drains north
towards the western part of the park. Because of
sparse vegetation, some areas of severe erosion
have developed along the steeper slopes. The
parcel contains one water well and one producing
natural gas well, which is used for domestic pur-
poses.
On both parcels, vegetation includes Texas
winter grass, buffalo grass, side oats grama,
254
-------
Canada wildrye, pecan, hackberry, live oak, and
Spanish oak. An endangered plant species, the
Tobusch fishhook cactus, is found on the upland
portion.
The entire property has a well-established, stable
white-tailed deer and javelina population with
some feral Spanish goats and free-ranging axis
and sika deer. Wild turkey are seasonally abun-
dant. The area is a nesting site of the black-
capped vireo, an endangered bird species.
Access is via US 377, the main highway between
Junction and Del Rio, to Park Road 73. There are
13.5 miles of rock roads on the property and
several dirt trails which are impassable during
flood periods. IH 10 (US 290), the main link
between San Antonio and El Paso, passes
through Junction three miles north of the pro-
perty.
Principal businesses in sparsely populated
Kimble County are livestock, wool, mohair,
ROAD CLOSED
I EMERGEKCr use OH LI
TO JUNCTION
OUTH LLANO RT
ilTE ( UNOEVILOl
'V
OLD WELL
SITE
CHECK
AREA
ENS
MSTuซC HOD
MT(*IO* FENCt
hunt areas
AREA
AREA
Fig. 2 - Site
255
-------
tourism, hunting, and fishing. It is one of the
leading deer-hunting counties in the state.
Acreage surrounding the subject property is
predominately ranchland with hunting leases.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Ten and four-tenths acres were purchased in
1981 from a private owner to fill in a small gap in
Mr. Buck's original gift. TPWD is developing the
site as a dual facility, offering state park as well as
wildlife management activities. At this time, Par-
cel A (South Llano River State Park) is closed to
the public. A master plan for this fenced parcel
calls for 54 multi-use campsites, headquarters
building, and picnic spots along the river.
Recreational fishing will be permitted.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 11
AREA OF BUILDINGS 12,166 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 21%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $215,495
WATER Wells
SEWER Septic
GAS On-site well
ELECTRICITY Kimble County Electric
The original ranch house will be converted into
an interpretive center. A typical Texas Hill
Country ranch livestock exhibit and museum of
old-time ranch equipment will be maintained in
the headquarters area.
The eastern part of the park will be preserved in
a natural condition as critical roosting habitat for
wild turkeys. The pecan grove along the river is
recognized as an historically important winter
roosting site of the Rio Grande turkey.
Due to flooding and erosion, use of the park road
and picnic areas in the pecan grove would be
restricted during the heavy rain season.
Parcel B (Walter Buck Wildlife Management
Area) will be developed to maintain healthy na-
tive wildlife habitats and populations while
providing hunting to the general public.
Ranchers will be able to receive instruction in
successful cultivation of both wild and domestic
animak on their own land.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,637,296
BUILDINGS. $171,077
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $283,927
MARKET VALUE $2,092,300
APPRAISAL DATE. May 22, 1987
HIGHEST & BEST USE Wildlife habitat,
recreation
Caliche roads will access deer blinds and biologi-
cal research projects. The proposed hunting
schedule is for 1,200 to 1,300 days of public hunt-
ing, with archery and gun hunting for deer and
turkey hunts in the spring. TPWD projects
revenue from these hunts at approximately
$10,000 per year.
Buildings on the property include headquarters,
two sheds, residence, three barns, two cabins,
maintenance shop, and deer check station. Site
improvements include roads and trails, fences,
water system, telephone system, storage build-
ings, cistern stand, deer stand, box blind, bird
traps, and two concrete water storage reservoirs.
A reversion clause in the deed would return the
property to the donor's heirs should it ever cease
to be used for wildlife conservation and park
purposes.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
coincides with the planned development of this
property by TPWD. Restrictive covenants on the
deed preclude other use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
256
-------
Region 11
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 11 (HEART OF TEXAS)
HILL
BOSQUE
MEXIA
FREESTONE
us (4
MCLENNAN
4
\ LIMESTONE
WACO
IH 35
Xi
FALLS
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE
HISTORIC PARK
2. FORT PARKER STATE RECREATION AREA
3. MERIDIAN STATE RECREATION AREA
4. OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE
5. WACO REGIONAL OFFICE
258
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 11 (HEART OF TEXAS) covers 5,577 square miles in the Waco area of north central Texas.
ECONOMY - Region 11 was affected by the real estate recession but is now seeing improvements.
The area is expected to recover slowly at first, but, as part of the IH 35 central corridor, it will see
13% population growth and 2.4% non-agricultural job growth per year during the next decade. This
recovery will be spurred by business, health services, transportation, and trade.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres/
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
6
1
288,884
52
165
GEOGRAPHY - Composed of blacklands, Cross Timbers, and prairies, Region 11 has an historical
base in agribusiness and ranching. It is close to the state median in population for TORP regions, with
concentration occurring around the Waco area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
182
47,663
500-999
14th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Six TP WD facilities are listed among the TORP's ten major
attractions and resources in this region. Approximately 15% of the resources in Region 11 is
considered developed recreational land. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers provides recreational
opportunities at 23 different parks on Lake Whitney and Waco Lake. "Die Corps manages the largest
share of total parkland acres (51 %), followed by TP WD with 27%. Waco Lake is the third most visited
Corps lake in Texas.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
7
5
2,075
$4,783,278
3% 14%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest needs by 1995 for recreational facilities in
Region 11 will be for trails, athletic fields, campsites, and playground facilities of all types. In this
region, typical TP WD amenities such as campsites (ranked 3rd) and hiking trails (ranked 4th) are
relatively high priority needs.
259
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
i
i
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE
HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION - Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic
Park (SHP) is located on the southwest comer of the inter-
section of FM 1633 and FM 2705, six miles southwest of
Mexia, Limestone County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 74.05acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 711, p. 866, Lime-
stone County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic
Park was the site of Confederate Army reunions
from 1889 to 1946. Twenty-four years after the
end of the Civil War, southern veterans began to
meet on the site to show a sense of brotherhood,
to perpetuate the memory of fallen comrades,
and to aid the disabled and indigent survivors of
those who died in combat.
Reunions and annual gatherings continued for 57
years, in peak times attracting over 5,000 people
from across the state. For inhabitants of Lime-
stone and Freestone Counties, the Reunion
Grounds became the natural place to picnic, hold
family gatherings, and schedule civic events.
Principally covered with native grasses and scat-
tered Live oak, post oak, blackjack, and elm trees,
General Data
SIZE 74.05 acres
COUNTY Limestone
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 9/12
TORP REGION. 11
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
the SHP is subject to frequent flooding. The tract
drains from east to west into the Navasota River
261
-------
CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS
STATE HISTORIC PARK
SITE
5 MEXIA
FM
2705
US
SH 14
FM
1245
FM
1633
SH 164
GROESBECK
SH 14
Fig. 1 - Location
and Jacks Creek. Erosion is limited to the river-
bed. White-tailed deer, gray fox, cottontail rab-
bits, and gray squirrels inhabit the area
Access is via FM 2705, which connects with SH
14 (two miles east), joining it at a point about five
miles south of Mexia and about 20 miles south of
IH 45, principal route between Dallas (100 miles
north) and Houston (163 miles south). Interior
rock roads are well maintained.
The irregularly shaped tract is rural, surrounded
by beef-producing rangeland and open cropland.
The Navasota River and Jacks Creek border it on
the north-northwest.
Mexia, six miles northeast of the site, is the largest
town in Limestone County and has a population
of 7,121. As an agribusiness center, Mexia is
noted for its fine peaches, wholesale grocery dis-
tribution, food processing, and varied manufac-
turing plants.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the property as a day-use state
historic park, offering picnicking, playground,
swimming, hiking, and historic interpretation.
Historic buildings include the 1872 Heritage
Physical Data
ELEVATION 430-470 ft msl
SLOPE 7% -3%
SOILS. Tabor, Axtell, Gowen
FLOODPLAIN West portion
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE. Into river and creek
House, 1893 dance pavilion and two-story log
cabin where the Reverend Mordecai Yell, a cir-
cuit-riding Methodist preacher, once lived. An
262
-------
entry booth, pump station, pavilion, comfort sta-
tion, and metal shelter are also situated on the
property.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 36.46%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 27 acres
UNDEVELOPED 63.54%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 47.05 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 29,942
Site improvements include water system, fenc-
ing, six flagpoles, 30 picnic sites, trail with two
steel bridges, roads and parking areas, and Civil
War cannon used at the Battle of Val Verde.
Forty-seven acres (63.5%) are undeveloped; 27
acres (36.5%) are developed and include park
facilities and roads.
Joseph E. Johnston Camp No. 94, Confederate
States Army, wanting to preserve a by-gone era
of Texas history, gave the property to the state in
1983. There are no deed restrictions or zoning
regulations on the property. An Amoco
petroleum pipeline crosses the northeast corner
of the property near the entrance booth.
TP WD plans to continue using the property as a
state historic site. GLO appraisers find that in
view of the unique history of the site, the highest
and best use is the present use.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 6.389 sq. ft.
WATER Whlterock Water Supply Co-op.
SEWER Septic
ELECTRICITY. Southwestern Electric
Service Co.
NAVASOTA RIVER
P-PICNIC AREA
G-DAY USE AREA
R-REST ROOM
X-PLAYGROUND
HIKING TRAIL
FM 2705
1. LOW-WATER DAM
Z FOOTBRIDGE
3. VAL VERDE CANNON
4. PICNIC PAVILION
5. HERITAGE HOUSE
6. YELL HOUSE
FM 1633
Fig. 2 Site Map
263
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $59,240
BUILDINGS $17,215
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $123,580
MARKET VALUE $200,035
APPRAISAL DATE April 30, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
264
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT PARKER STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Fort Parker State Recreation Area (SUA) is
located off SH 14, six miles southeast of Mcda, Limestone
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,458.78 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 238, p. 553;
Volume 242, pp. 165 and 169; Volume 247, p. 180, and
Volume 251, p. 164, Limestone County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fort Parker State Recreation Area borders 750-
acre Springfield Lake, an impoundment of the
Navasota River, in an area of rich blackland
prairies and abundant timber. The SRA takes its
name from nearby Old Fort Parker State Historic
Site, where a replica of the original 1834 stockade
is displayed.
This irregularly shaped tract is situated in the
gently rolling Post Oak Savanna biotic region,
with its post oak, blackjack, ash, beech, elm, and
native grasses. The SRA provides habitat for
white-tailed deer, gray fox, cottontail rabbits, and
gray squirrels. Many varieties of birds such as
barred owls, eastern phoebes, and belted
kingfishers remain year-round. Ospreys, yellow-
billed cuckoos, and summer tanagers are some of
the migrating species identified in the SRA.
For descriptive purposes, the tract has been par-
titioned into five parcels.
General Data
SIZE 1,458.78
COUNTY. Umestone
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 9/12
TORP REGION 11
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Parcel A (225 acres) contains the developed sec-
tion of the SRA, including recreational facilities,
nature area, and internal park road covering nine
acres.
265
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
FORT PARKER
STATE RECREATION AREA
US HWY 84
TO
WACO
MEXIA
SH 14
SITE
1245
SH 164
TO
WACO
GROESBECK
Parcel B (110 acres), is north of Parcel A border-
ing the east bank of the Navasota River, is fre-
Physical Data
ELEVATION 415-510 feet msl
SLOPE 1% -20%
SOILS Fine sandy loams
FLOODPLAIN 100-year In Parcels B and C
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE SE Into lake and Navasota River
quently flooded. Access is by gravel extension of
Park Road 28. A portion of this parcel is used
informally as a primitive camp by the Boy Scouts
of America.
Parcel C (128 acres) is on the west bank of the
river and lies within the 100-year floodplain. No
public access exists.
Parcel D (245 acres), referred to as the south
woods, is undeveloped and contains rolling oak
woodland and steep slopes on the south shoreline
of the lake. The area has stony soils with slopes
up to 10%. Access to public roads is limited.
Parcel E (750 acres) is entirely covered by
Springfield Lake.
Access to the park is via SH 14, with Park Road
28 leading internally to the developed area. SH
14 intersects US 84 at Mexia and IH 45 ap-
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 76.82%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1,120 acres
UNDEVELOPED 23.18%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 338 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 155,509
266
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 29
AREA OF BUILDINGS 23,011 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $811,679
WATER White Rock Water Supply
SEWER Septic systems
GAS Lone Star Gas Company
ELECTRICITY Southwest Electrical Company
proximately 40 miles north of Mexia, providing
access to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, 90 .
miles north.
Adjoining land use is predominantly agricultural,
with some rural ranchettes and recently
developed subdivisions. The county seat, Groes-
beck, is five miles south of the SRA. Both Groes-
beck and Mexia host livestock markets; other
income is from wholesale grocery distribution,
food processing, and varied manufacturing. The
population of limestone County is 21,300.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the property as an SRA, offering
camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, birdwatch-
ing, photography, boating, and waterskiing.
Springfield Lake is known for its excellent cat-
fish, crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish.
Use of the lake is limited because of lack of depth
due to silting and no access to 66% of the
shoreline along the south and west For safety,
boating and waterskiing are confined to the chan-
nel area of the river and an area of the lake just
north of the dam.
MAIN ROADS
PARK BOUNDARIES
HIKING TRAILS
m
CABINS
CAMPING
E
PICNIC AREA
FORT PARKER
STATE RECREATION AREA
SPRINGFIELD
CEMETERY
SH 14
IB
SPRINGFIELD \j
LAKE
PARCEL B
PARK ROAD 28
PARCEL
K
SH 14
NAVASOTA
RTVER
Fig. 2 Site
267
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,057,616
BUILDINGS $692,522
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,161,930
MARKET VALUE $2,912,068
APPRAISAL DATE December 19, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Buildings include four dormitories accommodat-
ing 95 beds, staff building, meeting/recreation
ball, mess hall with kitchen, two modern rest
rooms, office/headquarters, activity center, brick
pavilion, and 11 shelters. Site improvements in-
clude utility systems, roads and parking, dam,
docks, and picnic tables.
Hiree private citizens and the Gty of Mexia
donated the land in 1935 and 1936, limiting the
gift to park purposes. The Civilian Conservation
Corps built the lake in the same decade by dam-
ming the Navasota. TP WD plans to continue
present vise of the property.
Three pipeline easements are located along the
perimeter of the recreational area but do not
inhibit alternate use possibilities. The subject
property is classified agricultural by the Lime-
stone County Appraisal District
GLO appraisers find that, since the property is
protected by reversion clauses in the deeds, the
present use is the highest and best use. If deed
restrictions did not exist, Parcel A would be ideal
for a rural ranchette subdivision.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
268
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MERIDIAN STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Meridian State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on SH 22, approximately two miles west of Meridian,
Bosque County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 502.37 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 123, p. 360,
and Volume 119, p. 446, Bosque County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Meridian State Recreation Area is one of two
TPWD properties which preserve a sample of the
Lampasas Cut plain, which resembles the Ed-
wards Escarpment farther to the west Quiet and
out-of-the-way, the tract is set on the beautifully
wooded eastern edge of the Cross Timbers and
Prairies of North Central Texas. A dam con-
structed on Bee Creek in the early 1930s by the
Civilian Conservation Corps forms the 70-acre
Meridian Lake.
The SRA shelters an interesting mixture of east-
ern and western plants and animals. Vegetation
includes heavily wooded acres of Ashe juniper,
post oak, live oak, white shin oak, and blackjack
oak, as well as prickly pear, pale leaf yucca, and
mountain laurel.
Raccoons, foxes, armadillos, and white-tailed
deer are common. The most famous of Meri-
dian's birds is the rare golden-cheeked warbler,
a threatened species which nests nowhere in the
world but the Edwards Plateau and Bosque
County. The black-capped vireo, another en-
General Data
SIZE 502.37 acres
COUNTY. Bosque
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 22/57
TORP REGION. 11
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
dangered species, and several other unusual birds
are found in the SRA.
Access to the SRA is via SH 22, leading three
miles east to Meridian and continuing east for an
269
-------
MERIDIAN
STATE RECREATION AREA
SH 174
SH 6
SH
SITE
MERIDIAN
FM 1473
SH 22
FM 219
CLIFTON
Fig. 1 - Location
additional 37 miles to Hillsboro, where IH 35
provides a link to major cities. State Highway 6,
two miles east of the tract, leads south 45 miles
to Waco. The park has 8,600 feet of frontage on
SH 22 and 9,000 feet of frontage on FM 1473.
The surrounding property is used as low stocking
capacity rangeland offering beef, sheep, and goat
Physical Data
ELEVATION 500 -1,200 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-40%
SOILS Eckrant-Brackett-Cranfill
Denton-Purves, Tarrant-Denton
Purves-Maloterre
FLOODPLAJN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE S
production. Deer, turkey, dove, and quail hunting
leases also provide local income.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state recreation area
offering camping, picnicking, playground, canoe-
ing, paddle-boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, a
five-mile scenic drive, and nature study.
Buildings located on the tract include two resi-
dences, clubhouse, office, storage building, entry
booth, concession building, rest room, and 18
screened shelters.
Site improvements include three playgrounds,
pavilion, water, electricity, sewer, gas, and tele-
phone systems, a dirt-fill dam, two rock water
fountains, four hiking trails, 15 trailer sites, 14
picnic sites, fencing, cattle guards, a boat ramp,
grills, flagpole, and entranceways.
270
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 26
AREA 12,348 sq.ft.
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $339,810
WATER Mustang Valley Water Co-op.
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Erath County Co-op.
Bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bream are
common in the lake. It is also known for its fresh-
water trout, which TPWD restocks every Decem-
ber. Trotlines and water-skiing are prohibited on
the lake.
Meridian SRA is part of TPWD's natural
heritage preserve program and serves as a wild-
life refuge. The site's topography, natural re-
sources, and endangered species habitat qualify
it for the federally funded Resource Conserva-
tion and Development Program. TPWD and the
USDA Soil Conservation Service share the costs
for maintaining the SRA as a protected state
natural resource.
No deed restrictions or encumbrances affect the
disposition or marketability of the property. The
tract is composed of rural rangelands outside of
any jurisdiction which controls development
Market data in the GLO appraisal report indicate
a depressed economic climate due to limited
agribusiness and low population growth in the
area. The land's inferior quality and low agricul-
tural productivity limit alternatives to turkey,
dove, quail, and deer hunting.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 6%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 3.25 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.4%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 499.12 acres
VISITATION (FY '85) 172,775
FM 1475
PARK
ROAD
TO
MERIDIAN
MAIN ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
A TRAILER CAMPING
& MULTI-USE CAMPSITES
TO
HAMILTON
Fig. 2 Site
271
-------
ues
$665,640
$268,992
$373,000
$1,307,632
October 23, 1986
Recreation
TP WD plan* .ue using the site as a state
recreation area. , of the agency's goals is to
protect wildlife resources, especially the habitat
of the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped
vireo. Income from user fees more than supports
present use.
In light of limited market alternatives, compara-
tively low land productivity, and the area's
ecological significance, GLO appraisers have
determined that present use is also the highest
and best use for the subject site. Recreation and
conservation represent a full program of utiliza-
tion.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
272
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Old Fort Parker State Historic Site (SHS) is
located on Park Road 35, one mile west ofSH 14 and four
miles north of Groesbeck, Limestone County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 37.51 acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 246, pp. 212 and
215, Limestone County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Old Fort Parker State Historic Site is the former
setting of Parker's Fort, built in 1833 by an Illinois
family who came to Mexican Tfexas to establish a
colony of Predestinational Baptists. Here, in
1836, a band of Comanche and Kiowa kidnapped
nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker, who later be-
came the wife of Chief Peta Nocona and mother
of the famous Comanche chief, Quanah Parker.
A reconstruction of a typical 18th-19th century
American fort occupies the property today. Fort
Parker State Recreation Area is two miles north-
east
The tract consists of two parcels totaling 37.51
acres.
Parcel A (11.13 acres) is a secluded, pan-
handle-shaped parcel enclosed by post oak,
blackjack, ash, beech, and elm trees. The
fort building stands on Parcel A.
Parcel B (2638 acres) is a narrow strip of
land mnning approximately one mile along
Park Road 35 (maintained by the Texas
Department of Highways and Public
Transportation) and connecting the fort to
SH 14. The strip is attractively lined with
native timber.
Iferrain within the fort consists of open pas-
tureland with native grasses. Cottontail rabbits,
General Data
SIZE. 37.51 acres
COUNTY Limestone
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 9112
TORP REGION. 11
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
273
-------
OLD FORT PARKER
STATE HISTORIC SITE
SITE
MEHA
PORT PARKER
SRA
vTO
X^WAOO
SH14
Fig. 1 - Site
gray squirrels, and white-tailed deer are common major portion of surrounding land is agricul-
to this area. tural.
Groesbeck, the county seat, has a population of
Physical Data 3,847 and is supported by livestock marketing,
fiber material production, and food processing
ELEVATION 506 ft. msl businesses.
SLOPE Flat
SOILS Fine, sandy loams PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE except N In winter -jpwj) the reconstructed fort as an
DRAINAGE SE into creeks flowing into example of a typical Republic of Haas frontier
Navasota River
Access is via Park Road 35, west from SH 14, the
main route between Groesbeck and Mexia. SH
14 going north leads into IH 45, providing access
to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, 90 miles
away. Waco is 40 miles west of Groesbeck via SH
164.
Fort Parker Estates, a residential subdivision,
adjoins the property along Park Road 35, but the
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 37.51 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 11.13 acres
VISITATION OFY '85) 51,351
274
-------
I m provements/Utll ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3 (not counting fort)
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,349 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $27,554
WATER Well and rural system
SEWER Septic system
ELECTRICITY Rural co-operative
fortification. Visitors can picnic, explore the log
cabins, and climb the blockhouses. Interpreta-
tion focuses on hostile relations between Indians
and early Tfexas settlers. Camping and water
sports are available at nearby Fort Parker State
Recreation Area, where the Navasota River has
been dammed to create Springfield Lake.
The fort replica, originally built in 1936 for the
Ifexas Centennial celebration, was reconstructed
in 1967 from cedar logs cut at Buescher State
Park in Bastrop County. In addition to the fort,
buildings include ranger's residence, garage, and
storage building. The appraiser placed no
monetary value on the reconstructed fort or the
road. Site improvements include entry with flag
pole, sewage and water systems, propane tank,
and picnic facilities.
TP WD plans to continue using the property as a
state historic site. Although there are no zoning
regulations, a water line easement crosses the
property. The deed limits use of the property to
park purposes; therefore, GLO identifies highest
and best use as recreation. If there were no deed
restriction, GLO appraisers would consider the
OLD FORT PARKER
STA IE HISTORIC SITE
PARK ROAD
TO
SH 14
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
PARCEL B
El CABINS
SHOOTING BENCH
BLOCKHOUSES
STOCK
CORRAL
PARCEL A
Fig. 2 - Site
275
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $22,260
BUILDINGS $22,579
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $14,940
MARKET VALUE $59,779
APPRAISAL DATE March 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
highest and best use of the property as homesites
and recreation.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
276
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
WACO REGIONAL OFFICE
LOCATION - Waco Regional Office is located at the
junction of IH 35 and FM 2417 in Waco, McLennan
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2.46 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 1,062,
p. 777, McLennan County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property, once part of the old James
Connally Air Force Base, was transferred to
TP WD from Texas State Technological Institute
(TST1) by the 61st Texas Legislature. In 1972,
TPWD constructed an office and warehouse on
the site. Within the northern city limits of Waco,
the irregularly shaped tract abuts the residential
suburbs of Lacy Lakeview and Northcrest.
Vegetation consists of native bunch grasses.
TSTI provides educational and specialized train-
ing for technical careers. The Institute utilizes
western portions of the former base (immedi-
ately south of the subject property) for student
and public housing. The area retains its military
appearance from the World War II era.
Commercial strip and vehicular-oriented con-
venience development occurs at major intersec-
tions along IH 35, FM 2417, and other major
arterials.
Access is from FM 2417 via a 30-foot easement
(a joint access road), which crosses property held
General Data
SIZE. 2.46 acres
COUNTY McLennan
MUNICIPALITY Waco
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 9/56
TORP REGION. 11
TPWD JURISDICTION Various
by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
FM 2417 crosses IH 35, principal route between
277
-------
WACO
REGIONAL OFFICE
TO DALLAS
MCLENNAN
COUNTY v
SITE
\ WACO
IH IS
STIE
LACY LAXEVIBW
NORTH CREST
FM 2417
H IS
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Austin and Dallas, on the property's northwest
corner, providing excellent visibility. No direct
access to the subject property from IH 35 is pos-
sible because of a MKT RR right-of-way. Access
from FM 2417 as it goes under the railroad is
prevented by steep embankments.
McLennan County is a leading distribution cen-
ter for central Texas. The Waco economy is also
based on manufacturing, federal government
agencies, agribusiness, and education. In rural
areas, rich blackland soils produce cotton, sor-
ghums, wheat, com, and hay. Cattle, dairy, and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 498 -500 It msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Blacldand clay
FLOODPLASN None
PREVAILING WIND S-N
DRAINAGE City
turkey production are also significant economic
activities north and east of the site.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD uses the property as a regional office
facility housing the district chief and director, law
enforcement administration, biologist, fisheries
personnel, and staff environmentalist. Only 43%
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 43%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1 acre
UNDEVELOPED 57%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1.46 acres
of the site is developed, with an additional 10%
used as a storage facility.
The only buildings are a warehouse and office
building. Site improvements include paved street
and parking lot, sidewalks, fence, gas tank, and
gas pump.
278
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 6,754 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 06
DEPRECIATED 27%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $261,728
WATER City of Waco
SEWER City of Waco
OAS Lone Star Gas Company
ELECTRICITY Texas Power & Light Company
No deed restrictions or encumbrances exist that
would affect the disposition of the property or
future expansion by the state. The site is zoned
RIB, single family residential. Zoning does not
restrict or inhibit development for public use but
would not allow highest and best use (see below)
in the private sector.
TPWD plans to continue the present use of the
site as a regional office and warehouse. The
GLO appraiser has determined that this is the
property's highest and best use.
The deep cutback of the underpass, which limits
direct access to FM 2417 and requires an ease-
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $80,368
BUILDINGS. $196,995
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $26,401
MARKET VALUE $303,764
APPRAISAL DATE November 7,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Commercial
ment to gain access through the adjacent DPS
tract, is a major handicap to alternate use of the
property. The same easement likewise devalues
the adjacent 5.05-acre DPS tract.
Commercial use is feasible, however, if TPWD
and DPS tracts are combined. The total FAR of
this combined parcel is .1, which is typical of
MKT RAILROAD
SH 77
-MET RAILROAD
PM 2417
2417
TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OP
PUBLIC SAFETY
LACY LAKEVIEW
I WAREHOUSE
XFAXZINO
Fig. 2 Site Map
279
-------
small-scale office or commercial uses and similar
to the low suburban densities of the area's high-
way-oriented development. However, this FAR
lies at the lowest end of normal office or
warehouse scale, and a higher utilization of the
asset may be obtained through continued state
use.
Consolidated state agency use, such as a state
office complex, housing staff from several agen-
cies, shared warehouse facilities, or a shared
regional distribution center, would raise the FAR
to a more appropriate density. Availability of
railhead access, proximity to IH 35, and key loca-
tion contribute to making this a good site for a
distribution center.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations and that
the tract be considered, along with adjacent DPS
property, for an expanded multi-agency center if
demand is deemed sufficient by the State Pur-
chasing and General Services Commission.
280
-------
Region 12
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 12 (CAPITAL AREA)
BURNET
M JS
LLANO
WILLIAMSON \
TRAVIS
LEE
BLANCO
3
HAYS
#JK FAYETTE
BASTROP
CALDWELL'
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. A. E. WOOD FISH HATCHERY AND
ROBERT J. KEMP, JR., FISHERIES CENTER
2. AUSTIN TRAINING ACADEMY
3. BASTROP STATE PARK
4. BLANCO STATE RECREATION AREA
5. BUESCHER STATE PARK
6. INKS LAKE STATE PARK
7. LOCKHART STATE RECREATION AREA
8. LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK
9. McKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK AND TPWD
STATE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX
10. MONUMENT HILL AND KREISCHE BREWERY
STATE HISTORICAL SITES
11. PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK
282
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 12 (CAPITAL AREA) covers 8,473 square miles of south central Texas.
ECONOMY - Region 12 constitutes much of what is known as the IH 35 corridor. Having suffered
significantly from the real estate recession, it still shows little growth, due in part to lack of high tech
and defense spending. Still, the area is expected to recover in the next decade, during which a 1.3%
population growth and 2.4% non-agricultural job growth per annum are projected. Growth will be
led by high tech manufacturing and services, health services, and a rebounding construction and real
estate industry.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
10
2
869,625
103
60
GEOGRAPHY - Divided by the Balcones Fault, Region 12 is rich in scenic beauty, with the Edwards
Plateau to the west and the meeting of the Blacklands Prairie and Post Oak Savannah to the east. It
is significantly urban, being the fourth most populous TORP region of the state, with concentration
along IH 35 in the Austin and Killeen/Temple areas.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
495
52,126
>2,000
8th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Thirteen TP WD facilities are listed among the 21 major attrac-
tions and resources named by the TORP in Region 12. Approximately 17% of the resources in the
region is considered developed recreational land. Region 12 has 11 state parks, 12 lakeside parks, 25
public reservoirs, and several popular rivers. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is one of
the most significant attractions in the region.
No. of
TPWD
Facilities
Number
Evaluated
No. of TPWD
Acres
Evaluated
Value
of TPWD
Properties
TPWD Properties
as % of AU Parks
(.Number / Acres)
25
11
12,388
62,394,087
2% 124%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 12 will be for athletic facilities (swimming, soccer, and other sports) as well as multi-use trails.
Except for trails, none of these uses are typical TP WD amenities.
283
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Intentionally Blank Page
284
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
A. E. WOOD FISH HATCHERY AND
ROBERT J. KEMP, JR., FISHERIES CENTER
LOCATION - A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery and Robert J.
Kemp, Jr., Fisheries Center is located on SH 621
approximately .75 mile south of its intersection with IH 35,
in the southeastern quadrant of San Marcos, Hays County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 118.38 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 135,
pp. 414-416, Hays County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery and Robert J. Kemp,
Jr., Fisheries Center, formerly San Marcos Fish
Hatchery, reopened in the spring of 1989 after
being completely automated at a cost of $14 mil-
lion. TPWD officials believe that production
may quadruple at the innovative, state-of-the-art
facility.
In answer to an increasing need to supply fish for
freshwater recreational sportsmen, TPWD is ac-
celerating its continuing program of stocking fish
in greater numbers and species in public waters.
Leading the movement to supply larger numbers
of quality fish, the subject facility is the most
modern fish hatchery in the state. Based on
federal models, the computerized hatchery
produces fingerlings according to preprogram-
med procedures with minimal on-site personnel.
The hatchery is situated on the San Marcos River
in the City of San Marcos. Main industries in the
community are tourism, education, retirement,
General Data
SIZE. 118.38 acres
COUNTY Hays
MUNICIPALITY San Marcos
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 14/47
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
and manufacturing. The county is part of the
Austin Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.
285
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A.E. WOOD FISH HATCHERY AND
ROBERT J. KEMP, JR., FISHERIES CENTER
TO DALLAS A PORT WORTH
HAYS
COUNTY
SAN
MARCOS
ซ 15
SITE X
(SAN MARCOS) \
V X
SITE
SH 123
.ฆ-SAN ANTONIO
SAN MARCOS RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Access is via SH 621, which joins IH 35 (principal
route between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
and San Antonio) .75 mile west of the property.
Austin is 35 miles north of San Marcos, and San
Antonio is approximately 40 miles south.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 570ftmsl
SLOPE 1%-3%
SOILS Houston Black Clay
FLOODPLAIN East end
PREVAILING WIND S-SE
DRAINAGE Into San Marcos River
Residential developments, public schools, and
commercial property adjoin the hatchery to the
north and west, with vacant land to the east and
south.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the facility as a fish hatchery and
research station. Renovation of the hatchery was
accomplished in two phases and included enhan-
cement of the existing reservoir, modernization
of the ponds, restructuring of the water supply
system, and construction of a new hatchery build-
ing and oxygen generation system.
At the time of the renovation, the total facility
reverted to its original name, A. E. Wood State
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 83%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 98.38 acres
UNDEVELOPED 17%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 20 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 98.38 acres
286
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Fish Hatchery, which it was given when it first
opened in 1949.
The constant-temperature San Marcos River (70
to 75 degrees year-round) feeds the hatchery
operation. Its excellent water quality is ideal for
fisheries use. Local ecology was considered in
designing the renovations, with site-sensitive at-
Improvements/Utllltles
WATER City of San Marcos
SEWER City of San Marcos
GAS Erttex
ELECTRICITY San Marcos Elect. Co.
tention to the water intake area. An on-site
wastewater treatment plant protects the water
quality of the San Marcos River from negative
impacts due to fishery discharge.
The 52,000-square-foot culture building consists
of a basement and ground floor, which houses
most of the intensive fish production facilities,
and a research laboratory. TTiis building is named
the Robert J. Kemp, Jr., Fisheries Center in
memory of the late Robert J. Kemp, Jr., Director
of TPWD Fisheries Division for over 20 years.
Fish are spawned and raised in eight indoor
raceways, each of which can hold as many as
24,000 eight-inch trout. Indoor facilities enable
activity to continue year-round. The raceways
have oxygen injection systems that allow them to
accommodate large numbers of fish in small
areas.
Temperature and lighting are manipulated to in-
duce more spawning cycles per year. Three mil-
lion largemouth bass, three million striped bass,
one million smallmouth bass, two million catfish,
and 150,000 rainbow trout will be produced an-
nually, as well as other species including the en-
dangered paddlefish.
CUD PONDS
SITE BOUNDARY
#f:;" I
ฆ SAN MARCOS
RIVER
ROBERT J. KEMP
FISHERIES CENTER
Fig. 2 - Site Map
287
-------
Fish are transferred via pipes from raceways to
holding areas to trucks for distribution. Holding
tanks are equipped with automatic feeders,
oxygen diffusers, a water re-use system, and sys-
tems monitoring equipment. These mechanical
systems all reduce need for manpower.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,959,520
APPRAISAL DATE April 15,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
Laboratory areas can handle a variety of research
activities, including genetic research and DNA
analysis. All climate controls will eventually be
controlled from a central computer room.
The hatchery's outdoor rearing ponds and reser-
voir occupy most of the remainder of the site.
These facilities are lined with special plastic to
prevent seepage and reduce maintenance.
Buildings include main culture building (Kemp
Fisheries Center), oxygen generation building,
and small mechanical/electrical building near the
riverwater intake area.
Site improvements include 45 one-acre rearing
ponds, a 9,4-acre reservoir, five .25-acre research
ponds, two wastewater treatment ponds, water
system, parking, roads, and perimeter fencing.
Land for the fishery was purchased from private
owners in 1946. Construction of 92 ponds was
completed in 1949. In 1954,70 acres were sold to
the San Marcos Independent School District be-
cause of legislative mandate. No deed restric-
tions affect disposition of the tract, which is zoned
PD (predevelopment). Topical utility and flood
level easements are in place.
TP WD plans to operate the new, fully-automated
facility as a state fish hatchery and research cen-
ter, and GLO appraisers agree that this is its
highest and best use. TP WD has further plans to
replace two residences removed in the renova-
tion project.
Because this facility was built after the date of
appraisal, no market value for buildings and im-
provements has been provided.
Considering the amount of money invested, im-
portance of the new technology, and the public's
need for good recreational fishing, GLO makes
no recommendation for alternate use of this
property.
GLO RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife retain the subject
property for agency operations.
288
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
AUSTIN TRAINING ACADEMY
LOCATION - Austin Training Academy is located at 100
East 50th Street, halfway between IH 35 and Mopac Ex-
pressway, approximately three miles north of the State Capitol
Building, in the Gty of Austin, Travis County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION -The tract covers 6.66 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 3333, p. 1121, Travis
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated in an older, urbanized area of north-
central Austin, this property is easily accessible
and attractive for high-intensity state use. The
property was acquired by TP WD from the Texas
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retar-
dation in 1967 in accordance with the provisions
of House Bill 732,60th Legislative Session.
Approximately two acres of the tract's western
edge along Waller Creek fall within the
floodplain; about 1.5 acres are within the 100-
year floodplain and about 5 acre is within the
500-year floodplain, including a portion of the
paridng lot Approximately 45% of the tract is
developed; most is parking as indicated by a low
FAR of .05.
The site is on the eastern edge of a section of
Austin occupied by the Winters Human Services
Complex and by the University of Texas in-
tramural sports and tennis complex. The site is
bounded on the west by Waller Creek, beyond
which and to the south lies the TJT land. A state
General Data
SIZE. 6.66 acres
COUNTY Travis
MUNICIPALITY Austin
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 14/49
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Law Enforcement
cemetery used by the Austin State Hospital is
across 51st Street from the Academy. The
Human Services complex includes Austin State
Hospital, Texas Department of Mental Health
and Mental Retardation Headquarters, Texas
289
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Fig. 1 - Location
AUSTIN TRAINING ACADEMY
SITE
TRAVIS COUNTY
Austin
SAN ANTONIO
EOENK3
fLANB
LAMAR
~ BLVa
(i_fiUADALUFE ST.
School for the Blind, and Department of Human
Resources Headquarters.
The eastern border of the academy marks the
beginning of an established single-family and
duplex neighborhood. Housing in this area is
older, and rental property is mixed with owner-
occupied units. The site lies in the Hyde Park
Neighborhood Association area and within the
boundaries of Austinplan Sector 1.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 630-650ftmsJ
SLOPE 1%-10%
SOILS Houston Black
FLOODPLAIN 1.5 acres In 100-year and
S acres In 500-year flood plain
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Waller Creek
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 22%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 1.46 acres
UNDEVELOPED 78%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED S.20 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 3.20 acres
Primary access is via the western terminu s of East
50th Street off Rowena Avenue. Most traffic to
the academy enters through the residential
neighborhood adjacent to the site. A secondary
access point is on East 51st Street, a collector
which runs from the academy east to IH 35.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD uses the tract primarily as a training
facility for prospective TP WD game wardens.
Trainees are housed on site in the two-stoiy dor-
mitory/warehouse building which accommodates
39 trainees. Classrooms and administrative of-
290
-------
flees are housed in a one-story building. Physical storage, is on another 1.5 acres on the northern
training is provided at an outdoor obstacle course end of the tract Other site improvements in-
on a 1.5-acre field at the southern end of the tract elude parking, fuel station, outdoor lighting, and
A vacant parking lot, formerly used for vehicle security fencing.
In 1985, the Texas State Legislature assigned
control over future use of the northern 2.4 acres
of the academy tract to the State Purchasing and
General Services Commission (SPGSC) through
HB 1300. This legislation authorized SPGSC to
sell another tract of land, using the proceeds to
construct a state warehouse on die academy land.
While ownership of the entire 6.66-acre tract
remains with TP WD, the two agencies entered
into a formal transfer of jurisdiction agreement
in compliance with HB 1300 on December 16,
1987. SPGSC now exercises physical control
over the 2.4-acre parcel. State Purchasing and
General Services Commission has not finalized
TO m 35
UNDER CONTROL OF
SPGSC
2.4
R 51st St.
ACRES
WALLER CREEK
E.50THST.
1. OFFICE
2. DORM
3. FUEL STATION
4. LAWN
5. PHYSICAL TRAINING
AREA
6. VEHICLE PARKING
Fig. 2 - Site
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BLDGS 16,418 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 05
DEPRECIATED 23%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $574,365
WATER City of Austin
SEWER City of Austin
GAS Southern Union Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY City of Austin
291
-------
development plans for the 2.4 acres under its
control and is examining the possibility of pur-
chasing existing warehouse space rather than
constructing a new facility.
Development of infill tracts is considered
feasible by GLO market specialists, even in
today's market, if well planned. This conclusion
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,885,712
BUILDINGS $442,260
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $42,800
MARKET VALUE $2,370,772
APPRAISAL DATE December 9, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Commercial
is confirmed by developer interest in the Austin
State Hospital commercial development project.
The subject tract is currently zoned P-Public Dis-
trict. If this land were sold on the open market,
use would likely be residential. With the excep-
tion of the UT land, the academy tract is sur-
rounded by land zoned SF-3 for single family use.
Since existing and proposed state uses for this
property exceed feasible intensities for private
development, and since the state has already
determined a long-term, high-intensity use for
the northern portion of the tract, continued state
use is prudent This view is supported by the
appraiser's highest and best use analysis.
TP WD has stated that, if the training academy
facilities are relocated in the future, TPWD
would have no other planned use of the subject
tract.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations and
warehouse operations under the control of the
State Purchasing and General Services Commis-
sion. If TPWD relocates the training academy
facilities, the property should be used by TPWD
or another state agency.
292
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BASTROP STATE PARK
LOCATION - Bastrop State Park (SP) is located on State
Highways 21 and 71 and Loop ISO, approximately two
miles from the center of Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 3,503.68
acres, more particularly described by deeds in Volume 96,
pp. 482,484, and 486-489; Volume 173, p. 767, and
Volume 273, p. 779, Bastrop County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located in a noted scenic area of south-central
Texas, Bastrop State Park is situated in a region
known as the Lost Pines. So named because of
its separation from the normal pines region of
East Texas, the area is popular with campers and
nature lovers. This park occupies over half of the
more than 7,000 acres of state-owned natural
forest in the immediate area. The remaining
acreage is in Buescher State Park and the Univer-
sity of Texas Environmental Sciences Research
Center approximately 10 miles southeast of the
Bastrop park site. Tlie 609-acre Lake Bastrop,
owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority,
lies about a mile north of the park. The Colorado
River is about one and one- half miles to the west
The site, dominated by loblolly pine forest mixed
with hardwood stands, provides protection for
abundant wildlife, including (along with
Buescher State Park) over 220 species of birds,
General Data
SIZE 3,503.68 acres
COUNTY. Bastrop
MUNICIPALITY. Part In City of Bastrop
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 18130
TORP REGION 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
white-tailed deer, red fox, bobcat, four species of
poisonous snakes, and the rare and endangered
Houston toad. The site drains well into dry
creeks that feed two small ponds and a 10-acre
fishing lake.
293
-------
BASTROP STATE PARK
BASTROP
COUNTY
BASTROP
COLORADO RIVER
Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Tour de
Bastrop over the Labor Day weekend.
Access to the park is excellent, via SH 21, SH 71,
Loop 150, all main highways, and Park Road 1.
The main park entrance is at the western edge of
the site at the intersection of SH21 and Loop 150.
The park has about two miles of frontage on SH
21 and nearly two miles of frontage on the Loop
150 and SH 95 segment
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state park, with
extensive facilities. Buildings include head-
quarters, two residences, administration build-
ing, 14 cabins, concession, golf clubhouse, and
warehouse and service building. Site improve-
ments include swimming pool and bathhouse,
nine-hole golf course with sprinkler system, 33
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Land surrounding the site to the north, west, and
southwest is used for commercial purposes.
Areas east and southeast are mostly wooded
upland range used for limited grazing and rural
subdivisions.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 69.5 acres
UNDEVELOPED 98%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 3,434.18 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 597,994
Physical Data
ELEVATION 389-614 ftmsl
SLOPE 1%- 70%
SOILS Patilo-Demona-Sllstid &
Axtell-Tabor
FLOODPLAIN Not applicable
PREVAILING WIND SE In summer, N In winter
DRAINAGE Into creeks, lake, and ponds
Park visitors (nearly 600,000 per year) have a
significant positive economic impact on the City
of Bastrop. The area has recently become a
popular spot for bicycle touring, and the Bastrop
picnic sites, 45 campsites, 25 trailer sites, rest
rooms, utility systems, roads and parking, utility
buildings, fencing, and a dam.
Cabins are so popular that 90 days advanced
reservations are normally required to secure ac-
commodations. The Lost Pines Golf Associa-
tion, a non-profit organization, operates and
maintains the golf course at no cost to the state
in exchange for gratis use of the course facilities.
A small park store is operated as a leased conces-
sion.
Recreation opportunities include regular and
primitive camping, golfing, swimming, hilring,
294
-------
birding, fishing and bicycling. The Pine Loop
Hiking Trail traverses areas of the park otherwise
inaccessible. The trail was built and is main-
Improvements/Utlllties
NO. OF BUILDINGS 26
AREA OF BUILDINGS 37,165 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 57%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,003,982
WATER City of Bastrop
tained by volunteers from the Sierra Club and the
Texas Trails Association at no cost to the state.
The original park acreage was sold or donated to
the state in several transactions from 1933-1936,
and initial improvements were made by the
Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depres-
sion. According to TPWD, the park's develop-
ment was noted as a model for other Texas parks,
and some of the log and stone buildings are con-
sidered among the finest examples of rustic park
architecture in the nation. An additional 1,134
acres were purchased by TPWD from the City of
Bastrop in 1966, and in 1979, TPWD purchased
another 1,450 acres from an individual. While
mineral rights were reserved by previous owners
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $7,356,300
BUILDINGS. $ 576,663
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $ 740,750
MARKET VALUE $8,673,713
APPRAISAL DATE. March 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
and utility easements are in place, no deed
restrictions exist to prevent alternate use of the
property.
BASTROP coi
SH 21
LAKE
BASTROP
SH 95
PARK ROAD 1
BUESCHER STATE PARK
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCES RESEARCH
CENTER
BASTROP?
LOOP 150
SH 71
SITE
SH 21
Fig. 2 - Site Map
295
-------
SH 21
10-ACRE LAKE
ENTRANCE
LOOP 150
FENCE
PARK ROAD 1
PARK BOUNDARY
HUONG TRAIL
CAMPING AREAS
SH71
PARKING
HEADQUARTERS
Fig. 3 - Site Map
The western portion of the park containing the
golf course is within the city limits of Bastrop and
is zoned P (park and open space).
The park helps preserve the Lost Pines Forest,
draws significant tourist business to the area, and
maintains habitat for wildlife. TP WD plans to
continue the present use of the property as a state
park with emphasis on habitat enhancement, and
GLO appraisers have determined that this is the
site's best use.
In order to also fulfill the highest use of the
property, TPWD should examine the demand for
other tourist-related services for commercial op-
portunities elsewhere on the site. Several ac-
tivities to serve the variety of tourists and
recreational users would be compatible with park
operations, including, for example, concessions
selling hiking and biking specialty supplies, fish-
ing gear, and bait. Grocery and gas facilities as
well as restaurants might also be considered.
The land area between the park entrance and the
headquarters building has good location and ac-
cess for both park users and other traffic, making
it the most suitable area for commercial pur-
poses. This area is also less forested than other
road frontage segments so that trees would not
be sacrificed for development. Good design,
echoing the classic rustic architecture of the
cabins, could create a gateway to the park without
disturbing the character of the surroundings. This
intensification in use would create the highest
and best use of the property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations and
develop plans for enhanced commercial use of
suitable portions of the property through ground
lease or concession.
296
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BLANCO STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCA TION - Blanco State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on US 281, in the southern section of the town of
Blanco, Blanco County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 104.65 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 50,
pp. 73-86, and Volume 53, pp. 521-527, Blanco County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located within the city limits of the town of the
same name, Blanco State Recreation Area
provides scenic recreational opportunities for
residents and out-of-town visitors. The property
is a narrow strip of land approximately 500 feet
wide, bisected by a mile-long stretch of the
spring-fed Blanco River.
Cedar, oak, and mesquite trees grow on the
wooded slopes and uplands within the site, and
pecans and cypress grow along the water. White-
tailed deer, squirrels, armadillos, and a wide
variety of birds inhabit the area. Water impound-
ments are a haven for several species of water-
fowL
The local economy is based on manufacturing,
tourism, ranch supplies, and marketing. Blanco
SRA draws over 200,000 visitors per year, creat-
ing significant positive impact on the local
economy.
General Data
SIZE. 104.65 acres
COUNTY Blanco
MUNICIPALITY Blanco
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 25/47
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Access to the park is excellent, via US 281 (prin-
cipal route between San Antonio and Blanco),
which bridges the SRA. A park road intersects
US 281 at the facility entrance. The SRA head-
quarters and entrance segment of the park road
297
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BLANCO
STATE RECREATION AREA
BLANCO
COUNTY
ฆUS 281
BLANCO
SITE
I BLANCO
\ RIVER
%
BLANCO ->
BLANCO RIVER
SAN
TO SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1282 -1372 ft msl
SLOPE Nearly level to sharply upward
SOILS Oakalla and Lewlsvllle
FLOODPLA1N 92%
PREVAILING WIND SE - N
DRAINAGE Into river
are located on land north of the river owned by
the Texas Department of Highways and Public
Transportation. TPWD utilizes this land through
a multiple-use agreement with the Highway
Department.
Land abutting the SRA on the north and south is
mostly used for residential purposes, with a com-
mercial recreational vehicle park and restaurant
near the SRA entrance. Most of the remaining
riverfront property in Blanco is in residential use.
The US 281 corridor is in commercial and retail
use. The SRA's proximity to downtown Blanco
has stimulated plans by the town to construct a
hike and bike trail connecting the SRA to the
town square, about 10 blocks north.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD uses the site as a state recreation area,
offering paddleboating, fishing, swimming, pic-
nicking, camping, hiking, and nature study. The
original structures, including two dams on the
river, were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Con-
servation Corps. In late 1982, new structures
were added, including TPWD's first shower/rest
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 95.22%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 99.65 acres
UNDEVELOPED 4.78%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 5 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 206,468
298
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room facility to be equipped with a solar-heated
water supply.
Appraisal Data & Values
I mprovements/Uti I Ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 15
AREA OF BUILDINGS 8,931 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 75%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $364,643
WATER City
SEWER Sqptfc and City
OAS Butane
ELECTRICITY Pedernales Electric Co-op., Inc.
Buildings include headquarters, concession
building, residence, two comfort stations, rest
room, garage, maintenance shed, and seven shel-
ters. Site improvements include a rock paint
building, two masonry dams, sewage, electric,
water, and telephone systems, roads, 30 picnic
sites, 21 multi-use sites, 10 trailer sites, swimming
platform with two ladders, fence, rock entrance,
flagpole, six rock tables, and solar panels.
CAMPSITES
A SCREENED SHELTERS
ฎ HEADQUARTERS
ฆ
LAND $680,199
BUILDINGS. $273,393
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $475,150
MARKET VALUE $1,428,742
APPRAISAL DATE September 16,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The land was acquired by deed from private
owners in 1933. Ninety-two percent of the land
is in floodplain, and occasionally a flash flood
hazard exists. The facility is zoned for public
recreation. Typical easements and mineral
reservations exist in the deeds, but no reversion
clauses in the deeds prevent disposition of the
property.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a state recreation area, and GLO
appraisers have determined that this is its highest
and best use.
In view of the floodplain and as-
sociated flash flood hazard cover-
ing most of the acreage, commer-
cial use of this site other than for
recreation is not feasible. The
SRA is accessible, attractive, and
well-equipped for outdoor enjoy-
ment. In view of the present posi-
tive economic impact of the land
on the local economy and its satis-
factory level of utilization, no
recommendation is made for al-
ternate use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
PICNIC AREA
RESIDENCE
PARK ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
BLANCO RIVER
TO SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 2 - Site Map
299
The General Land Office recom-
mends that Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency
operations.
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BUESCHER STATE PARK
LOCATION - Buescher State Park (SP) is located on
FM153 approximately two miles north of Smithville,
Bastrop County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,016.68
acres, more particularly described by deeds in Volume 96,
p. 595, and Volume 97, p. 40, Bastrop County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Buescher SP preserves one of the most mature
and diverse post oak-blackjack oak forests in
Texas. Located in a region known as the Lost
Pines, the property also contains on its drier,
upper slopes, growths of loblolly pine trees
separated by 50 to 100 miles from their principal
natural home in East Texas. Together with its
neighbor, Bastrop State Park, to which it is con-
nected by ten-mile Park Road IE, Buescher
forms one of Texas' most popular outdoor
recreational sites. Smithville, located ap-
proximately two miles south of the park, gains
economic benefit from the park's popularity.
Since 1982, the park has averaged 175,000 annual
visitors, placing it in the top 23% of all Texas
parks. Visitation in 1987 topped 200,000.
The tract provides protection for abundant
wildlife including over 220 species of birds,
white-tailed deer, red fox, bobcat, four species of
poisonous snakes, and the rare and endangered
Houston toad. The terrain is varied, with scenic
General Data
SIZE 1,016.68 acres
COUNTY Bastrop
MUNICIPALITY Hot applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18/30
TORP REGION. J2
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
ridgelines overlooking the plains. Rainwater
drains from the hillsides into a dry creek which
feeds 30-acre Buescher Lake. Water eventually
courses into the Colorado River less than two
miles away.
Preceding page blank
301
-------
BUESCHER
STATE PARK
COLORADO RIVER
AUSTIN
FM 153
US 71
SITE
SKOTHVnjP.
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Land surrounding this site is mostly farms,
ranches, and rural subdivisions. A 717- acre par-
cel on the eastern edge of the original park was
deeded to University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Hospital and Tumor Research Institute in 1967
as a result of legislative action. The Institute
operates a research center at this location.
The park is approximately 45 miles southeast of
Austin. Access is via FM 153, which connects one
mile west to US 71.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 300-491 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% -12%
SOILS Axtell
FLOODPLAIN Along creek & around lake
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into dry creekbed & lake
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state park, offering
camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, nature
study, swimming, and fishing. Buildings include
headquarters, residence, meeting room, vehicle
service center, materials storage, group shelter,
three rest rooms, and four picnic shelters. Site
improvements include well water system, sewage
system, dam, retaining wall, water fountains,
butane tanks, telephone system, barbecue pit,
roads and parking, flag pole, 40 camping sites,
and 65 picnic sites.
A portion of the Pine Loop Hiking Trail traverses
areas of the park that are otherwise inaccessible.
The trail was built by volunteers from the Sierra
Club and the Texas Trails Association at no cost
to the state.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 7%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 71.17 acres
UNDEVELOPED 93%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 945.51 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 211,802
TPWD intends to carry on habitat enhancement
for the Houston toad and to work on the
proposed hiking trail connecting to Bastrop SP.
The Department acquired the property between
1933 and 1936 by gift deeds from private owners
and from the City of Smithville. Some of the
buildings were constructed by the Civilian Con-
servation Corps during the Depression. A rever-
sion clause returns ownership to the city if the
land ceases to be used for park purposes. Lying
outside the city limits, the site is not subject to any
zoning restrictions. Electric utility easements
are in force.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property, and GLO appraisers agree that this is
its highest and best use. Reversion clauses in the
302
-------
deeds legally prevent consideration of alternate
use, and this restriction, together with the park's
growing popularity and unique natural features,
strongly support present usage.
Improvements
NO. OF BUILDINGS 13
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,154 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $412,200
WATER Private
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY Bluebonnet Electric
Cooperative
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,729,443
BUILDINGS. $278,778
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $405,599
MARKET VALUE $2,413,820
APPRAISAL DATE.. May 1, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
PINE LOOP HIKING TRAIL
TO HIGHWAY 71
TO
BASTROP
STATE
PARK
FM 153
HEADQUARTERS
ฆ
PICNIC AREAS
~
MULTI-USE CAMPING
A
TENT CAMPING AREA
PARK BOUNDARY
HIKING TRAIL
PARK ROAD IE
Fig. 2-Site Map
303
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILD LIFE DEPARTMENT
INKS LAKE STATE PARK
LOCATION - Inks Lake State Park (SP) is located on
Park Road 4, off SH 29, approximately ten miles west of
Burnet, Burnet County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,201.7acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 89, pp. 41
and 316, Burnet County Deed Records Office, Bumet
County, Texas, and in other documents.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located in the Central Texas Hill Country, Tnlrs
Lake SP is notable for its pink granite outcrop-
pings and its varied trees and wildflowers in
season. The site borders 803-acre Inks Lake,
created by the Roy Inks Dam in 1938 on the
Colorado River. One of the oldest in the system,
the SP is second only to Garner State Park in
popularity with overnight visitors.
The irregularly shaped tract is mostly level, with
sloping topography concentrated in the
southeastern sector. Vegetation consists of an
open savannah of post oak, blackjack oak, live
oak, mesquite, and a large variety of native grass-
es. The property has abundant wildlife, with large
numbers of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, water-
fowl, and other birds. The lake is popular among
fishers, especially for black bass fishing.
Access to the site is via SH 29, main route be-
tween Burnet (population 3,410) and Llano
General Data
SIZE. 1,201.7 acres
COUNTY Bumet
MUNICIPALITY..... Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 24/52
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
(population 3,071). SH 29 connects to Park Road
4 approximately seven miles north of the park.
The property has access to IH 35, about 50 miles
east.
Preceding page blank
305
-------
Adjoining land is mostly wooded rangeland used
for cattle, goat, and sheep production or for hunt-
Physical Data
ELEVATION 900 -1,200 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-10%
SOILS Voca-CIIck & Keese-Rock
Outcrop Association
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE, NINE
DRAINAGE S&W Into Inks Lake
ing, camping, hiking, and the many other forms
of outdoor recreation for which the Hill Country
is famous. Some adjacent land has been
developed for lakefront lots, golf courses, and
other recreational facilities.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD utilizes the subject property as a state
park, offering camping, hiking, boating, picnick-
ing, golf, and fishing. Interpretive slide shows and
movies are presented at the lakeshore am-
phitheater during the summer. In April,
thousands of wildflower enthusiasts visit the park
as part of the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 20%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 240.34 acres
UNDEVELOPED 80%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 961.36 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 0 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 286,067
The nine-hole golf course is privately ad-
ministered under the terms of a 50-year lease
expiring in 2008, at which time full-fee interest
will revert to the state. TPWD can then decide
to renew the lease, renegotiate, or take over ad-
ministration of the course. Built with private
funds in 1958, the golf operation does not
generate funds for the state at the present time.
Buildings include two
residences, headquarters,
maintenance building,
shop and storage build-
ings, pump house, entry
booth, concession build-
ing, 22 screened shelters,
two fish-cleaning shelters,
comfort station, and eight
rest rooms, five of which
have showers.
BURNET
COUNTY
INKS LAKE
STATEPARK
COLORADO RIVER
BURNET
mas
PARK ROAD
SH 29
SITE
US 281
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Site improvements in-
clude water, electrical,
and sewage systems with
one dump station, road,
gas system, mobile RV
parking sites, 197 camp-
sites with electricity, grill,
and water. Other im-
provements include nine
primitive campsites,
306
-------
A
~
CAMPING
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
HEADQUARTERS
PARK BOUNDARY
PARK ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
INKS
LAKE
SH 29
ROY INKS DAM
PARK ROAD 4
Fig. 2 - Site Map
seven picnic sites with tables, 16 picnic sites with
tables, grill, and water, hiking trails, two fishing
piers, masonry double boat ramp, two boat docks,
rock amphitheater, playground, flagpole, portals
and signs, and fencing.
Visitation figures for FY 87 show286,067visitors,
a slight increase from the previous year. Except
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 42
AREA OF BUILDINGS 22,723 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 18%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $787,230
WATER On-site treatment plant
SEWER Septic
GAS HydrogasCo.
ELECTRICITY Lower Colorado River Authority
for a slight decrease during FY 85, this park has
shown a yearly increase in visitors since 1980.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $3,123,666
BUILDINGS. $642,336
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $2,815,349
MARKET VALUE $6,581,351
APPRAISAL DATE March 10, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
About half of the park's visitors stay overnight
The site is not zoned. A road and waterline
easement was granted in 1985 and expires in
2005.
TP WD plans to maintain the site as a state park,
and the GLO appraiser finds that this is its
highest and best use.
307
-------
The appraiser considered two alternate uses,
ranching and real estate development, for the
property, if vacant. Due to the present slow
economy and the fact that the site's soil and
vegetation limit the number of animal units per
acre, agriculture would not be profitable.
Lakeshore housing development is also not
feasible at this time because of poor market con-
ditions and the rocky soil, which would be expen-
sive to develop.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
308
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LOCKHART STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Lockhart State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on FM 20 appranmatefy two miles southwest of
Lockhart, Caldwell County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 264.16 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 168, pp. 216
and 218; Volume 169, pp. 113, 115, and 116; Volume 171,
p. 206; Volume 172, p. 73; Volume 189, p. 45; and Volume
247, p. 537, Caldwell County Deed Records. While TPWD
inventory records show a slightly smaller total acreage
(263.744 acres), the appraisal uses acreage figures verified by
deed records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
This attractive south-central Texas site, only 25
miles south of Austin, is bisected by the Clear
Fork branch of Plum Creek and is home to the
only state-operated golf course in Texas. (Other
golf courses in state parks are operated by con-
cessionaires.)
The terrain is varied, with hills on the south and
relatively flat areas on the north. Woodlands
composed of pecan, hackbeny, and sycamore are
situated near Plum Creek, and post-oak stands
cover the rocky hillsides. Wildflowers are thick
along the creek in the spring. A small strip of land
along the creek is within the 100-year floodplain.
Wildlife, especially birds, abounds. Cardinals,
woodpeckers, robins, and white-throated spar-
rows can be observed year round, while cedar
waxwings are particularly noticeable in the fall
when hackbenies are plentiful.
General Data
SIZE. 264.16 acres
COUNTY Caldwell
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18131
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The economy of Caldwell County is based on
petroleum, agribusiness, and varied manufactur-
ing. Lockhart, with nearly 75% of its population
commuting to Austin to work, is strongly tied
economically to Austin.
309
-------
LOCKHART
STATE RECREATION AREA
AUSTIN
CALDWELL
COUNTY
SH77
IH 35
LOCKHART -
FM20
SITE
IH 10
US 183
TO VICTORIA
SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 - Location
Land use surrounding the SRA is predominantly
agricultural, with the exception of a small strip
retail center nearby.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 460 - 600 ft. ms!
SLOPE 1%-20%
SOILS Helden-Ferris
FLOODPLAIN Along the creek
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Plum Creek
Access is via FM 20, which joins US 183, the
principal route between Austin and Victoria, two
miles northeast. IH 35 is 20 miles west and IH 10
25 "miles south of the site.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the site as a state recreation area,
offering camping, picnicking, playgrounds, na-
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 32%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 87 acres
UNDEVELOPED 68%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 177.16 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 125 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 313,358
ture trails, swimming, fishing, golf, basketball,
and volleyball. The nine-hole, 3,000-yard golf
course was constructed in the 1930s, along with
310
-------
other park amenities, by the Civilian Conserva
tion Corps.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,809 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $394,158
WATER Private
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY City of Lockhart
Buildings include headquarters, residence, club-
house, rest room, shower/storage building, and
three warehouses. Site improvements include
water system, swimming pool, rock and concrete
dam, sewage system, gas system, electrical sys-
tem, roads and parking, 12 picnic sites, 20 camp-
ing sites, golf course, games court, fences, portal,
and flagpole.
TP WD acquired the property in 1934-38 and in
1952 from public and private owners. All deeds
contain clauses conveying the property to alter-
nate owners should TP WD cease to utilize it as
parkland. The entire site is leased for oil and gas
exploration. Lying outside city limits, the site is
not subject to zoning restrictions. Typical utility
easements are in force.
TP WD plans to continue the present use of the
property as a state recreation area, and GLO
appraisers have determined that this is its highest
and best use. Current Lockhart growth trends
have an impact on the SRA only to the extent that
the economy is stable and slowly growing. There
is no significant real estate development between
Lockhart and the subject site, and deed restric-
tions eliminate consideration of alternate use.
In excess of 300,000 visitors annually enjoy the
SRA, which makes it one of the most popular in
the Texas park system.
FM 20
TO AUSTIN
PLUM CREEK
US 183
PARK
ROAD
J-
LOCKHART
FM20
MAIN ROAD
BUILDINGS
PARK BOUNDARY
Fig. 2 - Site Map
311
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,320,780
BUILDINGS $270,481
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $438,075
MARKET VALUE $2,029,336
APPRAISAL DATE January 2, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
312
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK
LOCATION Longhom Cavern State Park (SP) is located
on Parte Road 4 approximately six miles west of the town of
Burnet, Burnet County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 639.05 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume I, pp. 586,
587,590,599, and 618; Volume 2, p. 445; Volume 3, p. 619;
Volume 44, p. 1,098; Volume 49, p. 554; and Volume 86,
p. 332, Bumet County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
One of the best known of the numerous caves in
the Texas Hill Country, Longhorn Cavern is lo-
cated in Backbone Ridge, a huge piece of Ellen-
burger Limestone formed by a shallow sea over
450 million years ago.
The cavern contains fossil remains from a variety
of prehistoric creatures as well as broken bones,
flintchips, spears, and arrowheads suggestive of
primitive man
During the Civil War, the cavern was used as a
Confederate stronghold and was also rumored to
be an outlaw's hideout. At the turn of the century,
residents of Burnet and Llano Counties found the
cave useful as a dance hall, nightclub, and res-
taurant Longhorn Cavern became a registered
National Natural Landmark in 1971.
The irregularly shaped, rolling tract on which the
cave is located offers many attractive views of the
surrounding Hill Country landscape. Vegetation
General Data
SIZE. 639.05 acres
COUNTY Burnet
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
REP/SEN DISTRICTS. 24/52
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
includes post oak, live oak, blackjack, and
mesquite trees. A good variety of underbrush and
native grasses appears throughout the site.
313
-------
LONGHORN CAVERN
STATE PARK
SITE
BURNET
IH35
PARK ROAD
/ SH 29
MARBLE
FALLS I
US 281
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Longhoro Cavern is located in the popular High-
land Lakes district of Burnet County. Business
activities in the county are concentrated in the
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,000-1,200 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-8%
SOILS Hensley-Eckrant
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE-NW
DRAINAGE S-SE
areas of tourism, stone processing, ranching,
manufacturing, and hunting leases.
Access is via Park Road 4, which connects to US
281, the main route between Marble Falls
(population 3,252) and Burnet (population
3,410). IH 35 is 50 miles to the east
Surrounding land uses include hunting, fishing,
camping, hiking, rural homesites, and some beef,
goat, and sheep production.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD leases the property to a concessionaire
who administers the cavern and its surroundings
as a state park, conducting 1.5-hour tours over the
1.25-mile cavern trail during summer and winter.
The cave has a constant, all-year temperature of
64 degrees and features the Hall of Gems, the
Hall of Marble, the Queen's Throne, and many
other formations which make up a geological
history of the Hill Country.
A gift shop and snack bar are operated at the
park. Outdoor activities include picnicking, 5~
mile nature trail, and 13-mile hiking trail. There
are no overnight accommodations, but Inks Lake
State Park, approximately 10 miles north, is a
favorite camping spot
Structures at the site include a residence, cabin,
four storage buildings, concession building, and
two old administration buildings. The cabin is an
original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rock
structure and is not in use.
Site improvements include water system, sewage
disposal system, paved roads, fence, cattle guard,
stone portal, 16 picnic sites, and flagpole.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 6%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 38.34 acres
UNDEVELOPED 94%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 600.71 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 43,833
The cavern was dedicated as a state park in 1932,
having been acquired from various private
owners. CCC improvements from the 1930s are
314
-------
of historical importance. Acreage secured for
right-of-way purposes is subject to deed rever-
sion clauses that restrict its use to a highway. The
site is not zoned.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 9
AREA OF BUILDINGS 12,993 sq.fi
DEPRECIATED 19%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $516,817
WATER Well
SEWER Septic/sediment tank
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Pedernales Electric Co-op., Inc.
TP WD plans to maintain the existing private ad-
ministration of the park by renewing the conces-
sion lease upon its expiration in 1990. Currently,
minor electrical rewiring inside the cave is being
completed at concessionaire's expense, as stipu-
lated in the lease agreement This restoration
program will continue to update existing struc-
tures and facilities.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND.. ............... $1,693,480
BUILDINGS. $419,174
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,096,655
MARKET VALUE $3,209,209
APPRAISAL DATE. March 8,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TPWD receives 10% of the gross sale of novel-
ties, curios, souvenirs, and postcards, and 10%
from all other sales, paid annually. In addition,
TPWD receives 15% of the first $50,000 of an-
nual gross admissions, 17.5% of the next $25,000,
and 25% of all income over $100,000.
The appraiser considered alternate site uses such
as ranching and residential development, but real
TO US 281
PARK ROAD 4
PARK BOUNDARY
CAVE ENTRANCE
HEADQUARTERS
PARKING
PARK ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
Fig. 2 - Site Map
315
-------
estate prospects for ranchland in the region are
not good due to depressed economic conditions.
Additionally, the rough terrain and absence of
water would make the cost of residential
development prohibitively high. In any case, no
demand for housing exists at the present time in
this area.
In light of the tract's unique natural features, the
GLO appraiser finds that the current recreation-
al use is its highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
316
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK AND
TPWD STATE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX
LOCATION - McKinney Falls State Park (SP) and
TPWD State Headquarters Complex are located
approximately 13 miles southeast of the State Capitol
Building in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 632.67 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 4,191,
p. 1,562, and Volume 5,163, p. 584, Travis County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
McKinney Falls SP is both bordered and divided
by Onion and Williamson Creeks, which con-
verge within the property boundaries. The
creeks' large pools, waterfalls, and cliff-side rock
shelters provided a site for Indian encampments
from the earliest times. Today these natural at-
tractions are the setting for public outdoor
recreation and TPWD's state headquarters.
McKinney Falls was named for Thomas F. Mc-
Kinney, one of Stephen F. Austin's original
colonists. Mr. McKinney settled on Onion Creek
in the 1850s and harnessed the creek's power to
operate a gristmill which ground corn for the
neighborhood. A prominent breeder of race hor-
ses, he established his own stables and private
race track on the grounds. The ruins of his
trainer's cabin and old homestead are on exhibit
at the park.
The subject tract, all of which is within Austin's
city limits at its eastern edge, was donated to the
state by Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Smith and Miss Annie
Smith in 1970. Wildlife includes white-tailed
deer, wild turkey, quail, eastern fox squirrel, ar-
madillo, raccoon, and numerous birds. Native
trees cover most of the site and include bald
General Data
SIZE. 632.67acres
COUNTY 7rav/s
MUNICIPALITY City of Austin
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 14/48
TORP REGION. 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
cypress, Texas live oak, Spanish oak, elm, pecan,
cottonwood, mes quite, cedar, wild persimmon,
and hackberry.
The property contains 1.7 miles of Onion Creek
frontage. About 75 acres of creekside property
317
-------
MCHNNEY FALLS STATE PARK
AND
TP WD STATE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX
TRAVB
COUNTY
35
TRAVIS
COUNTY
<1,
[ AUSTIN
/XlS / / SITE
\
s \-
us 290 r*
(BEN WHITE) >
, sn 7i
VUS 183
AUSTIN
US 183
STATE CAPTTOL
ONION
CREEK
/\
U BEROSTROM
AIR FORCB
BASE
SH 71
IC LOOP ROAD
SITE
Fig. 1 - Location Map
lie within the 100-year floodplain, with another
15 acres in 500-year floodplain boundaries.
The park is bordered on the north by the Smith
School Tract, a vacant commercial-development
asset of the General Land Office. South Austin's
major industrial area lies beyond along Burleson
Road and a nearby Missouri-Pacific Railroad
line. A small public school (Smith School) is
immediately north-northeast
Land south of the park is vacant, but new residen-
tial subdivisions are growing toward the site from
that direction. The tract is bordered on the west
by Jimmy Clay Municipal Golf Course and an
abandoned City of Austin wastewater treatment
plant. Outside the city limits to the east, abutting
the park, lie vacant private tracts and commercial
gravel pits.
For discussion purposes, the tract has been
divided into four parcels.
Parcel A (55.67 acres) contains the TPWD state
headquarters and occupies the northeastern
corner of the tract. The state headquarters build-
ing is located at 4200 Smith
School Road, near the north-
ern edge of the property.
Parcel A-l (approximately
190 acres) is the remainder of
that portion of the tract lying
north of Onion Creek. It con-
tains a homestead ruin and
gristmill from the plantation
period but no other structures
or site improvements. This
parcel borders GLO's Smith
School tract
Parcel B (133 acres) lies im-
mediately south of Onion
Creek and is the site of most
of the park buildings and im-
provements.
Parcel B-l (254 acres) is the
remainder of that portion of
the tract lying south of Onion Creek, and oc-
cupies the southernmost section of the property.
It contains the park's overnight camping
facilities.
rPARCEL A
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL ~
INION
PARCEL
-PARCEL
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL
PARCEL
B-l
Fig. 2 - Parcel Map
318
-------
No bridge over Onion Creek connects Parcels A
and A-l with Parcels B and B-l for either
vehicular or foot traffic.
Parcels A and A-l are accessed via Smith School
Road, which connects to Burleson Road at the
north end of the tract Parcels B and B-l are
accessed via a short county road (Madison Lane),
a spur of Scenic Loop Road, which is part of a
meandering road leading to US 183. The site is
Utilization Data
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 225 acres
UNDEVELOPED 64.5%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 408 acres
BUILDABLEAREA 200 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 192,265
Physical Data
ELEVATION 470-650 ft msl
SLOPE Varied
SOILS Rolling Blackland, Rocky
Upland, Chalky Ridge, & Loamy Bottomland
FLOODPLAIN 85 acres In floodplaln
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into creeks
surrounded by but not connected to a network of
proposed and improved arterial roads.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates Parcels B and B-l as a state park,
offering ramping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling,
museum in the Smith Visitors' Center, and an
interpretive trail guiding visitors to the Smith
Rockshelter. The state headquarters, on Parcel
A, serves as office space for personnel, a commis-
sion meeting facility, editorial offices for Texas
1. JIMMY CLAY GOLF COURSE
2. WILLIAMSON CREEK WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT
3. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL PARK
4. SEMATECH
5. COMMERCIAL
6. SMITH SCHOOL TRACT
7. TPWD OFFICE BUILDING
IH 35
SH 71
BURLESON
ROAD
STASSNBY LN
ONION
CREEK
./
VACANT
william
CANNON
DRIVE
VACANT
SCENIC LOOP
VACANT
Fig. 3 - Site Map
319
-------
SMITH VTSTTORS* CENTER
REST ROOM
HEADQUARTERS
CAMPING AREA
PICNIC AREA
MAIN ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
H1K1NO TRAIL
TTWD COMPLEX
ONION CREEK
L MAIN BUILDINO
1 PARDNO AREA
Fig. 4 - Site Map
Parks and Wildlife Magazine, the sale of hunting
and fishing licenses, and other official uses. Par-
cel A-1 is unused by either public or headquarters
operations.
Parcel A contains the headquarters building and
a warehouse. Buildings in Parcel B include six
screened shelters, four rest rooms with showers,
two residences, dining hall, six rest rooms without
showers, visitors' center, office, and storage and
maintenance facilities.
Site improvements in Parcel A include entrance
sign, outdoor lighting, roads, and parking lot Site
improvements in Parcels B and B-l include roads
and parking, water, sewer, and electrical systems,
70 campsites with water and electrical hookups,
14 campsites with water only, 122 picnic sites,
hike and bike trails, nature and interpretive trails,
playground equipment, flagpoles, signs and
entrances, 31 street lights, sprinkler system, fenc-
ing, and greasing rack.
Natural pools on Onion Creek originally
provided swimming as a park activity. High pol-
lution readings forced a prohibition onswimming
in 1981, diminishing the recreation value of the
park. Due to increased pollution from urbaniza-
tion and dangerous currents, swimming has never
been reinstituted.
TP WD plans to continue its use of the site as a
state park and state headquarters. No plans are
noted for expansion or renovation. It is the
opinion of General Land Office legal staff that
the conditions of a reversion clause in the deed
stipulating park use for the first ten years after
conveyance have been satisfied.
Parcels A, B, and B-l have city utilities; Parcel
A-l currently does not Aside from typical utility
easements, the tract is encumbered by a 40-foot
pipeline easement and a subterranean sewer
easement
320
-------
Considering TP WD land-use patterns and the
tract's natural features, the GLO appraiser con-
cluded that the headquarters complex should
remain in TP WD or other state use and the
remainder of the land held as investment inven-
tory in anticipation of future residential market
demand.
GLO analysts have examined recent area land
use, infrastructure planning, and community
policy trends to reconcile the potential for higher
and better alternate land use (as identified in the
appraisal) with existing TP WD uses.
Parcels A and A-l are strongly influenced by the
Ben White Boulevard/Burleson Road corridor of
industrial-commercial developments. Hie Smith
School Tract, projected for commercial/in-
Improvements/Utllltles
NO. OF BUILDINGS 25
AREA OF BUILDINGS 209,773 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 26.5%
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $11,041,950
WATER City of Austin
SEWER City of Austin
GAS None
ELECTRICITY City of Austin
dustrial development by GLO, will be divided by
the proposed extension of Stassney Lane, a major
arterial road.
The area contains several industrial parks and a
high-tech research and development base, in-
cluding Advanced Micro Devices, Lockheed
Missile and Space Company, and Sematech.
Lockheed's main entrance lies directly across
from the TP WD Headquarters entrance.
Alternate state agency or private sector use of
Parcel A-l could be pursued in conjunction with
the development of the Smith School Tract,
which it adjoins. Such development might in-
clude research facilities and/or an industrial cam-
pus park for light manufacturing and commercial
uses without detriment to TP WD State Head-
quarters functions on Parcel A. Site design could
include landscaping buffers to separate Parcel A.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $9,604,437
BUILDINGS. $8,122,543
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,012,825
MARKET VALUE $18,739,805
APPRAISAL DATE. February 17,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
Development
Parcels B and B-l are surrounded at the present
time by scattered rural land held as speculation
for eventual commercial development, gravel pit
operations, and city-owned land. Residential
development is encroaching steadily from the
west and southwest to within 3,000 feet of the
park.
Current park use is split between the histori-
cal/archeological program on Parcel B (serving
primarily local, daytime visitors) and the camping
program on Parcel B-l (serving overnight
visitors).
Parcel B-l (closest to Scenic Loop Road) could
provide more intense recreational uses for urban
residents. For example, the site could accom-
modate an 18-hole golf course (see Fig. 5). Hie
parcel is also suitable for residential develop-
ment It enjoys good road access, proximity to
current residential development, and gentle
topography, all conducive to such uses.
Residential use for Parcel B, while possible,
would be hindered by the presence of periodic
flooding, uneven terrain, and archeological sites.
These features would necessitate a more dense,
and costly form of development to realize the
value of die asset
Parcel B's archeological features and creek make
it particularly suitable for a public park. More
intensive recreational development such as
swimming pools, tennis courts, athletic fields,
321
-------
playgrounds, and hike and bike trails could create
an alternative higher use for this parcel to serve
the burgeoning Southeast Austin population.
Community-oriented recreation facilities have
been widely called for by neighborhoods in the
southeast. TPWD does not currently provide
these community recreation amenities.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations. TPWD
should develop a plan to intensify the use of
underutilized Parcels A-l and B-l, which are
noted as having potential for alternate use.
A plan for increased recreational use would jus-
tify continued management of Parcels A-l and
B-l by TPWD in light of their greater highest and
best use potential.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN -
GOLF COURSE SCENARIO
In conjunction with this report, the General Land
Office performed a preliminary feasibility study
and design for a championship eighteen-hole, par
72 golf course on Parcel B-l.
Parcel B-l contains approximately 267 acres, of
which about 170 acres would be needed for the
golf course. This site meets golf course criteria
because of its size, topography, and directional
orientation. The GLO study did not explore tech-
nical requirements for water sources and specific
site conditions such as tree stands and rock out-
croppings.
According to officials of the Austin Golf Course
Association, there is currently a significant
market demand for public golf courses in Austin.
This site is well located and accessible, and golf
course use is compatible with both McKinney
Falls park uses and neighboring land uses (Jimmy
Clay Municipal Golf Course is located on the
other side of Onion Creek). The GLO study did
not explore construction or operating costs, nor
did it evaluate management options. If built,
green fees and other customary rental charges
should be assessed from golfers.
In the Figure 5 design scenario, the golf course
would replace most of the existing overnight
camping areas. In addition to the golf course, the
complex would include a clubhouse with pro
shop, locker rooms, and small sandwich shop.
The facility would also include a golf cart rental
service with the necessary storage and main-
tenance operations. Sand and water hazards, im-
proved golf cart paths, and sprinkler systems for
greens and fairways are central elements within
the golf course.
If TPWD decides to improve this property with a
golf course and state funds are not available, the
project could be completed through a ground
lease to a private operator.
322
-------
//
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Location Map
NORTH
CZ'.Z'J
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nem
PrfrkHig 100 CJr*
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* SITE PIAN '
1 "300"
TOTAL AREA 266 77 AC
GOlf COURSE 170 00 Ac
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GOlf COURSF
HOLE
PAR
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1
520
495
440
2
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410
380
310
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180
155
120
4
4
390
365
300
5
3
1 70
140
110
6
4
400
375
300
7
4
390
375
280
8
4
395
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9
5
510
480
430
36
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2600
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315
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415
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325
12
3
180
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13
525
500
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14
4
410
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335
15
175
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420
400
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495
475
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r
ADMINISTRATION & SERVICE
CLUBHOUSE
3960
Sf
MAINTENANCE SHOP
4840
Sf
CAR1 STORAGE
4840
Sf
13.640
SF
PARKING ICARSI
33 730
Sf
SERVICE PKG 4 DRIVE
11.520
SF
ADMINISTRATION * SERVICE AREA
r - 30- 0"
FEASIBILITY STUOY * 18 HOLE GOtF COURSE
MCKINNCY FAILS STATE PARK * AUSTIN. TEXAS
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS ft WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MONUMENT HILL AND KREISCHE
BREWERY STATE HISTORICAL SITES
LOCATION Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State
Historical Sites (SHS) are located on State Spur 92,
approximately .5 mile south of La Grange city limits,
Fayette County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 40.4 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 289,
pp. 289-290, and Volume 501, pp. 591-598, Fayette County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
This scenic property, on a bluff overlooking the
Colorado River and the city of La Grange,
memorializes two quite different periods from
Texas' historic past.
In September 1848, the remains of 52 Republic
of Texas soldiers who died in two skirmishes with
Mexican troops were buried on Monument Hill.
The memorial site was selected for its scenic
attributes and has no connection with the loca-
tions of the battles where the heroes lost their
lives.
In January 1849, Heinrich Ludwig Kreische, a
German immigrant, purchased 172 acres on
Monument Hill which included the bluff and the
gravesite of the Texas heroes. Kreische built his
homestead, barn, smokehouse, and a three-story
brewery on the site. Kreische's Brewery was one
of the first commercial breweries in Texas and
the third largest producer in the state during the
1870s. The brewery was built in a ravine to pro-
vide a ground floor cooling vault and to take
advantage of a natural spring as a water source.
General Data
SIZE. 40.4 acres
COUNTY. Fayette
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 18/30
TORP REGION 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
After Kreische's death in 1882, the brewery
declined and went out of business. Kreische's
Preceding page blank
-------
MONUMENT HILL AND KREISCHE BREWERY
STATE HISTORICAL SITE
US 77
FAYETTE
COUNTY
FAYFITB COUNTY
COURTHOUSE
US 71
US 77
US 71
US 71
LA ORANOB
SITE
SITE
US 77
COLORADO RIVER
US 77
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 260 - 450 ft. msl
SLOPE Lightly - steeply rolling
SOILS Clay and sandstone rock
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S, SE
DRAINAGE Into Colorado River
nects to US 77, principal route between Waco
and Victoria.
Residential subdivisions, including one connect-
ing to the Frisch Auf! Country Club, border the
site to the south and west Some light commer-
cial enterprises operate along State Spur 92 and
US 77. A new nursing home lies east of the
property.
descendants continued to live in the house until
1952, making few modifications to the residence
over their seventy-year tenure. The brewery, out
of use and not maintained, eventually fell into
ruins.
In 1936, as part of the Centennial celebration, the
state purchased the monument site and replaced
the dilapidated tomb with a 48-foot granite
monument inscribed with the names of the
buried soldiers. This acreage was later trans-
ferred to TP WD. In 1977 TP WD acquired the
adjacent Kreische homestead and brewery site.
Access to the tract is via State Spur 92, which runs
along its southern boundary. State Spur 92 con-
Utiilzatlon Data
DEVELOPED 37%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. IS acres
UNDEVELOPED 63%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 25.4 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 10
VISITATION (FY "87) 23,711
The site is about .75 mile from the Fayette Coun-
ty Courthouse within La Grange's extraterritorial
planning jurisdiction. No zoning restrictions
apply to the state land.
According to city officials, the general economy
in La Grange and its surrounding area is some-
326
-------
what depressed with no sign of recovery since the
economic collapse of the oil industry. Farming,
ranching, and the Lower Colorado River
Authority continue to be economic mainstays.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state historic
site preserving the brewery ruins and com-
memorating Texas heroes who died fighting for
Texas' independence from Mexico. The visitors'
center and wheelchair-accessible interpretive
improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,826 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 42%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $363,478
WATER & SEWER Fayette County Water
Control and Improvement District
GAS Entex
ELECTRICITY Fayette Electric Coop., Inc.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $439,120
BUILDINGS. $227,134
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $228,910
MARKET VALUE $895,164
APPRAISAL DATE. April 10, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
residential, commercial
trail explain the historic significance of the site.
The Kreische house, outbuildings, and brewery
have recently been stabilized.
Buildings include headquarters visitor center,
residence, and the Kreische home and brewery.
Site improvements include water, sewage,
electrical, and telephone systems, tomb and
monument, paved roads and parking lots, fenc-
ing, and trails.
There are no deed reversion clauses to prevent
disposition or alternate use of the site. One-half
underutilized
PARCEL
1. PARKING
2. PICNIC AREA
3. REST ROOM
4. TOMB & MONUMENT
5. SCENIC OVERLOOK
6. BREWERY OVERLOOK
7. BREWERY
8. KREISCHE HOUSE A OUTBUILDINGS
9. MAINTENANCE AREA
10. HEADQUARTERS
PARK BOUNDARY
HIKING TRAIL
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL
COLORADO
RIVER
SPUR 92
Fig. 2 - Site Map
327
-------
of the mineral rights were retained by previous
owners.
About 12 unused acres east of the main area are
located on steep terrain, occupied only where a
portion of the nature trail makes a loop. The
interpretive trail winds through level portions
around the historic sites. TP WD has no plans to
expand the trail or provide other significant site
improvements.
TP WD plans to continue the present use of the
property as a state historic site, and GLO ap-
praisers agree that this is its highest and best use.
However, the narrow, unused tract, which has
frontage along Spur 92, offers an attractive op-
portunity for isolated commercial development
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify use on
the underutilized portion of the property, noted
as having potential for alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the entire site by TPWD in light
of its greater highest and best use potential.
328
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK
LOCATION - Pedernales Falls State Park (SP) is located
on FM2766 at its intersection with FM3232, about ten
miles east of Johnson City, Blanco County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 4,860.01
acres, more particularfy described by deed in Volume 78,
p. 657, Blanco County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Set in the Edwards Plateau, the subject property
contains over six miles of Pedernales River
frontage. The park's most notable natural fea-
ture is a segment of the river known as Pedernales
Falls where the river's elevation drops 50 feet
over a 3,000 foot distance, forming a cascade.
Where the river has carved through softer
sedimentary rock layers to the limestone base, a
dramatic illustration of the Llano Uplift and the
area's geologic history has been revealed.
Oak-juniper and riparian woodlands are the
dominant vegetation for this hilly site which in-
cludes pecan, elm, sycamore, walnut, hackberry,
ash, buttonbrush, and cypress trees. Deer,
coyote, rabbit, skunk, opossum, snakes, lizards,
and raccoon are among resident wildlife. Bob-
cats and ringtails are present but are not easily
sighted. Over 150 species of birds have been
identified in the park. Scenic vistas are available
to tourists at several locations within the park.
General Data
SIZE 4,860.01 acres
COUNTY. Blanco
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 25/47
TORP REGION 12
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Access is from Johnson City via FM 2766 and
from Austin via FM 3232, which joins US 290
approximately six miles south of the park. By
road, Johnson City and Dripping Springs are
about 15 miles from the site, while downtown
Austin is nearly 40 miles away.
329
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PEDERNALES FALLS
STATE PARK
BLANCO
COUNTY
JOHNSON
CTTY
AUSTIN
SITE
DIUPPINO
SPRINGS
BLANCO COUNTY
PEDERNALES RIVER
SITE
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Surrounding land is used principally for large
ranches (beef, goat, and sheep), and deer leases.
These uses are the economic focus of the area.
The park is out of range of the commuter sub-
divisions serving Austin from the Dripping
Springs and Hamilton Pool areas. It is, however,
within 40 miles of numerous Hill Country tourist
stops such as the LBJ ranch, the Admiral Nimitz
Museum, Blanco State Park, the Highland Lakes
region, and the State Capitol in Austin.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the site as a state park, offering
camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, nature
Physical Data
ELEVATION 650-1100 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-20%
SOILS Brackett-Purves-Doss
FLOODPLAIN Along the river
PREVAILING WIND SE, N, NW
DRAINAGE Into draws and river
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 3%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 145.8 acres
UNDEVELOPED 97%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 4,714.21 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 237,959
study, photography, tubing, and fishing. The park
hosts about 240,000 visitors annually.
A 75-mile hiking trail loops around the southern
portion of the tract, leading to a primitive camp-
ing area. The northern three miles of the river
are closed to swimming, tubing, and wading be-
cause of hazardous water currents.
Since the area is known for flash flooding, an
early flood warning system has been installed in
the park to alert visitors to dangerous conditions.
Buildings include two residences, headquarters,
service building, storage barn, stable (unused),
three rest rooms, and two comfort stations. Site
improvements include water system with build-
330
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Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 11
AREA OF BUILDINGS 144,479 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 20%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $458,373
WATER Private
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Pedernales Elect Co-op., Inc.
ing and fence, gas system, electric system, road
and parking lot, SO picnic sites, 69 campsites, 19
youth group campsites, primitive camping areas,
hiking and nature trail, fence, rock entrance, flag-
pole, and two scenic overlooks.
Operated for more than three decades as the
Circle Bar Ranch, the entire property was pur-
chased from one owner in 1970. The site is not
subject to zoning, and no deed restrictions
prevent alternate use. It is, however, encum-
bered by an oil company pipeline easement.
PARK BOUNDARY
PARK ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
11
RESIDENCE
E
PARKING
ฆ
REST ROOM
A
CAMPING
HEADQUARTERS
PEDERNALES RIVER
TO JOHNSON
TP WD plans to continue the present use of the
property as a state park, and GLO appraisers
have determined that this is the highest and best
use.
Approximately 343 acres located south of FM
2766 are underutilized for park purposes; small
areas provide overnight parking for late arrivals
as needed. While this parcel is not within a viable
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $12,150,025
BUILDINGS $365,975
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $1,576,655
MARKET VALUE. $14,092,655
APPRAISAL DATE May 15, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
commercial market (either for residential sub-
division or commercial use), the potential for
grazing or hunting leases is good. Opportunity
also exists for TP WD to use this parcel to serve
area recreational needs. Prelimi-
nary studies (See Fig. 3) indicate
that the site could accommodate
an 18-hole golf course. TP WD
has not indicated any future plans
for this parcel.
UNDERUTILIZED
FARCEL
Fig. 2 - Site Map
CONCLUSIONS ANDS
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recom-
mends that Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency
operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to
intensify the use of the underutil-
ized portion of the tract south of
FM 2766, noted as having poten-
tial for alternate use. A plan for
increased recreational use of this
area would justify continued
management by TPWD in light of
331
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its greater highest and best use potential.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN -
GOLF COURSE SCENARIO
In conjuction with this report, the General Land
Office performed a preliminary feasibility study
and design for a championship, eighteen-hole,
par 72 golf course on the underutilized parcel
south of FM 2766.
This parcel contains approximately 343 acres of
which approximately 185 acres would be needed
for the golf course. This site meets the general
physical golf course criteria because of its size,
topography, and directional orientation. The
GLO study did not explore technical require-
ments for water sources and specific site condi-
tions such as tree stands and rock outcroppings.
GLO's investigations revealed that the site is
within acceptable travel times for nearby resi-
dents who currently lack direct access to publicly
owned golf courses. The site is well located and
accessible, and golf course use is compatible with
the Pedernales Falls park use as a public recrea-
tion area. The GLO study did not explore con-
struction or operating costs nor did it evaluate
management options. If built,green fees and
other customary rental charges should be as-
sessed from golfers.
In the Figure 3 design scenario, the golf course
would occupy an area not currently used for park
purposes. In addition to the golf course, the com-
plex would include a golf cart rental service with
necessary storage and maintenance operations.
Sand and water hazards, improved golf cart paths,
and sprinkler systems for greens and fairways are
central elements within the golf course. If TP WD
decides to improve this property with a golf
course and state funds are not available, the
project could be completed through a ground
lease to a private operator.
332
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GOt F COURSE
L.
Mawt. shop M*nt. yปป
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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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EVALUATION REPORTS
Volume II
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME n
REGION 13
REGIONAL REPORT. 3
FANTHORP INN STATE HISTORIC SITE 7
FORT BOGGY STATE PARK 11
+KEECHI CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 15
WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC PARK 19
REGION 14
REGIONAL REPORT. 25
JASPER STATE FISH HATCHERY. 29
LAKE LIVINGSTON STATE RECREATION AREA 33
MISSION TEJAS STATE HISTORICAL PARK 37
REGION 15
REGIONAL REPORT. 41
ftj.D. MURPHREE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA. 45
SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC PARK 49
SEA RIM STATE PARK 53
VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK 57
REGION 16
REGIONAL REPORT. 61
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK 65
BRYAN BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA 69
CHRISTMAS BAY STATE PARK. 73
DAVIS HILL STATE PARK 77
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK 81
HUNTSVILLE STATE FISH HATCHERY... 85
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK 89
LAKE HOUSTON STATE PARK. 93
LA PORTE REGION VIIIHDQTS. 97
PEACH POINT WILDUFE MANAGEMENT AREA 101
SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC PARK 105
SEABROOK MARINE FIELD LABORATORY...- 109
^SHELDON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAISTATE RECREATION AREA 113
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK 117
VARNER - HOGG PLANTATION STATE HISTORICAL PARK. 121
-------
REGION 17
REGIONAL REPORT. 125
FANNIN BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC SITE 129
GOLIAD STATE HISTORICAL PARK. 133
^GUADALUPE DELTA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 139
JffNEASLONEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 143
PALMETTO STATE PARK 147
PERRY R. BASS MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION. 151
SWAN POINT STATE FISHERMAN ACCESS 155
REGION 18
REGIONAL REPORT. 159
ADMIRAL NIMIU STATE HISTORICAL PARK 163
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA J69
FISH HATCHERY PARK. 173
GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK. 177
HEART OF THE HILLS FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION 181
HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA 185
HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA 189
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO STATE HISTORIC SITE 193
jfr KERR WILDUFE MANAGEMENT AREA 199
KERRVILLE LAW ENFORCEMENT REGIONAL HDQTS. 203
KERRVILLE - SCHREINER STATE PARK 207
LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE 211
LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK 215
MICO GAME WARDEN RESIDENCE 221
RANCHO DE LAS CABRAS STATE HISTORIC SITE 225
SAN JOSE MISSION NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 229
SEBASTOPOL HOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE. 233
REGION 19
REGIONAL REPORT. 237
FALCON STATE RECREATION AREA 241
%L4S PALOMAS WILDUFE MANAGEMENT AREA STARR COUNTY. 245
REGION 20
REGIONAL REPORT. 251
FULTON MANSION STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE. 255
GOOSE ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA 259
UPANTTTLAN STATE HISTORIC SITE 263
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK. 267
ROCKPORT REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE 271
VPS STATE RECREATION AREA 275
-------
REGION 21
REGIONAL REPORT. 279
ARROYO COLORADO STATE RECREATION AREA. 283
BENTSEN - RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK 287
^ LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA: CAMERON COUNTY ... 291
HIDALGO COUNTY. 297
WILLACY COUNTY. 301
OLMITO STATE FISH HATCHERY 305
PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE...... 309
RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK ... 315
REGION 22
REGIONAL REPORT. 319
BONHAM STATE RECREATION AREA ..323
EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC SITE. ... 327
REGION 23
REGIONAL REPORT. 331
COLORADO BEND STATE PARK 335
MOTHER NEFF STATE PARK 339
REGION 24
REGIONAL REPORT. 343
HF CHAPARRAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 347
DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA 351
GARNER STATE PARK. 355
LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA 359
SEMINOLE CANYON STATE HISTORIC PARK 363
III. APPENDICES 367
INDEX ...369
OVERVIEW 373
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 377
(FOR REGIONS 1 THROUGH 12, REFER TO VOLUME L)
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?
Region 13
-------
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 13 (BRAZOS VALLEY)
3
SH i
2
LEON
ROBERTSON \
| MADISON
\ GRIMES
BRAZOS
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION
BURLESON
WASfflNGTON 40j
J US 290
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. FANTHORP INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
2. FORT BOGGY STATE PARK
3. KEECHI CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
4. WASHINGTON-ON -THE-BRAZOS STATE
HISTORIC PARK
4
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 13 (BRAZOS VALLEY) covers 5,080 square miles, much of the historic east central Texas
area surrounding Bryan/College Station.
ECONOMY - Region 13 is connected to the Houston economy closely enough to be considered part
of the Gulf Coast economic area. Recovering from the decline in the oil industry, the Gulf Coast will
experience a resurgence in a broad range of manufacturing and service-related industries. With
diversification, the Gulf Coast as a whole is expected to again become the leading region in growth.
Projections for the coastal area cite a 1.1% population growth and 2.0% non-agricultural job growth
per year for the 1990s.
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
DensitylSq.
Mile
Park Acres I
1,000 Pop.
7
1
229,073
15
72
GEOGRAPHY - A mixture of Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah, this region is rich in Texas
history. Agrarian in nature, it is the eighth least populous TORP region, with concentration only
around the Bryan/College Station area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
103
16,550
500-999
3rd
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Five of the six TP WD facilities are listed among the seven major
attractions and resources for this region. Approximately 14% of the resources in the' region is
considered developed recreational land. Lake Somerville is the most popular outdoor recreation
resource in the Brazos Valley region. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers operates four recreational
sites on the lake and leases a fifth, Walsh Park, to the City of Somerville.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
6
4
2,663
$3,613,716
4% / 16%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 13 will be for trails, athletic facilities, and resource-based facilities. Of typical TP WD facilities,
boat ramps ranked fifth in need, campgrounds, sixth, and hiking, seventh.
J
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FANTHORP INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site (SHS) is
located about 20 miles southeast of College Station, on Main
Street in Anderson, Grimes County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1.433 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 372, p. 14,
Grimes County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fanthorp Inn, located only 12 miles from
Washington-on-the-Brazos, played host to many
of the heroes of the Texas Revolution including
Sam Houston and Anson Jones. The original inn
was built in the 1830s by Henry Fanthorp, an
immigrant from Great Britain, as his family
home. Because of his location on a well-used
road, Fanthorp soon began to take in travelers.
During the republic and early statehood, the inn
sheltered many more famous Texas citizens and
less well-known pioneers moving west with the
frontier. Between Houston/Galveston and
Washington-on-the-Brazos, Fanthorp's was a
regular station on stagecoach lines and roads
making up Texas' primary communication and
transportation network. In the 1850s, Fanthorp
doubled the size of his inn to accommodate an
ever-increasing flow of patrons. Tradition tells of
visits by Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and
Ulysses S. Grant
Henry Fanthorp died in 1867, leaving the proper-
ty to his only daughter, Mary, who changed the
General Data
SIZE.
COUNTY
MUNICIPALITY
SEN/REP DISTRICTS..
TORP REGION.
TPWD JURISDICTION
inn back into a private residence. It remained in
the Fanthorp family until 1977, when the sixth
generation conveyed title to the state.
, 1.433 acres
Grimes
Anderson
1515
13
Parks
Preceding page blank
-------
The irregularly-shaped tract's landscaping con-
sists of native grasses and large shade trees. The
property has 255.56 feet of frontage on the Old
Anderson and White Hall Road.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 340 ft. msl
SLOPE ?%-5%
SOILS Carbengle Clay loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S and SE
DRAINAGE East Into pond
Access is via Main Street, which intersects SH 90
south of downtown Anderson. SH 90 leads south
to Navasota and north via FM 244 to SH 30, the
main route to Biyan-College Station.
Ranch land adjoins the property to the east and
south. A private residence borders the site on the
north; Main Street borders on the west
Grimes County economy is based on beef, dairy
cattle, hogs, grains, soybeans, watermelons, and
Christmas trees. Anderson is a small, rural com-
munity with a population of 320. Main Street,
with its architectural designs from both the Vic-
torian and southern colonial eras, offers a nostal-
gic glimpse of former times.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 1.433 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
FANTHORPINN
STATE HISTORIC SITE
TO
COLLEGE
STATION
COUNTY
SH 30
ROANS
PRAHUE
SH 90
RICHARDS
ANDERSON CITY
NAVASOTA
Fig. 1 - Location
8
-------
w
I
PARKING
MAIN STREET
INN
Fig. 2 - Site
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD acquired the inn in 1977 in a deed con-
veying not only land and buildings but also price-
less documents relating to the operation of the
business dating back to the 1830s. Also included
Improvements/Utilities
WATER Anderson Water Co-operative
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Gulf States Utilities Co.
were pewter and silver objects brought from
England by Henry Fanthorp and a rich store of
old furniture, pictures, and miscellanea used at
various times at the inn. Among the memorabilia
is a silver-handled walking stick which belonged
to Sam Houston.
TP WD restored the inn to the period 1850 -1867
and opened it to the public on Oct. 4,1987. The
furnished bedrooms reflect the austere accom-
modations available to early Texas travelers.
Family rooms portray lifestyles of Texans only 10
to 20 years removed from the hostile environ-
ment which greeted the original settlers in
Robertson's Colony. Modes of transportation
are exhibited in the barn.
TP WD has developed an extensive additional
interpretive program which includes restoration
of the house and barn, authentic refurnishing, a
stagecoach, and other exhibits from the desig-
nated era.
Because of the site's lengthy occupation, TPWD
considers it rich in below-ground cultural ar-
tifacts. These archeological resources are
thought to be the key to unlocking many of the
secrets of early Texas life. Because the property
is listed as a Texas Historic Landmark, die Texas
9
-------
marketability of the property. The site is not
affected by any zoning laws.
Appraisal Data and Values
In view of the site's historical importance, the
LAND $7,300 GLO appraiser was unable to place a dollar value
BUILDINGS 0 on the buildings anH their contents. Any alternate
SITE IMPROVEMENTS o use of the property would diminish its historical
MARKET VALUE $7,300 value; therefore, GLO appraisers find that the
APPRAISAL DATE March 15,1987 highest and best use is a state historic site.
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
CONCLUSIONS AND
~~ ; RECOMMENDATIONS
Historical Commission must review any altera-
tions made to buildings or grounds.
The General Land Office recommends that
There are no reversion clauses, deed restrictions, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
leases, or encumbrances that adversely affect the subject property for agency operations.
10
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FORT BOGGY STATE PARK
Location Fort Boggy State Park (SP) is located on US 75,
3.6 miles south of Centerville, Leon County, Texas.
Legal Description - The tract covers 996 acres, more par-
ticularly described by deeds in Volume 620, p. 500, Leon
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Hie subject property was the site of Fort Boggy,
commissioned in 1840 by President Mirabeau B.
Lamar for the Republic of Texas and defended
against the Indians by Texas Rangers. No
original buildings remain, and today only a
granite marker erected in 1936 for the Centen-
nial identifies the site.
TPWD acquired the property by donation from
Eileen Crain Sullivan in 1985 and plans to
develop it as a state park. A master plan is
scheduled for completion in FY 1990.
The 996-acre, irregularly-shaped tract is located
in post-oak savannah country about 65 miles west
of Waco in an area of wooded, rolling hills, bot-
tomland pastures, and meadows. It contains ex-
tensive stands of the highly endangered
Centerville Brazos mint plant
Boggy Creek and its tributaries cross the site,
which contains a 15-to-20-acre lake. The creek
and lake could provide a focus for recreational
activities at the future park. Approximately 150
acres of floodplain are located adjacent to these
creeks. Abundant fauna such as squirrel and rac-
coon habitat the area. The subject property has a
large white-tailed deer population in both
General Data
COUNTY
MUNICIPALITY
Mot applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS.
TORP REGION.
TPWD JURISDICTION
u
-------
FORT BOGGY
STATE PARK
m 45
CENTERVILLE
SITE
US 75
LEONA
IH 45
TO
HOUSTON
Fig. 1 - Location
wooded and open areas. The lake is stocked with
bass, crappy, and catfish.
US 75 borders the site on the east. There are
4,000 feet of southwest frontage on IH 45, prin-
cipal route between Dallas and Houston. Sur-
rounding land is used for cattle ranching,
farming, and hunting leases.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 268 -420fLmsl
SLOPE 1%-20%
SOILS Sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN 150 acres
PREVAILING WIND SW
DRAINAGE Into creeks
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 996 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 500 acres
VISITATION Mot applicable
Access is via US 75, which joins IH 45,2.5 miles
south in Leona (population 188). There is no
direct access from the property to IH 45. Several
miles of jeep trails traverse the tract
Leon County economy rests on farming and live-
stock production.
12
-------
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Mrs. Sullivan retains grazing rights pending
development by TP WD and is currently running
cattle on the property. Her grazing rights can be
terminated at any time by either party. Ap-
proximately 400 acres (402%) of this ranch are
improved in specialized grasses, with the remain-
ing 596 acres in natural range. A well, two barns,
and corrals are the only site improvements.
Pipelines, buried telephone cable, and power line
easements are in place. No zoning applies to the
property. Two 60-foot access easements adjoin
the tract on either side of Boggy Creek. A rever-
sion clause in the deed states that if the property
ceases to be used for conservation or park pur-
poses, title will pass to the Daughters of the
Republic of Texas.
Alternate uses for this site are severely limited by
a combination of factors. Limited access,
remoteness from commercial activity, and rever-
sion clauses in the title preclude disposition of
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $996,000
BUILDINGS $3,888
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $5,000
MARKET VALUE $996,000
APPRAISAL DATE February 23,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Agriculture,
Hunting & Fishing Leases
this property by the state. If no legal restrictions
existed, highest and best use of the property
would be cattle ranching, and hunting and fishing
leases.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
13
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS * WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
KEECHI CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Keechi Creek Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located between FM 831 and FM 542, ten miles
south of the community of Oakwood, Leon County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,500.18 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 629, p. 72,
Leon County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Distinguished as a winter waterfowl resting and
feeding area, the Keechi Creek Wildlife Manage-
ment Area serves as a wildlife refuge while
providing opportunities for public hunting.
The isolated 1,500-acre tract is typical of mid-
East Texas wilderness. Approximately 80%
(1,350 acres) is bottomland covered with
hardwood such as willow oak, elm, and sweetgum
and is subject to periodic flooding. This bottom-
land is intersected by creek drainage and contains
numerous standing water sloughs. Uplands con-
tain post oak woodlands, with small pastures and
other open areas scattered throughout the tract.
The area provides excellent habitat for deer,
squirrel, feral hogs, migrant and resident water-
fowl, songbirds, herons, egrets, and small mam-
mals. The deer herd is currently estimated at one
deer per 10 acres.
Access to the WMA is south on FM 831 from
Oakwood for 4.6 miles, and then on Duncan Hill
Road for 4.8 miles to the WMA entrance. The
latter road is unpaved. Oakwood is located on
General Data
SฃSE..inmhmhh.ซi.im*nmm..i.mm.mi*.mmซ. 1,500.13 acres
COUNTY. Leon
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 5/15
TORP REGION. 13
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
US 79, 18 miles southwest of Palestine and 18
miles northeast of IH 45, principal route between
Dallas and Houston.
15
-------
Livestock ranching and wildlife habitat are the
major land usages in the area. Area ranches sup-
port one animal unit per 100 acres. The county is
considered a fanning community, with a popula-
tion of less than 13,000. Agribusiness and oil
production also contribute to the economic base.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property primarily as a
waterfowl management area. Controlled hunt-
ing for deer, squirrel, and waterfowl is a secon-
dary use, and fees from last year's public hunts
netted less than $6,000. Hunt schedules and
detailed instructions for participation are avail-
able from TPWD.
The WMA is totally undeveloped, with no
potable water, utilities, or all-weather roads.
Camping is not allowed on the WMA, but com-
mercial lodging facilities and private campsites
are available in Centerville, Buffalo, Palestine,
and surrounding areas.
Physical Data
ELEVATION... 203-272 ft msl
SLOPE Very gently sloping bottomland
SOILS. HatHtl, Loamy
FLOODPLAIN 80%
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE. SE Into Keechl Creek
KEECHI CREEK
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
TO
OAKlfOOD
DUNCAN HILL
RO
TO
BUFFALO
FM 542
IH 45
SH 7
VXCENTERVILLE
SITE
TO
.CROCKETT
leona
Fig. 1 - Location
16
-------
Fig. 2-Site
KEECHI CREEK
BUFFALO
CHECK STATION
CREEK
ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
EASEMENT ROAD
TO DUNCAN HILL ROAD
I
TP WD acquired the property in 1985 using
Waterfowl Stomp funds and payments from the
Brazos River Authority in partial mitigation for
terrestrial wildlife losses created by the construc-
tion and operation of Lake Limestone. Its
riparian ecosystem has given rise to TP WD plans
for wetland development and a waterfowl winter-
ing area. Future plans include further develop-
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,500.18 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 150 acres
ment of the site as a protected wildlife habitat and
hunting site.
Deed records show easement rights and use of
existing corrals and catch pens vested in the pre-
vious owners.
No improvements exist at this time on the
property. The timber, low quality hardwood, is
valued at $5230 per acre on the 1,350 wooded
acres, or $70,875.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is a wildlife management
area. Alternative uses, such as commercial hunt-
ing leases and low-grade pulpwood production,
would produce little income. Market data reveal
a depressed market in the area and a negative net
17
-------
income factor due primarily to poor roads, peri-
odic flooding of 80% of the tract, inferior
hardwood, and difficult access to an isolated loca-
tion.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. None
These negative commercial factors, however,
create an ideal habitat for waterfowl and other
wildlife. The protection of these resources and
the regulated public hunting program will be ex-
panded by TP WD in the future and represent the
most beneficial use of the property.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $975,116
BUILDINGS. $0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $975,116
APPRAISAL DATE. November 5, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Wildlife habitat
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
18
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS
STATE HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION- Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park
(SHP) is located on FM 912,16 miles northeast qfBrtnham,
Washington County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 165.09 acres,
more particularfy described by deeds in Volume 98, p. 168,
Volume 113, p. 166, Volume 299, p. 88, and Volume 494, p.
385, Washington County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park is
one of the most significant historic sites in the
state park system. It was in the small village of
Washington in March 1836, that the fathers of
Texas proclaimed the Republic by composing
and adopting the new nation's Declaration of
Independence and Constitution.
The village grew with the new nation, serving as
its capital from 1842 to 1845. Archeological
remains from this early settlement are found
throughout the SHP and provide an important
resource for exploration of nineteenth-century
Texas culture.
The subject tract is irregularly shaped, set on
rolling prairies of sandy loam. A narrow strip
along the Brazos River is subject to occasional
flooding. The park preservation plan prevents
runoff erosion and flooding by using native gras-
General Data
SIZE. 165.09 acres
COUNTY. Washington
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 5113
TORP REGION. 13
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
ses and willow, oak, and cottonwood trees in its
preservation system.
For descriptive purposes, the site has been parti-
tioned into five parcels. All parcels except E
19
-------
WASfflNGTON-ON-THE -BRAZOS
STATE HISTORIC PARK
TO IH 45
SITE
FM 912
SH 36
SH 106
US 290
FM 1155
BRENHAU
US 290
SH 36
Fig. 1 - Location Map
have good frontage on the Brazos River. Parcels
A and B (99.69 acres) are undeveloped.
Parcel A (83.19 acres), the site of a beaver pond,
is the largest and least developed. It is located
west of Feny Street but has no road access other
than through Parcel B.
Parcel B (16.5 acres) lies between Parcel A and
Feny Street As part of the old Washington Vil-
lage, it is considered archeologically sensitive.
Parcel C (133 acres) lies immediately east of
Feny Street and contains a facsimile of Inde-
pendence Hall. Like Parcel B, it was part of the
old village and is considered archeologically sen-
sitive.
Parcel D (48.9 acres) is east of Parcel C and
contains the remainder of the SHP buildings and
a pecan tree grove.
Parcel E (3.2 acres) is a detached site west of
Feny Street and contains the service area and
superintendent's residence.
Access is via FM 912, which connects to SH 105,
the major artery between Brenham (population
12,796), and Navasota. IH 45, principal route
between Dallas and Houston, is 55 miles east
Physical Data
ELEVATION 145-235 ft msl
SLOPE 0%-8%
SOILS. Brazoria Clay, Oklares-
Norwood, Chazos, Padlna, and Sllawa
FLOODPLAIN Along river
PREVAILING WIND S except N In winter
DRAINAGE. NE Into Brazos River
20
-------
Most adjoining land is used for pasture. A few
small, rural, residential tracts are located in the
immediate area. Manufacturing and tourism
contribute to the county's economy; however,
ninety percent of the economic base is from live-
stock management
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD preserves the site as a shrine of Texas
liberty, revered as the home of the signing of the
Texas Declaration of Independence and Con-
stitution. The rebuilt Independence Hall, Presi-
dent Anson Jones's home, and the Star of the
Republic Museum are all popular tourist attrac-
tions. In FY 1987, almost 200,000 people visited
the day-use park.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 13
AREA 22,041 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $871,400
WATER Northeast Washington County
Water Supply Cooperation/well
SEWER [[[ Septic
GAS. Propane
ELECTRIC Gulf States Utilities Co.
Ferry
TRAIL
PARK BOUNDARIES
A HEADQUARTERS & INTERPRETIVE CIR.
B PRESIDENT ANSON JONES'S HOME
C STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM
D INDEPENDENCE HALL
E RIVER OVERLOOK
-------
The new interpretive center regularly screens
"Independence," the award-winning TPWD
sesquicentennial film. The museum, operated by
Blinn Junior College in Brenham, houses a
variety of exhibits relating to the history of Texas.
Other activities offered include picnicking,
birdwatching, children's playground, and
sightseeing. The park is a popular site for family
reunions.
Buildings include Independence Hall, Jones
Home, museum, auditorium with kitchen
facilities, amphitheater, doctor's office, head-
quarters with interpretive center, two pavilions,
maintenance building, comfort station, service
area with superintendent's residence, and car-
port
Federal Historic Sites and Struc-
tures Act requires TPWD to
preserve and protect the ar-
cheological sites on Parcels B and
C. A 15-foot wagon lane ease-
ment exists along and parallel to
the southwest property line.
TPWD plans to continue present
use of the SHP and to research the
archeological remains of
Washington Village. GLO ap-
praisers have determined that the
highest and best use of Parcels B
through E is an historic state park.
Parcel A has limited historic sig-
nificance. The highest and best use
of this parcel, which has substantial
Brazos River frontage, is recrea-
tional property. However, access
would have to be provided through
the SHP. The present market does
not render commercial develop-
ment of this parcel attractive
enough to pursue.
The SHP's uniqueness and rela-
tively high degree of usage out-
weighs the marginal potential for
Site improvements include roads and parking
area, water, gas, electric, and sewage systems, two
tanks, fences, 25 picnic sites, portal and signs,
flagpole, interpretive sign, river overlook,
landscaping, and playground equipment
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 42.2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 69.67 acres
UNDEVELOPED 57.8%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 95.42 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 9
VISITATION (FY'87) 187,958
Zoning regulations are not in force. No deed
restrictions or encumbrances affect the
marketability of this tract, but the
BRAZOS
RIVER
FM 912
err;
PARTITIONED ACREAGE
PARK
ICE
FM 1155
Fig. 3 Parcel Map
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $324,409
BUILDINGS $871,400
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $439,491
MARKET VALUE $1,635,300
APPRAISAL DATE April 24, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
alternate uses on this site. Any alternate use
would need close coordination and control in
order to avoid detracting from the SHP's historic
value.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
23
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Region 14
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 14 (DEEP EAST TEXAS)
NACOGDOl
HOUSTON
SAN
SABINB
ANGELINA
NBWTON
n
L US M
SAN
JACINTO
TYLER
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. JASPER STATE FISH HATCHERY
2. LAKE LIVINGSTON STATE RECREATION AREA
3. MISSION TEJAS STATE HISTORICAL PARK
26
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 14 (DEEP EAST TEXAS) covers 9,884 square miles of the central portion of East Texas,
bordering Louisiana.
ECONOMY - Region 14 includes a significant portion of the East Texas economy. Having suffered
from the downturn in oil and gas production, recovery and growth will be slower than that of the rest
of the state. Although profiting from a healthy timber industry, the region will see only .6% population
growth and 1.7% non-agricultural job growth (led by health and financial services, wholesale trade,
and tourism) annually during the next decade.
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
Mile
Park Acres!
1,000 Pop.
12
none
302,533
31
1,919
GEOGRAPHY - A section of the Pineywoods, Region 14 is endowed with native and commercially
managed forests. It is close to the median population for TORP regions of the state, with 94% spread
through 10 counties. Lufkin and Nacogdoches are principal towns.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
271
580,643
0-499
15th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Nine TP WD facilities are listed among the 17 major attractions
and resources named by the TORP. Approximately 1% of the resources in Region 14 is considered
developed recreational land. Seven TP WD facilities are leased. Hie three largest freshwater im-
poundments in Texas are located in this rural, recreation-dominated region. This region has more
freshwater surface acres than any other region.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
10
3
980
$7,650,409
1% 1.17%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 14 will be for athletic facilities of all kinds. Activities typical of TPWD facilities are already
satisfied by availability of camping, hiking, and water sports, which are all ranked low on the need list
27
-------
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
JASPER STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Jasper State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is located
.25 mile west of FM 1747 and approximately 10 miles west
of Jasper, Jasper County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 226.45 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 53, pp. 92,
and 99, Jasper County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Texas bass fishers who are increasingly pulling in
record catches may owe their success to Jasper
State Fish Hatchery, the largest, large-mouth
bass hatchery in the state system.
General Data
SIZE ! 226.45 acres
COUNTY. Jasper
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENJREP DISTRICTS 3120
TORP REGION 14
TPWD JURISDICTION. Fisheries
Set in the Pineywoods of East Texas only eight
miles from the Sam Rayburn Reservoir dam, the
Jasper hatchery occupies an irregularly shaped
tract with a good 95-acre stand of shoitleaf and
loblolly pine interspersed with magnolia, white
oak, and water oak trees. Understory vegetation
is limited to moderate-to-dense native shrubs
and grasses. Indian Creek, feeding the 64 acres of
ponds, is a strong feature of the site. A strip of
land along the creek is in the floodplain.
For descriptive purposes, the tract has been
divided into two parcels.
Parcel A (131.45 acres) contains the fishery
operations.
Parcel B (95 acres) is undeveloped and con-
tains the good timber stands, creek bottom,
and some low, wet area not suitable for
development
Access is via a paved county road off FM 1747,
which connects to SH 63, the main route between
Jasper and Lufkin, approximately 50 miles
northwest. The Louisiana border lies thirty miles
east of the hatchery on SH 63.
Preceding page blank
29
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JASPER
STATE FISH HATCHERY
JASPER COUNTY
SITE
TO SAM RAYBURN
RESERVOIR
SH 63
LUFKIN
1747 -4
INDIAN
CREEK
LOUISIANA
FM1747
PAVED
COUNTY
ROAD
BEAUMONT
Fig. 1 - Location & Site Map
The site is bordered on the south by Indian Creek
and surrounded by rural homesites and vacant
timber company lands. Jasper, the county seat,
has a population of 7,104. County economy is
based on wood-related industries.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the 64 acres of spring-fed ponds
for the cultivation of fish to stock the lakes and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 150 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-5%
SOILS Sandy with some loams
FLOODPLAIN Small strip along creek
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE S Into Indian Creek
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 58%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 131.45 acres
UNDEVELOPED... 42%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 05 acres
streams of Texas. The operation typifies op-
timum utilization of scientifically applied prac-
tices to produce an economically desirable
product
The hatchery normally carries a maximum
capacity of brooder fish and production facilities.
It is now operating at 100% of capacity.
Buildings include three residences, office build-
ing, three garages, and three miscellaneous-use
buildings. Site improvements include septic and
30
-------
water systems, roads, fencing, flagpole, 63 ponds, fisheries industry and are a major obstacle to any
and pipe, valves, and other equipment necessary alternate use.
improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,758 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 35%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $234,618
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Jasper-Newton Co-op.
for the operation of the ponds. All buildings and
site improvements are located on Parcel A.
No zoning regulations or easements are recorded
for this property, which was purchased in 1930
from a lumber company and various private in-
dividuals. No deed restrictions or reversion
clauses affect the property.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $283,062
BUILDINGS $154,575
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $628,016
MARKET VALUE $1,065,653
APPRAISAL DATE March 31,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery,
agriculture
TPWD plans to continue to expand present
operations, and GLO appraisers find that the
highest and best use of Parcel A is a fish hatchery.
Improvements in place are usable only for the
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of Parcel B is timber management. The appraisal
report recommends a timber analysis to deter-
mine whether extra income for the state might be
generated by selective and well-managed timber
parcelb
PARCEL A
INDIAN CREEK
PAVED COUNTY ROAD
Fig. 2 - Parcel Map
production to be administered by the Texas
Forestry Service. Parcel B's situs factors negate
any other alternate use, e.g., residential develop-
ment, because of its low, wet terrain. TPWD
plans to expand the ponds onto Parcel B, but no
schedule has yet been developed.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
31
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE LIVINGSTON
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Lake Livingston State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located on FM 3126, four miles southwest of the
town of Livingston, Polk County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 635.52 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 262, p. 286;
Volume 263, p. 384; Volume 267, p. 424; Volume 269,
p. 321; Volume 271, p. 599; and Volume 280, p. 70, Polk
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Lake Livingston State Recreation Area is set in
attractive East Texas pine-oak woodlands. The
oblong tract contains several vegetational
regions, including pine-oak, hardwood bottom-
land, and tallgrass blackland prairie. Only 5% or
less of the park lies within the 100-year
floodplain. Wildlife include white-tailed deer,
raccoons, reptiles, amphibians, swamp-rabbits,
and numerous species of birds.
For descriptive purposes, the property has been
divided into four parcels.
Parcel A (79.69 acres) is the most intensely
developed and includes most of the SRA's
lake shoreline.
Parcel B (458.54 acres) contains the SRA
entrance, some development, and over
6,000 feet of common border with residen-
tial subdivisions. It has no shoreline but
does have 8,094.76 feet of frontage on FM
3126.
Parcel C (49.88 acres) lies across FM 3126
from Parcel B. It is undeveloped and heavi-
ly wooded, adjoins a residential subdivision,
and has 738.67 feet of frontage on FM 3126.
Parcel D (47.41 acres) extends from the
southern tip of the lake and has some lake
General Data
SIZE. 635.52 acres
COUNTY Polk
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS..... 3/18
TORP REGION. 14
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank
33
-------
LAKE LIVINGSTON
STATE RECREATION AREA
LUFKIN
US 59
FM
3126
FM
1988
SITE
ฃ*ฆ US 59
HOUSTON
Fig. 1 Location Map
and some residential frontage. On the
south and west it has 1,375.79 feet of
frontage on Barnett Lane. It is un-
developed except for a single hiking trail.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 135 -150fLmsl
SLOPE 0%-5%
SOILS Qarner, Woodville
FLOODPLA1N 5%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE W Into lake
Access to the site is from US 59, principal route
between Houston and Lufkin, via FM 1988 and
FM 3126. FM 3126 intersects Park Road 65,
which traverses the site. Houston is 73 miles to
the southwest Livingston, the county seat of
Polk County, has a population of 6,160. Chief
industries include timber, tourism, and oil. Polk
leads all Texas counties in timber products
delivered to mill and rail sidings. Christmas trees
are an increasingly important cash crop.
The property is bordered on the west by the lake
and private residential developments, on the
north by a private subdivision, and on the south
by pasture. Residential and vacation develop-
ment has occurred in response to a demand for
water-related recreation in the greater Houston
area.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED. 20%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 127.10 acres
UNDEVELOPED 80%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 508.42 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 457.57 acres
VISITATION (FY "87) 381,453
34
-------
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
cleaning house, park store, activities center, pool
house, fiiel storage structure, maintenance shed,
TP WD operates the property as a state recrea-
tion area, offering boating, lake and pool swim-
ming, fishing, waterskiing, camping, picnicking,
playground, hiking, and nature trails. The park
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 29
AREA OF BUILDINGS 20,618 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $547,858
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
ELECTRICITY...Sam Houston Electrical Company
accommodates over 300,000 visitors a year. The
site is also managed as a natural forest tract,
preserving some of the area's plant and animal
communities.
Maintained buildings include three residences,
headquarters, ten cabins, six rest rooms, fish
SUBDIVISION UNDERUTILIZED
1 PARCEL
FM 3126 / i
\ ( f~~ PARCEL C
SUBDIVISION / \
L SUBDIVISION
LAKE / PARCEL ^
LIVINGSTON j B
PARCEL PiA 1
A \ 1
Iป- FM3126
SUBDIVISION
BARNETTLANE /
PARCEL E
/ i Tvnppi rm mปr>
PARCEL
Fig.2-Parcel Map
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,036,842
BUILDINGS. -.$446,872
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $3,443,000
MARKET VALUE $5,926,714
APPRAISAL DATE. April I, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
commercial
equipment shed, group meeting hall, and well
house.
Site improvements include paved roads, parking
lots and sidewalks, sewer and water systems, 50
trailer sites, 97 campsites, 64 picnic sites,
entrance, bridge, flagpole, amphitheater, obser-
vation tower, pier and dock, two water wells,
playground equipment, three boat launches,
hiking and nature trails, fencing, swimming pool,
and concrete bulkheading.
Two and one-half miles of lakeshore provide
ample access to water-connected sports on the
reservoir, a constant-level project of the Trinity
River Authority.
Acquired in 1971-72 by donation from Southland
Paper Mills, Inc., and Polk County, and by pur-
chase from private owners, the tract is unencum-
bered by deed restrictions. No zoning regulations
affect the property. Typical utility easements are
in place.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the site
as a state recreation area. Several area factors
such as temperate climate, an 84,800-surface-
acre reservoir, appealing terrain, and proximity
to a large population center justify public recrea-
tion as an appropriate use for the property.
GLO appraisers have determined that the
highest and best use of most of the tract is as a
recreation area. Parcel C (49.88 acres), the land
35
-------
A CUOMO
(ฃ RESDBNC8
HEADQUARTER!
HDNO TRAILS
PARK BOUNDARY
LAKE LIVINGSTON
PARK ROAD ซ5
ENTRANCE
TO LAKE LIVINGSTON DAM
Fig. 3 Site Map
east of FM 3126, and Parcel D (47.41 acres) along
Barnett Lane are appropriate for residential
development because adjoining land uses suggest
a strong market for lakefront development.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
entire property for agency operations. TPWD
should develop a plan to intensify use of under-
utilized Parcels C and D, noted as having poten-
tial for alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of Parcels C and D by TPWD in
light of their greater highest and best use poten-
tial.
36
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS ft WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MISSION TEJAS STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCA TION - Mission Tejas State Historical Park (SHP) is
located on SH 21, approximately 20 miles northeast of
Crockett, Houston County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 118.04 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 164, p. 543,
Volume 166, p. 141, Volume 200, p. 533, and Volume 170,
p. 367, Houston County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Mission Tejas State Historical Park is named for
Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first
Spanish mission in the Province of Texas. This
ill-fated 1690 mission was the Spanish answer to
the strong French presence in Louisiana, which
the Spaniards believed threatened their claim to
Texas.
No one is certain where the mission was located.
It lasted for three-and-one-half years before the
Spaniards were driven back into Mexico by local
Indians. In the 1930s, the discovery of an old
Spanish cannon on the subject site inspired
Houston County residents to set it aside as an
historical park in memory of the early mission.
Set among Loblolly pines just outside the Davy
Crockett National Forest, this tranquil, rustic
park is irregularly shaped with fine, sandy-loam
soils, and sloping terrain over 85% of the proper-
ty. A nature trail encircles the small Mission
Tejas Lake and its spillway.
A structure representing the original mission
building was built by the Civilian Conservation
General Data
SIZE 118.04 acres
COUNTY. Houston
MUNICIPALITY....... Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 5/15
TORP REGION 14
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Corps in 1935. While not authentic in construc-
tion, it serves to remind visitors of a very early
period of Texas history.
37
-------
The Rice family log house, built in 1828 and one
of the oldest structures in East Texas, was moved
to the park in 1974, the gift of Mrs. John Rice. It
has been restored by the Historic Sites and Res-
toration branch of TP WD as an example of
pioneer log housing.
The site is bordered on the south and southwest
by commercial timberlands, on the north and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 250-400 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-20%
SOILS Trawlck and Alto Fine Sandy Loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE NE, Into San Pedro Creek
northeast by private homes and a cemetery, and
on the southeast by SH 21 and a few scattered
homesites belonging to the community of
Weches, Texas.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED .25%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 29.54 acres
UNDEVELOPED 75%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 88.50 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 70 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 55,067
Houston County is sparsely populated, with 80%
residing in the town of Crockett. The local
economy is based on livestock, timber produc-
tion, and tourism.
Access is via SH 21, which connects Crockett to
Nacogdoches, 35 miles east. The park has 555
feet of frontage on SH 21. Park Road 44 provides
a roadway within the park boundaries.
SH 19
(US 287)
SH 21
SH 7
SH 7
US 287
ROCKETT
SH 19
TO NACOGDOCHES
MISSION TEJAS
SHP
SH 21
Fig. 1 - Location
38
-------
19
MISSION
COMMEMORATIVE
RESIDENCE
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
NATURE TRAIL
CAMPING AREA
HEADQUARTERS
REST ROOM
if^POND
PARK
ROAD
44
HISTORIC ^
MARKER
RICE FAMILY
LOG HOME
ฆSH 21
ENTRANCE
Fig. 2 - Site
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD administers the site as a state historical
park and recreation facility, with camping areas,
ฃishing, nature and hiking trails, and picnicking
facilities. The Department is restoring the
mixed-pine hardwood community natural to the
site, resulting in a surprising diversity of plants
and animals.
Buildings include the mission and the Rice cabin,
a park headquarters, residence, garage, pavilion,
two rest rooms, and shed. Site improvements
consist of roads and parking lots, 22 picnic sites,
five trailer sites, 11 camp sites, electrical lines,
septic systems, waterlines, sidewalks, portal,
hiking and nature trail, pedestrian bridge,
spillway, flagpole, playground equipment, and
fencing.
Timber on 100 acres of the site is considered
marketable and is valued at $1,200 per acre.
The subject property is not affected by any zoning
laws. Typical utility easements exist. The deed
restricts the use of the property to historic preser-
vation and the investigation and demonstration
of forestation. Senate Bill No. 447, passed by the
Texas Legislature in 1957, allows TPWD to sell
timber from portions of this tract under a forestry
program or for salvage.
The Texas Forest Service, which acquired the
tract in 1934-40 from private owners, transferred
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 9
AREA 6,284 sq.ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $116,658
WATER Consolidated Water
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY. Houston County Electric Co.
39
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND .... $247,884
BUILDINGS $116,658
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $293,500
MARKET VALUE $658,042
APPRAISAL DATE March 25, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
the park to TP WD in 1957. TP WD plans to
continue to operate the property at its current
use, a recreation area and outdoor museum com-
memorating an early era of Texas history.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is a state historical park.
No alternative uses were addressed in the ap-
praisal report due to deed restrictions, steep
slopes ranging up to 20%, and the historical as-
sociations of the site.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
40
-------
Region 15
-------
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-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 15 (SOUTHEAST TEXAS)
HARDIN
US 96
ORANGE
BEAUMONT
)___ PORT
ARTHUR
JEFFERSON
GULF OF
MEXICO
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. J. D. MURPHREE WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA
2. SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND STATE
HISTORIC PARK
3. SEA RIM STATE PARK
4. VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK
42
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 15 (SOUTHEAST TEXAS) covers 2,197 square miles which abut the Gulf of Mexico on
the south and Louisiana on the east
ECONOMY - Region 15 is a major petrochemical center, expected to experience a resurgence as that
industry recovers. With diversification, the Gulf Coast is forecast to become the fastest growing region
in the state, projected to have a 1.1% population growth and 2.0% non-agricultural job growth per
year through the 1990s.
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
Mile
Park Acres!
1,000 Pop.
3
1
368,936
168
438
GEOGRAPHY - At the southern boundary of the Pineywoods, where they meld into coastal prairies
and marshes, Region IS is rich in outdoor recreational resources. Its population is close to the state
median and is concentrated in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
ofAU Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
157
161,670
500-999
12th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The four TP WD recreational facilities are listed among the nine
major attractions and resources in this region. Approximately 2% of the resources in this region is
considered developed. Twenty-five miles of Gulf beachfront, as well as freshwater resources are
available. Region IS is also noted as a bird-watchers' paradise because of the two resident coastal
wetland national wildlife refuges and the Big Thicket National Preserve.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
6
4
28,493
$15,928,852
4% 118%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that, by 1995, the greatest need for recreational facilities in
Region 15 will be for urban recreational facilities. Freshwater facilities for fishing and boat launching
are the only listed needs normally associated with TPWD amenities.
43
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
J. D. MURPHREE
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located on SH 73, eight miles west of Port Arthur,
Jefferson County. Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract cavers 12,386 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 947, p. 297;
Volume 1094, p. 80; Volume 1151, p. 125; Volume 1168, pp.
444 and 450; Volume 1327, pp. 466 and 468; Volume 1490,
p. 302; and Volume 1871, p. 165, Jefferson County Deed
Records.
/!^
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject tract has been set aside by TPWD for
coastal wildlife management and was named to
honor the memory of J. D. Murphree, a state
game warden killed in the line of duty. The tract
consists of fresh and brackish water-marsh, typi-
cal of the prairie-marsh ecological zone along the
upper Texas coast near Louisiana.
Situated just north of Sea Rim State Park, the
WMA is known for its alligator population; as
many as 178 of the large reptiles have been har-
vested there in a single 16-day season. Wildlife
photographers regard the WMA as a fertile field,
but the single greatest user activity is winter duck
hunting, for which the area is famous.
Irregular in shape, the property has been parti-
tioned for descriptive purposes into Parcel A
(8 acres), containing the buildings, and Parcel B
(13,256 acres), the wetlands. Cattails, bullrushes,
and cordgrass make up the dominant vegetation.
General Data
SIZE. 12,386 acres
COUNTY Jefferson
MUNICIPALITY.. ....Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS....... 4123
TORP REGION. 15
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
The site is almost entirely flat, except for a slight
rise of two-to-three feet along the Intracoastal
Waterway.
Preceding page blank
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
J. D. MURPHREE
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
IH10
ORANGE
IH 10
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PORT
ARTHUR
SABINE
LOUISIANA
SH 73
SITE
TO HOUSTON
-KETCH LAKE
INTRA COASTAL
WATERWAY
SEA RIM STATE PARK
GULF OF MEXICO
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1-2ftmsl
SLOPE 0%-2%
SOILS Harris clay
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into bayou
East access from Port Arthur is provided by SH
73, which joins IH 10, the main route to Houston,
about 20 miles west of the WMA. The WMA
headquarters building is located on Parks and
Wildlife Drive, on the south side of SH 73, three
miles west of the Spur 214 intersection in Port
Arthur and one-half mile east of Taylor's Bayou
Bridge.
The site is bordered on the south by Keith Lake
and Sea Rim State Park, on the east by leveed
spoil containment compartments, on the
northwest by a chemical waste dump, and on the
west by tank farms and private waterfowl hunting
leases.
The Intracoastal Waterway carries major com-
mercial shipping. Port Arthur (population
64,092) is a major port, and the area economy is
based on oil, petrochemical activities, shipping,
drydocks, and tourism.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Management at Muiphree WMA is dedicated to
preserving and enhancing a highly productive
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0.01%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 8 acres
UNDEVELOPED ...99.99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 12,378 acres
BUILDABLE AREA... 0
46
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marsh complex for wintering and resident water-
fowl and associated wildlife, while providing out-
door recreation through public hunting and
fishing. An outdoor laboratory for wetland ex-
perimentation and a demonstration area for fish
and wildlife investigations provide useful techni-
cal data, which is available to landowners.
Waterfowl hunters must be licensed by the state.
Only non-toxic steel shot may be used in duck
hunting on the WMA. Alligator hunters are re-
quired to be licensed and to purchase permits
and tags. Prior to the hunt, alligator hunters at-
tend an orientation session detailing hunt techni-
ques and skinning procedures.
A residence, bunk house, office building, and
three storage sheds are maintained on Parcel A.
These eight acres are zoned single-family, with
government exemption. Four pipeline ease-
ments are located on this parcel.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 11,456 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED. 81%
RECONSTRUCTION COST -..$236,972
WATER City of Port Arthur
SEWER Septic System
GAS Southern Union Gas
ELECTRICITY. Gulf States Utilities Co.
The site is improved by a chain link fence, parking
area, boat ramp, and paved internal roads. Any
change in the use of the wetlands other than as
habitat for the preservation of wildlife would
require approval of the U.S. Army Corps of En-
gineers. Under federal law, protected wetlands
cannot be filled or drained without appropriate
permits.
PARCEL A
ENTRANCE
INTRA COASTAL
WATERWAY
US 87
1. EXISTING OFFICE
2. NEW LAB/STORAGE BUILDING
3. NEW RESIDENCE
4. EXISTING RESIDENCE
5. EXISTING SHOP
SEA RIM
STATE PARK
Fig. 2 Site
47
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TP WD plans to continue the property in its
present use as a wildlife management area, and
Appraisal Data & Values GLO appraisers find that this is its highest and
best use. Situs factors and legal constraints both
^ $8,081,700 preclude any other use.
BUILDINGS $193,982 r
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $109,130 CONCLUSIONS AND
MARKET VALUE $8,384,812
APPRAISAL DATE December 15, 1986 RECOMMENDATIONS
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
The General Land Office recommends that
The state acquired the property in 1985 from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
private owners. subject property for agency operations.
48
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION - Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Park
(SHP) is located on FM 3322 in Port Arthur, Jefferson
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION-The tract covers 55.77acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 1,746, p. 348,
Jefferson County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Park,
where Texans defended strategic positions in two
wars, offers today's visitor a glimpse of history, an
attractive recreation locale, and a spectacular
panoramic view.
The irregularly shaped park is located at the
Louisiana border, on the banks of the Sabine Pass
Waterway near its convergence with the Gulf of
Mexico. Improved Bermuda grass is planted
throughout the level park, with cordgrass and
some cattail in the marshy area. The entire tract
lies in a floodplain, with drainage from west to
east into the Sabine River.
The property is renowned for a brilliant Civil War
victory when Lt. Richard W. Dowling and 47
Confederates repulsed a Union gunboat seeking
to land a contingent of federal soldiers. All trace
of Dowling's fortification (variously called Fort
Griffin and Fort Sabine) has vanished, but a
statue of the victorious lieutenant now stands in
the park near the probable site where he saved
Texas from Union invasion.
Again in World War n, the site was used in
defending Texas shores. Four concrete ammuni-
tion blinkers still show where the U.S. Army
General Data
SIZE. 55.77 acres
COUNTY Jefferson
MUNICIPALITY Port Arthur
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 4/23
TORP REGION. 15
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
manned a battery to protect the mouth of the
Sabine and the oil-rich ports of Beaumont and
Port Arthur from Axis attack. Reminders of both
wars bear witness to the strategic value of the
Sabine River, its ports, and its petrochemicals.
49
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For descriptive purposes, the tract has been par-
titioned into two parcels.
Parcel A (23.67 acres) includes river
frontage ana park improvements.
Parcel B contains 32.10 acres of marshland.
Access is via FM 3322 (Dowling Road) which
connects to SH 87 (principal coastal roadway
between Port Arthur and Galveston) in the
Sabine Pass section of Port Arthur.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 4-6fLmsl
SLOPE 0%
SOILS Harris-Clay
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE E Into Sabine River
The park is bordered on the east by the Sabine
River, on the north and west by marshland, and
on the south by Sabine Offshore Services, an
industrial development related to the offshore
drilling industry that dominates the area. Oppo-
Utillzatlon Data
DEVELOPED 42%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 23.67acres
UNDEVELOPED 58%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 32.10 acres
VISITATION (FY *88) 141,057
site the park, the Louisiana side of the Sabine has
recently become a storage site for decommis-
sioned drilling platforms.
Port Arthur (population 64,092) is a major port,
and area economy is based on oil, petrochemical
activities, shipping, dry docks, and tourism.
SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC PARK
BEAUMONT
ORANGE
TO HOUSTON
LOUISIANA
SITE
S8A RJM STATE PARK
SHIT
TO GALVESTON
SABWB RIVBOBAMNB PASS
WATERWAY
GULP Of MBOOO
Fig. 1 - Location
50
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SABINE RIVER
PARCEL A
23.(7 ACRES
COUNTY ROAD
PARCEL B
3110 ACRES
PARCEL B
Fig. 2 - Parcel Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Picnic sites and a playground are provided, but
there is no overnight camping. Campsites are
available at Sea Rim State Park, 12 miles west on
US 87.
Buildings, all located on Parcel A, are limited to
a shelter for cleaning fish and a comfort station.
Site improvements include roads with parking,
boat ramp, bulkheading, flagpole, 24 covered pic-
nic sites, statue, and concrete bunkers. Parcel A's
1,150-linear-foot river frontage greatly enhances
the appeal of this recreational site.
Parcel B's undeveloped wetlands are federally
protected.
The property was acquired from private donors
and from Jefferson County in 1972 and is not
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $356,235
BUILDINGS $39,235
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $274,975
MARKET VALUE. $670,445
APPRAISAL DATE December 1, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TPWD operates the site as a state historic park
for daytime recreational use. Most park activity
is water-based recreation including boating,
water skiing, shore fishing, deep water fishing,
crabbing, and sightseeing along the Gulf coast.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,104 sq.ft.
WATER City of Port Arthur
SEWER City of Port Arthur
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Gulf States Utilities Company
subject to zoning regulations or reversion
clauses. Water and pipeline easements are in
place.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property, adding an interpretive program to en-
hance visitor understanding of the site's historical
role. No new facilities are scheduled for the park.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
for this property is historical interpretation and
recreation. Environmental regulations and local
offshore drilling, which is presently depressed,
would make development of the more valuable
and attractive river frontage difficult. Historical
considerations, situs factors, and environmental
concerns strongly support current usage.
51
-------
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SEA RIM STATE PARK
LOCATION - Sea Rim State Park (SP) is located on SH 87,
12 miles west of Sabine Pass and 15 miles southwest of Port
Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 15,109 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 1,758,
p. 160; Volume 1,812, pp. 72 and 316; and Volume 1,830,
p. 6, Jefferson County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Sea Rim State Park is named for its shoreline salt
marshes where grasses extend into the surf,
providing a fertile nursery for marine life. The
irregularly shaped tract is bordered on the north
by the Intracoastal Waterway, which carries
major commercial shipping from Florida to
Brownsville, and on the south by the Gulf of
Mexico.
Sea Rim is the only example of Chenier Plain
ecosystem in the state park system. Tract vegeta-
General Data
SIZE 15,109 acres
COUNTY. Jefferson
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 4/23
TORP REGION 15
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
tion includes cordgrass, bulrush, cattail, and
sedges. Its marshes provide excellent wildlife
habitat for migratory waterfowl, wading birds,
and shorebirds. The flat, flood-prone site is also
home to the red wolf, American alligator, and
river otter. This marsh estuarine system is impor-
tant to marine life which is vital to the overall
economy of the Texas coast.
State Highway 87 separates the park into two
parcels.
Parcel A (99.94%) lies north of SH 87. It
includes some development (the
Marshlands Unit )and approximately
10,000 acres set aside for public waterfowl
hunting.
Parcel B (.06%) is south of SH 87 and in-
cludes the three-mile D. Roy Harrington
Beach, with its ocean-related public recrea-
tional opportunities and much of the park
development.
53
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SEA RIM
STATEPARK
BEAUMONT
KM
mซ
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PORT
ARTHUR
SABINE
SHIS
UXMURFHREB
WJtLA.
TO HOUSTON
DflRACOASTAL
WATERWAY
SABINE PASS
SHIT
McFADDIN NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE
OULF OF MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location
The site was formerly the home of now-extinct
tribes of cannibals and was familiar pirate
country in the eighteenth and nineteenth cen-
turies. Its predominantly marshy acres are open
to gulf storms.
Physical Data
ELEVATION OfLmsl
SLOPE 3%-4%
SOILS Harris clay
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE S Into Gulf
The Visitors' Center and Headquarters Building
(located in Parcel B) is reached via Park Road 69,
which intersects SH 87 (principal highway be-
tween Port Arthur and Galveston), as it crosses
the southern portion of the park. Port Arthur
(population 64,092) is a major port, with an
economy based on oil, petrochemical activities,
shipping, dry docks, and tourism. The park is
Utilization Data
^2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 34 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.78%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 15,075 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 109,588
accessed by water from the Intracoastal Water-
way via Sea Rim Weir.
J. D. Murphree State Wildlife Management Area
(12,386 acres) borders the property to the north,
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge (42,956
acres of marshland and 12 miles of beach) to the
west, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and
privately held marshes and hunting leases to the
east
54
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PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering camping, bunting, fishing, boating,
canoeing, nature study, photography, and beach
activities. The coastal surf provides particularly
good opportunities for fishing and crabbing.
The Department purchased the site from private
owners in 1972,1973,1974, and 1981 to preserve
valuable coastal estuaries and wetlands, to inter-
pret the significance of the marshlands to the
visiting public, and to provide seaside recreation-
al activities.
The Marshlands Unit in Parcel A contains camp-
ing and observation platforms, boat ramp, boat
channel, and pirogue/canoe trails. It includes the
Gambusia Trail, a 3,640-foot boardwalk nature
trail which acquaints the visitor with marsh ecol-
ogy. The remainder of Parcel A is unimproved
marshland.
Parcel B (the D. Roy Harrington Beach Unit)
includes the beach, park headquarters complex
with parking, beach camping facilities, observa-
tion deck, concessions, first aid station, showers,
and boardwalks. Buildings include visitors' cen-
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 9
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 15,352 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $437,013
WATER City of Port Arthur
SEWER TWPD Treatment Plant
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Gulf States Utilities Company
ter/park headquarters, three residences, main-
tenance/storage building, service complex, boat
maintenance/storage, entrance booth, marsh ac-
cess control building, materials storage building,
INTRACOASTAL
WATERWAY
MAINTENANCE
RESIDENCE
SEA RIM
WEIR ENTRANCE
PARK BOUNDARY
MCFADDIN euro J
NATIONAL LAKE -
WILDLIFE W-
REFUGE V"
KEITH LAKE
SALT
LAKE
FENCE
LAKE"
MARSHLANDS UNIT
GULF OF MEXICO
Fig. 2 Site Map
55
-------
D. ROY HARRINGTON
BEACH UNIT
1 RESIDENCE
ARCEL
2. ENTRANCE
31 HEADQUARTERS / VISITOR CENTER
4. COMFORT STATION
PARCEL B
S. TRAILER CAMPING
t BEACH DAY USB AREA
SHS7
DUNB CROSSWALKS
o o VEHICLE BARRIERS
GULP OP MEXICO
Fig. 3 Parcel Map
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $5,288,150
BUILDINGS $357,786
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $766,860
MARKET VALUE $6,412,796
APPRAISAL DATE February 2, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
wildlife habitat
and comfort station. Site improvements include
paved driveways, roads and parking lots, 20
trailer sites, 60 picnic sites, four observation plat-
forms, concrete bulkheading, and flagpole.
No deed restrictions or reversion clauses exist
that would affect the site, which is not subject to
zoning regulations. The entire property is clas-
sified as wetlands by the U. S. Anny Corps of
Engineers and protected by federal regulations.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the site
as a state park. GLO appraisers find that since
hurricane-prone marshlands are unsuitable for
any alternate use, the highest and best use of this
property is the same as its current use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
56
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK
LOCATION - Village Creek State Park (SP) is located off
Alma Drive east of the city limits of Lumberton, Hardin
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers approximately
94143 acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume
701, pp. 455 and 462, Hardin County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Village Creek State Park protects a complex
ecological system in the wetlands and woods of
Southeast Texas. The irregularly shaped tract
includes swamps, sloughs, sandbars, and creek-
beds and is located at the edge of the Big Thicket
National Preserve.
General Data
SIZE 942.43 acres
COUNTY. Hardin
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS 21145
TORP REGION 15
TPWD JURISDICTION. Parks
The Big Thicket, spread over seven southeastern
counties, is a biological crossroads of the flora
and fauna from varied areas of the state. Three
significant ecological communities exist on the
subject tract
Southern Floodplain Community -
dominated by bald cypress, water tupelo,
and bottomrush, with water oak, swamp
chestnut oak, black willow, river birch, ana
red maple on the higher ground.
Lower Slope Hardwood Pine Community -
including larger water oak, willow oak,
beech, magnolia, American holly, iron-
wood, and blackgum.
Sandyhill Pine Community - including post
oak, blackjack oak, southern red oak, wax
myrtle, vaupon, American beautyberry,
shortleaf pine, and loblolly pine.
This poorly-drained tract is subject to periodic
flooding but offers good habitat to a wide variety
of wildlife.
57
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VILLAGE CREEK
STATE PARK
SITE
VILLAGE CREEK
J HARDIN COUNTY
VTLLAOS SLOUGH
BEAUMONT
HOUSTON
Fig. 1 - Location
Access to the site is from Alma Drive in Lumber-
ton, via a dirt road that is impassable most of the
time. Alma Drive and other Lumberton streets
connect the site with US 96 approximately two
miles to the west, which in turn leads to
Beaumont, 10 miles south of the park site.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 15-25fLmsl
SLOPE 0%-3%
SOILS Crevasse, Surter
FLOODPLAIN Area E
of Village Slough In 100year
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SE Into Village Creek
This isolated, undeveloped property is sur-
rounded by privately owned timber. Village
Creek borders 10,000 linear feet of the northern
boundary, and Village Slough forms the western
border. To the west is the town of Lumberton,
with a population of 3,098. Hardin County's
economy is based on forestry products, paper
manufacturing, and wood processing.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD acquired this site to enhance preservation
efforts in the Big Thicket area. Currently the park
is closed to the public, pending development.
Buildings include a cabin (now used as an office),
boat house (currently used for storage), barn, and
shed. Site improvements include a water well,
domestic septic tank, and storage building.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 942.43 acres
A master plan has been approved, and construc-
tion documents are being prepared to develop
58
-------
recreational facilities with an emphasis on high-
quality hiking and canoeing opportunities.
The property was purchased in 1979 from private
owners. There are no reversion clauses, deed
restrictions, or leases that adversely affect the
marketability of the property. However, much of
this acreage has been declared wetlands by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to
prevent damage to the natural habitat.
Typical utility easements and a pipeline ease-
ment across the southeast corner of the tract are
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,760 sq. ft.
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Gulf States Utilities Co.
in place. No zoning regulations affect the proper-
ty
GLO appraisers find that the projected use of the
property as a state park and nature preserve is the
highest and best use. Additionally, the property
could support limited timber production.
Situs factors such as periodic flooding, poor
drainage, and saturated soil conditions, as well as
legal constraints imposed by federal wetlands
legislation, effectively prohibit major develop-
ment of most of the property. The assigned use
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $447,656
BUILDINGS. $11,518
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,625
MARKET VALUE $460,799
APPRAISAL DATE. March 2, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Recreation,
wildlife habitat
preserves the vanishing Big Thicket and provides
public access to this important ecological region.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
59
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-------
Region 16
Preceding page blank
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 16 (GULF COAST)
WALKER
IH 45 I
MONT-
OOMER'
WALLER
LIBERTY
HARRIS
HOUSTON
11
CHAMBERS
.n
IH 10
J FORT
BEND
COLORADO
WHARTON /.BRAZORIA
10
MATAGORDA
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
2. BRYAN BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA
3. CHRISTMAS BAY STATE PARK
4. DAVIS HILL STATE PARK
5. GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
6. HUNTSVILLE STATE FISH HATCHERY
7. HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK
8. LAKE HOUSTON STATE PARK
9. LA PORTE REGION VIIIHDQTS.
10. PEACH POINT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
1L SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND STATE
HISTORIC PARK
12. SEABROOK MARINE FIELD LABORATORY
13. SHELDON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA/
STATE RECREATION AREA
14. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK
15. VARNER HOGG PLANTATION STATE
HISTORICAL PARK
62
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 16 (GULF COAST) covers 12,386 square miles, including the Greater Houston area and
the Gulf Coast from Matagorda Peninsula to High Island.
ECON OMY - Region 16 is the center of the Gulf Coast economy. Now recovering from the oil decline,
the region will also experience a resurgence in manufacturing and service-related industries. With
diversification, the Gulf Coast is expected to again become the leading growth region. Projections
cite a 1.1% population growth and 2.0% non-agricultural job growth per year for the 1990s.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
13
5
3,817,448
308
83
GEOGRAPHY - Predominantly Gulf prairies and marshes, the region's inland extremities reach Post
Oak S avannah and Pineywoods regions. Region 16 is dominated by urban lands with pockets of natural
areas and rich farmlands. It is the second most populous TORP region in the state, with concentrations
in the Houston, Brazoria, and Galveston/Texas City areas.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities I Resources
(of 24 Regions)
1,165
317,237
>2,000
1st
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The TORP lists 11 TP WD recreational facilities among the 35
major attractions and resources in this region. Saltwater resources that include the Gulf of Mexico
and the Galveston Bay and Matagorda Bay systems are the dominant recreational opportunities in
Region 16. The federal government also manages valuable public resources that include numerous
outdoor recreational opportunities. National wildlife refuges support fisheries and serve as wintering
grounds for migratory birds.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
15
15
29,375
$99,895,682
l%/9%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the need for all urban- and resource-based recreational
facilities by 1995 in Region 16 is critical. Of the evaluated TPWD properties, undeveloped land at
Lake Houston State Park, Sheldon State Park, Galveston Island State Park, Bryan Beach State
Recreation Area, and Brazoria County State Park exhibit resources which could be tapped to help
fill regional deficiencies.
63
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
Location - Brazos Bend State Park (SP) is located on FM
762, approximately 20 miles southeast of Richmond and 30
miles southwest of downtown Houston, in Fort Bend
County, Texas.
Legal Description - The property covers 4,897acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 702, pp. 185-189,
and Volume 703, pp. 144-147, Fort Bend County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
A showcase of Gulf Coastal Plain ecology, Brazos
Bend State Park lies less than 30 minutes from
the Houston metropolitan area. Previously used
by private owners as a grazing and hunting
preserve, the site is now best known for its large
trees and varied wildlife. Since its opening in
1984, the park has increased in popularity every
year-
Water oak, pecan, elm, Shumard oak, and burr
oak provide a vegetation community of mixed
hardwoods. In addition, numerous species of
shrubs and vines occur throughout the property.
The river, creek banks, and bayous are domin-
ated by sycamore, Cottonwood, and willow.
Alligators, along with 20 other reptiles and am-
phibians, 23 species of mammals (including deer,
feral hog and Russian boar), and many waterfowl
are often viewed by visitors. The park is a favorite
among bird watchers, with approximately 200
species of birds having been sighted within the
park.
General Data
SIZE. 4,897 acres
COUNTY Fort Bend
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18126
TORP REGION 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The park has 32 miles of Brazos River frontage
with magnificent moss-and vine-draped live
oaks. Pilant Lake (a natural, shallow, freshwater
marsh enlarged by levee construction), two
natural oxbow lakes caused by the rhannrfiTatinn
65
Preceding page blank
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of Big Creek, and other smaller lakes lie on the
property.
Only the upland 12% (587 acres) of the park has
good drainage. The remaining 88% (4,310 acres)
of lake, marsh, streambed, and bottomland lies
within the 100-year floodplain. This area is sub-
ject to annual flooding.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 50-60ftmsl
SLOPE 0%-6%
SOILS - Bernard-Edna Complex,
Lake Charles, Norwood, Miller Series
FLOODPLAIN 88%
PREVAILING WIND SE In summer, N In winter
DRAINAGE E Into Big Creek, Brazos River
Access to the site is via FM 762, about eight miles
east of SH 36. Park Road 72 provides access to
areas within the park. FM 1462 is one mile south
of the park and leads to Alvin (population
16,515). SH 288, recently upgraded, is ten miles
east of the park, connecting it to Houston.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 245 acres
UNDEVELOPED 95%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 4,652 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 588 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 332,629
The park has approximately three miles of
frontage along the south side of Saw Mill Road,
a county gravel road, which runs east to west from
FM 762 to the Brazos River. The proposed
Grand Parkway, a public/private project totalling
170 miles of freeway around Greater Houston,
will be constructed 25 miles north of the proper-
ty. This freeway will greatly improve access to the
site.
BRAZOS BEND
STATE PARK
FORT BEND
COUNTY
PROPOSED
RICHMOND
i7j52
J ALVIN
FM 1462
SITE
SH 288
SH36
HOUSTON
Fig. 1 - Location
66
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SAW MILL ROAD
S
PILANT
LAKE ฉ
DARRINGTON UNIT
BRAZOS RIVER
ฉ ! ^ PARK ROAD 72
FM762
A
ฉ
1
CAMPING
HEADQUARTERS
OBSERVATION TOWER
RESIDENCE
HUONG TRAIL
PARK BOUNDARY
Fig. 2 Site Map
Surrounding land is used for cattle production,
hunting, and a small amount of farming. The
Brazos River separates the property on the east
from the Darrington Unit of the Texas Depart-
ment of Criminal Justice.
Fort Bend County, population 188,200, is con-
sidered part of the Greater Houston metro-
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 33
AREA OF BUILDINGS 19,583 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 4%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,034,920
WATER On-site plant
SEWER On-site treatment plant
GAS .... None
ELECTRICITY Houston Lighting & Power Co.
politanarea. Many of the county's residents work
in Houston. County economy is based on sugar
refining, sulphur and petrochemical industries,
and state prisons.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a state park, offering
camping, bicycling, fishing, photography, pic-
nicking, birding, nature walks, and hiking trails.
All trails are handicapped-accessible. A secon-
dary use of the park is preservation of wildlife and
native vegetation.
Although swimming is not permitted due to the
large alligator population, fishing is excellent,
with an abundance of bass, catfish, perch and
crappie. Lakes at the facility underwent a five-
year stocking program prior to die park's public
opening. Deer hunting is allowed by permit
Most of the development surrounds the lakes,
and only half of the site is accessible by car.
Buildings and structures include two residences,
headquarters, group dining hall, two rest rooms,
67
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five comfort stations, two pavilions, interpretive
building, storage, entrance fee booth, service
building, two fish cleaning shelters, and 14
screened shelters.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $4,897,000
BUILDINGS $991,271
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $4,061,200
MARKET VALUE $9,949,471
APPRAISAL DATE December 1,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Site improvements include water, sewer, electri-
cal and butane systems, roads and parking, hiking
and biking trails, 103 picnic sites with 120 tables
and grills, 42 multi-use campsites, 35 tent
campsites, primitive camping area, two lighted
fishing piers, three stone barbecue pits, double
grill, fencing, entrance portal and signs, flagpole,
observation tower, six observation platforms, and
amphitheater.
TP WD plans to continue using the property as a
state park, and the GLO appraiser finds that this
is its highest and best use.
The state purchased the property in 1976-77 from
private owners for use as a park. Two pipeline
easements and a flood control easement affect
the tract. There are no land-use regulations af-
fecting the marketability of the property which is
not zoned.
In light of surrounding land use and locational
factors, the GLO appraiser considered only two
alternate uses for the tract, ranching and residen-
tial development, but eliminated both.
The dominance of floodplain (88% of the tract),
combined with limited market potential due to a
surplus of existing subdivisions in the general
area, negated residential subdivision as an alter-
nate use. Ranching would be greatly limited by
the density of the trees and underbrush, periodic
floodings, and the general wetness of the site.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
68
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BRYAN BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION Bryan Beach State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located on the Gulf of Mexico where the Intracoastal Water-
way crosses the mouth of the Brazos River, 3.3 miles south
of Freeport, Brazoria County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 880.07 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 1,246, pp.
33-43 and 684; Volume 1,272, p. 929; Volume 1,284, p. 140;
Volume 1,285, pp. 567 and 993; Volume 1,286, p. 520; and
Volume 1,318, p. 824, Brazoria County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Bryan Beach State Recreation Area serves two
functions: providing public recreation and
protecting waterfowl habitat. The diamond-
shaped tract is the southwesterly section of a strip
of land about five miles long that was separated
from the mainland by the digging of the In-
tracoastal Waterway.
The property is 85% marsh and wetlands and is
located in one of the major flyways for migratory
birds. Vegetation is confined to grasses suitable
for the seaside environment. The least tern and
many other species of waterfowl nest in or
migrate through the refuge, which also contains
a nursery area for blue crab.
The site is bounded on the southeast by over 1.5
miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico, on the
northeast by marsh and dunes, on the northwest
by the Intracoastal Waterway, and on the south-
west by the Brazos River as it empties into the
Gulf.
General Data
SIZE. 880.07 acres
COUNTY Brazoria
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 17128
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Brazoria County's coastline of sandy beaches
draws fishers and swimmers, and its salt marshes
draw many species of sea birds. The Brazosport
area (a cluster of nine municipalities ap-
proximately five miles east-northeast of the
SRA) is known for its deepwater port, shrimp
69
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BRYAN BEACH
STATE RECREATION AREA
BRAZORIA COUNTY
HOUSTON
BRAZO
RIVER
SITE
FREEPORT
FREEPORT HARBOR CHANNEL
GULP OF MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location
fleet, and basic chemical complex, the largest in
the world. Tourism and recreational services at-
tracting vacationing Houstonians comprise a sig-
nificant industry.
Access is via FM 1495 from Freeport over a
drawbridge that crosses the Intracoastal Water-
way. FM 1495 dead-ends at Quintana, from
Physical Data
ELEVATION 5 to 8 ft msl
SLOPE 0%-10%
SOILS Veston silty clay loam
FLOODPLAIN 100% In V-15 zone
PREVAILING WIND E
DRAINAGE Into river and canal
which visitors can drive southwest
along the beach to reach the SRA.
For access by boat, visitors can
drive south from Freeport on FM
1495, take a light-duty road which
veers southwest just out of the city,
continue to the Bryan Mound in-
dustrial area near the Brazos River,
and follow the river south to the
Intracoastal Waterway lock. A boat
put-in is located at the lock.
Adjoining land uses include public
beaches, private recreation
facilities, and some residential
development.
PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
TP WD acquired this property in
1974 from a number of small
private holders to preserve the
beach and wetlands for public en-
joyment and study. Although the
public is free to fish or enjoy the
beach, there are no facilities on the
tract
TPWD plans to preserve public access to the
beach, as mandated by the Texas Open Beaches
Act. This law is consistent with protection of the
salt marshes which are the nesting grounds for
many species of waterfowl.
The site contains no improvements, utilities, or
zoning. Although there are no deed restrictions
on the property, land use in this general area is
tightly regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. The Corps is federally mandated to
protect undeveloped portions of the American
coastline.
If the tract were in private hands, it would be
subject to the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of
1982. Under this act, development is not
70
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Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 880.07 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 17,827
prohibited but is effectively prevented by denial
of federal flood insurance and federal funding for
road improvements.
GLO appraisers find that for the foreseeable
future, the highest and best use of the property is
recreation and preservation. For evaluation pur-
poses, the property is considered underutilized
because it does not contain built development
However, it carries out its function as primitive
beach and natural area ideally.
Currently, there is no demand for real estate in
the Quintana area. Investors prefer the more
accessible Surfside region on the north side of
Freeport Harbor Channel.
Although poor access keeps public use down,
natural beaches and fishing in a pristine environ-
ment make the area an attractive asset
Improvements/Utll Ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
AREA OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER ..... None
GAS ....None
ELECTRICITY. None
TO
FMMK
FREEPORT
BRYAN MOUND
INDUSTRIAL AREA
BRYAN
QUINTANA
BEACH
BRAZOS RIVER
DmtAOOASTAL
WATERWAY
SITE
Fig. 2 - Site
71
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $702,000
MARKET VALUE $702,000
APPRAISAL DATE July 13, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation and
wildlife habitat
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
72
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
"C3
CHRISTMAS BAY STATE PARK
LOCATION - Christmas Bay State Park (SP) is located on
Follets Island on both sides of FM 3005 (the Bluewater
Hitfiway), 5.5 miles southwest of San Luis Pass and seven
miles southwest of Galveston Island, in Brazoria County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 484.77 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 90, p. 219,
Brazoria County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Christmas Bay State Park encompasses almost
500 acres of delicate barrier island beach and
coastal ecology along the Gulf of Mexico. The
gulf side of the park is suitable for fishing, swim-
ming, and picnicking. The bay side serves as a
wildlife refuge. The property is on Follets Island,
the barrier island immediately southwest of Gal-
veston Island and connected to it by a toll bridge
at San Luis Pass.
The park preserves an excellent example of coas-
tal dunes, meadows, and wetlands from gulf
beach to bayside. Vegetation in the salt marshes
consists mainly of beach panicum, sea oats,
broomsedge, gulf cordgrass, bulrush, other
rushes, marsh millet, and maidencane.
Shorebirds, including the least tern, nest in the
wetland margins of the bay. Waterfowl species
are numerous because the property is located in
one of the major American flyways.
General Data
SIZE. 484.77 acres
COUNTY Brazoria
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 17128
.... .... 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The site is approximately 10 miles north and east
of Brazosport, a community of nine towns with a
deepwater port and the world's largest basic
chemical complex. Shrimp and other commercial
fishing, tourism, agribusiness, and petrochemi-
cals form the economic base of the region.
73
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Although now in public ownership, the park is
regulated by the Coastal Barrier Resources Sys-
Physlcal Data
ELEVATION 5-8fLmsl
SLOPE 0%
SOILS Follet clay loam; Galveston sand;
Mustang sand
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SE and NW Into Gulf and bay
tem, which became effective in 1983 while the
tract was still privately held. Once designated, a
property remains within the system regardless of
ownership.
The purpose of the Coastal Barrier Resources
Act is to minimize damage to the ecology by
discouraging development on the barrier islands
of the United States. It does not forbid building
but effectively prevents it by denying flood in-
surance and other federal monies to such
projects.
The tract is designated as Zone V-20, indicating
wave velocity up to 20 feet. For safety in this zone,
the supporting floor beam of any habitable struc-
ture must be above 15 to 17 feet in height. Hur-
ricanes occur in this area on an average of every
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 484.77 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
five years. Land use in this general area is regu-
lated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers,
which controls the permit process for wetland
CHRISTMAS BAY
STATE PARK
CWUSIMAS BAY
FM SOU
(BLUEWATER HWY.)
GALVESTON
BLAND
COUNTY
KJLLEIS BLAND
TO FREEPORT
GULF
GALVESTON BLAND
IAN LUIS PASS
POLLER ISLAND
. BRAZOSPORT
ARBA
Fig. 1 - Location
74
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V FM
3005
PARCELB
PARCELA
Fig. 2 - Parcel Map
properties, with the Coastal Barriers Act as an
enforcing tool to limit development Flood in-
surance is not available for structures newly built
or substantially improved on or after October 1,
1983, in designated undeveloped coastal bar-
riers. The park suffers from tidal flooding, poor
drainage, and excess salinity which limit vegeta-
tion. No utilities are available.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
Access is via the Bluewater Highway (FM 3005),
which runs from Galveston to Freeport (Be-
tween Surfside and San Luis Pass, the Bluewater
Highway is known as County Road 257.) From
Galveston, IH 45 leads northwest to Houston.
The park has 1.5 miles of gulf frontage as its
southeast boundary. Drum and Christmas Bays
bound it on the north and northwest Surround-
ing land is used for private recreational facilities
such as fishing camps and boat docks, public
beaches, limited water accommodations, some
condominiums (Key Largo), private beach
houses, and limited eating facilities. The com-
munity of Surfside is about four miles to the
southwest.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
At present, the property contains no improve-
ments and is pending development TPWD states
that a master plan is being prepared, but no time
frame for implementation has been identified.
In the interim, the tract will continue to serve as
a coastal preserve and a nursery area for oyster,
shrimp and fish.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $388,000
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. None
MARKET VALUE $388,000
APPRAISAL DATE July 13, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
For descriptive purposes, the property has been
divided into two parcels.
Parcel A (102.77 acres) is located south of
the road on the gulf and is suited to public
recreation use.
Parcel B (382 acres), extending north from
the highway to the bay, is typical waterfowl
habitat and is environmentally sensitive.
Fifteen thousand feet of frontage on the bay
side enhances its value as a wildlife refuge.
Because of numerous oyster reefs, poor ac-
cess, and shallow water, the bayside is not a
preferred fishing area. Most of Parcel B is
wetlands and considered prime bird habitat
There are no improvements on either parcel.
The tract was acquired by deed of gift and war-
ranty deed in 1984 from private owners for the
75
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purpose of protecting an ecologically important
gulf beach and bay front There are no restric-
tions or encumbrances in the deeds.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
for Parcel A is recreation. In view of the physical
characteristics on the bay side and federal and
state regulations which control its use, GLO ap-
praisers find that the highest and best use for
Parcel B is wildlife habitat. GLO analysts support
the finding that development for recreation and
natural preservation is appropriate.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
property for agency operations.
76
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DAVIS HILL STATE PARK
LOCATION - Davis Hill State Park (SP) is located
approximately one mile north ofSH 105, approximately 16
miles east of Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,292.85 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 1,003,
p. 95; Volume 1,013, p. 172; Volume 1,039, p. 143;
Volume 1,045, p. 394; and Volume 1,036, p. 908, Liberty
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
This large, undeveloped park on the west bank of
the Trinity River will preserve Davis Hill, an
unusual mound of sedimentary stone covering a
rock salt dome.
General Data
SIZE 1,292.85 acres
COUNTY Liberty
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 4121
TORP REGION 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Liberty County, less than 50 miles east of Hous-
ton, contains sections of the Big Thicket and is
60% covered in timber. Tourism, forest
products, petroleum industries, and agriculture
form the economic base of the county, which is
part of the Houston Metropolitan Statistical
Area-
Located in the northwest corner of the county,
the tract contains two such distinct types of ter-
rain that it has been divided for descriptive pur-
poses into two parcels.
Parcel A (775.41 acres) stretches from
Davis Bayou (which crosses the tract north
to south, separating the two parcels) to the
Trinity River. It is entirely in a floodplain.
River bottomland covers 60% of this parcel,
which is slow to drain and has a high shrink-
swell potential Parcel A is heavily wooded
with oak hardwood flats and cypress
swamps. Palmetto palms are common in
the numerous sloughs. There are some na-
tive grasses. The very slow permeability
leaves this parcel wet for long periods of
time. Drainage is eastward into the Trinity
River.
77
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Fig. 1 - Location & Parcel Map
DAVIS HILL
STATE PARK
LIBERTY
COUNTY
TRINITY
SH105
SITE
DAVIS HILL RD.
TRINnr
PARCEL A
BAYOU I
PARCEL MAP
HOUSTON
Parcel B (517.44 acres) contains 150-foot
Davis Hill. Elevations in this upland area
range from 100 to 250 feet. Vegetation con-
sists of young loblolly pines and mixed
hardwoods with some underbrush. Runoff
is slow and drains easterly into Davis Bayou.
This juxtaposition of upland pine/hardwood
forest and swamp-bottomland woods is a pattern
of ecological communities unique to the Texas
state park system.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 100-250 ft msl
SLOPE 0%-8%
SOILS Kaman clay, Fausse clay
FLOODPLAIN 60% within 100 yr.
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE E Into bayou and river
Access at the present time is difficult because the
tract does not front on a public road. Davis Hill
Road, a county iron-ore road, is approximately
.75 mile north of the property. SH 105, one mile
south of the property, connects in Geveland to
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED ; 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,292.85 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 517.14 acres
VISITATION Hot applicable
US 59, principal route between Houston and
Lufkin. Numerous abandoned logging roads
cross the property but are usually impassable due
to swampy conditions and lack of maintenance.
The tract is bordered on the east by the Trinity
River, on the south by Cypress Land Estates and
privately owned timberland, on the north by Sam
Houston Lake Estates and privately owned tim-
berland, and on the west by Davis Hill-Big Thick-
et Park Subdivision and Wirt Davis Timberlands.
78
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PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD has postponed master planning for this
site pending completion of acquisition. Pur-
chase of several inholdings from willing sellers
was being arranged at the time of appraisal. The
park is closed to the public pending development
and contains no buildings or improvements.
According to TPWD, activities to be offered at
the park include camping, picnicking, hiking, and
nature study.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS None
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
Acreage now held was acquired through dona-
tions and purchase from private owners in the
winter of 1984-85. No zoning regulations affect
the site. The only easement is held by Gulf States
Utilities Company for a power line.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $905,000
MARKET VALUE $905,000
APPRAISAL DATE. March 15,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
wildlife habitat
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
for the uplands area (Parcel B) is recreation and
for the swampy area (Parcel A) is wildlife
management
Alternate use for residential construction would
be severely limited by flooding, soil which does
not drain readily, and associated increased costs
of construction. The many out-tracts and the
area's slow real estate market also restrict and
limit development potential.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
79
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Intentionally Blank Page
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
LOCATION - Galveston Island State Park (SP) is located
on FM 3005, nine miles southwest of downtown Galveston,
Galveston County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,959.6 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 2,052, p. 153,
and Volume 2,779, p. 707, Galveston County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Galveston Island, with its rich history of pirates
and Spanish explorers, has one of the most color-
ful reputations in the state. Tourism and recrea-
tion have become major businesses in this port
city which balances historical attractiveness on
the north end of the island with beaches and
resorts at the south end. Galveston Island State
Park stretches across the central portion of the
island, from West Bay to the Gulf of Mexico,
between growing residential and resort develop-
ment
The park consists of four distinct ecological
zones: salt marsh (backing up to West Bay), coas-
tal prairie, sand dunes/maritime wetlands, and
1.5 miles of sandy beach on the Gulf. While the
beach area proper is barren and incapable of
supporting plant life, the remaining parkland is
covered with typical sand grasses, beach morning
glory, mimosa, ground cherry, myrtle, and sea
lavender. Animal life includes rattlesnakes, mul-
titudes of birds, and a wide variety of marine life.
General Data
^HZE...........................11959 6 acres
COUNTY Galveston
MUNICIPALITY Galveston
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 11125
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The parkis located approximately 10 miles south-
west of IH 45, the main route between Galveston
and Houston, and is reached via Galveston's 61st
Street and FM 3005. San Luis Pass is 11 miles
southwest of the park.
Preceding page blank
81
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GALVESTON ISLAND
STATE PARK
X
"V
3 GALVESTON COUNTY
.XH4S
HOUSTON T
. V -ซ
\ \ ^
SITE _
\
tto^^GALVESTON .
JjT GULF
SAN LUIS PASS OF
MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location
Jamaica Beach, a resort community with a
population of365, borders the park on the south-
west side. Pirates' Beach, with its single-family
residences, townhouses, condominiums, golf
course, and commercial/retail development, lies
at the northeast corner of the property. The Gulf
of Mexico forms the southeast border and West
Bay the northwest border.
Residential, canal-front communities dominate
the bay shoreline back toward the city, while
undeveloped wetlands occur on the lee side from
the park to San Luis pass.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD uses the site as a state park, known for its
sunny, sandy beaches and gulf breezes. Bird
watching is a prime activity, along with surf-fish-
ing and wade-fishing in the saltmarsh and bayous
of West Bay. Solitary, serene nature trails thread
their way along the back bays. Visitors can camp,
picnic, hike, and swim. On summer evenings
Broadway plays are performed at the Mary
Moody Northen Amphitheater.
The park contains four residences, amphitheater
office and concession, old and new headquarters,
seven rest rooms, ten screened shelters, group
shelters, two sheds, dormitory, garage, barn, mis-
cellaneous storage, washhouses, entrance booth,
and fish-cleaning shelter.
Site improvements include an amphitheater with
seating capacity of 1,738, paved roads and park-
ing lots, 60 picnic sites, 20 trailer sites, ISO
campsites, 41 security lights, fencing, under-
ground fuel storage, flagpole, two observation
platforms, three beach showers, entrance sign,
warehouse, and utilities (water, sewer, electrical
and natural gas systems).
TP WD plans to continue using the property as a
state park and has no immediate plans for further
development Park visitation has averaged half a
million people annually since 1980, which ranks
the facility sixth in the state.
For descriptive purposes, the park has been
divided into three parcels.
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 0 -5 ft msl
SLOPE Less than 1%
SOILS. Galveston, Mustang sand
FLOODPLAIN V-l, V-20, V-17
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE. Into Gulf and bay
Parcel A (164.5 acres), the beachfront, is
most attractive to the public. It contains
camping shelters, bathhouses, and other
park facilities. This area's attractiveness is
recognized by a per-acre value of more than
five times that of the uplands.
82
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Parcel B (925.4 acres) is the upland area,
about five feet above sea level, and is
bisected by FM 3005. It contains park
development along its northeastern edge.
Parcel C (869.7 acres) is wetland abutting
the bay. This parcel comprises the least
valuable section monetarily but the most
diverse ecologically.
TP WD acquired the park in 1969 through con-
demnation proceedings from private owners.
There are neither reversion clauses in the deeds
nor any claim through condemnation that
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 14.8%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 290 acres
UNDEVELOPED 85.2%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,669.6 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 488,940
Improvements/Uti lities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 34
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 50,922 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED. 24%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,390,527
WATER City of Galveston
SEWER Galveston County MUD #7
GAS Southern Union Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Central Power & Ught Co.
precludes sale or lease of land. Former owners
of the property retain access to a family cemetery.
Significant areas are classified as wetlands by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which has the
power to protect such land from damage to
natural habitat Various pipeline and utility ease-
ments typical of the area are in place. A former
oil field has been plugged and abandoned.
~
n
CAMPING AREAS
RESIDENCES
PICNIC SITES
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
PARK BOUNDARY
PARK AMPHITHEATER
HEADQUARTERS
\
\...
A V\
Vป n N
,V
V\\
; V^
N v N
V*
\ +*
>\k \\\
\ \
-
v/
k
\
> N \
'V i W
. II
>. \ V
I t. * \ V \ ป
f/\ x , ,
\\ v-v.1 wv 7 :
j \\ \\ L. V \ ; it
1 ; ป *. N \ \ ' t a
FM 30Q5
Fig. 2 - Site
83
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Within the city limits of the City of Galveston, the
property is zoned PD (planned development dis-
trict) and B (beach).
The GLO appraiser have determined that the
highest and best use for the property is for mixed-
use, resort development as well as recreatioa
The property has a high value in relationship to
its size and current use. There is an active
development market, and two undeveloped state
park sites are located nearby (Bryan Beach in
Brazosport and Christmas Bay on Follets Island).
The economic market in Galveston's growing
tourist and retirement industry for condomin-
iums, townhouses, single-family housing, golf
courses, and neighborhood retail businesses is
strong.
Utility service for the area is being expanded to
encourage development in the area. These fac-
tors serve to reinforce the highest and best use
assessment The southern 275 acres of Parcel B
is especially suited for expanded recreational use
to meet the growing demand.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $18,199,130
BUILDINGS $1,390,527
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $3,753,860
MARKET VALUE $23,343,517
APPRAISAL DATE March 23, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation!
Mixed-use
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL -
Fig. 3 - Parcel Map
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized Parcel B, which is noted as
having potential for alternate use. A plan for
increased recreational use would justify con-
tinued management of Parcel B by TPWD in light
of its highest and best use potential
84
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HUNTSVILLE STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION Huntsville State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is
located at the terminus of FM 2821, three miles east of the
City of Huntsville, Walker County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 247.10 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 69, p. 152,
Walker County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Huntsville State Fish Hatchery produces one-
third of the hatchery bass fingerlings released
into Texas lakes. One of the oldest hatcheries in
the state, it is known for its trophy-sized fish.
Unimproved portions of the tract are richly
forested in loblolly and short-needle pine, with
mid- and under-stories consisting of sweetgum,
sassafras, red maple, and oak, all typical of the
East Texas Piney Woods. The central portion of
the site is designated as a special flood hazard
area. Harmon and Wayne Creeks bisect the tract,
creating a flood hazard over most of it, but the
improved portion has been diked to prevent
overflow along the creeks' eastern edges.
For descriptive purposes, the roughly rectangular
tract is partitioned into two parcels.
Parcel A (91.5 acres) is fenced off for the
hatchery facilities and is mostly cleared,
with some scattered trees on gently rolling
terrain. The ponds and buildings are lo-
cated on this parcel, which represents 37%
of the tract.
Parcel B (155.6 acres) is predominantly
timber land with thick underbrush ana
rougher terrain. Harmon and Wayne
Creeks join on this portion of the tract
Common Bermuda grass, Indiangrass,
pinehill bluestem, seaee and switch grass
grow on this parcel wnich represents the
remaining 63%> of the tract
General Data
SIZE. 247.10 acres
COUNTY Walker
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 5/18
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
-------
Sole access to the property is via FM 2821, which
connects three and seven miles west with SH 19
and IH 45, respectively, in the City of Huntsville.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 240 - 350 It. ms!
SLOPE 1%-10%
SOILS Depcor-Huntsburg Assoc.,
Depcor-Huntsburg-Gunter Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN Special flood zone A
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE N Into Harmon & Wayne Creeks
IH 45 is the major thoroughfare connecting Dal-
las and Houston. Huntsville is 70 miles north of
Houston.
The hatchery is located in an isolated area, sur-
rounded on two sides by Sam Houston National
Forest and the remaining sides by private timber
lands. The region contains limited residential
development and poor roads. There is no com-
mercial development or city utility service.
Huntsville, the county seat of Walker Comity, has
a population of 30,152. Education, state
employment, agribusiness, lumbering, and
tourism form the city's economic base.
Huntsville is the headquarters of the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice, which employs
5,288 county residents.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
AMOUNT DEVELOPED.
UNDEVELOPED
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
BUILDABLE AREA
HUNTSVILLE
STATE FISH HATCHERY
PMM0
ซ4S
WALKER COUNTY
FM281
DALLAS
HUNTSVULS
SITE
MM HOUSTON
NATIONAL PORB5T
ซซ
TO HOUSTON
HOUSTON
IHM
Fig. 1 - Location
37%
. 91.5 acres
63%
155.6 acres
124.5 acres
86
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Fig. 2 - Site Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state fish hatchery.
Specialized site improvements include 39 hatch-
ing ponds with a capacity of 8738 acre feet of
water, typical roads, fencing, and internal utility
systems. An abundant supply of pure water
(1,200 acre feet per year used) feeds the hatchery
ponds from Harmon Creek.
Three residences, garages, sheds, a shop, a
storage building, and four out-buildings serve the
needs of the hatchery staff.
TPWD acquired the property by unrestricted
warranty deed in December 1930. There are no
land use regulations or restrictions; typical utility
easements are in place.
TPWD has targeted the facility for an $8 million
major renovation and expansion program. Fol-
lowing the improvement program, the property
will become a model facility and will be renamed
the Lone Star Lunker Hatchery. (A lunker is a
fish that is large for its species.) Plans include
construction of a 40-acre demonstration lake
where the public can observe state-of-the-art
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA OF BUILDINGS 31,388 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED. 62.6%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $116,568
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
ELECTRICITY. Gulf States Utilities Co.
bass management Although it is not a function
of the fish hatchery to provide public fishing,
catch and release fishing will be allowed by per-
mit for the disabled and other special groups.
87
-------
The state legislature has already appropriated
two million dollars for this project An additional
two million will be needed and is being raised by
public donation and Wallop-Breaux federal
matching funds. Operation Lone Star Lunker,
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $358,290
BUILDINGS $116,568
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $758,020
MARKET VALUE $1,232,883
APPRASSAL DATE December 1, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
Inc., a nonprofit organization, is selling tax de-
ductible shares to state fishers as a fundraiser for
this project. Names of shareholders will be dis-
played in the new hatchery headquarters.
GLO appraisers find the highest and best use of
the property to be operation as a fish hatchery.
Since 63% of the property is unimproved native
forest, lumber production was considered an al-
ternative use. This use, however, would injure
hatchery operation by impairing water quality
and contributing to the flood hazard. Isolation,
limited demand, negative water table features,
some shrink-swell hazard, and lack of utilities
combine to negate commercial or residential
development at this time.
The value of the undeveloped property as a
hatchery, demonstration project, and special-use
recreation area overrides any benefits which
might be derived from sale of timber. These
factors, the impressive record of the present
facility, and ambitious future plans support the
continuation of present use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife retain the subject
property for agency operations.
88
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK
LOCATION - Huntsville State Park (SP) is located on Ui
45 seven miles south of the City of Huntsville, in Walker
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,083 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 89, pp. 368
and 370, and Volume 276, pp. 689 and 692, Walker County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Huntsville State Park is situated amid the scenic
Piney Woods of East Texas and surrounded by
the Sam Houston National Forest. The ir-
regularly shaped tract is dominated by loblolly
and shortleaf pines, with mid- and under-stories
consisting mainly of sweetgum, sassafras, red
maple, oaks, and dogwood. Pure hardwood
stands, consisting of black willow, river birch,
willow and water oak," black gum, and American
and cedar elms, are found on creek bottoms.
These stands of hardwood have created a haven
for birds and other animals as well as attractive
sites for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Fauna
include white-tailed deer, raccoon, wild turkey,
opossum, and alligator.
The woodlands surround 210-acre Lake Raven,
fed by three major creeks: Big Chinquapin, little
Chinquapin, and Prairie Branch. The lake was
named to honor General Sam Houston (whose
Cherokee name was Raven), Commander-in-
Chief of the Texas armies in the War of Inde-
pendence, first President of the Republic of
Texas, and Governor of the State of Texas.
General Data
SIZE. 2,083 acres
COUNTY Walker
MUNICIPALITY Mot applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 5/18
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Access is via Park Road 40, which intersects IH
45/US 75 (the main route between Houston and
Dallas). The park has 250 feet of frontage on the
west feeder road of IH 45. Houston is 69 miles
south of the park. Land access to several hundred
89
-------
1
HUNTSVILLE
STATE PARK
HUNTSVILLE
HUNTSVILLE
FM1374
IH45 ^
TO HOUSTON |
HOUSTO]
Fig. 1 Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 285 375 ft msl
SLOPE Qentty rolling
SOILS Depcor-Huntsburg Assoc.,
Gunter Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE. Into lake
acres of the park is limited because no bridges or
fords exist across Prairie Branch, one of the many
creeks in the park.
Hie site is surrounded by timberland and forest
owned both by the U.S. Forest Service and by
private interests. Huntsville, the final home of
Sam Houston and county seat of Walker County,
has a population of 30,152. Its economic base is
education, state employment, agribusiness, lum-
bering, and tourism. It is also the headquarters
for the Institutional Division of Texas Depart-
ment of Criminal Justice, which employs 5,291
county residents.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a state park, offering
camping, picnicking, canoeing, swimming, fish-
ing, playground, miniature golf, hiking, nature
study, and photography. Boats on Lake Raven
are restricted to 19 feet or shorter in length with
motors of less than 12 horsepower.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 28%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 578 acres
UNDEVELOPED... 72%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,490 acres
VISITATION (FY '85) 496,096
I
90
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 50
AREA OF BUILDINGS 22,728 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCT/ONCOST $669,968
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Gulf States Utilities Co.
Site improvements include roads, parking areas,
boat ramps, ISO picnic sites, 165 camp sites, 26
trailer sites, two fishing piers, fencing, security
lights, miniature golf course, playground equip-
ment, bulkheading and retaining walls, under-
ground fuel storage tanks, flagpole, entrance
booth and sign, four miscellaneous storage sheds,
two water wells with pumps, storage, pipes,
sewage plant, and electrical distribution system.
The park was acquired in 1934 at the end of the
great southern lumber boom. No deed restric-
The Civilian Conservation Corps built many of
the park's structures from native rock and timber
in the 1930s. Park buildings include three
residences, headquarters, store, boathouse, in-
terpretive center, maintenance garage, equip-
ment storehouse, wood shop and warehouse, six
rest rooms, bath house, group shelter, 30
screened shelters, material storage building, and
bike shelter.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $6,514,206
BUILDINGS. $653,853
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $2,099,600
MARKET VALUE $9,267,659
APPRAISAL DATE. December 1,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
PRAIRIE
BRANCH
CREEK
!
BIG
' CHINQUAPIN
fTRRRK
s
/
\ TOHUNTSVILLE
LITTLE
CHINQUAPIN
CREEK
IH 45/US 75
TO HOUSTON
ฎ HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
H REST ROOM
A CAMPING AREA
HIKING TRAIL
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROAD
LAKE RAVEN
Fig. 2 - Site
91
-------
tions exist on the property and no zoning regula-
tions are in place. Typical utility easements cross
the tract
TP WD plans to continue using site as a state park,
and GLO appraisers find that the best use of the
property is its current use.
In order to also fulfill the property's highest use,
the appraiser explored several alternate uses:
commercial, industrial, residential, and timber
production. Following are these findings:
Commercial-industrial development, vir-
tually non-existent in this area, is con-
centrated north and east of Huntsville, on
the opposite side of the city from the subject
tract. City utilities terminate two to three
miles north of the property. Limited road
frontage and other situs factors also limit
commercial-industrial development.
Residential development appears at first to
be veiy attractive. However, market re-
search indicates that existing residential
subdivisions have experienced difficulty in
contracting utility services. Currently, these
subdivisions are not completed. A decline
in market interest in Municipal Utility Dis-
tricts (MUDs) is reflected in an almost total
lack of real estate sales in the area during
the last three years.
No program for timber management on the
site is m place at this time. The southern
pine beetle has done extensive damage over
the past few years, and rich bottomlands,
resulting from an influx of the creeks and
tributaries, has encouraged the growth of
more hardwood than pines.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
<
92
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAKE HOUSTON STATE PARK
LOCA TION Lake Houston State Park (SP) is located on
FM1485, at the upper end of Lake Houston, in
Montgomery and Harris Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 4,709.08 acres,
more particularly described in File No. 81,242,65 and Film
No. 080-01-0919, Hams and Montgomery County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Lake Houston State Park is a large, undeveloped
tract approximately 15 miles north-northeast of
the Houston city limits, selected for acquisition
to preserve pine and hardwood forests and to
provide recreational opportunities for the
citizens of Harris and Montgomery Counties.
The upper reaches of Lake Houston (an im-
poundment of the East Fork of the San Jacinto
River) lie just to the south of the property. Plan-
ning of the park is awaiting negotiation of the
route of Houston's proposed Grand Parkway.
Vegetation consists of extensive pine and
hardwood forests, with heavy underbrush of pal-
metto palms, Carolina cherry-laurel, yaupon, and
myrtle. The irregularly shaped, flat site is 60%
within the floodplain, primarily in the southern
section. This large area has very poor drainage,
staying wet for long periods of time. Numerous
animals native to swamps inhabit the area, in-
cluding a large alligator population.
General Data
SIZE 4,709.08 acres
COUNTIES Harris/Montgomery
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 71127
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The tract is bordered on the south and east by the
East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and on the
west by Peach Creek, Caney Creek, and the
Houston - Harris County Girl Scout Camp.
93
-------
LAKE HOUSTON
STATE PARK
IH45
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
HARRIS COUNTY
US 59
SITE
FM 1485
LAKE
HOUSTON
HUMBLE
IH10
HOUSTON
SAN JACINTO RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 50 -100 feet msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Splendors, Boy, Segno, Ozan
FLOODPLA1N 60%
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE E Into Church House Qully;
S,SE Into east fork of San Jacinto River; SW Into
Caney Creek; W Into Peach Creek.
FM 1485 (East River Road) and light commer-
cial development form the north boundary.
Residential areas abut the tract on the northeast
FM 1485 also provides access to the tract and
joins US 59 eight miles north of Humble (popula-
tion 6,729). Interior park roads are impassable in
bad weather.
As of October 1990, alignment of the Grand
Parkway had not been determined. The last
parkway association proposal would leave ap-
proximately 1,500 acres north of the ROW.
Regardless of its final alignment, the proposed
Grand Parkway will greatly improve access to the
site. This state-private project will provide 170
miles of limited access freeway circling the
Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. Construc-
tion of the first segment (between US 59 to IH
10) has begun. Completion is projected for 2009.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD now holds the vacant site for future
development as a state park. Activities to be
offered include camping, picnicking, fishing,
boating, hiking, and nature study.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 4,709.08 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 1,883.63 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
94
-------
TPWD's development plans will depend on local
and state rulings on the route of the Grand
Parkway. Currently, the parkway is expected to
traverse the site in an east-west direction,
separating it into two tracts.
Two abandoned and deteriorated camphouses
with no assessed value are the only buildings now
on the site. Although no utilities were in place at
the time of the GLO appraisal, TP WD reports
that electricity will be provided by Houston
Lighting & Power Company and Gulf States
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
Utilities Company, sewer service through an on-
site treatment plant, and water via wells.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $13,656,318
MARKET VALUE $13,656,318
APPRAISAL DATE. February 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation /
commercial
No zoning regulations apply. Typical utility ease-
ments are in place. No deed restrictions affect the
disposition of the property.
GLO appraisers found that TPWD's future
recreational development is the highest and best
use of the site as it stands today. When the
parkway crosses the site, GLO analysis staff
believe that the park's recreational value will
diminish in comparison to its potential economic
value.
As the commercial
potential of the site is
at least as valuable as
its recreation poten-
tial, TP WD should
negotiate a right-of-
way which maximizes
the full potential of
the property.
As soon as the route of
the parkway is known,
GLO believes that the
portion of the site
south of the parkway
should be reserved for
recreational develop-
ment, as currently
conceived by TP WD,
with additional con-
sideration of golf
courses to serve the
needs of urban resi-
dents. The better-
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
SITE
PROPOSED
GRAND PARKWAY
FM1485
US 90
IH45
US 59
LAKE
HOUSTON
HARRIS
COUNTY
Fig. 2 - Site Map
95
-------
UNDERUTILIZED
HARRIS
COUNTY
ODU. SCOUT
CAMP
PEACH CREEK
SAN JACINTO RIVER
EAST PORK
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY
Fig. 3 - Site Map
drained and less environmentally sensitive por-
tion north of the parkway should be planned for
more intensive uses.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
TPWD retain the subject property for agency
operations. TPWD should develop a plan to in-
crease the use of the site, especially the area
north of the proposed Grand Parkway noted as
having potential for alternate use, as soon as the
parkway alignment is determined.
A plan for increased recreational use of the site
would justify continued management of the en-
tire property by TPWD in light of its greater
highest and best use potential.
96
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LA PORTE REGION VIII HEADQUARTERS
LOCATION La Porte Region VIIIHeadquarters is
located at the intersection of East Main Street, San Jacinto
Avenue, and Broadway Avenue (SH 410) in La Porte,
Hams County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The subject tract covers 37,500
(.86 acre) square feet, more particularly described by deed
in Volume 011-65, p. 2,242, Harris County Deed Records,
and other deeds.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The La Porte office, located in the heart of the
traditional urban grid of old La Porte, has served
as Region VTQ headquarters for Inland Fisheries
Law Enforcement and Parks for at least 25 years.
The property consists of 11 contiguous city lots,
divided for descriptive purposes into three par-
cels.
Parcel A (five lots covering 16,625 sq. ft)
contains all improvements except the park-
ing lot and occupies the highest traffic
corner (East Main, San Jacinto, and Broad-
way).
Parcel B (five lots covering 16,625 sq. ft) is
vacant and overgrown with weeds and oc-
cupies the corner with the least traffic (East
Main and Virginia).
Parcel C (one lot covering 4,250 sq. ft) is a
paved parking lot for approximately 10 cars,
located on Virginia Street at an alleyway.
La Porte was laid out in two grid systems, one
aligned with Galveston Bay and primarily
residential in nature and the other aligned with
General Data
SIZE 37,500 sq. ft
COUNTY. Harris
MUNICIPALITY. La Porte
REPISEN DISTRICTS 111129
TORP REGION 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Law Enforcement
97
-------
Physical Data
ELEVATION 21 ft. msl
SLOPE Less than .5%
SOILS Bernard-Urban land complex
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE City drains
a collection of less desirable commercial build-
ings and vacant lots, with traffic counts on SH 410
less than half those of the more popular SH 146.
Properties surrounding the subject site illustrate
this trend. Commercial and vacant tracts lie to the
north, northwest, and south while residential use
dominates the areas to the east and southeast
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
SH 146 and predominantly commercial. The sub-
ject property is at the point of tangency between
these two grids. Many civic buildings, such as
schools and a courthouse annex, are located in
this triangle.
As the area along the ship channel and Galveston
Bay has grown into a chain of residential com-
munities, the most commercially attractive La
Porte real estate has moved from the center of
town to frontage on SH 146 at the western edge
of La Porte. The old downtown La Porte is now
TP WD utilizes the subject property as a regional
office for the administration of Region VHI law
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 55.7%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 20,875 sq. ft
UNDEVELOPED 44.3%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 16,625 sq.ft.
BUILDABLE AREA 16,625 sq.ft.
LA PORTE
REGION VIU HEADQUARTERS
IH 45
SITE
(IN LA PORTE)
SH 146
IH 10
TRINITY BAY
HOUSTON
SH 146
GALVESTON
BAY
GULP OF MEXICO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
HARRIS COUNTY
98
-------
SH 223 /
BAST MAIN STREET
SITE
BAST A SISBBT
CITY OF LA PORTE
BOUNDARY
VIRGINIA STREET
GALVESTON
BAY
BROADWAY AVE.
(SH 410)
Parcel C. The site is zoned GC
(general commercial) by the city.
City of La Porte planning staff note
that, while no plans currently exist to
revitalize the old downtown area,
upgrading the area has been dis-
cussed by local businessmen. If
neighborhood revitalization were to
occur, the subject property would sit
at the logical center of redevelop-
ment efforts.
The GLO appraiser finds that the
highest and best use of the property
under current conditions is small-
scale commercial office develop-
ment While the tract is no longer as
desirable as it once was for commer-
cial operations, businesses not re-
quiring high traffic counts or high
visibility can be well served in this
location. Demand for such real es-
tate is low in La Porte as expressed
by low land values.
Fig. 2 Site Map
enforcement, parks, and wildlife management.
Twelve staff members occupy the facility; three
GLO staff members utilize offices at the head-
quarters which GLO leases for $300 per month.
TWPD's Inland Fisheries Division recently
closed its operations at this location due to con-
solidation and reorganization of staff. The Parks
Division is considering a similar move.
Improvements to the property consist of a brick-
veneer one-story office building and an old (circa
1950) service station used for parking and
storage. Site improvements consist of minimal
lawn and flagpole on the corner of Parcel A.
The bulk of the property was purchased from
private owners in April 1985 for potential expan-
sion of operations, then located on Parcel A and
Both completed and contemplated
staff moves by TPWD reflect a
declining need for office space. The
agency has no current plans to increase utiliza-
tion of the tract, which is 44.3% vacant.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 5,064 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO.... 14
DEPRECIATED. 20%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $174,411
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS. Entex Gas Company
ELECTRICITY. Houston Lighting and
Power Company
99
-------
BROADWAY STREET
COMMERCIAL
PARCEL
PARCEL
EAST MAIN STREET
PARCEL
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
PARCEL MAP
VACANT
VACANT
COMMERCIAL
VIRGINIA STREET
COMMERCIAL
Fig. 3 - Parcel / Surrounding Land Use Map
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $75,000
BUILDINGS $141,009
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $7,781
MARKET VALUE $223,790
APPRAISAL DATE March 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Commercial
GLO analysis staff feel that relocation of addi-
tional TP WD personnel from other areas to La
Porte or joint officing with other state agencies
might be economically appropriate for the sub-
ject property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TP WD should develop a plan to intensify use of
the site, which has been noted as having potential
for alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the property by IPWD in light of
its greater highest and best use potential
100
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT i
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PEACH POINT
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Peach Point Wildlife Management Ana
(WMA) is located on SH 36, one-fourth mile south of the
town of Jones Creek, Brazoria County. Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 8,580.47
acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume 125,
p. 717, Brazoria County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Peach Point WMA occupies a portion of the
former Peach Point Plantation, home of Stephen
F. Austin's sister in Texas colonial days. Today it
provides extensive waterfowl habitat between
the San Bernard and Brazos Rivers just west of
the industrial city of Freeport Along with nearby
Bryan Beach SRA, Christmas Bay SP, Brazoria
National Wildlife Refuge, and adjacent San Ber-
nard National Wildlife Refuge, it makes up al-
most 45,000 acres of land set aside for habitat and
wildlife preservation within 20 miles of Texas'
leading chemical industry center.
The WMA is predominantly a fresh-and
saltwater marsh, providing wetland habitat for
wintering waterfowl. At the north end, about 250
acres are covered with live oak, tallow, hackbeny,
bois d'arc, pecan, black and honey locust, and elm
trees, with an undergrowth of yaupon and wax
myrtle. The only other uplands are fingers ex-
tending south along two ridges into the marsh
General Data
SIZE. 8,580.47acres
COUNTY Brazoria
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18128
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
The marsh, containing indigenous grasses, lies
one foot above sea level, floods frequently, and is
slow to drain. The WMA lies in a district of Texas
Gulf coast subject to hurricanes, destructive
winds, and high tides. A large out-tract is found
on the east bank of Redfish Bayou, one of the two
101
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PEACH POINT
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
BRAZORIA
COUNTY
BRAZORIA NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE
SH M
DmtAOOASTAL
WATERWAY
FREEPORT
SITE
^ SAN BERNARD
NATIONAL WILDUFB
REFUGB
Fig. 1 Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 8-11ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-3%
SOILS Asa, Surfslde, Harris
FLOODPLAIN 99%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Jones Creek
bayous on the property which drain into the In-
tracoastal Waterway and the San Bernard River.
The drought of the last few years has limited the
freshwater and shallow lakes for which the site is
noted, threatening the quality of duck habitat
The site is five miles west of the Brazosport area,
which includes Freeport and Lake Jackson. Area
economy is based on extensive petroleum and
chemical industry, much of which is located to
the east of the subject site just across the Brazos
River. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice
is also a large employer at its
Clemens Unit, four miles
west of the WMA. Fishing,
tourism, and agribusiness
are also important to the
local economy.
Entrance to the WMA is
from SH 36, which runs from
West Columbia to Freeport,
via a limestone road (main-
tained by an oil company) or
from a local road coming
from the Jones Creek Com-
munity. There are eleven
miles of limestone roads
within the property which
has approximately .75-mile
of frontage along SH 36.
The property is bordered on
the east by agriculture and a
small tank farm, on the north
by Jones Beach (population
2,373), and on the west and south by ranches.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD manages the property as high-quality
marsh habitat for waterfowl, with controlled
public hunting during which only non-toxic steel
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 01%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 47 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 8,580 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 260 acres
shot may be used for ammunition. The agency is
building roads for better access throughout the
tract To enhance the habitat of ducks and geese,
a dike is being constructed at the southern end of
102
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Redfish Bayou to help retain fresh water in the
marshes during years of drought
Ring levees are also being built to improve dove
and quail habitat and bring these birds into hunt-
able numbers in the near future. Funds from a
special Texas Wetlands Print program jointly
sponsored by TP WD and MARSH (Matching
Aid to Restore States' Habitat), a nationwide
program of Ducks Unlimited, are being used to
fund these improvements.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,500 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $10,260
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Houston Lighting & Power Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
BUILDINGS.
$9,131
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
None
MARKET VALUE
$5,586,436
APPRAISAL DATE
Jutyl, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
Midlife habitat
The property contains one building, a metal shed,
and no site improvements except for roads and
drainage under construction.
TP WD acquired half-interest to the property
from the Nature Conservancy in 1985 with funds
from waterfowl stamps and bought the other half
interest in 1988. There are no deed restrictions.
There are easements for an electrical power
transmission line which crosses the upper quarter
of the property and for twelve oil and gas
pipelines. Tlie property is not zoned.
JONES CREEK
SITE
BEDFtSH
BAYOU
SAN
WTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
Fig. 2 - Site Map
103
-------
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a wildlife management area and
public hunting ground, with improvements as
described above.
GLO appraisers find that wildlife management is
the tract's highest and best use at this time.
Three-fourths of the property is unsuitable for
development because of flooding. The whole
property has been ranched in the past and could
be again, but the economic climate of the ranch-
ing industry does not make conversion feasible at
this time.
Although approximately 260 acres near SH 36
and the Jones Creek community are suitable for
residential housing, there is not sufficient
demand to warrant a change of use at this time.
Later, as demand rises, this area could be suitable
for housing workers employed in nearby
Freeport or at the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice.
Increasing traffic flow along SH 36 suggests com-
mercial potential for the acreage with road
frontage. TPWD should plan future develop-
ment to incorporate this potential for revenue
generation on portions of the property not im-
pacting waterfowl habitat
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations, recogniz-
ing the fiiture value of the developable portion of
the asset for limited controlled development
104
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS ft WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION - San Jacinto Battleground Slate Historic Park
(SHP) lies at the confluence of the Houston Ship Channel
(Buffalo Bayou) and the San Jacinto River on SH134,
approximately 17 miles east of downtown Houston, Harris
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,002.83
acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume 1053,
p.589; Volume 1085, p. 656; Volume 1087, p. 269;
Volume 1088, p. 479; Volume 1089, p. 533; Volume 1099,
pp. 588-589; Volume 1101, p. 703, and Volume 1610,
p. 410; Recording Document Numbers K323716,1802803,
K452477, L831013, L833799, J089254, J94479, K323717,
L482068, 0944797, and J089254 in Harris County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
On April 21,1836, the Battle of San Jacinto, one
of the most important conflicts in American his-
tory, was fought on this site. Although a small
portion of this historic battlefield has subsided
into the Houston Ship Channel, most remains to
remind visitors of Texas' most decisive day.
Here the Texian army, led by General Sam Hous-
ton, defeated the Mexican Army under General
Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana in a victory which
led to the independence of the Republic of Texas
and its later annexation to the United States. The
U.S.-Mexican War which followed resulted in the
acquisition of most of the United States' present
Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast areas.
The site is dominated by a 570-foot stone tower
topped with the Texas Lone Star mirrored in a
reflecting basin. Twenty boulders erected by the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas mark various
actions during the battle, including the spot
where General Santa Ana surrendered to
General Houston.
General Data
SIZE. 1,002.83 acres
COUNTY. Harris
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 111129
TORP REGION 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Bluestem, Indian grass, switchgrass, Texas winter
grass, yaupon, live oaks, native pines, and cedars
105
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SAN JACINTO kA'iTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC PARK
PARK
H10
HOUSTON
HAR1US
COUNTY
SITE
HOUSTON
PASADENA
Fig. 1 - Location
are the predominant vegetation of this low-lying,
partially swampy area.
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 0-25ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-3%
SOILS Lake Charles Clay
FLOODPLAIN 47%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE. NE Into ship channel
Greater Houston has grown up around the site.
Major surrounding land uses include refineries,
petrochemical plants, inland and waterfront ship-
ping and storage warehouses, marine docking,
repair facilities, and other industrial-related
businesses.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD manages the site as a state historic park
and shrine. The monument houses a free public
museum in its base which depicts the 400years of
Access is via SH134 and Park Road 1836 (Vista
Road), which branches from SH 134. IH10 is four
miles north and SH 225 three miles south of the
property. Both are reached via SH 134, and both
intersect Loop 610 approximately 12 miles west.
A ferry connection across the ship channel to the
City of Baytown is located just north of the sub-
ject property. The city limits of Houston, La
Porte, and Deer Park are all within two miles of
the park, with Deer Park the closest municipality.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 48.2%
AMOUNT DB/ELOPED. 483.36 acres
UNDEVELOPED .51.8%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 519.47 acres
BUILDABLE AREA.. 224.65 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 2,108,288
106
-------
Texas' history. A fee is charged for the elevator
ride to the top of the tower. Picnicking is the only
other activity offered to visitors.
The Battleship Texas, anchored in the bayou at
the park's northwest border and open to the
public for a fee, is administered separately from
the subject property.
Improvements/Utilities
BUILDINGS 13
AREA OF BUILDINGS 16,032 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 18%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $522,965
WATER City of Houston
SEWER Treatment plant
GAS IntaxGasCo.
ELECTRICITY Houston Lighting fi Power Co.
There are three cemeteries on the park grounds.
Buildings include monument/museum, volatile
storage, shop, battleship storage, service build-
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $25,076,000
BUILDINGS. $85,658
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $2,234,942
MARKET VALUE $27,396,600
APPRAISAL DATE. August 28, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Industry
ing, superintendent's residence, garage, five rest
rooms, concession building, and materials
storage. Most of these structures are located on
ParcelD.
Site improvements include roads, parking area,
curbs, gutters, sidewalks, concrete bulkheading,
75 picnic sites, fencing, entrance portals, ticket
booth, reflecting pool, water system, sewage sys-
tem, and underground fuel storage tanks.
TP WD plans to continue present use of the park,
the most popular in the Texas parks system. In
FY 86 and 87, visitation figures jumped to over
PARCEL E
L
SAN JACINTO MONUMENT
2.
REFLECTION POOL
i
DB ZAVALLA PLAZA
4.
BATTLESHIP TEXAS
5.
CEMETERY
PARK BOUNDARY
PARK ROAD
HOUSTON
SH 134
PARCEL MAP
SANTA ANA BAYOU
TO SH 223
Fig. 2 Site
107
-------
two million, making the average yearly atten-
dance over a ten-year period 1,600,000.
The park is composed of seven sections shown as
Parcels A-G. Most of the original park site was
purchased in five sections between 1898 and
1909. Deeds and easements contain numerous
restrictions that effect the use of the property.
Neither the subject property nor the surrounding
area is zoned.
Approximately 140 acres of the original bat-
tleground are still in private hands. This acreage
contains many artifacts still evident from the 1836
battle. Historians consider it highly desirable
that these 140 acres be placed under state protec-
tion as soon as possible.
The GLO appraiser finds that the highest and
best use of the subject property is industrial
development The site occupies a highly in-
dustrialized area along the Houston Ship Chan-
nel and has extensive water frontage and highway
accessibility. These factors render land in the
area very valuable.
Notwithstanding this fiscal determination, the
historical significance of the tract and deed
restrictions negate commercial use of this
property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
108
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SEABROOK MARINE FIELD LABORATORY
LOCATION - Seabrook Marine Field Laboratory is
located at 1018 Toddville Road, Seabrook, Harris County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The subject tract covers
approximately 30,000square feet (.689acre), more
particularty described by deed in Document #1820830,
Harris County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Seabrook Marine Field Laboratory was built in
1964 as a research laboratory for coastal fisheries
to replace a facility destroyed by Hurricane Celia
in 1961. In 1983, Hurricane Alicia inflicted major
damage on the building that, together with sub-
sidence and siltation has, over the years severely
impaired the property.
The bay front office/laboratory was originally
built at a ground elevation of 6 J feet above mean
sea level. Subsidence rates have been alarmingly
high in this area of Greater Houston over the past
20 years. Presently, the laboratory is approxi-
mately three feet above mean sea level, render-
ing the ground floor unusable due to seepage and
flooding during tidal surges. Stress cracks have
begun to appear in the structural concrete beams.
Boat harbor and docking facilities are no longer
usable due to silting; costs to repair damage are
prohibitive.
The size of the tract is uncertain because portions
have subsided into the bay and the shoreline is
continually changing. The only vegetation is
General Data
SIZE. 669 acre
COUNTY..... Harris
MUNICIPALITY Seabrook
SEN/REP DISTRICTS....... 1 "1/129
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
some Saint Augustine grass around the office
building. The subject site is located ap-
proximately five miles east of the Lyndon B.
Johnson Space Center, north of the Clear
Creek Channel on the peninsula separating
i
109
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SEABROOK MARINE
FIELD LABORATORY
TODOVHIS
I ROAD .
LYNDON B. JOHNSON
SPACE CENTER
HARRIS
COUNTY
SITE
OALVBCTON BAY
SITE
SH1ซ
CLEAR LAKE
GALVESTON BAY
SEABROOK
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Seabrook Slough from Galveston Bay. There are
100 feet of frontage on Toddville road, which
connects to SH 146, principal route between
Texas City and LaPorte, .7 miles southwest of the
site.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 3 ft. msl and falling
SLOPE Less than 0.5%
SOILS Midland-Urban land complex
FLOODPLAIN Zone V20,15 ft msl
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SE Into Galveston Bay
The tract is bordered on the east by Galveston
Bay, on the north across Third Street by a res-
taurant which is currently for sale, on the west
across Toddville Road by vacant land, and on the
south by the Seabrook Sailing Club. The fish
market district is south of the site, and there are
commercially zoned properties to the west.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 689 acre
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
Single family residential zoning typifies land
north of the peninsula along the bayfront.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the subject site as a marine field
laboratory to monitor fish and shellfish popula-
tions in Galveston Bay. The site is also a resource
protection office investigating fish Irills, pollu-
tion, and other problems related to marine life.
Buildings include an office/laboratory,
shop/storage building, and boat shed. Site im-
provements include paved parking lot, rhain link
110
-------
fence, concrete bulkhead, and concrete retaining
wall. Improvement values represent a high de-
gree of depreciation for both the office and boat
dock. Since the facility was designed specifically
for biological research and there is little market
demand for this type of building, a cost approach
to valuation was used rather than a market ap-
proach.
There are no reversion clauses, deed restrictions,
leases, or encumbrances that adversely affect the
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,289 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 38
DEPRECIATED 58%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $359,416
WATER City of Seabrook
SEWER City of Seabrook
GAS City of Seabrook
ELECTRICITY City of Seabrook
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $217,500
BUILDINGS. $152,418
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $112,561
MARKET VALUE $482,479
APPRAISAL DATE. May 4, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Marine laboratory
marketability of the property to a typical buyer.
The site is zoned R-4, multi-family residential.
TP WD plans to move the facility to an inland
complex with higher elevation. According to
TPWD personnel, waterfront property is not re-
quired for the efficient functioning of the
laboratory since all boats are now kept in dry
dock storage. No funding has been made avail-
able to this date for such a move.
Nevertheless, GLO appraisers find the current
use as a biological research facility to be the
highest and best use of the site. In this mixed-use
TODDVUXE ROAD
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
L MAIN BUILDING
1 WAREHOUSE
JLTFWD DOCKS
SEABROOK
SLOUGH \
SITE
GALVESTON
BAY
VACANT
SEABROOK
SAILING
CLUB
SINGLE
FAMILY
SINGLE
FAMILY
TOODVILLE ROAD
Fig. 2 Location Map
111
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area with detrimental situs factors and ever-wor-
sening water encroachment, appraisers have
determined that alternative property use is not
currently feasible. Recent sales in the area were
primarily to adjoining property owners needing
land for expansion of current operations. Other
comparable property appears to be experiencing
declining values and longer marketing times.
If TPWD can no longer use the tract, the residual
value will equal present land value less demoli-
tion costs. In a declining-to-flat market, the in-
vestment required to make this a marketable
property would likely exceed the value of the
asset Barring changes in the physical situation or
market desirability of the area, the state should
hold the property indefinitely.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
112
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SHELDON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA/
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Sheldon Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
lState Recreation Area (SRA) is located between US 90 and
Garrett Road, approximately four miles east of the Houston
city limits, in the northeast quadrant of Harris County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,503.16 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 2,484, p. 474,
Harris County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Purchased in 1952 by the State from the City of
Houston for use as a waterfowl refuge and public
fishing site, the subject tract, with its 1,200-acre
reservoir, lies within the state's largest
metropolitan area. TP WD divided the property
between its Wildlife and Parks Divisions and
operated it as a dual facility. Over the years, a
history of technical and environmental problems,
vandalism, poaching, and urban sprawl has al-
tered the tract's ecology and aesthetics. Today,
surrounded by industrial and commercial
development, it is solely administered by the
TP WD Parks Division (except for 757 acres of
uplands controlled by the Wildlife Division of
TP WD).
The irregularly shaped tract is mostly level.
Upland vegetation on the property consists of a
variety of grasses, woody plants, and trees such as
oaks, pines, cypress, cottonwood, sycamore, and
others typical of the Houston area. Marshy areas
contain aquatic plants. Typical animals include
deer, raccoons, minlr, opossum, rabbits, and al-
ligators. Bald and golden eagles, ducks, geese,
and other waterfowl are present seasonally.
General Data
SIZE. 2,503.16 acres
COUNTY Harris
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 61128
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Sheldon Reservoir was constructed in 1942by the
federal government to provide water for war in-
dustries. In 1946, ownership of the reservoir was
transferred to the City of Houston. The reservoir
113
-------
Fig. 1 Location
SHELDON
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA/STATE RECREATION AREA
LAD HOUSTON
HAUUS COUNTY
HOUSTON
IH4J.
USM
M10
LOOP ซ10
HOUSTON
GULP OP MEXICO
served as the city's water supply until the comple-
tion of Lake Houston. An abandoned fish
hatcheiy is located on the southeastern edge of
the reservoir within the subject property. Except
for the former fish hatcheiy area, none of the
tract lies within a floodplain.
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 41-S0fLmsl
SLOPE 0% - 0.5%
SOILS Bernard-Edna Complex, Beaumont and
Lake Charles clay
FLOODPLAIN 1.6%
PREVAILING WIND ....SE
DRAINAGE. S-Sฃ Into Sheldon Reservoir
For descriptive purposes, the property has been
divided into two parcels.
Parcel A (815 acres) is formed by a dike
separating the reservoir from Houston's
West Canal. It contains the agricultural
lease and old fish hatchery.
Parcel B (1,688 acres) contains the reservoir
and most of the park facilities.
Access is via Garrett Road which crosses the park
and reservoir. Hie tract is 800 feet north of US 90
and eight miles northeast of Loop 610. The old
hatchery can be accessed from US 90 by way of a
caliche road that crosses the railroad right-of-
way. Hie North Beltway-East Beltway (Loop 8),
a new loop that will connect east Houston to the
Intercontinental Airport, will come within .25
mile of the west side of the property.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
(Includes lake)
UNDEVELOPED
49%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED......
1,231 acres
BUILDABLE AREA
789 acres
VISITATION (FY'87)
114
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Surrounding land uses include industrial and
commercial, low-middle to middle income
residential subdivisions, recreational facilities,
agriculture, and land for timber production.
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company has a
large maintenance facility near the tract that in-
cludes employee parkland and a golf course.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TFWD administers the reservoir as a state park
and has made progress toward resolving the
problems mentioned earlier in this report Since
state acquisition, the reservoir has been lowered
or drained several times, most recently in 1980.
Refilled and restocked three years later, it now
offers good, though modest, fishing. Florida and
native largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and
perch are the most common species taken.
At present, fishing and seasonal boating are the
only recreational opportunities offered to the
public. Boats with ten horsepower or smaller
engines are allowed on the lake between March
and October only in order to protect waterfowl
nesting habitat
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 12,726 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 0001
DEPRECIATED 30%
RECONSTRUCTION COST. $271,071
VfATER.........^.^^..WolI
SEWER Septic
GAS Penyman Propane Co.
ELECTRICITY Houston Lighting & Power Co.
The Sheldon Wildlife Management Area hosts
ornithological classes and field trips on the
property for all levels of schoolchildren.
The WMA's 757-acre uplands area is leased out
to a private individual for rice farming without
fee; in return, the lessee leaves approximately
15% of the grain unharvested to provide food for
migrating waterfowl.
Buildings at the aban-
doned fish hatchery
(40 acres) are vacant
Other buildings in-
clude four residences,
office, boat house,
maintenance shed, and
storage.
Site improvements in-
clude two water sys-
tems (one built for the
fish hatchery and one
for the park), with
wells, pumps, pipes,
storage, etc., two septic
systems, concrete boat
ramp and parking lot
shell parking lot, five
T-head fishing piers,
fencing, and flagpole.
\ LAKE HOUSTON PARKWAY
OARRETT ROAD
PARCEL
SHELDON
RESERVOIR
PISH
HATCHERY
taw
TO HOUSTON
Fig. 2 Site
115
-------
PARCEL B
PARCEL B
PARCSLA
Fig. 3 - Parcel Map
TP WD plans to continue present use of the
property as a state park. Visitation is low in com-
parison to other urban parks (less than 35,000 in
1987, compared to over half a million at Lake
Livingston). Visitation has increased slightly in
the last year.
The property is not zoned, and typical pipeline
and utility easements are in place. The City of
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND .. $4,130,214
BUILDINGS $190,749
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $101,900
MARKET VALUE $4,422,863
APPRAISAL DATE February 2,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE. Recreation
Houston retains a perpetual easement 200feet in
width across the property for the construction
and maintenance of a fresh water canal (West
Canal), running from Lake Houston to a point
near the Houston Ship Channel. No other deed
restrictions affect the property.
GLO appraisers found in 1987 that the highest
and best use of the property was recreation, citing
poor access, large size, and negative situs factors
as justification against commercial development
Since 1987, economic trends indicate that the
Houston economy is recovering. Considering
surrounding land uses and location within the
Greater Houston Metro area, the GLO analyst
finds that industrial development potential for
portions of this tract under agricultural lease has
strengthened since the time of the appraisal. As
economic recovery continues, and especially
after the opening of the Houston Outer Beltway,
alternate commercial development for Sheldon
might be feasible.
Major pollution and suburban encroachment
problems question the property's suitability as a
typical TP WD park. Newer and larger recrea-
tional facilities better suited to Harris County
needs have opened in this area. Except for the
small unharvested cropland still used as a water-
fowl refuge, abandonment of the site as a WMA
has already taken place. This function has been
taken over by more appropriate sites elsewhere
on the upper coastline. These factors further sup-
port consideration of alternate use for Parcel A.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Texas General Land Office recommends
that TPWD retain the subject property for agency
operations. TPWD should develop a plan to in-
tensify use of areas under agricultural lease which
have alternate-use potential and the reservoir,
which has increased recreational-use potential.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the property by TPWD in light of
its greater highest and best potential.
If TPWD continues to lease a portion of the site
for agricultural purposes, a fair market rate
should be negotiated.
116
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Stephen F. Austin State Historical Park
(SHP) is located on FM1458, three miles north oflH 10, in
the village of San Felipe, Austin County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 667.42 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 126, p. 570,
and Volume 129, p. 24, Austin County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is the site of Stephen F.
Austin's first colony, which from 1824 until 1836
was the social, economic, and political center of
American Texas. The first 297 American
families to colonize Texas settled here under a
contract with the Mexican government,
negotiated by Austin under the entrepreneur sys-
tem. So many historic events took place here that
the town has earned the title, "Cradle of Texas
Liberty."
The property consists of two parcels:
Parcel A (12 acres) is the historic section of
the park, containing the old residential area
of the village of San Felipe de Austin, a
portion of the old town's central plaza, the
ferry approach where the Atascosito Road
crossed the Brazos River, and the public
welL
Parcel B (655.42 acres) is two miles west of
Parcel A and contains the recreational and
overnight facilities of the park.
General Data
SIZE. 667.42 acres
COUNTY ..Austin
MUNICIPALITY San Felipe
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 5130
TORP REGION. ....16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
TP WD considers this property one of the most
significant archeological and historical sites in
Texas. It abuts the Brazos River and provides a
natural habitat for deer, squirrels, raccoons,
foxes, opossums, and a variety of birds. Trees on
the park include hackbeny, cedar, pecan, and
117
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STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
AUSTIN
COUNTY
, BRAZOS RIVER
SAN FELIPE
1458
SITE
IH10
HOUSTON
PARCELB
PARCELA
FM1458
PARK ROAD 38
ซ 10
Fig. 1 - Location Map
bois d'arc, with the elm dominant. Pinehill blues-
tem, and purpletop grasses thrive along with
numerous native shrubs.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 120- 125 ft msl
SLOPE .. 0%-1%
SOILS Oklared-Norwood
FLOODPLAIN 90% - 95% (100-year)
PREVAILING WIND S, SE
DRAINAGE Into Brazos River
The land is generally flat, and almost 95% lies in
the 100-year floodplain of the Brazos River which
borders the park on the north and east Flooding
does not affect recreational use of the property.
Drainage is very poor in the low areas. Brazos
River bottomland forests along the river and
creeks characterize the undeveloped portion of
the park.
The property has direct access to FM 1458 by way
of Park Road 38. All roads are asphalt hardtop in
good condition. The park is within two miles of
IH 10, which gives easy access to the high-popula-
tion Houston area, 20 miles east Sealy is four
miles southwest
The tract is bordered on the south by the modern
town of San Felipe (population 675), and on the
north by the Brazos River. The surrounding area
is composed of ranchland, farms, and small
homesites. There is little commerce or industry
in the immediate area.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 52%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 347.10 acres
UNDEVELOPED 48%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 320.32 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 53
VISITATION (FY '87) 167,477
118
-------
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD has set aside 12 acres (Parcel A) of the
park for historical exhibits. These include the J.
J. Josey General Store Museum, built in 1847,
and monuments commemorating places, events,
and people associated with early Texas.
Parcel B is open for recreation. Activities of-
fered include picnicking, camping, playground,
swimming, golf, fishing, nature study, and hiking.
Buildings include bathhouse and covered picnic
area, three concession structures, paint storage
shed, maintenance building, two residences,
headquarters, four rest rooms, double garage,
shelter, entry booth, screened shelter, and log
cabin reproduction. Site improvements include
swimming pool, water, sewage, gas, electric, and
telephone systems, 94 picnic sites, 40 trailer sites,
hiking and nature trails, paved game court, two
flag poles, cattle guard, portal, monuments, golf
course, fences, and roads.
The State of Texas acquired the property in 1940
when 14 acres were deeded to the state for park
purposes by the San Felipe Park Association and
6573 acres by the Corporation of San Felipe. In
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 16
AREA OF BUILDINGS 14,777sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 42%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $313,374
WATER Well
SEWER Own system
OAS Propane
ELECTRICITY. Houston Lighting & Power Co.
the same year, the state purchased an additional
.1327-acre from private owners. (Some eight to
13 of the original acres have been lost through
the years due to natural channel changes in the
Brazos River.)
BRAZOS RIVER
1. HISTORICAL SITE / MUSEUM
2. GOLF COURSE
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
REST ROOM
s
ATASCOSTTO ROAD
CAMPING
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
rM 1458
TO IH10
PARK ROAD 38
IH 10
Fig. 2 - Site Map
119
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,068,000
BUILDINGS $181,995
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $319,099
MARKET VALUE $1,569,094
APPRAISAL DATE March 1, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
There are no reversion clauses, deed restrictions,
leases, or encumbrances that adversely affect the
property. No zoning or easements are in place.
The appraiser states that there is limited market
for such land in the area due to a depressed
market Potential for flooding is also a detriment
to alternative use of the tract
TP WD plans to continue current use of the site
as a state historical park, depicting the lives of
Texas' earliest Anglo settlers and providing year-
round recreational opportunities. GLO ap-
praisers find that the highest and best use of the
property is the same as its present use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
120
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
VARNER HOGG PLANTATION
STATE HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION - Vomer Hogg Plantation State Historic Park
(SHP) is located on FM28S2, two miles north of West
Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 65.66 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 674, p. 101,
Brazoria County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Vainer Hogg plantation has witnessed several
epochs of Texas history. The original owner, Mar-
tin Varner, received the land from the Mexican
government as part of Stephen F. Austin's first
colonization contract and moved onto ap-
proximately 4,500 acres along the Brazos River
in 1824.
In 1834, Varner sold the property to Columbus
Patton who built the main plantation house to
replace Varner's log cabin using slave labor and
brick produced at the site.
The architectural style was a local variant of
Greek revival, with its symmetrical configura-
tion, columned porches, and decorative window
treatment According to custom, the kitchen oc-
cupied a separate building. Brick slave quarters
and a large sugar-processing house were also
constructed.
The devastating Galveston Hurricane in 1890
destroyed the sugar house, leaving only founda-
tions. The main house is the only structure from
the plantation period still standing.
General Data
COUNTY.... ..... .... Brazoria
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 18/28
TORP REGION. 16
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
In 1910, former Texas Governor James Stephen
Hogg purchased the plantation and developed it
as his second home. He planted the beautiful,
extensive groves of pecans which visitors enjoy
121
-------
VARNER
Fig. 1 Location Map
pecans. There are many hackbcrry, live oak,
cedar, and bald cypress trees. Native and St
Physical Data Augustine grasses are found throughout.
ELEVATION 30 . 35ft msl Access is via FM 2852 which leads to SH 35 and
SLOPE - 0%-f0% SH 36 in West Columbia (population 4,415), a
SOILS Asa former capital of the Republic of Texas, two
FLOODPLAIN 50% miles south. Houston, 65 miles north, is reached
PREVAILING WIND SE.N via SH 35 and SH 288.
DRAINAGE Into Varner Creek
today. Fourteen years after his death, oil was Utilization Data
discovered on the plantation, establishing the
subsequent, enormous Hogg family fortune. DEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 32.83 acres
In 1920, the Hogg family remodeled the old plan- UNDEVELOPED 50%
tation house extensively and built four frame AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED. 32.63 acres
houses and a garage nearby. Until 1958, the fami- BUILDABLE AREA 18.20 acres
ly kept the house and immediate outbuildings for VISITATION (FY '87) 88,982
weekend and vacation use.
West Columbia has historically had an agricul-
Much of the natural landscape of the property has tural and petroleum economy. The traditional
been replaced by plantings of magnolias and sugarcane crop has given way to rice, soybean,
122
-------
sorghum, and turf cultivation. The district has
recently developed into a bedroom community
for industrial and state employees in Angleton
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 15
AREA OF BUILDINGS 22,958 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 43%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $630,378
WATER Vomer Creek Utilities Co.
SEWER City of West Columbia
GAS Entex, Inc.
ELECTRICITY City of West Columbia
(15 miles east) and Freeport (26 miles southeast).
An upscale subdivision is located northeast of the
subject tract, and several small ranches and scat-
tered residential areas are located to the south-
west.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a day-use state his-
toric park, offering guided tours and picnic
facilities.
The greater part of the property (52.67 acres),
including the furnished plantation house and
other structures, was presented to the state in
1956 by Miss Ima Hogg, daughter of the former
governor. In 1967, she deeded an additional
12.99 acres to the park. Deeds restrict the use of
the land to a state historic park. TP WD ar-
cheologists find that a large percentage of the site
has potential value for future excavation study.
The mansion houses Miss Hogg's extensive col-
lections of historic Empire and Rococo furnish-
ings, ceramics, and prints. Of special interest to
Texans are a set of Staffordshire china com-
memorating the Texas Revolution and selections
of Hogg family memorabilia.
VARNER HOGG PLANTATION
STATE HISTORIC PARK
VARNER
PARK ROAD 51
Y
PARK BOUNDARY
MAIN ROAD
1. MAIN HOUSE
2. RANGER'S RESIDENCE
3. PATTON FAMILY CEMETERY
4. SUPERINTENDENT'S RESIDENCE
3. BARN
6. MAINTENANCE AREA
7. HOUSEKEEPING FACILITY
FM2852
TO WEST COLUMBIA
Fig. 2 - Site Map
123
-------
Buildings include plantation house, pump house,
four residences, poultry house, two garages, two
storage buildings, barn and stables, maintenance
building, washhouse, and fertilizer house. Site
Appraisal Data and Values
LAND $328,300
BUILDINGS $357,822
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $83,450
MARKET VALUE $769,572
APPRAISAL DATE April 30, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
improvements include water, electrical, sewage,
and gas systems, gas tank, road and parking, ten
picnic sites, fence, and bridge.
No zoning regulations apply. TP WD plans to
continue use of the property as a state historic
park and also add a visitor's center and new
picnic area in the future
GLO appraisers agree that the present use is also
the property's highest and best use. Deed restric-
tions, along with the archeological, architectural,
and historical significance of the site, rule out
possible alternate uses, such as residential sub-
division or industrial development
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
124
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Region 17
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 17 (GOLDEN CRESCENT)
/c'
/
/ซ
OONZALBS
ป' DBWITT
OOUAD
2
k.
US s*
US 7?
VICTORIA
VICTORIA Vx
CALHOUN
PORT
LAVAi
US (7
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. FANNIN BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC
SITE
2. GOLIAD STATE HISTORICAL PARK
3. GUADALUPE DELTA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA
4. NEASLONEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
5. PALMETTO STATE PARK
6. PERRY R. BASS MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH
STATION
7. SWAN POINT STATE FISHERMAN ACCESS
126
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 17 (GOLDEN CRESCENT) covers 6,079 square miles, including that portion of the Gulf
Coast which includes Matagorda Island.
ECONOMY - Region 17 is a rural component of the Gulf Coast economy and is expected to grow
somewhat more slowly than its urban counterparts. (The Gulf Coast as a whole is projected to lead
the state in growth during the coming decade.) Region 17 will share in the Gulf Coast's projected
annual 1.1% population growth and 2.0% non-agricultural job growth through the 1990s.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
7
None
173,608
29
309
GEOGRAPHY - This rural region is made up of Cross Timbers, Post Oak Savannah, Coastal Prairies,
and marshes. Only five TORP regions have smaller populations. Settlement is concentrated only in
the Victoria area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Reports)
99
53,714
500-999
16th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Six TP WD recreational facilities are listed among the 16 major
attractions and resources in Region 17. Camping, saltwater fishing, and hunting are top activities in
this region. Two urban parks, Riverside Park in Victoria and Independence Park in Gonzales, are
considered major regional attractions. Unlike most coastal regions, saltwater resources do not top the
list.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
9
7
4,848
$6,260,483
7% 19%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects no regional recreational needs for Region 17 through 1995.
JZ7
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FANNIN BATTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
(SHS) is located on FM 2506 (also known as Park Road
27), nine miles east of the town of Goliad, Goliad County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 13.62 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 38, page
581, and Book 42, page 201, Goliad County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
"Remember Goliad" became a Texas Revolution
battle cry in memory of Colonel James W. Fan-
nin, Jr. He and his men were massacred near this
site in 1836 after the Battle of Coleto Creek in
which Colonel Fannin was defeated by superior
forces of the Mexican Army. Fannin and about
350 soldiers became prisoners of war in La Bahia
Fort near the town of Goliad. One week later,
342 of the Texians were killed. Both the battle
and the subsequent massacre are memorialized
at the subject site on a bronze marker.
The square tract has gently rolling terrain with
native grasses, including bluestem and Texas
winter grass. Mesquite, pecan, and hackbeny
trees are scattered across the tract.
The site is accessed via FM 2506 from US 59,
principal route between Laredo and Houston.
About .5 mile south of US 59, FM 2506 becomes
Park Road 27. This paved road circles the park.
The town of Fannin is 14 miles east on US 59.
General Data
SIZE. 13.62 acres
COUNTY Goliad
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18/31
TORP REGION. 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Adjoining land use is primarily agricultural with
open rangelands and cattle production. Goliad
is the county seat with a population of2,089. The
county is noted for its historical significance. Its
economy is based on tourism; the Coleto Creek
Power Station (an electricity generating plant);
Preceding page blank
129
-------
and agribusiness, principally cattle, hogs, sheep,
poultry, sorghum, and com.
Nearby points of interest include Goliad State
Historical Park and La Bahia Fort, 9 miles south-
west
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Physical Data
ELEVATION
140- 142 ft. ms!
SLOPE
0%-3%
SOILS
Edna Series, Fordtram
FLOODPLAIN
None
PREVAILING WIND
S-SE
DRAINAGE
N, S
The property is operated by TP WD as a state
historic site, offering picnicking, rest room
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED.. 18%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 2.50 acres
UNDEVELOPED 82%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 11.12 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 31,342
facilities, and a gazebo with interpretive panels
explaining the battle.
Buildings include a single-family residence and
the gazebo. Site improvements include a water
and sewage system, paved park road, chain link
fence, picnic pavilion, rest room, and granite
monument
FANNIN BATTLEGROUND
STATE HISTORIC SITE
GOLIAD COUNTY
US 59
FANNIN
COLEIX) CREEK
US 59
TO HOUSTON
FANNIN
w Jr
SITE
GOLIAD
US 59
TOLAREDO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
130
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PARX ROAD 27
L PAVILION
1 MUSEUM
X OPEN STORAGE TANK
< FANNIN MONUMENT
i. RESIDENCE
CHAIN LMC PENCE
Fig. 2 - Site Map
The park was originally acquired by the state in
1913 and 1918 by gift deeds. The site is not af-
fected by zoning and has no easements, deed
restrictions, reversion clauses, or leases that
would affect its marketability.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a day-use, recreation, historic site,
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 3,100 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $56,962
WATER - Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Central Power & Ught Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $58,566
BUILDINGS. $24,311
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $50,750
MARKET VALUE $133,627
APPRAISAL DATE March 19, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
interpreting an important chapter of Texas his-
tory.
GLO appraisers find that current use as a state
historic site and recreational area is the highest
and best use. Alternate use as rangeland was
considered by the appraiser; but, due to remote
location, poorly drained soils, and poor market
conditions, there is little interest in such use at
this time.
131
-------
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
132
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE L
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GOLIAD STATE HISTORICAL PARK
PREFACE
Goliad County, long recognized as a focal point
of early Texas history, offers many sights of inter-
est to both historian and casual visitor. On its four
parcels of land, Goliad State Historical Park
preserves three remnants of bygone Texas: two
Spanish missions and the birthplace of a famous
Mexican general. The subject property, together
with other historical sites preserved nearby by
TPWD, local government, and private entities,
makes the area a significant tourist attraction.
The four parcels that make up the park lie scat-
tered roughly along US 183, south of the town of
Goliad and immediately beyond the San Antonio
River. The parcels are not contiguous but are
managed under the blanket title of Goliad State
Historical Park. They are described in the order
they are reached by driving south from the town
of Goliad.
An inhabited site long before the Spanish estab-
lished their first mission there in 1749, Goliad
was originally known as La Bahia and was one of
only three Mexican towns in Texas at the time of
the revolution. Renamed Goliad (anagram of
the name of the priest Hidalgo, early Mexican
revolutionary hero), the town (present popula-
tion 2,089) became an Anglo colony in 1836. Its
current economy is based on oil production and
cattle ranching.
Parcel A: Park Residence
LOCATION Parcel A is located on US 183 at its
intersection with Margil Street in the town of Goliad, Goliad
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION-Parcel A covers 1.6 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 342, p. 161,
Goliad County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PARCEL
Parcel A is a rectangular tract 25 mile north of
and opposite the park entrance. The tract has
275 feet of frontage on the east side of US 183.
Private property adjoins the site on the north and
east. On the south the parcel abuts Goliad Coun-
ty Fair Grounds which separate it from Parcel B.
Two structures, a park ranger's residence and a
maintenance building, occupy this parcel.
Parcel B: The Park Proper
LOCATION - Parcel B abuts the south city limits of
Goliad, Goliad County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - Parcel B covers 178.32 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 68, p. 611,
Goliad County Deed Records.
133
-------
Fig. 1 Location Map
us is
GOLIAD
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
PARCEL D
MBSON NUESTRA
SBNORA DEL ROSARIO
OOUAD
PARCEL A
US ป
OOUAD COUNTY
FAIRGROUNDS
OOUAD
COUNTY
SAN ANTONIO
RIVER
PARK
SAN ANTONIO
RIVER
US 183
'FANNIN'S ORAVE
US 59
OOUAD
PARCEL C
BIRTHPLACE OF
OBN. K3NAOO ZARAOOSA
SITE
PARCELB
PRESmiO
LA RAMA
ABOUT THE PARCEL
Parcel B consists of rolling terrain within and
north of a horseshoe curve in the San Antonio
River. The parcel is bisected by US 183 for its
entire length (.75 mile).
Trees along the river are cottonwood, sycamore,
sugarberry and pecan. Other flora in the park
includes southwestern bernardia, giant ragweed,
lime prickly ash, mustang grape, lotebush, Texas
colubrina, and many grasses common to the Gulf
coastal prairie and the South Texas plains. Park
property located within 150 feet of the San An-
tonio River is subject to flooding on the average
of once every three years. The remaining upland
property is located within the 20-to-30-year
floodplain.
Within the parcel's boundaries is a reconstruc-
tion of one of the most significant missions in
early Texas history, the Mission Espiritu Santo de
Zuniga. During its long history, Espiritu Santo
originated the Texas tradition of cattle ranching
on a heroic scale, at one time running ap-
proximately 40,000 head and providing beef to
Spanish colonists as far away as Louisiana.
On this parcel TPWD offers tours of the
reconstructed mission, picnicking, camping, na-
ture trails, swimming, birding, and hiking.
Visitor attractions include an old quarry and Vilri.
A display of Indian and Spanish colonial artifacts
is combined with a slide show and film presenta-
tion on the history of the area.
Buildings include headquarters, pump house,
swimming pool, shower, group shelter, four rest
rooms, a residence, and the restored mission
(several structures).
Site improvements include two storage buildings,
entry booth, rock amphitheater, five screened
shelters, water and sewage systems, two butane
134
-------
tanks, electrical and telephone systems, paved
road and parking, 32 picnic sites, 44 camping
sites, primitive campsites, hiking and nature trail,
fencing, entrance sign, flagpole, and stone fixe
ring.
Parcel C: Zaragosa Birthplace
LOCATION Parcel C is located on US 183 south of the
San Antonio River near Presidio La Bahia.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION-Parcel Ccovers 2.65 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 303, p. 706,
Goliad County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PARCEL
This irregularly-shaped parcel contains a
reconstruction of the birthplace of Ignacio
Zaragosa, hero of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, key
victory in Mexico's struggle for independence
from France. Cinco de Mayo, the principal
Mexican patriotic festival, commemorates this
battle.
Vegetation on the tract is typical of area grasses
and weeds, with only a few trees on this site.
Rolling terrain makes up the high southern bank
of the San Antonio River and drains north into it
This parcel does not lie within a floodplain.
Parcel C is accessed off US 183. The Presidio La
Bahia and Fannin Memorial are adjacent A
single roadside commercial operation is nearby,
with predominant surrounding land uses in
rangeland and agriculture.
Parcel D: Mission Rosario
LOCATION - Parcel D is located on US 59,fourmiles
southwest of the town of Goliad.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION Parcel D covers 4.77acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 247, pp. 89,
93, and 100, Goliad County Deed Records.
s
E
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
PARKING
MAIN ROAD
RIVER TRAIL
PARK BOUNDARY
REST ROOM
MARGIL ST.
ESPIRITU
SANTO
MISSION
AND
EXHIBIT.
SAN ANTONIO RIVER
PARCEL A
US 183
POOL
COMPLEX
PARCEL B
Fig. 2 Site Map: Parcel B
135
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ABOUT THE PARCEL
This almost-square parcel is the site of ruins of
the Mission of Nuestra Sefiora del Rosario, aban-
doned in 1807. The site has frontage on US 59
which connects Goliad to Beeville. Interpretive
exhibits about the mission are housed on Parcel
B. Parcel D is maintained as an unrestored ar-
cheological site and is not open to the public.
Vegetation is limited to native grasses together
with Texas persimmon, mesquite bluewood, and
hackberry trees which surround the site of the
former buildings. The slightly rolling terrain
drains northwest into the San Antonio River and
is not in a floodplain.
The mission was founded in 1754 by Franciscan
missionaries in an abortive attempt to civilize the
fierce Karankawa Indians who had deserted the
first Espiritu Santo Mission.
POTENTIAL USE
Goliad State Historical Park was created by a
special act of the Texas Legislature in 1931. W. F.
O'Connor donated Mission Rosario ruins to the
county in 1935 and later the county deeded the
ruins to the state. The remaining acreage was a
gift of Goliad County or purchased from private
owners. No zoning is present on the property,
which falls within the Goliad ETJ. Neither were
any easements observed. Only the Rosario site is
encumbered with a reversion clause, which
restricts use to the present use.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the entire
property, and GLO appraisers have determined
that this is its highest and best use. The important
historical significance of three of the sites ex-
ceeds any other alternative use. The fourth tract
provides needed support for facility operations.
Scored according to the nationally recognized
Savannah point system for rating historic sites,
the park rates 86 out of 100, considered excep-
tional. Although Espiritu Santo and the
Zaragosa building are largely reconstructions,
they are strong representations of the colonial
style of the 17th and 18th centuries, the classical
rather than the baroque typical of Mexico. They
and the other historical sites around Goliad form
part of Texas' priceless historical heritage. In
addition, market research by the GLO appraiser
indicates a need for recreational facilities in this
area.
Prevailing real estate market rates, reproduction
and replacement costs, and adaptability to other
uses limit potential for uses other than recrea-
tional. Physical attributes of the property (loca-
tion, soil type, flooding, and topography) provide
little productive value and do not enhance the
marketability of the bulk of the land. Deed
restrictions on Mission Rosario prevent alternate
use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
General Land Office recommends that Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department retain the subject
property for agency operations.
136
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PROPERTY DATA FOR GOLIAD STATE HISTORICAL PARK
Parcel A Parcel B Parcel C Parcel D
Park Residence
The Park Proper
Zaragosa Birthplace
Rosario Mission
General Data
SIZE
1.6 acres
17832 acres
2.65 acres
4.77 acres
COUNTY
Goliad
Goliad
Goliad
Goliad
MUNICIPALITY
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS
18/31
18/31
18/31
18/31
TORP REGION
17
17
17
17
TPWD JURISDICTION/REGION
Parks/9
Parks 19
Parks/9
Parks 19
Physical Data
ELEVATION
160 ft msl
130 -165 ft msl
180-181 ft msl
145-160 ft msl
SLOPE
0%
3%-7%
l%-3%
l%-3%
SOILS
Various clay soils
Various clay soils
Olmos
Olmos
FLOODPLAIN
100-year floodplain
100-year Qoodplain
None
None
PREVAILING WIND
NW/SW
NW/SW
NW/SW
NW/SW
DRAINAGE
S into river
S into river
S into river
S into river
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
100%
18%
35.64%
19%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
L59 acres
26.8 acres
1.70 acres
.50 acre
UNDEVELOPED
0%
82%
6436%
81%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
0 acres
151.52 acres
3.07 acres
2.15 acres
BUILDABLE AREA
0 acres
14.98 acres
3.07 acres
2.15 acres
137
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Parcel A Parcel B Parcel C Parcel D
Park Residence
Hie Park Proper
Zaragosa Birthplace
Rosario Mission
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS
2
15
1
0
AREA OF BUILDINGS
2^00 sq.ft.
11,175 sq. ft.
1^20 sq. ft.
0
RECONSTRUCTION COSTS
$ 65,516
$ 521,572
$ 91,766
0
WATER
City of Goliad
City of Goliad
None
None
SEWER
City of Goliad
Septic
None
None
GAS
Goliad Propane
Goliad Propane
None
None
ELECTRICITY
Central Power & Light Co.
Central Power & Light Co.
Central Power & Light Co.
None
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
$ 7,462
$ 481,450
$ 12^23
$19,080
BUILDINGS
$ 43,240
S 349,299
$ 79,836
NA
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
NA
$ 343,630
$ 70,000
NA
MARKET VALUE
$ 50,702
$1,174,379
$162,159
$19,080
TOTAL MARKET VALUE $1,406,320
APPRAISAL DATE March 19,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
138
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GUADALUPE DELTA
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management
Area (WMA) is located on SH 35 twelve miles southwest of
Pat Lavaca, Calhoun, County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 4,262.41 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 10, p. 163;
Volume 281, p. 281; Volume 381, p. 310; Volume 392,
p. 484; and Volume 397, p. 693, Calhoun County Deed
Records.
(Approximately 32.28 additional acres were subsequently
purchased by TPWD in October 1987. Only the 4,230.13
acres in the appraisal are included in this evaluation report.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Roughly rectangular, Guadalupe Delta WMA
lies in the marshy, deltaic estuary of the
Guadalupe River where it enters the Gulf of
Mexico. These predominantly freshwater wet-
lands provide excellent habitat for migratory and
nesting geese and ducks, as well as for alligators,
bald eagles, deer, feral hogs, bobcats, coyotes,
and a great variety of shore and wading birds.
Aquatic and wetland plants such as bulrush,
longton and brownseed paspalum, spiny aster,
alligator weed, marsh hay cordgrass, and sea
oxide daisy dominate the lowland vegetation.
Upland are common bermuda grass, eastern
gamma grass, Indiangrass, and big and little blue-
stem. Trees such as huisache, elm, ash, live oak,
and black willow form narrow bands along the
channels and bayous.
General Data
SIZE. 4,230.13 acres
COUNTY Calhoun
MUNICIPALITY JVof applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 18/32
TORP REGION. 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
The entire tract, which includes Alligator Slide
Lake, is subject to flooding in various degrees
139
-------
GUADALUPE DELTA
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
CALHOUN
COUNTY
,US1S5
VICTORIA
FORT LAVACA
GUADALUPE RIVER
' S8ADRHT
SITE
SHSS
OULF OP MEXICO
CORPUS
CHRIST!
Fig. 1 - Location Map
from the Guadalupe River and its adjacent
bayous. The 23 miles of frontage on SH 35 are
subject to flooding at any time.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 0-25 ft msl
SLOPE Mostly level
SOILS Austwell & sllty clay;
Harris Complex
FLOODPLA1N 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Through channels and
bayous Into bay
Port Lavaca (population of 12349) is the county
seat and an important center for commercial and
pleasure fishing, ranching, and agriculture. Im-
mediate area economy is based on commercial
seafood operations, tourism, shipping, chemical
plants, and offshore drilling. Tivoli (population
540), 3.5 miles northeast, is the closest com-
munity to the WMA; the Union Carbide plant
north of the Victoria Canal is the closest com-
mercial activity.
Access is via a public driveway connecting to SH
35, principal route between Port Lavaca and Cor-
pus Christi, 70 miles southwest of the site. The
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 4,230.13 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
tract is one mile southwest of the intersection of
SH 35 and US 185, which connects Victoria with
Seadrift.
The site is surrounded by privately owned
marshland. It is bordered on the north by SH 35
with the Calhoun County Canal and Green Lake
beyond, on the west by Schwing Bayou, on the
south by Mission Lake, and on the east by the
Victoria Barge Canal.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a wildlife manage-
ment area directed at providing high-quality
marsh for waterfowl habitat and public waterfowl
and migratory shorebird hunting. Hunters enter
the WMA at a check station on Hogg Bayou,
approximately one-half mile from SH 35. Only
shotguns and non-toxic shot ammunition maybe
used on the property, and hunters must bring in
their own drinking water, ramping is not per-
mitted.
In cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, Inc,
TPWD is currently developing water control
140
-------
structures on the WMA which will significantly
improve the marsh habitat
Acquired in 1985-87 with funds provided by the
sale of waterfowl hunting stamps, the WMA is
still in the development stage; the 1987 GLO
appraisal lists no improvements. TPWD plans to
continue use of the site as a WMA, completing
development as funds become available.
No deed conditions restrict resale of the proper-
ty. Easements are in place for pipelines and spoil
disposal.
use as pasture would be hindered by the frequent
floods, which drain at an extremely slow rate,
leaving standing water in the meadows.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,715,774
BUILDINGS. 0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS 0
MARKET VALUE $2,715,774
APPRAISAL DATE. January20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
The GLO appraiser finds that the highest and
best use of the property is the preservation and
development of waterfowl habitat
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Most of the property, with an elevation of only The General Land Office recommends that
five feet above sea level, is designated as wetlands Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As such, subject property for agency operations,
it is protected by law from
commercial develop-
ment. Less than 50 acres,
located in the northeast
corner of the tract with an
average elevation of 25
feet above sea level, are
suitable for building. This
upland area is isolated
and accessible only by
private roads crossing
other property or by boat
via the Victoria Canal.
The GLO appraiser con-
sidered residential, com-
mercial, or industrial uses
for this 50-acre parcel, but
found them prohibitive
due to probable high costs
of meeting strict require-
ments for building in
floodplain. A secondary
SHU
CALHOUN
COUNTY
CANAL .
GREEN
US US
BOUNDARY
VICTORIA
-BAROB
CANAL
ALUQA1
SLIDE
HOOO BAYOU
GUADALUPE
RIVER "
SOWING
BAYOU
TOTTVOU
LAKE
Fig. 2 - Site Map
141
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
NEASLONEY
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Neasloney Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located .5 mile off SH 80, about 2.4 miles north
of Belmont in Gonzales County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 99.52 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 558, p. 524,
Gonzales County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Neasloney Wildlife Management Area was be-
queathed to the state by Mllford Otto Neasloney
of Belmont in 1984 to serve as a nature study area
for the use of educational and wildlife conserva-
tion organizations.
The square, isolated property is unique in being
an undisturbed remnant of the Post Oak Savan-
nah Ecological Area. Vegetation consists of
blackjack oaks, post oak, and yaupon with an
understory of mid-height and tall, native grasses.
The rangeland soil has a fast water intake and is
subject to drought. Wildlife on the property in-
cludes white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, raccoon,
and other small game.
Rolling terrain with rich bottom soils along the
Guadalupe River and its tributaries make the
district an important agricultural area. Gonzales
County is the top egg and poultry producer in the
state and is also outstanding in cattle production
General Data
SIZE. 99.52 acres
COUNTY Gonzales
MUNICIPALITY.. Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 18131
TORP REGION. 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
and farming. Principal crops are grain, corn,
peanuts, melons, and pecans.
Sixteen miles east of the WMA is the town of
Gonzales, county seat as well as the largest
Preceding page blank
143
-------
Physical Data
ELEVATION 480 - 540 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-15%
SOILS Sllstic, Padlna
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE, N
DRAINAGE N <5 S Into draws
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The site is available for nature study as well as for
meetings of agency staff and special groups (as
specified in Mr. Neasloney's will), focusing on
preservation of an important natural area and its
wildlife. Visitors and area schoolchildren ex-
plore nature trails with interpretive programs on
vegetation and wildlife.
municipality in the county, with a population of
7,977.
Access is via SH 80, eight miles south of Luling.
The area is approximately .5 mile east of SH 80
and can be accessed through a deeded right-of-
way. IH10, leading west to San Antonio and east
to Houston, is eight miles north.
Surrounding land is used principally for beef
production, with some peanut and watermelon
farms.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0.5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 52 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.5%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 99 acres
Use of the facility requires advanced scheduling
with wildlife personnel. No overnight facilities
are available, and no entrance or user fees are
required.
NEASLONEY
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
SITE
GONZALES
COUNTY
TOUrtJNO
nt
SAN MARCOS
AUSTIN
/ TO HOUSTON
SITE ,
BELMONT ,
ANTONIO
"OUADALUre JUVER
BELMONT
Fig. 1 - Location Map
144
-------
A cabin and shed are the only buildings on the
property. Site improvements include water and
electrical systems and two miles of fencing.
The deed restricts use of the property exclusively
to game preserve, wildlife demonstration area, or
related activities by the Wildlife Division of
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department In the
event TP WD fails to use the tract for these pur-
poses, ownership passes to the American Legion.
No zoning restrictions or easements exist on the
property.
The GLO appraisal report considered agricul-
tural uses for the property, either alone or in
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,925 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $14,654
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Gonzales Valley Electric Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $97,029
BUILDINGS. $9,737
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $14,050
MARKET VALUE $120,816
APPRAISAL DATE. June 30, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
conjunction with recreational uses and wildlife
management. Deed restrictions, however,
specify not only state ownership but also use and
management by a particular TP WD division;
therefore, the highest and best use is limited to
wildlife management Longtime conservation of
the area will preserve native wildlife in this sec-
tion of South Central Texas.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
145
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
r
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PALMETTO STATE PARK
LOCATION - Palmetto State Park (SP) is located cffFM
2091 in the community of Ottine, Gonzales County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 267.72 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 172, pp.473
and 489; Volume 173, p. 107; Volume 177, p. 596; Volume
410, p. 405; and Volume 422, p. 684, Gonzales County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Palmetto State Park, once known as the Ottine
Swamp, is located in an area closely resembling a
tropical botanical garden. This irregularly
shaped, swampy woodland has attracted
biologists from around the world because of the
diversity and richness of its biotic environment.
Among the many eastern and western plant
species at the site, one of the most prominent is
the dwarf palmetto for which the park is named.
The park's terrain is gently to moderately rolling
with steep cliffs and ridges along the park road.
The San Marcos River runs through the property.
Vegetation is primarily native, consisting of gras-
ses such as bluestem, Indiangrass, and Texas
needlegrass. The popular annual garden flower,
phlox, which is cultivated worldwide, is derived
from a native phlox discovered at the site by
Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond.
Many varieties ofwildflowers grow abundantly in
the swamp area, fed by artesian wells and flood-
ing from the river. The park's Oxbow Lake was
General Data
SIZE. _ 267.72 acres
COUNTY. Gonzales
MUNICIPALITY Ottine
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18/31
TORP REGION. 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
once a section of this river. The entire property
lies in a floodplain, and certain sections flood
every year. On the average of once every three
years, according to floodplain maps, almost the
entire tract is temporarily under water.
Preceding page blank
147
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PALMETTO
STATE PARK
OTTOE
OONZALSS
COUNTY
TO HOUSTON
SAN
ANTONIO
USIO
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 290 - 320 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% -12%
SOILS Frio, Trinity, Axtell
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE N and S Into San Marcos River
Among the park's distinctive wildlife are the
green tree frog, Gulf Coast toad, chameleon, and
ground skink. Other wildlife include the pygmy
mouse, eastern cottontail, white-tailed deer, fox
squirrel, raccoon, and armadillos. The lake is
stocked with crappie, bass, and catfish. Described
by TPWD as "one of the birding hot spots of
Texas," the site shelters 240 species of birds.
Access to the site is excellent. Tourists may ap-
proach the park from Gonzales via FM 2091 or
US 183, running between Gonzales and Piling.
FM 2091 becomes Park Road 11 south of US 183.
Fifteen miles north of the park, US 183 intersects
IH10, principal route between San Antonio and
Houston.
The Elks Crippled Children's Hospital and the
Gonzales Warm Springs Foundation Hospital
adjoin the site to the north and east The Warm
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 2.3%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 6.16 acres
UNDEVELOPED 97.7%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 261.56 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 126,257
Springs center provides intensive rehabilitation
for victims of spinal cord, stroke, traumatic brain
injury, and degenerative diseases. Texas Elks
Crippled Children's Hospital is maintained for
treatment of children handicapped by injury or
disease.
148
-------
Ottine, with a population of less than 200, bor-
ders the site on the west. Other bordering land
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA OF BLDGS 7,657sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 65%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $325,892
WATER Ottine Water Supply and
Gonzales Warn Springs Foundation
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY... Guadalupe Valley Electric Co-op.
is in cattle, chicken, and turkey production, with
some recreational hunting.
Fifteen miles south is Gonzales, county seat of
Gonzales County, which is among the most his-
toric counties in the state and Texas' top egg and
poultry producer. The county is also known for
cattle production, grain, corn, peanuts, melons,
and pecans. The town of Gonzales is the largest
in the county with a population of 7,977. lulling
(population 5,397) is seven miles north of the
park.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the tract as a state park, offering
picnicking, camping, playground, swimming,
rafting, fishing, and hiking, with a strong em-
phasis on nature study.
The park is considered a natural laboratory with
great potential for the study of zoology and
botany. There are two self-guiding nature trails
in the park. The Palmetto Nature Trail, one of
the best known in the state, features numbered
guide posts identifying and describing 18 out-
|; / OONZALBS WARM SPRINGS
/ FOUNDATION HOSPITAL
; A ELKS CRIPPLED CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
REST ROOM
PARK ROAD
Fig. 2 - Site Map
149
-------
standing plant specimens. The San Marcos River
Trail similarly identifies 19 species of trees and
shrubs.
Both the lake, with an average depth of six feet,
and the San Marcos River, average depth five
feet, are suitable for rubber rafting, swimming,
and sunning.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $420,897
BUILDINGS $182,075
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $104,478
MARKET VALUE $707,450
APPRAISAL DATE February 20,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
One of the unusual features of the park, accord-
ing to TP WD, is an artesian well near the Palmet-
to Trail powering one of the few operational
ram-jet pumps in existence today.
The swampy woodlands contain mud bogs and
warm sulphur springs utilized by the nearby Gon-
zales Warm Springs Foundation in therapeutic
programs for patients with orthopedic problems.
Buildings include headquarters, residence, two
rest rooms, concession, and storage structure.
Site improvements include water system and line,
sewage, gas, and electric systems, roads, seven
picnic sites, group picnic site, 13 day-use sites, 19
trailer sites, two nature trails, fishing pier, fence,
portal, 21 camping areas, and portable metal
building.
In 1933-34, TPWD acquired the property by gift
and purchase from private owners and the City of
Gonzales. Original park improvements were
constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) in 1934. A stone refectory built by the
CCC is listed in the National Park Service's roster
of outstanding park structures.
There are no zoning regulations, nor is the site
subject to easements. Approximately 154.71
acres have deeds with reversion clauses which
restrict use to public recreation.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
property as a state park with emphasis on main-
taining a biological showcase of the site's special
ecosystems. GLO appraisers find that this is its
highest and best use. Not only is the property
partially encumbered by reversion clauses, it is
also situated in an area economically depressed
by the departure of the oil boom and with little
real estate activity.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
ISO
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PERRY R. BASS MARINE FISHERIES
RESEARCH STATION
LOCA TION - Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research
Station is located eight miles southwest ofPalacios on
FM3280 in Calhoun County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 40 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 231, pp. 555-557,
Calhoun County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The tract is situated on a peninsula separating
Carancahua Bay from Tres Palacios Bay,
northwest of Matagorda Peninsula. It was
formerly part of an artillery practice range
operated by U. S. Army Camp Hulen (now
closed) during World War H The third side of
the peninsula where the research station is lo-
cated faces Matagorda Bay. The El Campo Club
and the Schicke Point communities face Caran-
cahua Bay, about two miles west of the subject
property.
Vegetation consists of a mixture of sandy prairie
and salty prairie flora, mostly various types of
grasses. Most of the property is in Flood Zone
A14, with a minimum building elevation of 12
feet above sea level. The remainder, a small
portion along Matagorda Bay, is in Flood Zone
V18, with a minimum building elevation of 14
feet above sea level. The property's position
across from Cavallo Pass at Port O'Connor
makes it subject to high winds and wave action
that decrease its desirability for recreational or
residential uses.
General Data
SIZE. 40 acres
COUNTY Calhoun
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18/32
TORP REGION. 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
Adjoining lands are predominantly coastal
prairie used as pasture or cropland. Acommer-
151
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PERRY R. BASS
MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION
MATAGORDA
COUNTY
CARANCAHUA
BAY
MATAGORDA
COUNTY
SCHKXB
FOWT
MATAGORDA
BAY
CARANCAHUA BAY
Fig. 1 Location Map
rial aquaculture project on leased state land at
Well Point, less than a mile east of this site, began
operation in the summer of 1989.
Access to the property is from FM 3280 which
runs along the Calhoun and Matagorda county
lines. This road provides 2,076.5 feet of frontage
along the eastern edge of the property.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Physical Data
ELEVATION 0-5 feet msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS LMa and Haplaquents series
FLOODPLAIN Zones A14 and V18
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE S Into Matagorda Bay
TP WD utilizes the site as a marine field
laboratory and aquaculture research facility. The
property has been improved with special-use
buildings and hatching ponds designed for
marine aquaculture research. The site's location
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 40 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 40 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
on the bay front provides access to salt water
needed to conduct research on marine aquatic
species.
The site is 100 percent developed. Building im-
provements include two residences, office, wet
laboratory, and three shops. Site improvements
152
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 14,978 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 7%
RECONSTRUCTION COSTS $447,093
WATER Well
SEWER On site treatment plant
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Jackson County Electric Co-op.
include a pond system, pond water distribution
system (salt and freshwater), sewage treatment
system, paved roads, parking lots, and fencing. A
set of boat docks and a small harbor have been
totally silted in by hurricane and wave action and
are unusable.
CALHOUN COUNTY
UNE
FM 3280
SITE
\-
|"j
ฆ /
i
TRES PALjiCIOS BAY
The site is not zoned, and there are no reversion
clauses, deed restrictions, leases or encumbran-
ces that adversely affect the marketability of the
property.
According to TP WD, this facility is expected to
continue providing the focal point of propagation
research on marine species in Texas. Long-range
plans providing for additional ponds, expanded
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $124,000
BUILDINGS. $416,825
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $581,371
MARKET VALUE $ 1,122,196
APPRAISAL DATE... April 27, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
laboratory facilities, and additional staff are
being prepared.
GLO appraisers and analysts find that the highest
and best use for the subject property is for marine
aquaculture research.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
Fig. 2 - Site Map
153
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SWAN POINT STATE FISHERMAN ACCESS
LOCATION - Swan Point State Fisherman Access is
located on San Antonio Bay at the terminus of Swan Point
Road, two miles south of Seadrift, Calhoun County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 9.7acres, more
particularly described by deeds in Volume 237, pp. 526 and
593, and Volume 259, p. 84, Calhoun County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property provides the only public
parking and bay access to boaters and fishers near
the town of Seadrift. Amenities offered include
a boat ramp, docking area, and parking lot, con-
structed after TPWD acquired the site in 1967.
The property occupies a boot-shaped peninsula
jutting out from, the eastern border of San An-
tonio Bay, which separates the mainland from
Matagorda Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Single-
family beach houses border the site to the east
along a .75-mile strip of bayside property. About
5 mile north of the tract, a subdivision with about
75 lots, all with canal frontage for the con-
venience of boat-owning families, has been
developed. Other surrounding land is used as
pasture.
The entire site is within the 100-year floodplain,
with an elevation 7 designation establishing a
safe, first-floor, building elevation at seven feet
mean sea level. Common seaside grasses and
legumes are the dominant vegetation on the
property.
Sole access is via Old Settlement Road, Gates
Road, and Swan Point Road, which lead to a
connection with SH 185 at the eastern edge of
General Data
SIZE 9.7 acres
COUNTY. Calhoun
MUNICIPALITY. .... Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 18132
TORP REGION 17
TPWD JURISDICTION Law Enforcement
Preceding page blank
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Seadrift. Victoria is about 35 miles north of Swan
Point, Port O'Connor 21 miles east, and Port
Lavaca about 20 miles northeast.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 0-5 feet msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS LMa silt loam & Uvia clay loam
FLOODPLAIN ZoneAlO
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into San Antonio Bay
Calhoun County, surrounded on three sides by
water, is primarily a marine county with an
economy based on small manufacturing,
agribusiness, petroleum, tourism, fishing, and
fish processing.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The Law Enforcement Division of TP WD con-
trols the subject property, which is maintained,
under contract, by Calhoun County. No state
staff are assigned there, and no user fees are
charged. The site is used as a public boat access
area.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED ..10%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1.0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 90%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 8.7acres
BUILDABLEAREA 8.7 acres
VISITATION Not available
Site improvements, which include a boat ramp,
docking area with wooden bulkheading, and
SWAN POINT
STATE FISHERMAN ACCESS
''1
** J
* m i
\ %
' V s
f/ CALHOUN
.SH1&5
COUNTY
\
\ SEADRIFT j.
ป
VICTORIA
, PORT
P| LAVACA
SAN ANTONIO ] \
V''
BAY j \
SH185 -A AT ;
-0_DtrjrVyL PORT ฐ,CONNOR
SITE
swan rnrrrr^p Xwam point
Xj^^SAN ANTONIO
(STIE) ^ y ROAD
\ BAY
J // \ MATAGORDA ISLAND
GULF OF MEXICO
Fig. 1 Location Map
156
-------
SAN ANTONIO
BAY
BOAT
RAMP /
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL "
SWAN POINT
ROAD
Fig. 2 - Site Map
asphalt-paved parking lot, are located on the
northern portion of the property. The boat ramp
and parking lot are in need of repair, and the
bulkheading is in very poor condition.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property at this time is to maintain
present use in anticipation of future develop-
ment. While the appraiser notes that the local
economy is slow, the existence of residential
development on the bay near the subject site
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS None
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Gulf States Utilities Co.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $54,300
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $54,300
APPRAISAL DATE. January 28, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation,
residential
indicates that the property is well located for
residential use. It may also have commercial
potential as a bait shop or small marina site.
No zoning, deed restrictions, or easements affect
the site. Since TP WD improvements occupy only
the nine-and-7/10-acre northern section of the
site, there is potential for commercial or residen-
tial development along the five and one-half-acre
southern section without detracting from the use-
fulness of the public boat access area.
157
-------
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
TP WD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized southern portion of the site,
which is noted as having potential for alternate
use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the site by TPWD in light of the
southern portion's greater highest and best use
potential.
158
-------
Region 18
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 18 (ALAMO REGION)
KERR
10
u
9
KENDALL
COMAL "N
4
'PIEW BftAUNFELS
OUADALUFE /'
BANDERA
EBXAR
17
(ANTONIO/
I MEDINA
16
WILSON
15
FRIO
KARNES
ATASCOSA
ซ 37
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. ADMIRAL NIMITZ STATE HISTORICAL PARK
2. ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA
3. FISH HATCHERY PARK
4. GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK
5. HEART OF THE HILLS FISHERIES RESEARCH
STATION
& HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA
7. HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA
8. JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO STATE HISTORIC
SITE
9. KERR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
10. KERRVILLE LAW ENFORCEMENT
REGIONAL HDQTS.
11. KERRVILLE - SCHREINER STATE
RECREATION AREA
12. LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
13. LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE HISTORICAL
PARK
14. MICO GAME WARDEN RESIDENCE
15. RANCHO DELAS CABRAS STATE HISTORIC
SITE
16. SAN JOSE MISSION NATIONAL HISTORIC
LANDMARK
17. SEBASTOPOL HOUSE STATE HISTORIC
STRUCTURE
160
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 18 (ALAMO REGION) covers 11382 square miles in south central Texas.
ECONOMY - Region 18 includes the southern section of the designated IH 35 corridor, an economic
area extending along IH 35 from San Antonio north to Temple. Having suffered significantly from
the real estate recession, this region is recovering quite slowly due to minimum high tech and defense
spending. Still, the area is expected to recover in the next decade, during which a 13% population
growth and 2.4% non-agricultural job growth per annum are projected. Recovery will be led by high-
tech manufacturing, service, and health sectors, as well as a rebounding construction and real estate
industry.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
ParkAcres/
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
12
1
1,448,016
127
32
GEOGRAPHY - Containing portions of the Edwards Plateau, blacklands, Cross Umbers, and South
Texas plains, the region is endowed with both history and diversity. It is the third most populous TORP
region in the state, with concentration around the San Antonio area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
437
45,912
>2,000
4th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Twelve TP WD facilities are listed in the TORP among the 20
major attractions and resources for this region. The region is rich in diverse attractions: historic sites,
access to rivers and lakes, and numerous cultural festivals and events. TP WD facilities account for
12% of the recreational land in the region. Sea World of Texas, Eisenhower Park, the extension of
the San Antonio River Walk, and the conservatory at the Botanical Gardens are also significant
resources in this region.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
17
17
18,090
$37,974,949
4%/39%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 18 will be for trails, swimming facilities, playgrounds, and other miscellaneous sports facilities.
Of these needs, hiking trails, ranked sixth, are a typical TP WD amenity.
161
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ADMIRAL NIMITZ STATE HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION Admiral Nimitz State Historical Park
(SHP) consists of two parcels of land, one at 340East Main
Street and the other on the comer of North Elk and East
Austin Streets, Fredericksburg Gillespie County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tracts cover 4.35 acres,
more particularly described in Volume 111, p. 470;
Volume 112, p. 379; Volume 115, p. 235; Volume 123,
p. 595; Volume 126, p. 701; Volume 127, p. 42;
Volume 133, p. 726; Volume 142, p. 128; and Volume 144,
p. 128, Gillespie County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Admiral Nimitz State Historical Park com-
memorates the achievements of supreme com-
mander Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a
Texan and one of the great naval heroes in
American history.
The property consists of two parcels. The more
prominent, Parcel A (69,640 square feet), is lo-
cated on Main Street in downtown Fredericks-
burg. Here, the Museum of the Pacific War
occupies three floors of the historic Steamboat
Hotel, built in 1852 and run by Nimitz'
grandfather. The hotel's name is derived from its
shape, which resembles the prow of a river steam-
boat. Dedicated to the two million men and
women who served with Nimitz in the Pacific
War, the museum is considered one of the best
of its type in the world.
Behind the hotel is the Garden of Peace, a gift of
the people of Japan. Harmoniously designed
General Data
SIZE. 4.35 acres
COUNTY Gillespie
MUNICIPALITY Fredericksburg
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/67
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
around the Togo House, fish pond, rare flowers,
flowing water, and tree-shaded walks, the garden
is intended to be a living memorial to the
friendship between America and Japan.
Preceding page blank
163
-------
On a wall leading to the garden, donors have
placed memorial plaques to individual family
members who lost their lives in the Pacific cam-
paign.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,100 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%
SOILS Luckenbach-Pedernales-Heatty
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE, N-NE
DRAINAGE Into city sewer system
Parcel B (120,000 square feet) is located one
block away and contains the History Walk of the
Pacific War, a display of rare relics (planes, guns,
boats, and tanks) which were used in Pacific bat-
tles. The Nimitz Nature Trail runs along Town
Creek parallel to Austin Street, connecting the
two sections of the SHP and bordered by private-
ly owned, restored period buildings containing
tourist shops and restaurants.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 4.35 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 83,321
Except for the Garden of Peace, vegetation on
the subject site is confined to conventionally
landscaped areas, pecan and live oak trees, and
many grasses.
Fredericksburg lies in the heart of the Texas Hill
Country and is a center of German settlement in
Texas. Admiral Nimitz' grandparents were
among the first settlers in 1846. One of the most
colorful municipalities in the state, Fredericks-
ADMIRAL NIMITZ
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
FREDERICKSBURG
GILLESPIE
COUNTY
BAST MAIN ST.
ELK
SITE
WASHINGTON ST.
US SO
AUSTIN
FREDERICKSBURG
Fig. 1 Location Map
164
-------
ADMIRAL NEVUTZ
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
1. SIBAMBOAT HOTEL/MUSEUM
2. NAUWALD BUILDING
i. TOGO HOUSE
ซ. JAPANESE GARDEN OP PEACE
S. RUFF HOUSE
I PACIFIC HISTORY WALK
NATURE TRAIL
PARI BOUNDARY
ELK STREET
WASHINGTON STREET
EAST AUSTIN STREET
A
ฆ*5ci
i
- - i
EAST MAIN gntEBT
LEB STREET
' ^BWiriinn'lnBy
US 290 TO AUSTIN
Fig. 2 - Site Map
burg prides itself on its historic buildings, fes-
tivals, and ethnic preservation.
I mprovements/Uti I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BLDGS 8,033 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 4
DEPRECIATED 75%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $89,900
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Pedernales Electric Co-op., Inc.
The downtown area is the town's commercial
center due to the strong tourist appeal of the
historical German stone storefronts. Many older
buildings have found reuse as commercial
enterprises and are part of the city's National
Historic District. In addition to tourism, area
economy depends on agribusiness, cattle, goat
and sheep ranching, hunting, SO manufacturers,
and stone quarrying. Gillespie County is also the
largest peach producing county in the state.
Access is excellent East Main Street, the loca-
tion of the museum, is also US 290, the main
route between Fredericksburg and Austin, 70
miles east
Nearby properties fronting Main Street are
retail, restaurant and office operations in res-
tored historic buildings. Residences are located
two blocks to the east and west of the site, inter-
spersed with small boutiques, offices, and bed
and breakfasts in converted historical residences.
165
-------
WASHINGTON STREET
ELK STREET LEB STREET
PARCEL B
EAST AUSTIN STREET
PARCEL A
EAST MAlNSIHEgT (US MO) TO AUSTIN
Fig. 3 Parcel Map
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the tract as a state historical
park. Tourist attractions include the large Pacific
War museum, history walk, garden, and outdoor
display area. Self-guided tours depict the battles
which led to the U.S. victory over the Japanese.
A gallery of combat art and photography is ad-
jacent to the museum.
Parcel A is bounded by Main, Washington, and
Austin streets and consists of four city lots. It
contains the 25,719 square-foot Steamboat
Hotel, the 3,186 square-foot Nauwald Building,
stone bathhouse, two stone barns (all historic
structures), and die Togo House in the Japanese
garden. The Japanese government furnished ar-
tisans and materials to construct the Togo
House and the gardens. Site plans indicate a
proposed structure called Hall of the Admirals to
the rear of the site next to the garden, but TPWD
has given no status report on this project
Parcel B is bounded by Lee, East Austin, and Elk
Streets and consists of six city lots. The Ruff
house and several metal sheds, hangars, and
barns are on this parcel. These
latter structures comprise a com-
pound called The Pacific History
Walk displaying military equip-
ment of the era.
Site improvements include
sidewalks and electrical, water,
and sewer lines.
The Fleet Admiral Chester W.
Nimitz Memorial Naval Museum
Commission and the Admiral
Nimitz Foundation acquired the
property between 1975-80. Even-
tually it was vested entirely in the
Commissioa In 1980, the State
Legislature (HB 478) abolished
the Commission and transferred
the property to TPWD.
The tract is zoned commercial. No easements or
deed restrictions were found.
TPWD plans to continue present operation of the
property as a state historical park, and GLO ap-
praisers have determined that this is its highest
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $411,150
BUILDINGS. $22,569
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $30,000
MARKET VALUE $463,719
APPRAISAL DATE. May 17, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
and best use. Only the contemporary metal
buildings were given a value. The unique
Japanese garden was given no value due to the
lack of comparable amenities elsewhere in the
market area. A market value was not placed on
the structures considered historic. However, if
the property were vacant and available, its
highest and best use would be for bed and break-
166
-------
fast, professional office, and retail use. Since
there is demand for historic buildings in
Fredericksburg and a pattern of their adaptive
use for commercial operations, commercial
potential is present
The SHP is a major tourist attraction and makes
a significant contribution to the town's historical
appeal and economy. The site serves an impor-
tant educational role in reflecting patriotism and
the sacrifices made by those in the Pacific theater
during WW H As the boyhood home of the
Admiral and an interesting part of historic
Fredericksburg's urban fabric, the property is a
suitable and preferred location for continued
TP WD operation.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
167
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE
NATURAL AREA
LOCATION - Enchanted Rock State Natural Ana (SNA)
is located on FM 965, 22 miles southwest of Llano and 18
miles north of Fredericksburg, in Llano and Gillespie Coun-
ties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,643.5 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 124, p. 70,
Gillespie County Deed Records, and in Volume 281, p. 342,
Llano County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The 70-acre granite dome known as Enchanted
Rock is the second largest batholith, or buried
mountain, in the United States and one of the
oldest exposed rocks in North America. Part of
the Llano Uplift geological formation, it is one of
the most popular natural areas in Texas, attract-
ing over a quarter of a million visitors in 1987.
Enchanted Rock is the most prominent of a num-
ber of pink granite outcroppings which cover a
640-acre area and extend an unknown depth into
the earth's crust Only small tips of the buried
mountain are visible, the highest rising to 445
feet
The tract is full of archeological remains and has
long been sacred to the Indians, who held the
rock's night noises and glistening mica surface in
awe. Texas Rangers led by Captain John Hays
defeated the Comanche here in 1841, an achieve-
ment commemorated by a bronze marker in the
SNA. Sandy Creek and Enchanted Rock Cave,
General Data
SIZE. 1,643.5 acres
COUNTY UanolQlllesple
MUNICIPALITY ...JVof applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 24/47
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
one of the largest of all known granite caves, are
also located on the SNA, which has been declared
Preceding page blank
169
-------
ENCHANTED ROCK
STATE NATURAL AREA
IH 35
SITE
LLANO
FM 965
SH
AUSTIN
FREDERICKSBURG
US 290
JOHNSON OTY
SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 Location
a National Natural Landmark and is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
The ecology of the rock demonstrates how plant
life evolves as stone gradually turns into soil.
Lichen, fern, and grass, followed by shrubs and
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 1400- 182SfLmsl
SLOPE 1%-100%
SOILS Voca, Keese
FLOODPLAIN Along creeks
PREVAILING WIND SE, N
DRAINAGE. Into Sandy and
WaJnut Spring Creeks
small trees, flourish on the slopes as erosion
creates their habitats. One rare fern is found only
in the SNA and in southern Florida.
Animals common to the
Texas Hill Country includ-
ing deer, squirrel, rabbits,
lizards, and abundant bird
life inhabit the area.
On the land surrounding the
rock, elms, pecans, and hick-
ories grow along Sandy
Creek. Plants here are not
typical of the Edwards
Plateau because the
batholith has changed the
soil. Oaks from East Texas
and yuccas from West Texas
find their outer boundaries
within the property. Scien-
tists and naturalists flock to
the tract to study flora in this
unusual setting.
The property is an irregular-
ly shaped rectangle, the
lower part crossing the
Llano County line into Gil-
lespie County. Thirty-nine
percent is granite rock out-crop, 12% contains
improvements, and 48% is undeveloped with
some nature trails.
The entrance to the park is on FM 965, which
connects to SH 16, principal route between
Fredericksburg, 18 miles to the south, and Llano,
22 miles to the north. The park's southeastern
boundary has almost two miles of frontage on FM
965. Surrounding land is used for ranches and
open range.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the site as a state natural area,
protecting a unique natural feature while at the
same time making it accessible to researchers and
the public. Visitors may picnic, camp, hike, take
nature walks, rock climb, back-pack, or primitive
camp. Because of the delicate ecology of the
rock, some limits are placed on public access.
170
-------
Buildings include headquarters, two residences,
rest room, storage building, washhouse, pavilion,
volatile storage, maintenance, well house, and
three comfort stations.
Site improvements include roads, electrical,
water, gas, and sewage systems, fencing, picnic
sites and playground, hiking and nature trails,
footbridge, gazebo, flagpole, campsites, portal,
and stone barbeque pit.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 24.9%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 409.23 acres
UNDEVELOPED 75.1%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,234.27 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 227,438
The property was acquired in 1978 through the
Texas Nature Conservancy. It is not zoned and
has typical utility easements in place. There are
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 12
AREA OFBLDGS 11,678 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 29%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $332,460
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Central Texas Electric Company
no deed restrictions, reversion clauses, or major
encumbrances which would affect the
marketability of this property.
TPWD plans to continue operation of the
property as a state natural area and recreation
site, and GLO appraisers have determined that
this is its highest and best use. Ranching, hunt-
ing, general recreation, homesite development,
and investment potential were considered as pos-
ENCHANTED ROCK
STA TE NA TURALAREA
SANDY CREEK
0-\
I WALNUT
| SPRING
I CREEK
f ENCHANTED
I ROCK
MAIN TRAILS
ACCESS TRAILS
PRIMITIVE TOILET
LLANO COUNTY
GILLESPIE COUNTY
HEADQUARTERS
965
TO FREDERICKSBURG
Fig. 2 - Site Map
171
-------
sible alternate uses. However, the land lacks soil
and vegetation to compete with other ranches in
the area. Ground cover is insufficient to support
wildlife for hunting, and the site is too remote
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,312,400
BUILDINGS $235,629
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $316,889
MARKET VALUE $1,866,918
APPRAISAL DATE February 29, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
from urban areas for residential development
The unique geological phenomenon would
preclude any uses other than the current one on
75% of the tract
Of the 227,438 visitors in FY 1987, over 21,000
used overnight facilities.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FISH HATCHERY PARK
LOCATION - Fish Hatchery Park is located on County
Road 175, 2.5 miles northeast of Devine, Medina County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 35.59 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 112, p. 586,
Medina County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fish Hatchery Park was acquired by the state
from a private corporation in 1938 as a site for a
fish hatchery. Operated until 1976 as Medina
State Fish Hatchery and then declared surplus
and closed, the property was leased in 1981 to the
City of Devine for use as a city park.
Medina County is . part of the section of Texas
settled by immigrants from Alsace Lorraine in
the 1840s and 1850s. The subject tract was
originally developed in the early 1900s as part of
the San Antonio Trust Subdivision for the pur-
pose of small tract farming. It lies within the
Bexar, Medina, and Atascosa Water Irrigation
District No. 1.
Southern Medina County is noted for its fertile
valleys and rolling terrain. Flora and fauna are
typical of the Texas Brush Country. Vegetation on
the site consists principally of mesquite, live oak,
cottonwood, cedar, and desert willow trees, with
some cedar landscaping. Grasses consist of ber-
muda and three-awn.
Access is via paved County Road 175, connecting
to SH 463, which leads south three-fourths of a
General Data
SIZE. 35.59 acres
COUNTY Medina
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/45
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
mile to US 81. US 81 parallels IH 35, the principal
route between San Antonio and Laredo. Devine
is approximately 30 miles southwest of San An-
tonio.
173
-------
FISH HATCHERY PARK
' TO
SAN ANTONIO
MEDINA COUNTY
MEDINA CO.
FRIO CO.
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION BSOfLmsl
SLOPE 2%
SOILS Poth series
FLOODPLAIN Small area on east border
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE East Into Chacon Creek
Devine's economy is based on peanut storage,
shipping, tire testing, cattle feedlots, factories,
and nurseries.
The site is bounded on the west by an irrigation
canal and on the east by a branch of Chacon
Creek. Earthen levees outline the drained
hatchery reservoirs. Surrounding land is used for
irrigated ranchettes.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The state's fifty-year lease at $l/year to the City
of Devine expires on March 12, 2031. The city
operates a baseball park and rodeo arena on the
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 35.59 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
tract. Buildings include two residences and a
garage used for storage and office space. Site
improvements include two outbuildings, paved
road, landscaping, fencing, flagpole, pipeline,
rodeo arena, baseball park, and septic system.
174
-------
The property is not zoned. A small area along the
creek is in the 100-year floodplain. Normal
utility easements and a road easement are in
place.
In 1987, TPWD sold 4.98 acres of the original
40.57 acres to the Medina County Sheltered
Workshop, Inc., for $10.
Having examined the real estate market in
southeast Medina County, GLO appraisers find
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BLDGS 4,534 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION. 70%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $164,947
WATER City of Devlne
SEWER Septic
GAS City of Devlne
ELECTRICITY Central Power and Light Co.
that if the lease were not inplace, the highest and
best use of the property would be a subdivision
offering rural homesites. According to the GLO
appraiser, cost to cure the excavations left by the
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $80,531
BUILDINGS. $49,489
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,184
MARKET VALUE $131,204
APPRAISAL DATE. May 17, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Residences
empty fish ponds would be less than $1,000.
There is market interest in the area for small
ranchettes, while use as a fish hatchery or recrea-
tion area is limited.
The state gives full authority to the City of Devine
to operate the property, lie property is under-
,COUNTY ROAD 175
SUBJECT
PROPERTY
MAN-MADE
CANAL
SH 463
OUTAGE
175
-------
utilized as a state asset because the state does not
use the site as a state park and receives below
market rent
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that, at
the termination of the lease, TPWD develop a
plan to utilize the site for its operations or
renegotiate the lease at a market rate.
176
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK
LOCATION - Guadalupe River State Park (SP) is located
in Kendall and Comal Counties, approximately 30 miles
west-northwest of New Braunfels on Park Road 31, which is
about ten miles west of the intersection of FM 475 and US
281.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 1,938.31 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 224, pp. Ill,
115, and 352; Volume 226, pp. 510 and 966; Volume 230, p.
638; Volume 231, p. 685; Volume 326, pp. 763, 768, and 796;
Volume 327, pp. 231 and 235; Volume 328, pp. 80,587,593,
788, and 792; Volume 329, pp. 95 and 720; Volume 361, p.
131; Volume 383, pp. 593 and 738, Comal County Deed
Records; and also in Volume 117, p. 590, and Volume 118,
pp. 902 and 960, Kendall County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Guadalupe River State Park preserves the
natural beauty of one of the loveliest areas of the
Texas Hill Country, known for its ruggedness and
scenic beauty. The tract was acquired by TP WD
in 1975-76 to provide recreational opportunities
on the upper Guadalupe River.
The park is bisected by the clear, flowing river
which divides it into two parcels. The parcel south
of the river (1,277 acres) includes all improve-
ments and has 129 miles of river frontage and
approximately 4.5 miles of paved road frontage.
The parcel north of the river (661 acres) has 2.9
miles of river frontage. It is accessible from the
south parcel at its eastern end via an old ford used
by pioneer wagons over a hundred years ago. It
contains an old dogtrot ranch house of log con-
struction.
The tract preserves an excellent cross-section of
Edwards Plateau plants and animals, including
oak-juniper woodlands interspersed with
General Data
COT
1,938.31 acres
COUNTY
.... Comal and Kendall
MUNICIPALITY
SEN/REP DISTRICTS.
21/46
TORP REGION.
.........18
TPWD JURISDICTION
.......................... ^^atlis
177
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grasslands, riparian woodlands, and an area of
virgin Ashe jumper woodland providing nesting
habitat for the rare golden-cheek warbler.
Large, leaning trees are a testament to intense
flooding common in Central Texas. In August,
1978, rains of up to 30 inches fell in a 24-hour
period over the park's watershed, causing
Guadalupe River floodwaters to crest at 63 feet
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,100 - 1,300 It. msl
SLOPE 0%- 100%
SOILS Bracken-Comfort Real
FLOODPLAIN Along river and creek
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Guadalupe River
above normal stream level. Although floods of
this magnitude are infrequent, flooding is a nor-
mal characteristic of Hill Country rivers. Along
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 20%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 387.66 acres
UNDEVELOPED 80%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,550.65 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 201,556
the shores, the ever-changing bluffs illustrate the
river's impressive powers of erosion.
Deer, coyotes, fox, raccoon, and bobcats are com-
mon in the park, which is located in the recharge
zone of the Edwards Aquifer. Water seeps into
these porous limestone hills to emerge as springs
feeding the San Antonio, Comal, and San Marcos
Rivers, as well as Austin's Barton Springs.
Access is via Park Road 31, which connects 3.4
miles south of the property to SH 475/46, leading
to Boerne, 13 miles west and New Braunfels, 25
miles east. San Antonio is approximately 30
GUADALUPE RIVER
STATE PARK
SITE
KENDALL COUNTY
FM 475/
SH46
JH10 i
IH 35
GUADALUPE
RTVER
US 281
COMALCOUNTY
PR 31
SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 - Location
178
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Fig. 2 - Site
NORTH SECTION
THBSDBOFPARK
NNDINO DEVELOPMENT /
GUADALUPE RIVER
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
REST ROOM
DAY-USE AREA
HONEY CREEK
STATE NATURAL
AREA
MAIN ROAD
PARK
ROAD
SOUTH SECTION
KENDALL
COUNTY
COMAL
COUNTY
miles south via SH 46 and US 281. The north
parcel can be accessed by county roads but is
seventeen miles by road from the south parcel.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 10
AREA OF BUILDINGS 9,603 sq. ft
WATER On-site
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY... Pedemales Electric Co-operative
Kendall and Comal Counties are popular Texas
camping and vacation sites and depend on
tourism for much of their economic base,
together with agribusiness and manufacturing.
Surrounding land use includes recreational/in-
vestment ranch properties and an exotic game
ranch. A portion of the Honey Creek State
Natural Area forms the eastern border of the
southern parcel of the park.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes the south 1,239 acres as a state
park, offering hiking, picnicking, camping, bird
watching, water sports, and nature study. Water
sports enthusiasts find the Guadalupe, with its
four sections of rapids within park boundaries,
ideal for canoeing, swimming, and fishing,
limited hunting is allowed.
179
-------
Buildings on the accessible southern parcel in-
clude office, two residences, three rest rooms
with showers, maintenance building, storage
building, visitors' center, and interpretive center.
Site improvements include two gas tanks with
pumps, water well, storage sheds, three frame
rest rooms, rock amphitheater, trailer dump sta-
tion, two effluent tanks, water, electrical, and
telephone systems, roads, parking areas, hiking
trail, 49 picnic sites, 105 camping sites, fencing,
two windmills, and flagpole.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $3,490,092
BUILDINGS $92,500
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $114,656
MARKET VALUE $3,697,248
APPRAISAL DATE August 2, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TPWD plans to continue to develop the facility
as a state park. It is ideally suited for outdoor
recreation and provides a convenient stopover
point for canoeing enthusiasts on the Guadalupe
River. Additional trails for backpacking, hiking,
and some primitive camping are also planned.
The old dogtrot log cabin and water well will be
restored and used to exemplify Hill Country life
one hundred years ago.
This is a high-use park, attracting 37,029 over-
night and 164,527 day visitors in 1987.
Because of the property's proximity to develop-
ment (small-acreage subdivisions are appearing
in the area), GLO appraisers find that the highest
and best use of the property for the future will be
residential or commercial development and sale,
with recreation as an interim use. Canyon Lake,
with its extensive lake-front developments, is
only 25 miles north of the subject tract, and San
Antonio is only 30 miles south.
The general downturn in the area economy
prohibits highest and best commercial use at this
time while supporting public use until a strong
real estate market returns. At that time, a coor-
dinated master plan addressing both the park and
its neighboring Honey Creek State Natural Area
should be established for maximum land utiliza-
tion.
This view of the appraiser is economically valid
due to low monetary returns to the state from
fixed entrance fees and limited recreational con-
cessions. However, the value of natural areas
open to the general public increases as fewer
prime recreational parcels remain available. The
park fills an important recreational need; as
population increases, visitation will increase,
making the park an even more important recrea-
tional asset In view of these factors, the GLO
analysis staff finds that continued recreation is
the appropriate use for the tract
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
180
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HEART OF THE HILLS
FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION
LOCATION - Heart of the Hills Fisheries Research
Station is located off SH 27,19 miles northwest of
Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 55.84 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 45, p. 190;
Volume 46, p. 605; and Volume 69, p. 325, Kerr County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Heart of the Hills Fisheries Research Station was
originally constructed in 1925 as a state fish
hatchery. The facility produced freshwater fish
for stocking in public and private waters until
1969. In 1970, after a renovation which produced
25 ponds for outdoor fisheries research, it was
converted into a fisheries research station with
the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The facility is maintained by constant-tempera-
ture spring water which is gravity-fed from
Stockman's Springs, located about .75 mile north
of the station on a neighboring ranch. The water
is diverted to the station through a series of con-
crete flumes across private land.
Vegetation on the property consists of live oak,
juniper, Spanish oak, and sumac trees, with a
large area in native grasses.
Access is via SH 27, principal route between
Kerrville and Mountain Home. SH 27 parallels
IH10, joining it south of the facility at Comfort
General Data
SIZE. 55.84 acres
COUNTY Kerr
MUNICIPALITY Mot applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25167
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
and north of the facility about two miles north of
Mountain Home.
The property has 850 feet of frontage on SH 27
and 1,000 feet of frontage on a paved county road
181
-------
HEART OF THE HILLS
FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION
SH 27
KERR COUNTY
QUO
MOUNTAIN HOME
PONDS
SITE ROADS
SITE BOUNDARY
BUILDINGS
SITE
i SH27
: KERRV
COMFORT'
Fig. 1 - Location/Site Map
that dead-ends at a cemetery. There is no ingress
or egress on this secondary road. Surrounding
land is used for residences, a church, and a youth
camp. Most rural land in the area is occupied by
ranches which are often leased out for hunting.
Kerrville, 20 miles southeast of the hatchery, is
the county seat of Kerr County. With a popula-
tion of 18,700, it serves as headquarters for the
popular hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,645 ft msl
SLOPE 1%-3%
SOILS Tarrant-Eckrant-Purves
FLOODPLA1N None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Johnson
and Fessenden Creeks
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 85.7%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 47.84 acres
UNDEVELOPED 14.3%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 8 acres
youth camping activities of the region.
Kerrville's economy is based on tourism,
agribusiness, manufacturing, and medical ser-
vices.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the tract as an experimental
facility to support research, development, and
cultivation of freshwater fish. The 25 holding
ponds, laboratory facilities, and dependable
streams of spring water combine to create an
ideal situation for aquatic experimentation.
182
-------
TP WD plans to renovate the main building (now
used for offices) to provide a new laboratory,
library, and office. They also plan to me selected,
smaller ponding units for joint research with the
federal government and universities. Eight un-
developed acres are not included in present
TP WD plans.
Buildings include three residences, an office, ser-
vice building, two garages, pole barn, tool room,
laboratory, two storage sheds, and smokehouse.
Site improvements include 25 fish ponds ap-
proximately eight feet deep covering 27.08 acres,
paved area, fencing, water system, masonry walls,
flagpole, and three septic tank systems.
The property was acquired in 1926, 1927, and
1942 from private owners. A reversion clause in
the deed restricts 36.44 acres of the tract to use
as a TP WD fish hatchery. There are no zoning
regulations, and the property is not within a
floodplain. Typical utility easements are in place.
Improvements/Utilities
NO.OF BUILDINGS 13
AREA OF BLDGS 20,398 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION. 23%
RECONSTRUCTION COST. $215,151
WATER Natural spring
SEWER Septic system
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Central Texas Electric
Cooperative
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND ....$195,440
BUILDINGS. ....$116,464
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $114,200
MARKET VALUE $476,104
APPRAISAL DATE. July 20, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Fish hatchery
TPWD plans to continue present me of the
facility, while implementing a 15-year plan which
will improve and increase facilities for research
and development. The station will also be used
to train TPWD fisheries personnel. GLO ap-
praisers have determined that this is the highest
and best use for the property.
As an alternative use for the 19.4 acres not
restricted by deed, the GLO appraiser con-
sidered homesite development. However, be-
cause of its remote location and the existence of
fisheries development which would be expensive
to convert to residential lots, it is unlikely that this
tract would be readily marketable.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
183
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Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA
LOCATION - Hill Country State Natural Area (SNA) is
located on FM 1077 in Bandera and Medina Counties,
approximately 15 miles southwest of Bandera, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 4,753 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 173, p. 159;
Volume 174, p. 177; Volume 189, p. 255; Volume 197, p. 516;
Volume 205, p. 91; and Volume 213, p. 633, Bandera County
Deed Records; and Volume 276, pp. 468 and 821; Volume
288, p. 734; Volume 295, p. 341; Volume 304, p. 589; and
Volume 315, p. 157, Medina County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Hill Country State Natural Area was donated to
the state intact and is one of the last large Hill
Country ranches still in pristine condition.
Operated foryears as the Bar-0 Ranch, it is being
managed to preserve and restore original ecosys-
tems.
The tract is irregular in shape, with the northern
section in Bandera County and the southern sec-
tion in Medina County. Steep ridges rise 600 feet
above the valley floor; low areas along draws and
creeks are level to gently rolling. The SNA con-
tains woodlands, savannahs, grasslands, and
creeks.
Vegetation includes live oak trees, mesquite, lit-
tle bluestem, Indian grass, side oats grama,
Canada wild rye, and Texas wintergrass. Deer
and other animals typical of the Hill Country are
present on the SNA, which contains numerous
caves.
Access is by FM 1077which leads east to Bandera
and west to SH 462, the route between Tkrpley
General Data
SIZE. 4,753 acres
COUNTY Medina & Bandera
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 25145
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
and Hondo. FM 1077 is paved from Bandera to
the site; beyond the site it is graveled. In Hondo,
Preceding page blank
-------
SH 462 intersects with US 90, which leads to San
Antonio, 45 miles southwest of the site.
Alsatians led by French entrepreneur Henri
Castro settled the Texas Hill Country in the
1850s. Their district soon became known as one
of Texas' loveliest scenic areas. Bandera Comity
is a region of hills and plateaus, dude and resort
ranches, with an economy based on tourism,
hunting, and fishing. Adjacent Medina County is
also a leading deer hunting area. Its scenic hills
are used for ranching, recreation, agriculture,
and some manufacturing.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,400 - 2,000 ft. msl
SLOPE 1%-20%
SOILS Tarrant-Brackett, Frio-Krum-Nuvalde
FLOODPLAIN Along West Verde Creek
PREVAILING WIND SE, N-NW
DRAINAGE SW Into West Verde Creek
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED Less than 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1 acre
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 4,752 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 4,359
Surrounding land is used for beet goat, and
sheep production, mostly in family-owned
ranches, and limited development, including
commercial equestrian operations.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state natural area,
open for limited use pending the development of
a master development plan. Equestrian clubs use
riding trails, and public, primitive camping and
hiking is permitted on tie Hill Country Wilder-
ness "frail.
HILL COUNTRY
STATE NATURAL AREA
BANDERA CO.
MEDINA CO.
AUSTIN
IH 35
BANDERA
TARPLEY
-FM
1077
SITE
SH 462
SAN ANTONIO
HONDO
US 90
Fig. 1 - Location
186
-------
HILL COUNTRY
STATE NATURAL AREA
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
MEDINA CO.
FM1077
HEADQUARTERS/PARKING
RESIDENCE
BANDERA CO.
Fig. 2 Site
The Bar-O ranch house is still standing and bearsastate
historical medallion but is in poor condition. The only
other building is a super-intendent's residence. Site
improvements are confined to water system with 11
wells, 20 miles of dirt roads, and 17 miles of fencing.
The property was donated in seven parts by
Louise Lindsey Merrick from 1976 through 1982.
One of the units of the SNA is named the Louise
Merrick Unit in her honor and in gratitude for
her generous gift "in consideration of the public
welfare."
No zoning regulations are in place, but the deed
restricts the property to use as a state park. GLO
appraisers found no easements affecting the land
value or marketability of the tract
TPWD plans to continue present use of the site,
and GLO appraisers have determined that a state
natural area is its highest and best use in light of
deed restrictions. The site is unique because it
has been allowed to return to its natural condi-
tion.
The GLO appraisal states that ranching is
theoretically possible; however, due to the high
cost of agribusiness operations and area market
conditions, it would not be profitable because
neighboring ranches are experiencing significant
losses.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 4,000 sq. ft
DEPRECIATION 15%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $158,280
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Pedemales Electric Co-op., Inc.
187
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $4,277,700
BUILDINGS. $133,922
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $94,800
MARKET VALUE $4,506,422
APPRAISAL DATE. July 17, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Natural area
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Ibxas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
188
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA
LOCATION - Honey Creek State Natural Area (SNA) is
located in Comal and Kendall Counties, Texas, approximate-
ly 30 miles west-northwest of New Braunfels on Park Road
31 and about ten miles west of the intersection of FM 475
and US 281.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,293.64 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 304, p. 871,
Comal County Deed Records.
(Note: 468.41 additional acres were acquired after the GLO
appraisal and are not included in this report.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The acquisition of Honey Creek Ranch through
the auspices of the Nature Conservancy in 1985
added a unique ecosystem to the state inventory
of protected wildlife areas.
According to the Conservancy, Honey Creek
State Natural Area's importance lies "in its
potential as a living reconstruction of a now
vanished Central Texas ecosystem, the live oak-
grassland." Agarito, Ashe juniper, live oak, and
Texas persimmon dominate the dry, rocky hills.
Along the creek (which flows from a spring con-
cealed within a cavern on an adjacent, privately
owned ranch) are Spanish oak, pecan, walnut,
cypress, and Mexican buckeye trees. The cavern
is believed by TPWD to be the entrance to one
of the largest cave systems in the country. Near
the creek source and within the subject tract is a
grotto-like landscape of palmetto, columbine,
and maidenhair ferns. This habitat attracts varied
fauna, including wild turkeys, lizards, turtles, and
the rare golden-cheeked warbler.
General Data
SIZE. 1,825.23 acres
COUNTIES Comal and Kendall
MUNICIPALITY Mot applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 25/46
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The SNA preserves a pristine example of a con-
tinuous spring-fed creek shaded by bald cypress
trees and containing native water lilies. The
189
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scarce green kingfisher reaches the northeastern
limits of its range in this area. So far as is known,
the rare and endangered Honey Creek Cave
blind salamander lives only in this single cavern.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,100 1,300 It. msl
SLOPE 0%-100%
SOILS Bracken-Comfort Real
FLOODPLAIN Along creek
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Honey Creek
Comal County, like adjacent Kendall County, is
a popular vacation and camping area which
depends on tourism, agribusiness, and manufac-
turing for much of its economic base.
Access from New Braunfels is via SH 46, west for
23 miles, then north ten miles on Park Road 31
to Guadalupe River State Park. Sole access at
present is through the state park.
Surrounding land uses include recreational and
investment ranch properties and an exotic game
ranch. Although San Antonio is 25 miles south,
small acreage subdivisions are beginning to
encroach on the area. Twenty-five miles to the
north is Canyon Lake with its mixture of vacation,
commercial, and residential developments.
Abutting to the property on the west is
Guadalupe River SP, which has the Guadalupe
River for its northern boundary.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD utilizes this property as a state natural
area. Access to this ecologically sensitive tract is
being limited while vegetation reverts to its
original state, but access is available to guided
groups upon application at Guadalupe River
HONEY CREEK
STATE NATURAL AREA
SITE
COMAL COUNTY
US 281
IH10 i
IH35
GUADALUPE
RIVER
FM475
COMAL COUNTY
- NEW BRAUNFELS
KENDALL COUNTY
SH 46
SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 - Location
190
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Fig. 2 Site
GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK
GUADALUPE
RIVER
KENDALL COUNTY
HONEY
CREEK
STATE
NATURAL
AREA j
PARK ROAD 31
COMAL COUNTY
State Park. The gate at the SNA is kept locked at
all times. As programs stabilize the once-
threatened area, greater visitation and more
diverse use is expected.
An old ranch house is the only building on the
tract. Site improvements include fencing and a
water well. Typical utility easements are in place,
but there is no zoning.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED. None
AMOUNT DEVELOPED None
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,825.23 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
TPWD plans to continue restoration of the
property as a state natural area. Management of
the tract, which is now being improved with
volunteer labor, will aim to preserve and inter-
pret its unique ecosystem.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BLDGS 1,100 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $27,731
WATER On-site
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Pedemales Electric Co-op., Inc.
GLO appraisers found that the highest and best
use for the future (for both the subject tract and
adjacent Guadalupe River SP) is sale for
development, with public use to continue until a
strong real estate market returns. At that time, a
coordinated master plan (including both proper-
ties) could be created to identify maximum land
utilization and productivity.
191
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However, residential or commercial develop-
ment would effectively destroy the ecosystems
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,737,848
BUILDINGS $7,500
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $34,526
MARKET VALUE $2,779,874
APPRAISAL DATE August 3, 1988
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
targeted for preservation. Restoration efforts at
Honey Creek, initiated by the Nature Conservan-
cy and now being carried on by TP WD, are creat-
ing a valuable natural laboratory and classroom
for the study of Hill Country ecology.
Considering the property's unique features and
successful programming, GLO analysts find that
TP WD should continue present use of the tract
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Jose Antonio Navarro State Historic Site
(SHS) is located at 228 South Laredo Street in the Gty of
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 0.65 acres, more
particularty described by deed in Volume 7703, p. 191, Bexar
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Jose Antonio Navarro State Historic Site
preserves the home of one of Texas' most colorful
forefathers. Constructed near the oldest build-
ings in San Antonio, it was part of the oldest
successful settlement in Texas.
Navarro was one of only two of the fifty-nine
signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence
who was native-born. He was one of the commit-
tee which drafted the Texas Constitution and
served as a member of the Republic of Texas
Congress. As commissioner for the ill-fated ex-
position to capture Santa Fe, he was captured and
imprisoned in Mexico City, escaping after several
months of incarceration.
Navarro later became a delegate to the Conven-
tion of 1845 which voted to annex Texas to the
United States and helped to draft the Constitu-
tion of 1845. He served as Texas senator from
1846-49.
A staunch believer in states' rights, he urged
secession in 1861, and his four sons fought for the
General Data
COUNTY Bexar
MUNICIPALITY San Antonio
SENfREP DISTRICTS. 26/120
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Confederacy. Navarro County is named for him,
and its county seat, Corsicana, honors the
birthplace of his father.
193
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BEXAR COUNTY
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO
STATE HISTORIC SITE
MH 10
S
vspi
/
TO AUSTIN
rM15
IH90
MAJOR HIGHWAYS
CITY LIMIT
1H410
SAN ANTONIO
Fig, 1 Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION 500ft.msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Houston black clay
FLOODPLAIN Yes
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SE Into city storm sewers
The Navarro house is surrounded by flowers and
fruit and shade trees within the courtyard walls.
Although it lies in the San Antonio River
floodplain, it has not been flooded for 20 years
because of improved engineering along the San
Antonio River.
Surrounding land is part of the municipal com-
plex of downtown San Antonio, with the Bexar
County jail on the north and the City of San
Antonio Police Station on the south.
The site is readily accessible, within the central
business district (CBD) and historic area of San
Antonio on the corner of South Laredo and West
Nueva Streets, approximately ten blocks from the
Alamo. IH 35 is two blocks to the west.
The site is within walking distance of San Fernan-
do Cathedral, the Spanish Governor's Palace, El
Mercado, Market Square, La Villita, The Paseo
del Rio, Hemisfair Plaza, and other downtown
historic and commercial areas. It is close to shop-
ping, hotels, and other businesses common to the
center of a large metropolitan city.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0.65 acre
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 3,093
194
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PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state historic
site, offering the public a glimpse of the life-style
of colonial Texas. Buildings include the main
house, kitchen, office, maintenance building, and
rest room. The main house consists of three
furnished rooms, a storage room, and park head-
quarters. The kitchen, separate from the main
house as was customary in the nineteenth cen-
tury, is restored to the period and contains two
exhibit rooms. The office building serves as a
reception area for visitors.
Site improvements include water, sewer, electri-
cal, and telephone systems, fencing, patio, and a
well. There is staff parking on the property but no
public parking. The SHS is handicapped-acces-
sible and close to transit lines.
Prior to being designated an historic site, the
building was a derelict structure in a run-down
part of old San Antonio. It was restored during
the revitalization of central San Antonio in the
1960s.
Improvements/Utl lities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 5
AREA 9316 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 33
DEPRECIATION 0
RECONSTRUCTION COST $877,849
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS SA Public Service
ELECTRICITY SA Public Service
COMMERCE
IHIO
S. LAREDO
W. NUEVA IX
/ SAN
'/ANTONIO
RIVER
EL
MERCADO
TOE ALAMO
o
W. NUEVA
ST
S. LAREDO ST.
HEMISFAIR PLAZA
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO
STATE HISTORIC SITE
Fig. 2 - Location
195
-------
Fig. 3 - Site
W. NUEVA STREET
1. OFFICE
Z KITCHEN
3. MAIN HOUSE
4. MAINTENANCE/CATERING
5. REST ROOMS
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO
STATE HISTORIC SITE
SOUIH
LAREDO
STREET
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,097,460
BUILDINGS $877,849
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $28,971
MARKET VALUE $2,004,280
APPRAISAL DATE December 31, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TPWD received the property in 1975 from the
San Antonio Conservation Society. The deed
stipulates that the grantee has the right to hold a
birthday celebration for Jose Antonio Navarro
every year on February 27 at the site. The state
agreed to maintain the historic buildings and fur-
nish them suitably, utilizing the property as a
public historic site. Any change in ownership
would require the state to give the Society the
right of first refusal. Zoning of Navarro House is
1-B, commercial. There are no known ease-
ments.
TPWD plans to continue use of the home as a
state historic site. In view of the site's historic
significance, GLO appraisers find the present use
as a state historic site the highest and best use.
Considering the downtown location, from a tech-
nical economic view, the property is underutil-
ized; however, tourist dollars generated and the
property's value as an historic resource justify
preservation and current use.
196
-------
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
KERR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
LOCATION - Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is
located on FM1340, 27 miles west of Kerrville, Kerr County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 6,459.88 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 89, p. 56, Ken-
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located at the headwaters of the north fork of the
Guadalupe River, Kerr Wildlife Management
Area provides a site where wildlife population
and habitat can be studied under controlled con-
ditions. Primary goals of the WMA are to develop
and manage wildlife habitats and populations of
indigenous wildlife, species, and to provide an
area to demonstrate habitat development and
wildlife management practices to landowners
and other interested groups.
The WMA has gained wide recognition for its
current research on white-tailed deer. Land
managers come from around the state to attend
seminars on management of wildlife populations
and habitat. Photographers, tourists, bird-
watchers, educational classes, and professional
groups may take guided tours to observe the
ongoing program of restoration and research.
Kerr County is considered one of Texas' most
attractive and scenic counties, representative of
the Edwards Plateau with its rolling hills, fresh
water springs, dense cedar brakes, and live-oak
and shin-oak thickets.
General Data
SIZE. 6,459.88 acres
COUNTY Kerr
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/67
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
Principal wildlife species include white-tailed
deer, bobwhite quail, javelina, wild turkey,
Preceding page blank
199
-------
KERR
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
IH10
KERR
COUNTY
SH 41
MOUNTAIN
HOME
SH 27
TO
SAN ANTONIO
SITE
INGRAM
FM1340
GUADALUPE RIVER
SH 39
JSH 39
HUNT
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 7650 ft msl
SLOPE 3%-5%
SOILS Tarrant-Eckrant-Purves
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S-Sf
DRAINAGE... Into Bear Creek or Guadalupe River
mourning dove, fox squirrel, bobcat, raccoon,
skunk, armadillo, ringtail cat, rabbit, gray fox,
many reptiles, and many native and migratory
birds. The endangered black-capped vireo nests
on the property. Golden-cheeked warblers, listed
as a threatened species, also inhabit the area.
Kerr County's economy is based on tourism,
agribusiness, manufacturing, and medical ser-
vices. Hunting, fishing, summer camps, and dude
ranches are prominent features of this section of
the Texas Hill Country. Traditional cattle ranch-
ing in conjunction with the raising of exotic
animals such as axis deer is also common, as are
much-used hunting leases.
Access is via FM 1340, which leads to Kerrville
by SH 39. IH 10, principal route between San
Antonio and El Paso, runs two miles north of
Kerrville.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
AMOUNT DEVELOPED.
UNDEVELOPED
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
1%
,. 9.88 acres
99%
6,450 acres
200
-------
Surrounding land is used for working ranches,
many of which are also leased for hunting. There
are private conference centers, church and youth
retreats, and private luxury weekend homes in
the area.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD uses the WMA to conduct wildlife re-
search, study the relationships of domestic live-
stock and wildlife common to the region, and
demonstrate range improvement and wildlife
management techniques to landowners and
sportsmen. The agency encourages growth and
regrowth of native vegetation on the tract
The WMA is open seasonally for public, super-
vised hunts, with hunters chosen randomly by
computer. A self-guided automobile tour is avail-
able when hunts are not in progress. Some areas
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 13
AREA OF BLDGS 19,027 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 23%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $311,825
WATER 9 Wells
SEWER Septic
GAS. None
ELECTRICITY. Kerrvllle Public Utilities,
Central Texas Electric Co-op.
which might be damaged by human ingress are
off-limits to visitors.
Buildings include office, shop, rockhouse, two
residences, three barns, deer check station, shed,
orientation building, hunting cabin, and metal
building with deer pens. Site improvements in-
KERR
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
MAIN ROADS
PASTURE ROADS
BUILDINGS
WINDMILLS
FM1340
TO SH 41
TO HUNT
GUADALUPE RIVER
Fig. 2 - Site
201
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $6,459,876
BUILDINGS $241,444
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $784,060
MARKET VALUE $7,485,380
APPRAISAL DATE March 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
elude almost 24 miles of deer-proof fencing,
cross fencing, 11 water storage stocktanks, two
livestock pens, three portable buildings, six
windmills, three water pumps, and butane
storage tank.
TPWD purchased the property in 1950 from the
Presbyterian Church. It is not zoned, and no
clauses in the deed restrict disposition. Typical
utility easements are in place.
TPWD plans to continue present operation of
Kerr's program. The scientific work being per-
formed by TPWD biologists could potentially
benefit ranchers worldwide. The tract's remote-
ness and terrain limit use to ranching. GLO
evaluators find that in view of these factors,
present use is also highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
202
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
KERRVILLE LAW ENFORCEMENT
REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS
LOCATION - Kerrville Law Enforcement Regional
Headquarters is located at 309 South Sidney Baker Street
(SH16), in Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 1.48 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 153,
pp. 514 and 517, Kerr County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject tract lies in central Kerrville, west of
the Guadalupe River and close to the downtown
business district. The property has 150 feet of
frontage on the east side of Sidney Baker Street
(SH 16) which links Kerrville to Fredericksburg
on the north and Medina on the south. It has
good visibility and traffic volume as well as good
downtown access.
Kerrville (population 17,000) is located on the
Edwards Plateau in the heart of the Texas Hill
Country. Noted as a recreational center, the
region has an economy based on tourism,
agribusiness, manufacturing, and medical ser-
vices. Dude ranches, hunting, fishing, annual art
and music festivals, and summer camps are avail-
able to visitors
Surrounding land is zoned for neighborhood,
commercial business districts, and multi-family
use. Three adjacent tracts owned by Texas
Department of Public Safety, Office of the
Comptroller, and TP WD create a block of state
land totaling approximately 5.51 acres.
General Data
SIZE. 1.48 acres
COUNTY Kerr
MUNICIPALITY Kerrville
SEN/REP DISTRICTS....... 25167
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Law enforcement
In the immediate area are corporate, medical and
professional offices, a bank, specialty stores, and
a car dealership. There are condominium and
apartment complexes, restaurants, and a large
203
-------
KERRVILLE
LAW ENFORCEMENT REGIONAL
HEADQUARTERS
KERR COUNTY
IH10
FREDERICKSBURG
ฆKERRVILLE
GUADALUPE RIVER
SH1338
SH16
TO
FREDERICKSBURG
SITE
Ji^r-. A i
BAKERTj
SH 16
KERRVILLE
TO
MEDINA
Fig. 1 - Location
shopping mall less than .25 mile from the subject
property.
One-third of the surrounding area is vacant in-
vestment property. An approved but not yet
funded west loop connecting SH 16 to SH 1338
and IH 10 north of the river will improve access.
The Kerrville planning department specifies this
area, with its quick access to downtown, im-
Physicai Data
ELEVATION 1,640 ft. msl
SLOPE Less than 1%
SOILS Eckrant-Kerrville-Rock Outcrop
FLOODPLAJN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE City storm sewer
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 57%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 32,814 sq. ft
UNDEVELOPED 49%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 31,527 sq. ft
proved roadways, and property availability, as
one of the city's major growth centers.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the property as its Law Enforce-
ment and Wildlife Regional Office for a staff of
eight serving the surrounding, seven-county area.
The single building contains eleven offices or
other rooms, two rest rooms, halls, and entries.
Site improvements include asphalt parking and
driveway, and flagpole. TP WD plans to continue
204
-------
I mprovements/Uti I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 3,048 sq. ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 05
DEPRECIATION 8%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $142,167
WATER City of Kenville
SEWER City of Kenville
present use of the site with no scheduled changes
or modifications.
There are no reversion clauses or other deed
restrictions, leases, or encumbrances that would
adversely affect property marketability.
Less than 51% (32,814 sq. ft.) of the site is used
for parking and structures. The undeveloped
portion (31,527 sq. ft.) could be used more inten-
sively as office space, perhaps in combination
with adjacent state land.
The subject's situs features would be attractive to
businesses requiring visibility, traffic volume, and
downtown access. Since the property is already
developed with an office building and parking
area, GLO appraisers find that the highest and
best use of the property is commercial office use.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $337,790
BUILDINGS. $98,610
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $35,000
MARKET VALUE $471,400
APPRAISAL DATE. May 31, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Commercial
SOUTH
SIDNEY BAKER
STREET
CAR DEALERSHIP
MULTI- FAMILY
lVACANT
CORP.
GAS STATION
SITE
VACANT
GOVERNMENTAL
OFFICES
MULTI-FAMILY
RETAIL
MULTI-
FAMILY
RETAIL
BANK
DOCTORS-
RETAIL
TO
vacant
REGIONAL
RETAIL
CENTER
FUTURE
WEST LOOP
Fig. 2 - Surrounding Land Use Map
205
-------
LEHMANN DRIVE
SOUTH
SIDNEY BAKER
STREET
UNDERUTILIZED
PARCEL
r
D
7""\
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
t
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
V.
COMPTROLLER'S
OFFICE
Fig. 3 - Site Map
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continue
to use the property as a Regional Headquarters.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the use
of the underutilized portion of the site, which has
been noted as having potential alternate use.
Planning could he done in conjunction with the
Texas Department of Public Safety, the adjacent
land owner.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the underutilized portion by
TPWD in light of its greater highest and best use
potential.
206
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
KERRVILLE - SCHREINER
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Kerrville - Schreiner State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located on SH173 at the southern border of the City
of Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 517.2 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 56, p. 448,
Kerr County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated on the Edwards Plateau, Kerrville SRA
has a natural beauty typical of the Texas Hill
Country with its remarkable variety of plant and
animal life. The property is just south of the City
of Kerrville, adjacent both to Flat Rock Lake and
the Guadalupe River, in a region known for its
hunting, artist colonies, fishing, dude ranches,
summer camps, and tourist industry.
Limestone hills rise over 100 feet above the river
in the SRA and are covered with juniper, live oak,
Texas and Spanish oak, redbud, sumac, buckeye,
pecan, and mesquite. White-tailed deer, wild
turkey, squirrel, armadillo, and jackrabbit are
abundant, as are Hill Country bluebonnets and
other spring wildflowers.
Many of the trails, stone grills, and picnic tables
still in use were constructed by the Civilian Con-
servation Corps in the 1930s.
Access to the park is via SH 173, which crosses
the east end of the property, or via Loop 534,
which intersects US 27, the main north-south
artery through Kerrville.
General Data
SIZE. 517.2 acres
COUNTY Kerr
MUNICIPALITY Not Applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. -...25167
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The park has one-half mile frontage on the
Guadalupe River, its northeastern boundary. It
is bordered on the southwest and west by the
Shelton Ranch and a smaller ranch where minia-
207
-------
KERRVILLE-SCHREINER
STATE RECREATION AREA
KERR COUNTY
SITE
SH 16
SH n
PM 6ป
Fig. 1 - Location
ture horses are bred. The triangular area to the
north formed by SH 173 and MI 16 contains
upscale housing on large acreage, a goii course,
and a country club.
The nearest shopping area is one and one-half to
two miles away. An unoccupied strip shopping
center built three years ago is located about .5
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1'645
SLOPE *
SqiLS Oakalla, Donton, Depalt
FLOODPLAIN 10' r5acre*
PREVAILING WIND
DRAINAGE Int0 Guadalupe River
mile from the park. Ten to fifteen acres along the
river are in the 100-year floodplain.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD maintains the property as a state recrea-
tion area offering picnicking, camping,
playground, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking,
and nature study.
TP WD acquired the site from the City of Kerr-
ville in 1934. There were 377,976 day visitors and
57,520 overnight visitors to the park in 1987.
Buildings include two rest rooms with showers,
two residences, headquarters, concession build-
ing, maintenance building, storage building,
volatile storage building, regional office, dining
hall, cabin with garage, and 23 screened cabins.
208
-------
Site improvements include roads, parking lots, 66
camp sites, 45 trailer sites, 15 picnic sites, 15
screened shelters, portable building, entry booth,
flagpole, amphitheater, fishing dock, boat ramp,
water and sewer systems, and butane gas system.
A reversion clause in the deed would return title
to the Gty of Renville if the property ever ceased
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 46%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 238 acres
UNDEVELOPED 54%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 279 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 435,496
to be used for recreation. As the SRA is not
within the Kerrville city limits, there is no zoning.
Typical utility easements are in place.
TP WD plans to continue the present use of this
facility. GLO appraisers state that the highest and
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 37
AREA OF BLDGS 21,719 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 21%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $469,253
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY LCRA
best use, were the reversion clause not in force,
would be residential development and riverside
recreational amenities. The site is ideally
situated at the river, on a well-travelled highway,
and in the city's growth pattern. It would be
suitable for single and multi-family units, as well
KERRVELLE-SCHREINER
STATE RECREATION AREA
/
SRA BOUNDARIES
MAIN ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
[E PARKING
II RESIDENCE
A CAMPING AREA
SH173
Fig. 2 - Site
209
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
BUILDINGS
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
MARKET VALUE
APPRAISAL DATE
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
March 31, 1987
Recreation
$2,969,300
... $374,970
...$755,176
$4,099,446
as light-commercial use. Only the 10 to 15 acres
in floodplain are unsuitable for building.
However, in view of the deed restriction, GLO
appraisers find that the highest and best use of
the property is the same as present use.
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
210
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - The Landmark Inn State Historic Site (SHS)
is located on the comer of US 90 and Florence Street in
Castroville, Medina County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 4.73 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volumes 248, p. 87;
Volume 256, p. 81; Volume 270, p. 89; and Volume 275,
p. 521, Medina County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Landmark Inn State Historic Site on the Medina
River in Castroville has provided refuge for
travelers for more than a century. Today TPWD
operates the inn to allow visitors to experience
some of the atmosphere of French Texas.
Cesar Monod built the original inn about 1849 to
house his family and his general store. He utilized
a one-story, plastered stone design with detached
kitchen, which resembled the farmhouses of his
native France.
Castroville was named to honor Henri Castro
who received a large land grant and colonization
contract from the Republic of Texas in 1842. In
1844 he arrived on the Medina River with a group
of settlers from Alsace-Lorraine, an independent
French-speaking province in Central Europe,
and founded the first permanent colony between
San Antonio and the Rio Grande. The town still
retains its French flavor.
In the 1850s, a new owner, John Vance, added
upper floors and galleries to the Monod building,
General Data
SIZE. .. 4.73 acres
COUNTY Medina
MUNICIPALITY Castroville
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/45
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Partes
which he continued to operate as a general store.
Vance also added a new family house and a two-
211
-------
LANDMARK INN
STATE HISTORIC SITE
AUSTIN
SITE IN
CASTROVILLE
IH 10
UVALDE
CO.
SANANTONIO
MEDINA
CO.
US 91
ZAVALA CO.
FRIO
CO.
MEDINA RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location Map
story bathhouse. Because of the strategic loca-
tion of his store on the San Antonio-El Paso
Road, he began to accommodate overnight
travelers.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 722 - 780 ft. msl
SLOPE 8%-10%
SOILS Castroville, Atco
FLOODPLAIN 55%
PREVAILING WIND S - SE
DRAINAGE SE Into Medina River
Through the ensuing decades, the inn had varying
success. After Vance, new owners built a grist
mill on the property and dammed the Medina
River to provide power. Throughout the rest of
the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,
many commercial ventures prospered on the site,
including a lumber mill, a cotton gin, and
Castroville's first electric generating plant.
During World War n, Jordan T. Lawler, the
owner, reopened the hotel and named it the
Landmark Inn because of its many historical as-
sociations. Rim by his sister, Miss Ruth Curry
Lawler, the inn soon gained a reputation as a
peaceful oasis at a stressful time in history. In
1974, wishing to assure the preservation of the
historic inn, Miss Lawler donated the property to
212
r
-------
TPWD as a state historic site, reserving Vance
House as her home during her life.
Vegetation on the property is highlighted by the
Castroville Pecan tree, which marks the place
where Henri Castro and his settlers camped when
they arrived at the Medina River in 1844. Later,
Castro dedicated a cornerstone for the first
church in the new colony here. Other trees on
the property are an ancient mulberry, large
cypresses, and live oaks along the river, with na-
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 55%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 2.60 acres
UNDEVELOPED. 45%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 2.13 acres
VISITATION (FY'87) 12,699
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 7
AREA OFBLDGS 16,856 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREArRATIO 08
DEPRECIATION 28%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $439,325
WATER City of Castroville
SEWER City of Castroville
OAS None
ELECTRICITY. City of Castroville
tive shrubs and grasses elsewhere on the proper-
ty-
Medina County is known for its scenic hills, roll-
ing valleys, and prime deer hunts. Its economy
rests on agribusiness and tourism.
LANDMARK INN
1. LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
2. MONOD KITCHEN
3. VANCE HOUSE
4. BATHHOUSE
5. COTTON GIN
6. KAUFFMANN HOUSE
7. MAINTENANCE BLDG.
MEDINA RIVER
Fig. 2 - Site Map
213
-------
Access is via US 90, which borders the property
on the north and connects San Antonio and Del
Rio.
Land surrounding the tract is commercial and
residential. The Inn is located in the downtown
commercial area where almost every block has
several historical structures. Castroville
resembles a charming French village, and the
Landmark Inn is an integral part of the area.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The property and its buildings were declared a
State Historic Site in 1984.
Today the Landmark Inn is one of three hotels
run by TP WD. (The others are San Solomon
Courts in Balmorhea State Recreation Area and
Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State Park.)
The Inn had 10,860 visitors in 1987, of whom
1,563 stayed overnight.
In addition to hotel accommodations, TPWD of-
fers day tours of the inn and other buildings,
including the grist mill. Buildings include the
inn, Vance House, kitchen, bathhouse, Kaufman
House, rest room, and maintenance building.
Site improvements consist of water, sewage,
electrical and telephone systems, dam, road and
parking area, fence, flagpole, trail, underground
mill, and raceway.
In 1976, TPWD purchased an additional 0.198
acre from Miss Lawler to add to her original gift.
A little over one additional acre was purchased
through condemnation proceedings in the same
year. In 1977, TPWD purchased another 1.5
acres f rom the City of Castroville, which retains
water and gas pipeline easements. The property
is zoned commercial.
TPWD plans to continue present operation of the
property as a state historic site. This continues
the traditional commercial use of the property,
along with necessary restoration and preserva-
tion. The site remains a unique tourist attraction.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $144,135
BUILDINGS $320,198
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $144,252
MARKET VALUE. $608,585
APPRAISAL DATE June 17, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
GLO appraisers find that the current operation
is its highest and best use. Although the site is a
valuable commercial property because of its
prime location and access to a major highway,
Miss I -awler's life estate and the historic designa-
tion of the property limit marketability for alter-
native use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
214
J
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE
HISTORICAL PARK
LOCATION - Lyndon Baines Johnson State Historical Park
(SHP) is located on US 290, approximately 14 miles west of
Johnson City, in Gillespie and Blanco Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 732.75 acres,
more particularly described in Volume 86, pp. 469 and 473;
Volume 88, p. 134; Volume 90, pp. 206, 348, and 543; Volume
91, pp. 145, 331, 361, 424, 425, 426, 428, 429, 430, and 431;
Volume 106, pp. 596 and 875; Volume 112, p. 739; and
Volume 188, p. 492; Gillespie County and Blanco County
Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The second native Texan to become President of
the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson
brought fame to the Texas Hill Country where he
was born and raised. Throughout his life, Johnson
remained loyal to the area settled by his modest
farming forebearers. During his presidency,
leaders and citizens from around the world be-
came familiar with the wooded, rolling terrain
along the Pedernales River.
The park occupies a narrow strip of land between
the river and US 290. It is bisected by FM 1391
and surrounds several out-lots, three utilized by
Texas Department of Highways and Public
Transportation for roadside parks, and others
held privately by local churches.
The park proper is divided into three parcels.
Parcel A (approximately 267.83 acres) fronts the
south side of the river and includes the developed
portion of the SHP.
Genera! Data
SIZE -.732.75 acres
COUNTIES Gillespie, Blanco
MUNICIPALITY....... Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 25167
TORP REGION 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Parcel B (approximately 364.92 acres) is east of
Parcel A, fronts on US 290, and is used for grazing
the park's buffalo and longhorn cattle.
215
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LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
JOHNSON CITY
TO AUSTIN
GILLESPIE CO.; BLANCO CO.
Fig. 1 - Location
Parcel C (approximately 100 acres) is a long strip
of land, much used for fishing, which runs parallel
to and north of Parcel B along the south side of
the river. Undeveloped and ungrazed, it makes
good wildlife habitat. It also includes a small,
Physical Data
ELEVATION 800 -1,000 ft. msl
SLOPE Level to gently rolling
SOILS Luckenbach-Pedernales-
Heatly
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE - NW
DRAINAGE.... North and east Into the Pedernales
River
rectangular area used to raise hay for the buffalo,
longhorn cattle, farm animals which are part of
the living history museum exhibit, and white-
tailed deer herds.
Access to the park is via US 290, the main high-
way between Austin, 50 miles to the east, and
Fredericksburg, about 10 miles west.
The area's economy is based on agribusiness,
tourism, food processing, hunting leases, small
manufacturing, and granite for markers. Sur-
rounding land uses are mostly confined to recrea-
tion, with some beef, goat, and sheep production.
Adjacent to the north of the park is the LBJ
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 72%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 632.75 acres
UNDEVELOPED 28%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 100 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 792,310
216
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National Historical Park, which includes LBJ's
birthplace, grave, and ranch.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The park was created to honor Lyndon Johnson.
It is operated by TPWD to give the public a
glimpse of the former president's life, both as a
boy and as chief executive. A Visitors' Center
contains memorabilia of his boyhood as well as
pictures from his years in Washington and photos
of famous guests at the ranch. An auditorium
accommodates 200 visitors for stage performan-
ces and films.
The National Park Service, through the South-
west Park's Management Service, operates a
book and gift store in the Visitors' Center. Non-
profit revenues are used to rehabilitate exhibits
and the learning center and to purchase new
equipment. Attached to the Center is the Beh-
rens Cabin, a two-room dogtrot cabin built by
German immigrants in the 1870s.
Free bus tours of the LBJ Ranch conducted by
the National Park Service start at the state park
Visitors' Center and pass the one-room Junction
School first attended by four-year-old Johnson in
1912. Tours stop at his reconstructed birthplace
and the nearby Johnson family cemetery before
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS. 23
AREA OF BLDGS 47,943 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 7%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $2,117,739
WATER Well
SEWER Own Plant
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Central Texas Elec. Co-op.
driving through the working portion of the ranch
and past the ranch house still occupied by Mrs.
Johnson.
LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
PARCEL B
(GRAZING LEASE)
PEDERNALES RIVER
PARCEL A
(DEVELOPED AREA)
FM 1391
US 290
PARCEL C
(UNDEVELOPED AREAS)
Fig. 2 - Site
217
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T
(N) NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
(S) STATE HISTORICAL PARK
1. LBJ RANCH HOUSE (N)
2. VISITOR CENTER (S)
3. SAUER BECKMANN FARM (S)
4. JOHNSON FAMILY CEMETERY (S)
5. JUNCTION SCHOOL (N)
6. LBJ BIRTHPLACE (N)
7. SWIMMING POOL (S)
LYNDON B. JOHNSON
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
PEDERNALES
RIVER
US HIGHWAY 290
Fig. 3 - Site
The developed area of the park (Parcel A) con-
tains the Visitors' Center and Sauer-Beckmann
Farm, together with other park facilities. These
include an outdoor amphitheater, a nature trail
with a Hill Country botanical exhibit, wildlife
enclosures stocked with bison, deer, longhorn
cattle, wild turkey, and other native wildlife,
swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis courts, and
baseball diamond.
The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead, located east of
the Visitor Center, is an operating historical
farm, presenting life as it was in 1918. Park inter-
preters in period clothing do farm and household
chores and conduct tours for guests. A popular
feature of the SHP is its annual Christmas
celebration with authentic early 20th century
German decorations and customs at the Sauer-
Beckmann house.
Buildings include two houses, group camp, main-
tenance and storage building, four pavilions, hay
shed, three barns, two sheds, two pump houses,
concession and rest room, exhibit building,
residence, auditorium, Visitors' Center, inter-
pretive building, and masonry rest rooms.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,368,835
BUILDINGS. $1,985,513
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $3,430,834
MARKET VALUE $7,785,182
APPRAISAL DATE. March 10, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Site improvements include six sheltered and 23
open picnic tables, hiking trail, tennis court,
fence, deer-proof fence, wood bridges, three
windmills and wood towers, three entrances, two
flagpoles, 18 plaques, statue and plaza, sidewalks,
baseball diamond with lights, sewer system, water
218
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system with pump house, sprinkler system, swim-
ming pool with bath house, streams with five
dams and one well, butane tank, electric system,
roads, and amphitheater.
The park was acquired through the efforts of a
group of Johnson's friends, who presented it to
TPWD in 1967. The site is not zoned. Typical
easements are in place. No reversion clauses in
the deeds restrict sale of the property; however,
there is little demand for ranchland in the area.
The property could be leased for grazing at $4 to
$6 an acre. Several important archeological sites
have been identified by University of Texas at San
Antonio scientists during the past decade.
TPWD plans to continue present use of the tract,
and GLO appraisers have determined that this is
its highest and best use. The park's daytime visita-
tion during 1987 was 655,075, and its total visita-
tion is the third largest in the state.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
219
-------
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MICO GAME WARDEN RESIDENCE
LOCATION - The Mico Game Warden Residence is lo-
cated on an unnumbered county road H4 mile south of the
community of Mico and 1/4 mile southeast of the Medina
Lake dam, Medina County, Texas
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 0.38 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 65, p. 261,
Medina County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Mico Game Warden Residence consists of
the south half of Lot 18 in Boehme's Addition to
Lakeview Heights at Medina Dam. In spite of
the name, it has not been used as a residence for
several decades. Approximately one-third acre
in size, the property lies near the shores of
Medina Lake, an empoundment of the Medina
River created to facilitate irrigation in this dry
section of the Texas Hill Country.
Medina County's economy is based principally
on agribusiness, tourism, and various manufac-
turing enterprises. Medina Lake's scenic beauty
and its proximity to San Antonio 20 miles east
have made it a desirable recreational and resort
locality.
Access to the site is by an unnumbered but paved
county road that connects approximately 2 1/2
miles northeast of the property to FM 1283,
which runs between FM 471 to the south and SH
16 to the north. FM 471 leads to San Antonio's
Loop 1604,12 miles to the east
General Data
SIZE 38 acre
COUNTY. Medina
MUNICIPALITY. Mico
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 25145
TORP REGION 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Lew Enforcement
The 250-by-50-foot tract has one structure, a well,
several live oak, mesquite, and Spanish oak trees,
and 50 feet of road frontage. Vacation and
weekend cottage sites surround the land.
Preceding page blank
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MICO
GAME WARDEN RESIDENCE
MEDINA COUNTY
SITE
SAN ANTONIO
SH H
MICO
Fig. 1 - Location
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1164ftmsl
SLOPE 6%
SOILS Rocky Outcrop, Class VIII, Brackett-
Rock Outcrop Assoc.
FLOODPLAJN Narrow
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE West into Medina River
derelict and valueless pump house was the only
structure on the property.
The tract provides official access to Medina Lake
and the surrounding area for the purpose of en-
forcing state game and fish laws. However,
TP WD Law Enforcement Division personnel
report that the property is used occasionally for
camping. There are no boat storage or launching
facilities on the tract
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Acquired by TPWD in 1921 from a private owner
to provide a residence and headquarters for the
Medina County Game Warden, the site is now
without improvements. The former dwelling, al-
lowed to deteriorate over the years, was
demolished in 1985. At the time of appraisal, a
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED ...0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 38 acres
BUILDABLE 38 acres
-------
The tract has no deed restrictions or encumbran-
ces which might affect marketability. There are
no zoning regulations or known easements on the
property.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of this property is a vacation house lot. Scenic
Medina Lake is near a large metropolitan area
and suitable for weekend and fishing cottages.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,000
BUILDINGS. 0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS 0
MARKET VALUE $2,000
APPRAISAL DATE.- January 9,1987
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
AREAOFBLDGS 0
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS Nona
ELECTRICITY Medina Electric
The General Land Office recommends that
TPWD retain the site for agency operations.
TPWD should develop a plan to intensify the
use of the site, which is noted as having potential
for alternate use.
A plan for increased use would justify continued
management of the site by TPWD in light of its
greater highest and best use potential.
223
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
RANCHO DE LAS CABRAS
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Rancho de las Cobras State Historic Site
(SHS) is located on an easement off a county rock road,
approximately two miles south of SH 97 and five miles
southwest of Floresville, Wilson County Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION- The tract covers 99.15 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 489, p. 916, Wilson
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Rancho de las Cabras State Historic Site includes
remains of the stone enclosure of a fortified
ranch which was operated by Mission San Fran-
cisco de la Espada of San Antonio in the second
half of the eighteenth century. In spite of the fact
that no buildings have survived intact, TPWD
considers the site one of the least disturbed
Spanish colonial sites in Texas. It has great re-
search potential from both archeololgical and
ethno-historical viewpoints.
The San Antonio-based mission used the ranch
to raise goats for missionaries and their Indian
converts from 1731 to 1794. It is one of the few
remnants in Texas from the Spanish Colonial
period which ended in 1821 with the estab-
lishment of the Republic of Mexico.
Access is difficult, necessitating walking 3,700
feet over undeveloped pasture easements from a
county rock road. Vegetation consists of scat-
tered mesquite trees and brush which thickens
General Data
SIZE. gg.15 acres
COUNTY Wilson
MUNICIPALITY Hot applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 21145
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
along the San Antonio River, the eastern bound-
ary of the property. Native grass grows
225
Preceding page blank
-------
RANCHO DE LAS CABRAS
STATE HISTORIC SITE
WILSON COUNTY
SAN ANTONIO
RIVER
SAN ANTONIO
MISSION RUINS
PLEASANTON
Fig. 1 - Location Map
throughout. An old rock quarry has left a scatter-
ing of cut stone around the site.
Located 30 miles southeast of San Antonio, most
of the surrounding area is used for ranching.
Wilson County produces peanuts, corn and sor-
ghum.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD's goals for the site are preservation and
archeological/ethno-historical/archival research.
TPWD plans no changes in the property's use
until funds are alloted. Eventually, TPWD would
like to restore the entire complex as a working
ranch. As a living museum, it would represent
the fortified mission ranches from the Spanish
colonial period.
There are no reversion clauses, deed restrictions,
leases, or encumbrances that adversely affect the
marketability of the property.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 350 421 ft msl
SLOPE 0%-5%
SOILS Loire, Frio, Aransas clay
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into San Antonio
River and Plcosa Creek
TPWD acquired 43.972 acres of the site in 1976
by condemnation and purchase from private
owners; the remainder was purchased in 1981
from private owners.
The unfenced property now serves as pasture and
is overgrazed by cattle from the surrounding
ranch. Although near Floresville, potential for
residential development is considered slight, as
the entire tract lies in a 100-year or minimal
226
-------
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 99.15 acres
floodplain, lacks utilities, and has poor access.
Some acreage across the river was staked for
development about four years ago; however,
these lots are still vacant, indicating low demand
in the area.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
AREA OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
A second potential for alternate use is ranching.
Interim use as a grazing lease would be attractive
were it not for the prohibitive cost of fencing, (an
investment of $5,000-$8,000 against a ground
lease return of $16 per year).
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $104,100
MARKET VALUE $104,100
APPRA/SAL DATE. March 13, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
In view of these factors, GLO appraisers find that
the projected use of the property as a state his-
toric site is its highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
property for agency operations.
227
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TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SAN JOSE MISSION
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION San Josi Mission State Historic Site (SHS)
is located at 6539 San Jose Drive, 1.5 miles from the city
center in south-central San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 15.76 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 2,723, p. 363;
Volume 2,429, p. 578; and Volume 4,169, p. 57, Bexar County
Deed Records.
(An additional 6.525 acres are leased to TPWD. Together,
they make up the 21.27 acres which are controlled by TPWD
but managed by the National Park Service.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is adjacent to the site of one
of the finest Spanish mission churches in the
United States. Established in 1720 as the second
Spanish mission in San Antonio (only the Alamo
is older), San Jos6 y San Miguel de Aguayo, the
"Queen of Missions," was moved to its present
site in 1731.
San Jos6 continued as a mission under the
Zacatecan fathers until secularized in 1794.
During its active period, San Jos6 and other mis-
sions made important contributions to Texas cul-
ture by initiating the Texas ranching tradition and
developing the first European irrigation system
in North America.
During the nineteenth century, the mission build-
ings were allowed to fall into decay. In 1931, the
ruins of the church were restored and are now on
both the national and state lists of historic sites.
General Data
SIZE. 15.76 acres
COUNTY Bexar
MUNICIPALITY San Antonio
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 19/118
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
TPWD owns the mission plaza, including the
outer walls, granary, and other structures, plus a
greenbelt across San Jos6 Drive and a small tri-
angular lot on Woodhull Drive across from the
Preceding page blank
229
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
SAN JOSE MISSION
STATE HISTORIC SITE
TO AUSTIN
BEXAR COUNTY
SAN ANTONIO
MAJOR HIGHWAYS
ciTYUMrr
main body of the property. The Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of San Antonio owns a five-acre
outage containing the historic mission church, a
modern monastery, and other support buildings.
Physical Data
ELEVATION..'. 550-600 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-1%
SOILS Venus Loam & Venus Loam
Clay
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S
DRAINAGE E & SE to San Antonio River
The entire complex (21.27 acres) is managed by
the U. S. Department of the Interior National
Parks Service as headquarters unit of its San
Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Low-scale housing and light commercial activity,
interspersed with vacant land, surround the site.
The area west of Roosevelt Avenue (US 281) has
some commercial strip-retail development with
an occasional private residence.
Access is via Roosevelt Avenue, a major north-
south artery in San Antonio. This street runs
parallel to and between both IH 35 andIH37 and
is connected to them by South Military Drive.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 25%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 4 acres
UNDEVELOPED -.75%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 12 acres
VISITATION (FY'85) 1,512,042
230
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PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD exercises no operating responsibility over
this tract, which was acquired by gift deeds and
agreements from the San Antonio Conservation
Society and Bexar County in 1941. Two ir-
regularly shaped acres between San Jos6 Drive
and the old mission ditch have reversionary
clauses in the deeds.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS None
ELECTRICITY City of San Antonio
In 1983, TPWD and the Secretary of the Interior
entered into a Cooperative Agreement still in
force which superceded the 1941 agreements.
The current agreement transfers responsibility
for maintenance and staffing of the mission com-
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND : $1,268,423
BUILDINGS. None given
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $33,000
MARKET VALUE $1,301,423
APPRAISAL DATE. December 31,1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
plex to the Federal Park System. The agreement
can be terminated by either side on 120 days
notice; it states that no alterations, additions, or
repairs may be undertaken without written ap-
proval by all parties.
Buildings include two residences, maintenance
building, ticket office, concession building,
theater dressing rooms, and greenhouse. Site
SAN ANTONIO RIVER
4
IH3S
ROOSEVELT AVE.
(US 281)
SITE
./
SW MILITARY DRIVE
T
SAN JOSlfDR.
US 281
WOODHULLDR.
TO IH 37
ESl TPWD OWNERSHIP
I I ROMAN CATHOLIC
ARCHDIOCESE OWNERSHIP
Fig. 2 - Site
231
-------
L INDIAN QUARTERS
2. MONASTERY
ROOSEVELT
AVENUE
(US 281)
ซ. MISSION CHURCH
5. GRANARY
OROUNDS
WALKING TRAIL
improvements include amphitheater, gristmill,
sewage and electrical systems, parking area, fenc-
ing, bridge, flagpole, and furnace wall.
Outside the mission wall on state land, two ap-
proximately 900-square-foot frame houses in
poor condition are occupied by long-time resi-
dents. After ten years of negotiations, an agree-
ment to vacate was expected to be reached by
summer of 1989.
The federal government has a development con-
cept for the park which includes removing the
modern structures, updating the interpretive
center, increasing parking facilities, and building
a visitors' center with rest rooms. These improve-
ments have not yet been funded.
When he was a state representative in 1981,
Judge James R. Nowlin introduced unsuccessful
legislation to transfer the state's portion of the
mission property to the National Park Service.
This transfer was supported by major conserva-
tion organizations.
In view of the historic importance of the property,
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
is as a National Historic Landmark, whether it is
ultimately sold to the federal government or
retained by TPWD. GLO did not analyze the
benefits of state versus federal ownership.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property in its present use but study the
benefits of sale or trade to the federal govern-
ment, which manages the property and other San
Antonio missions.
232
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SEBASTOPOL HOUSE
STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE
LOCATION - Sebastopol House State Historic Structure
(SHS) is located at 704 Zom Street, Seguin, Guadalupe
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers Z20 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 526, p. 330,
Guadalupe County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Sebastopol State Historic Structure is architec-
turally and technologically important as one of
the best surviving examples of early concrete
building in the Southwest. The unusual T-shaped
Greek Revival structure is one of a series of cast
concrete buildings erected in Seguin between
Republic of Texas days and the Civil War.
Joshua W. Young built the house in 1854-56 for
his sister, Mrs. Ebenezer LeGette.
Sebastopol House is noteworthy both for its
materials and its method of construction. The
house was built course upon course of cast-in-
place limecrete, an early form of concrete. The
popularity of this early concrete was due to the
low cost of materials (lime, sand, gravel or stone,
and water), its ease and quickness of construc-
tion, and the durability of the hardened mix.
The house, built into a small rise, has two stories
at the rear and one story with an imposing veran-
General Data
SIZE. 2.20 acres
COUNTY Guadalupe
MUNICIPALITY Seguin
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 21/46
TORP REGION. 18
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
da in the front. For almost 100 years it was oc-
cupied and well maintained by the LeGette fami-
ly and later by Joseph Zorn, Mayor of Seguin
from 1890 to 1910, and his descendents.
233
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SEBASTOPOL HOUSE
STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Hio
i
US 90
GUADALUPE
COUNTY
WBST COURT ST.
. ALT US *0
H10
SEGUIN
SEQUIN CJTY LIMITS
TO HOUSTON
ALT US 90
^SAN ANTONIO
Fig. 1 Location Map
Members of the Zorn family continued to live in
the house until 1952 but then allowed the flat
Physical Data
ELEVATION 500 -530 ft msl
SLOPE Level to slightly sloping
SOILS Branyon-Barbarosa-Lewisvllle
FLOODPLAJN North end of lot near creek
PREVAILING WIND S, SE
DRAINAGE ToN.NE
roof, designed to hold rainwater, to rot By the
late 1950s, the house was in an advanced stage of
disrepair.
In 1961, the Seguin Conservation Society pur-
chased Sebastopol House to save it from demoli-
tion. They undertook its renovation and operated
the house as a museum until TP WD purchased it
in 1976. The structure is listed in the National
Register of Historic Structures.
Located in the San Antonio metropolitan area,
Seguin depends on manufacturing and agribusi-
ness for its economic base. The town was named
to honor Juan Seguin, a hero of the Battle of San
Jacinto.
Access is via Zorn Street on the south and Erkel
Street on the west, both of which connect with
West Court Street, also known as Alternate US
90. US 90 connects with IH 10 just north of
Seguin.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 10tKk
ป teto VI I W
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 220 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION JJot applicable
234
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The property is outside of the Seguin growth
corridor, surrounded by sparse, low-income
housing with a few commercial enterprises and a
large amount of vacant land. Main Street is one
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDING 3,763 sq.ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 04%
DEPRECIATED 100%
WATER City of Seguin
SEWER City of Seguin
GAS None
ELECTRICITY City of Seguin
block away. The site is bordered on the north by
East Walnut Branch Creek, on the south across
Zorn Street by a convenience store, on the west
across North Erkel Street by a Dairy Queen, and
on the east by a metal warehouse used for com-
munity activities. A roller skating rink stands
beyond the warehouse.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD has restored the property "in accordance
with Legislative and Commission direction to
preserve and maintain historic sites and struc-
tures as valuable reminders of the rich and varied
heritage of the state." Sebastopol House is rep-
resentative of the science, technology, and ar-
chitecture of the Early Statehood (1846-1874)
period.
The exterior appears as it did during the LeGette
occupancy (1856-1874). The interior reflects the
same era, although no attempt has been made to
create a completely furnished period setting.
Selected upper-floor rooms display LeGette and
Zorn family furniture. One upper-floor room is
adapted as a park office. Lower-floor rooms
house exhibits on concrete architecture.
TAYLOR STREET
SITE BOUNDARY
WALKING TRAIL
1. MAIN STRUCTURE
1 MAINTENANCE / STORAGE
PACILTTY
NORTH
ERKEL
STREET
WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL
TO ALT US 290 //>
WEST COURT ST. (
ZORN STREET
Fig. 2 - Site Map
235
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Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $191,664
SITE IMPROVEMENTS Not appraised
MARKET VALUE $191,664
APPRAISAL DATE March 18, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
A chain link fence surrounds the property on
three sides. The rest of the property has picket
fencing. There is paved paring along the south
and front part of the west side.
Cost and upkeep make it impractical to restore
the historic landscape, so the grounds have been
adapted for aesthetic and operational uses com-
patible with the historical integrity of the site.
The property is zoned residential No easements
other than city boundary easements affect the
tract, and there are no restrictions in the deed.
TP WD plans to preserve the property as an his-
toric structure, and GLO appraisers have deter-
mined that this is its highest and best use. No
dollar value is assigned to Sebastopol House
because of its unique construction and historical
significance.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
236
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Region
-------
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 19 (SOUTH TEXAS)
\ WEBB
LAREDO
ZAPATA
JIM HOGG
USB
STARR
RIO /
GRANDE
CTTY/
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
L FALCON STATE RECREATION AREA
2. LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
STARR CO.
238
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Intentionally Blank Page
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REGION 19 (SOUTH TEXAS) covers 6,724 square miles along Texas' border with the Mexican
States of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
ECONOMY - Region 19 (along with three other regions) makes up the economic area known as the
Border. Due to oil and real estate recessions in other parts of the state, and the contrasting success
of the maqiiilarinra (twin plant) concept along the Rio Grande, this region was a growth leader during
the latter 1980s. The Border area maintains a better-than-average expansion, projected as 1.7%
annual population growth and 2.2% non-agricultural job growth (led by manufacturing, supplies, and
transportation for the twin plants) during the 1990s.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres 1
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
4
1
173,166
26
17
GEOGRAPHY - A section of the South Texas Plains along the Rio Grande, Region 19 is isolated and
sparsely developed. Only four TORP regions are more sparsely populated. Settlement is con-
centrated around the Laredo area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
107
2,960
500-999
10th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - The TP WD facility at Falcon Reservoir is the only holding listed
under major attractions and resources for this region in the TORP. Approximately 48% of the
resources in Region 19 is considered developed recreational land. The state has approximately 864
acres of recreational land in the region. Falcon State Park comprises about 65% of this area; Las
Palomas Wildlife Management Unit comprises the balance.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
2
2
864
$1,174,410
2%/ 29%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 19 will be for athletic fields, trails, and playground facilities. Of these, trails are typical TPWD
amenities.
239
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FALCON STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Falcon State Recreation Area (SRA) is lo-
cated on the shores of Falcon Reservoir, four miles west of
US 83 and one mile north of the town of Falcon Heights, in
Starr and Zapata Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 563.15 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 179, p. 651,
Zapata County Deed Records.
(An additional 9.45 acres are leased by TPWD.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Falcon State Recreation Area is adjacent to Fal-
con Reservoir, one of Texas' largest lakes,
created in the 1950s by the damming of the Rio
Grande. The reservoir attracts sailors, swimmers,
water skiers, and fishers from a wide area despite
a hot, humid, low-rainfall climate. The SRA,
located about two miles above the dam, is the
only developed recreation area on the lake and is
one of the state's most popular birding and fish-
ing areas.
Falcon Reservoir was completed by the United
States and Mexican governments in 1953. At the
Mexican end of the dam stands the small town of
Nuevo Guerrero, State of Tamaulipas, built to
replace old Guerrero, which reservoir water in-
undated when it was complete.
The SRA is adjacent to the northwestern ter-
minus of the Tamaulipan Biotic Province, one of
the richest and most endangered natural areas in
General Data
SIZE. 563.15 acres
COUNTIES Starr and Zapata
MUNICIPALITY ..A/of applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 21137 and 44
TORP REGION. 19
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
North America. The 24,000-acre Chihuahuan
Thorn Forest just below the Ham ranks fifth na-
tionally as a unique and threatened ecosystem.
Preceding page blank
241
-------
The forest plays host to the chachalaca, brown
jay, and green kingfisher, as well as other notable
examples of Western Hemisphere bird life. It is
considered a prime resource by environmen-
talists.
Prevalent animal species include ocelots and
jaguarundis; over 525 vertebrate species and 455
Physical Data
ELEVATION 320 ft. msl
SLOPE Gently rolling hills
SOILS Catarlna - Coplta
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE West and south Into reservoir
plant species flourish in the lush, semi-tropical
environment. Fish inhabiting the lake are mostly
bass, crappie, and catfish. Both the Mississippi
and the Central Flyway, bird migratory routes,
funnel through Texas in this area. The peregrine
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 21%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 144 acres
UNDEVELOPED 79%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 419.15 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) ...229,884
falcons for whom the reservoir was named are
often visible as they migrate between South
America and the Arctic.
The lake level is managed by the International
Boundary and Water Commission, which
protects the SRA from flooding above the 314-
foot level. TP WD leased the SRA from the com-
FALCON
STATE RECREATION AREA
FALCON
RESERVOIR
FALCON
MEXICO
TO BROWNSVILLE
242
-------
LANDING STRIP
' TRAILER
CAMP SITES
MULTI-USE
[CAMPSITES
PARK ROAD 46
ENTRANCE
BOOTH
TO sh aw
SCREENED SHELTER
RESERVOIR
PARK
BOUNDARY
ฎ HEADQUARTERS
II RESIDENCE
Fig. 2 - Site
mission in 1954, opening it to the public in 1965.
In 1974, the federal government deeded the site
to the state to be used in perpetuity for public
recreation purposes.
Starr County's 1,226 square miles support 306
businesses, with large commercial farms con-
tributing 66% to its annual income. Zapata
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 15
AREA 16,588 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $388,902
WATER Falcon Rural Water Supply
SEWER Septic
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Medina Electric Co-op.
County derives 90% of its income from beef cat-
tle. Other income sources on its 999 square miles
are tourism and oil. The area is sparsely popu-
lated and economically depressed. A combina-
tion of the economic woes of Texas and Mexico
coupled with the harsh climate has produced one
of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
The SRA is accessed by FM 2098 and PR 46,
which connect with US 83, the main highway
between Brownsville and Laredo. Land sur-
rounding the tract is used for livestock produc-
tion.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state recrea-
tion area. The SRA has its own3,000-foot asphalt
air strip which is on the National Flight Pattern.
It is rated as day-use only, having no runway
landing lights. Activities offered at the SRA in-
clude fishing, boating, swimming, camping, water
skiing, picnicking, playground, and nature study.
The 15 buildings include screened shelters, main-
tenance structures, headquarters, rest rooms,
243
-------
and a recreation hall. Rest rooms in the camping
areas have showers, and some have laundry tubs.
A recreation building accommodating up to 75
can be rented for group events.
Site improvements include paved roads and
parking area, water distribution system, aircraft
landing strip, boat ramp, dock, fish-cleaning
tables, 24 screened shelters, 31 campsites with
water, electricity, table, grill and shade shelter,
and 31 trailer sites with water, electricity, sewer
connections, table, and grill.
The 73 picnic sites have tables, grills and shade
shelters. Fifty-five of these shelters are rented as
campsites during the winter months when north-
ern tourists winter in the Rio Grande Valley.
There were 229,884 visitors in 1987, of whom
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $309,730
BUILDINGS $310,270
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $398,800
MARKET VALUE $1,018,800
APPRAISAL DATE October 27, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation and
wildlife
29,000 stayed overnight. During the winter, the
park is normally filled to capacity.
The developed portion of the recreation area
(144 acres) covers 21% of the total tract Thirty-
one percent (173.53 acres along the lakeshore)
serves as a perpetual easement for lake-level
control. The remaining 48% (245.62 acres) is
vacant
TPWD plans to continue the present use of the
property as a recreation area and wildlife refuge,
and GLO appraisers have determined that this is
its highest and best use. The reversion clause in
the deed limits use to recreation. The site is too
small to ranch economically.
As the only developed recreation area on Falcon
Reservoir, this facility serves outdoor recreation
needs from Laredo to McAllen. The property is
located in a biologically important area and ser-
ves the dual purpose of wildlife preserve and
SRA.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
244
-------
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
STARR COUNTY
Program Abstract
PREFACE
Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area consists
of fourteen units in four South Texas comities
and one county in the Trans-Pecos. (A descrip-
tion of the Ocotillo Unit in Presidio County can
be found in the TORP Region 8 volume of the
TPWD Evaluation Report. The other three
South Texas counties appear in the Region 21
volume.)
Each unit was purchased or donated to preserve
white-winged dove nesting habitat. Although
white-winged doves inhabit the southwestern
quarter of the state, 80% of their nesting occurs
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley counties of
Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy. The
Lower Valley units protect the "Eastern" white-
winged subspecies.
As early as 1940, loss of native brush was iden-
tified as the main cause of a reduction in white-
wing nesting. During the early 1950s, the doves
nested in citrus groves which had replaced their
native habitat. Unfortunately, severe freezes in
1951, 1962, and 1983 destroyed many of these
groves, further diminishing nesting environment.
TPWD now concentrates its efforts on preserving
and restoring native brush which, being resistant
to hard freezes, has proved the more reliable
nesting habitat.
Located on an important migratory bird route,
the Rio Grande Valley is one of the great birding
areas of North America. Visitors from around the
world observe exotic Mexican birds in the sum-
mer and migratory birds from Canada and
Central America in the fall and winter. Texas has
joined with the U. S. Department of the Interior
to protect the migratory and nesting habitat of
many of these species at Las Palomas and other
state facilities.
The area is a prime tourist haven, especially
catering to retirees escaping the winter cold of
northern states.
PRESENT USE
TPWD operates the WMA as a nesting refuge for
the white-winged dove and the chachalaca, a
large, pheasant-like game bird found in the U. S.
only in southern Texas. Las Palomas is an integral
part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife
Corridor, a loose confederation of federal, state,
civic, and private lands acquired as sites for res-
toration of native brush and desirable nesting
trees such as the Texas ebony, huisache, and
anacua.
The aim of the WMA is to produce nesting
habitat for 800,000 pairs of breeding doves.
TPWD records show that from the early 1970s
until 1983 the white-winged dove population
fluctuated from 500,000-700,000 breeding pairs.
In 1983, the Valley was hit with a freeze that
devastated the citrus orchards, nesting grounds
for the doves. Although restoration of native
brush and replanting of new citrus fields has been
underway since the freeze, current estimates put
the dove population at 375,000 pairs. The depart-
ment now believes it will take until the year 2000
before the goal of 800,000 pairs can be attained.
In addition to the hundreds of birds, mammals
include endangered cats such as ocelot and
jaguarundi.
The WMA covers 300.44 acres. For con-
venience, units will be evaluated on a county-by-
county basis. This report describes the two Starr
County units.
245
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
STARR COUNTY
LOCA TION - La Grulla Unit (136.07 acres) is located on
a county dirt road approximately one mile south of the
community of La Grulla.
Prieta Unit (164.37 acres) is located on a private dirt road,
just north of the Rio Grande, two miles south of US 83 and
seven miles west of Rio Grande City.
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS - The Starr County tracts cover
300.44 acres, more particularly described by deeds in
Volume 329, p. 621; Volume 332, pp. 560 and 665; Volume
340, p. 149; Volume 341, p. 162; Volume 347, p. 624; and
Volume 348, p. 125, Starr County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Terrain at La Grulla and Prieta Units is flat, with
vegetation mainly confined to native brush. Both
tracts are within flood zones.
Access to both properties is difficult and confus-
ing. Placement is deliberately away from popula-
tion centers and well-used highways. Roads in
both areas are poor and generally unmarked.
Prieta Unit lies between Roma and Rio Grande
City. La Grulla Unit can' be reached from the
community of La Grulla, three miles south of US
83, the principal route between Rio Grande City
and McAllen.
Surrounding land use is predominantly agricul-
tural in an area known for its rich soils and semi-
tropical climate. Other nearby property is
covered in native brush.
Hunting is not allowed on either of the Starr
County units.
Site improvements are minimal, limited on both
units to poor perimeter fencing and gates.
Prieta was acquired in 1970 and La Grulla in
1968, both from private sources. Neither tract
has on-site utilities.
POTENTIAL USE
TPWD plans to continue present use of the
WMA as wildlife habitat, concentrating on the
protection of the white-winged dove by expand-
ing the total acreage restored to native vegeta-
tion.
Preceding page blank
247
-------
HIDAbGO
/ oa 'WILLACY CO.
UOTT LOCATIONS
CAMERON
CXX
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Hunting is a lucrative industry in
the Rio Grande Valley and is per-
mitted on units with open areas.
Consideration was given to
recommending hunting as a
source of income on other units.
According to TP WD, however,
this activity would not be com-
patible with WMA goals on tracts
covered with native brush.
GLO appraisers find that wildlife
habitat is the highest and best use
for both Starr County units.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General land Office recom-
mends that Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department retain the subject
properties for agency operations.
TP WD plans to phase out all fanning operations
and allow currently farmed acreage to return to
native brush in accordance with its long-term
plan to manage Las Palomas as a white-winged
dove refuge.
No reversion clauses, deed restrictions, zoning,
or other encumbrances adversely affect the
marketability of the properties to a typical buyer.
Consideration of- possible real estate develop-
ment revealed, however, that the Rio Grande
Valley has been heavily impacted by the general
Texas economic slowdown. None of the subject
tracts is located in an area where a demand for
development is foreseen in the near future.
Surrounding uses, location, and physical charac-
teristics indicate that alternate use for the subject
properties is limited to agriculture and hunting.
Agricultural use was considered in some cases,
but GLO analysts believe this would be incom-
patible in the long term with TPWD and National
Wildlife Refuge goals.
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
STARR COUNTY UNITS
LLAORULLAUNTT
lnUETAUNTT
/
t
/
Fig. 2 - Site Map
248
-------
PROPERTY DATA FOR STARR COUNTY
La Grulla Unit
Prieta Unit
General Data
SIZE
136.07 acres
16437 acres
COUNTY
Starr
Starr
MUNICIPALITY
Not aoDlicable
Not atmlicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS
21/37
21/37
TORP REGION
19
19
TPWD JURISDICTION
Wildlife
Wildlife
Physical Data
ELEVATION
125 -135 ft msl
150 -155 ft msl
SLOPE
0%-l%
ฃ
00
$
o
SOILS
Rio Grande
Rio Grande
FLOODPLAIN
100%
100%
PREVAILING WIND
S-SE
S-SE
DRAINAGE
SE into Rio Grande
S into Rio Grande
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
0%
0%
AMT. DEVELOPED
0 acres
0 acres
UNDEVELOPED
100%
100%
AMT. UNDEVELOPED
136.07 acres
16437 acres
La Grulla Unit
Prieta Unit
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS
None
None
WATER
None
None
SEWER
None
None
GAS
None
None
ELECTRICITY
None
None
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
$81,643
$73,967
WATER RIGHTS
None
None
MARKETVALUE
S8L643
$73,967
APPRAISAL DATE
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
HIGHEST & BEST USE
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
249
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-------
Region 20
Preceding page blank
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-------
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 20 (COASTAL BEND)
i MCMULLEN
REFUGIO
BEE
| LIVE OAK
V 5
SAN PATRICIO
JIM
WELLS ' ' :
ARANSAS
DUVAL
> > v.
NUECES
CORPUS CHRIST!
KLEBERG
BROOKS
GULF OF
MEXICO
KENEDY
US 77
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. FULTON MANSION STATE HISTORIC 4. MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK
STRUCTURE
5. ROCKPORT REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
2. GOOSE ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA OFFICE
3. LIPANTITLAN STATE HISTORIC SITE 6. TIPS STATE RECREATION AREA
252
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Intentionally Blank Page
r
-------
REGION 20 (COASTAL BEND) covers 11,537 square miles, including the Texas coastline from Port
Mansfield to San Antonio Bay.
ECONOMY - The Gulf Coast region will soon become the fastest-growing region in the state. Region
20 park activities contribute significantly to the Gulf Coast economy. The area will continue to
experience a resurgence of the petrochemical industry and health and business services as well as the
recovering construction industry.The Gulf Coast is expected to have a 1.1% population growth and
2.0% non-agricultural job growth per year in the coming decade.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
12
1
515,865
45
389
GEOGRAPHY - Divided among South Texas Prairie and Gulf Prairies and marshes, Region 20 is
predominantly ranch and farmland with sparse settlement except for concentration around the Corpus
Christi area. Corpus Christi makes the region the fifth most populous TORP region in the state.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank'.
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
395
200,432
1,000-2,000
6th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Region 20 contains the Gulf, Laguna Madre, and bays as major
attractions and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. TPWD has five facilities
identified by the TORP as major attractions and resources. It has a fishing pier and four parks
providing saltwater and freshwater recreational opportunities, mariculture facilities, and a state
historical park. Regional resources also include the federally sponsored Padre Island National
Seashore and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi State
Recreation Area are leased properties and are not evaluated in this report.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU. Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
9
6
4,057
$61^92,207
2% 12%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 20 will be for trails, swimming facilities, playgrounds, and boat ramps. Saltwater fishing and
swimming facilities have the highest user occasions of resource-based recreational activities.
253
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FULTON MANSION
STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE
LOCATION - Fulton Mansion State Historic Structure
(SHS) is located on the comer of Fulton Beach Road and
Henderson Street in Fulton, Aransas County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 2.32 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 211, p. 201, and
Volume 236, p. 139, Aransas County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Fulton Mansion State Historic Structure pre-
serves the home of George Ware Fulton, one of
the most imaginative and talented figures in coas-
tal Texas history. Fulton was an engineer, inven-
tor, cattle baron, and entrepreneur. Oakhurst,
the mansion he built on Aransas Bay in 1877, is a
classic example of. French Second Empire ar-
chitecture.
Born in Philadelphia, Fulton came to Texas
during the Republic and served as a draftsman in
the General Land Office. After marriage to Miss
Harriet Smith, daughter of a Provisional Gover-
nor of Texas, he moved back east to Baltimore,
where he became a reporter for the Baltimore
Sun. Between 1851 and 1867, he built railroads
and bridges in the east and for a time was as-
sociated with the designer of the Brooklyn
Bridge.
Deaths in his wife's family left Mrs. Fulton
heiress to considerable wealth in Texas. In 1868
Fulton moved his family back to the Coastal Bend
to oversee her interests. There he ran cattle
ranches and founded the town which bears his
name.
General Data
SIZE. 2.32 acres
COUNTY Aransas
MUNICIPALITY ....fulton
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18/33
TORP REGION. 20
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank
255
-------
Fig. 1 - Location
FULTON MANSION
STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE
ARANSAS COUNTY
HOUSTON
SAN ANTONIO
SITE
SH35
ARANSAS
PASS
CORPUS
CHRISTI
GULF
OF
MEXICO
Oakhurst, with its characteristic mansard roof,
was constructed mainly from materials shipped
in from New Orleans or the East Coast. Rock-
port at that time was a major seaport, rivaling
Galveston in importance.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 0- 10ft.msl
SLOPE 0% - 5%
SOILS Galveston-Mustang
Association
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND E-SE
DRAINAGE Into Aransas Bay
The engineering of the house was remarkable for
its time. Basement walls are of poured and
precast tabby (concrete blocks with native
seashell as aggregate). Built to withstand hur-
ricane-force winds, the upper walls are formed by
stacking and spiking 1x5 pine planks on top of one
another to form a solid wall. The floors are the
same, as if a wall were laid horizontally on the
ground. A gas plant in the rear supplied fuel for
the chandeliers.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 2.32 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0 acres
VISITATION (FY ,87) 28,875
Cisterns in the basement stored water, which was
then pumped into a tank in the tower to be
gravity-fed to bathrooms with flush toilets and
bathtubs. An early form of central heat flowed
through flues and vents throughout the building
from a cast-iron furnace. Hot air was piped into
the laundry room to dry clothes hung on wooden
racks. In the larder, water was circulated through
concrete troughs to cool the perishable food. A
256
-------
dumbwaiter connected the basement kitchen to
the dining room.
The house was luxuriously decorated, and visitors
can still see the lace-edged linen sheets and the
Renaissance Revival furniture used by the Ful-
tons.
TPWD has designed the grounds to reflect a late
Victorian landscape, using flowers known to be
favorites of the Fulton family. Paths, beds, and
shrubs as well as palm and live oak trees border
the lawn.
Prior to purchase by TPWD, the derelict mansion
was the center of a mobile home park surrounded
by tourist courts, trailer parks, and some large,
older homes in poor condition. Recently the area
has been revitalized by the restoration of the old
homes; up-scale condominiums, residences, and
commercial businesses now dominate the area.
The mansion faces Aransas Bay and the drive that
follows the water's edge from Rockport to the
Copano Bay Bridge.
Aransas County bases its economy on tourism,
fishing, shrimping, oil production, refining, and
ship building. The site is approximately five
miles north of Rockport and 30 miles north of
Corpus Christi.
Access is via SH 35, principal route between
Aransas Pass and Fulton.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 5,846 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 06
DEPRECIATED. 28%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $420,532
WATER City of Fulton
SEWER City of Fulton
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Central Power & Ught Co.
COPANO
FULTON
ROCKPORT V...
TO COPANO BAY BRIDGE
SITE
ARANSAS BAY
FULTON BEACH ROAD
MOTEL COMPLEX
NANCY ANN STREET
HENDERSON STREET
1. FULTON MANSION
2. VISITOR PARKING
SITE BOUNDARY
Fig. 2 - Site
257
-------
USE
ve an historic
jg and its con-
.d by volunteer
unity.
& Values
LAND $202,196
BUILDINGS $305,165
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $52,458
MARKET VALUE $559,819
APPRAISAL DATE May 15, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The mansion has been developed by TP WD staff
under the Historic Sites and Restoration Pro-
gram adopted in 1973. This program, funded by
a share of the cigarette tax, is dedicated to
preserving the cultural heritage of the state. All
properties are protected under the Texas Antiq-
uities Code.
Buildings include the mansion and a main-
tenance building. Site improvements consist of
landscaping, paved parking, fencing, sidewalks,
water well, pump, and pumphouse.
There are no reversion clauses, deed restrictions,
leases, or other encumbrances that adversely af-
fect the marketability of the property. The site is
not zoned, but typical utility easements are in
place.
TP WD plans to continue present use as a state
historic structure with no major changes or
modifications.
Alternate uses considered for the site included a
residence, office, or museum. The GLO ap-
praiser finds, however, that in view of the unique
quality of the structure, the current use as a state
historic structure is the highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
property for agency operations.
258
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GOOSE ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Goose Island State Recreaton Area (SUA) is
located on Lamar Peninsula 12 miles northeast of Rockport,
Aransas County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers approximately
314 acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume P-2,
pp. 236, 247, 249, 303, 316, 320, 330, 369, 371, 372, and 603;
and Volume W-3, p. 610, Aransas County Deed Records.
(No deed information exists for the original ISO acres con-
veyed to TPWD in 1931 by act of the 42nd Legislature through
H.C.R. #43. A legal description is available in Volume 2,
p. 36, Aransas County Plat Records.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located at the confluence of Aransas, Copano,
and St. Charles Bays, Goose Island SRA is a
long-time favorite of campers and fishers.
Speckled trout, redfish, drum, flounder, sheeps-
head, crab, and oysters are among the great
variety of sea fauna in the SRA waters. The site
is a major put-in point for fishing boats along the
Intracoastal Waterway north of Aransas Bay.
The SRA is notable as the site of Texas' largest
coastal live oak tree, with a trunk over 35 feet in
circumference and thought to be over 1,000 years
old.
The tract covers the former townsite of the
vanished port city of Lamar, settled by members
of the Refugio Colony during the days of the
Republic of Texas. Lamar survived until
destroyed by Union bombardment during the
Civil War, after serving as an important Con-
federate blockade runners' port and the site of a
munitions factory.
General Data
SIZE. 314 acres
COUNTY Aransas
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 18136
TORP REGION. 20
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The property sits partially on the mainland and
partially on a sandy ridge that is the remnant of
an ancient barrier island separated from the
259
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Fig. 1 - Location
TO
TIVOU
HOUSTON
SAN ANTONIO
PR 13
ARANSAS
BAY
GOOSE ISLAND
STATE RECREATION AREA
CORPUS
CHRISTI
MEXICO
mainland by a series of bays and lagoons. For
descriptive purposes, the site has been divided
into two portions.
Parcel A (164 acres) is located on the main-
land and contains a mixture of three
ecological community types: live oak-red-
bay woodland, coastal prairie, and wet in-
land meadow.
Parcel B (150 acres) is located on the island
and also contains three ecological types:
tidal salt marshes, saline flats, and
grasslands.
Migrating songbirds, especially warblers on the
way to and from South America in spring and
autumn, are seasonal residents in woodland
areas. The island and shallow waters of the bay
are important habitat for resident and migrating
waterfowl and wading birds.
Some of the most commonly observed small
mammals include fox squirrel, raccoon, striped
skunk, opossum, and armadillo. White-tailed
deer, coyote, bobcat, and grey fox have also been
observed.
The property is accessed from SH 35, a route
between Houston and Corpus Christi, onto Park
Road 13, which serves the SRA.
Physical Data
ELEVATION. 0 -15 ft msl
SLOPE 0%-3%
SOILS. Gatveston-Mustang Assoc.
FLOODPLAIN Zone A, B, and C
PREVAILING WIND SE
DFiAINAGE. S Into Aransas Bay &
St Charles Bay
260
-------
Adjoining land uses consist of vacant, un-
developed acreage, residential subdivisions,
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 9
AREA 10,514 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 27%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $356,390
WATER On-site water system
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Central Power & Ught Company
bayfront lots, and a small marina. Gearing of
woodland understory for vacation house
development is occurring immediately adjacent
to the SRA.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the subject site as a state recrea-
tion area. Its diverse natural history, the state
champion live oak tree, and intense resource-
based recreation combine to make it one of the
most popular SRAs in the system, with almost
379,000 visitors in 1987. Of these, 58,000 were
overnight campers.
Original park improvements were made by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Build-
ing improvements include a residence, building
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 52 %
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 164 acres
UNDEVELOPED 48%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 150 acres
BUILDABLE AREA None
VISITATION (FY '87) 378,834
headquarters station, service complex, recrea-
tion hall, and five rest rooms (four with showers).
Site improvements include paved roadways, 127
camp sites, 29 picnic sites, on-site water system
(with the lamar community water system as a
backup), two sewage treatment dump stations,
PR 13
PR 13
MULTI-USE CAMPING
REST ROOM
TENT CAMPING
PARCEL A
RESIDENCE
TRAIL
MAIN ROADS
PARK BOUNDARY
ST. CHARLES BAY
FBHINO PIER
ARANSAS BAY
PARCEL B
Fig. 2 - Site
261
-------
hike and bike trails, nature trails, sidewalks, boat
ramp, dock, fish-cleaning area, entrance, bridge,
lighted fishing pier, bulkheading, fencing, flag-
pole, and paved parking.
The nearby Lamar peninsula community does
not have zoning restrictions. Various oil and gas
pipelines and utility easements cross the proper-
ty-
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $442,400
BUILDINGS $261,845
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,866,485
MARKET VALUE $2,570,730
APPRAISAL DATE February 18, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The tract's original 150 acres (acquired in 1931
through House Concurrent Resolution #43) are
restricted to use as parkland. Four of the deeds
to the remaining 164 acres (purchased from
private owners between 1935 and 1985) contain
reversion clauses. Federal Coastal Zone environ-
mental regulations also limit development of the
site.
TPWD plans to continue operation of the
property as a state recreation area. GLO ap-
praisers find the present use of the property as a
state recreation area to be the highest and best
use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
262
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LIPANTITLAN STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Lipantitlan State Historic Site (SHS) is
located on County Road 101, eight miles east-northeast of
Orange Grove and 31 miles northwest of Corpus Christi, in
Nueces County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers approximately
five acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume
342, p. 162, Nueces County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject tract lies in the vicinity of a mud fort,
established by Mexico in 1831 on the site of an
abandoned Lipan Apache village to deter
American immigration. Known as Fort Lipantit-
lan, the primitive structure was captured in 1835
by a group of volunteers led by Ira Westover in
one of the first battles of the Texas Revolution.
The Texans used the site as a camp for the First
Battalion of Texas Volunteers. In 1842, during
Republic of Texas days, James Davis com-
manded the camp and with 192 men repulsed a
Mexican attack intended to retake Texas for
Santa Ana.
All traces of these three historic facilities disap-
peared long ago, and it is not known for certain
where the Indian village, Mexican fort, and Texas
camp were actually located. An historical marker
dating from the Texas Centennial celebration
(1936) memorializes them on the subject proper-
ty-
General Data
SIZE. 5 acres
COUNTY Nueces
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
REP/SEN DISTRICTS. 20134
TORP REGION. 20
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The SHS is located in the northernmost point of
Nueces County near the Nueces River. Vegeta-
tion is limited to mesquite trees and native grass-
es.
263
-------
LIPANTITLAN
STATE HISTORIC SITE
JM WELLS
COUNTY
NUECES
COUNTY
ORANGE GROVE
NUECES
RIVER
FM<24
JIM WELLS
COUNTY
Fig. 1 - Location & Site Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 55 - 60 ft. msl
SLOPE 0%-5%
SOILS Miguel fine sandy loam
FLOODPLAIN NE corner-100 yr.
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE N to Nueces River
Access is via an unnumbered, paved road which
dead-ends at the property line. This unnum-
bered road doglegs off of FM 70, approximately
five miles north of FM 624, a main road between
Orange Grove and Corpus Christi.
Surrounding land uses in this area of Nueces
County and adjoining Jim Wells County are typi-
cally agricultural, with some rural, residential
subdivisions. A dairy operation is located
northwest of the property. Just southeast of the
site is a 10-to- 15-year-old, small-tract ranchette
development.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the property as a day-use park,
offering picnicking as its sole activity. Improve-
ments include the granite marker erected in 1936
and six picnic tables on concrete pads. Caliche
roads allow vehicles to drive within the site.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 5 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 5 acres
VISITATION Unrecorded
Ray Miller's "Texas Parks" (Cordovan Press,
1984, p. 202) states of this facility that "it is not
worth going out of your way to see. It is not easy
to find, either." The facility is not staffed and no
attendance records are kept A ranger from Lake
Corpus Christi comes once a week to mow the
grass.
264
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
The site was donated to the state in 1937 by the
pioneer Bluntzer family to be used as a public
park and designated the J. C. Bluntzer Memorial
Lipantitlan Park. The State Board of Control
turned the property over to TPWD in 1949.
Utility easements are typical of those in the area.
A reversion clause in the original deed states that
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $15,000 (if unrestricted)
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $450 (if unrestricted)
MARKET VALUE $15,450 (if unrestricted)
APPRAISAL DATE March 25, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
the property is to be maintained as a public park
or revert to the original owners or their heirs.
TPWD plans to maintain the site as a state park
for day-use recreation.
The GLO appraiser finds that, if there were no
reversion clause, the highest and best use of the
property would be country ranchette develop-
ment. Even though market activity is slow,
ranchette tracts are in demand because the loca-
tion is within commuting distance of Corpus
Christi.
However, since the reversion clause is in place
and in view of the property's small size and lack
of facilities, GLO finds the present use ap-
propriate.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
265
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK
LOCATION - Mustang Island State Park (SP) is located on
Mustang Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico
between North Padre Island and Saint Joseph's Island, in
Nueces County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 3,703.59 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 1,704, pp. 723
and 727, and Volume 1,447, p. 769, Nueces County Deed
Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
One of the chain of barrier islands which lies
between the mainland and the open waters of the
Gulf of Mexico, Mustang Island was named for
the herds of wild horses which once thrived on its
grassy flatlands. The island extends north of
Padre Island between Corpus Christi and Aran-
sas Pass. The state park on the island provides
5.5 miles of beach as well as bayside areas for
public use and recreation and encompasses a
complex collection of ecological zones: dunes,
beaches, tidal flats, and marshes.
The property occupies the southern end of the
island and includes Corpus Christi Pass within its
borders as well as an unnamed water exchange
pass. It is intersected by Park Road 53, which
runs the length of the park parallel to the beach.
For descriptive purposes, the tract has been
divided into three parcels.
Parcel A (1,296.256 acres) encompasses the coas-
tal beach and dunes from the gulf to Park Road
53, excluding the submerged areas of Corpus
Christi Pass and the water exchange pass. This
parcel has approximately 27,000 feet of gulf
frontage and 26,900 feet of road frontage. Ter-
rain consists of level gulf beach dunes and coastal
prairie.
General Data
SIZE 3,703.59 acres
COUNTY. Nueces
MUNICIPALITY. City of Corpus Christi
STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS 20134-36
TORP REGION 20
TPWD JURISDICTION. Parks
Preceding page blank
267
-------
MUSTANG ISLAND
STATE PARK
TO PORT ARANSAS
NUECES COUNTY
PARK ROAD S3
SH77
GULP OF MEXICO
PARK
ROAD
IH37
SAN JOSE
ISLAND
CORPUS
CHRISTI
PADRE ISLAND
Fig. 1 - Location
Parcel B (1,185.148 acres) extends northwest
from Park Road 53 and has 23,800 feet of
frontage on Park Road 53. Like Parcel A, it
excludes the submerged areas of the passes. Ter-
rain is level coastal prairie.
Parcel C (1,222.184 acres) covers the remaining
area between Parcel B and Corpus Christi Bay,
including the submerged lands of the two passes.
Terrain is low-lying wetlands or marsh inundated
during high tides.
The park is home to ground squirrels, gophers,
grasshopper mice, rats, rabbits, opossums, rac-
coons, skunks, armadillos, coyotes, snakes, and
lizards. Plants include cattails, bulrushes, sedges,
grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Marine and water bird
populations are abundant.
North Padre and Mustang Islands are linked to
each other and the mainland by Park Roads 53
and 22 (Kennedy Causeway). Padre Island Na-
tional Seashore is 14 miles south of the subject
property, and Port Aransas pass 14 miles north.
(The intersection two miles south of the subject
tract of these two arterials and nearby Packeiy
Channel will be the focal point of a major planned
resort.)
Physical Data
ELEVATION 0-30ftmsl
SLOPE 0%-5%
SOILS Mustang fine sand
FLOODPLA1N Zones V-14 &A-13
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Variable, Northwest
Mustang Island is a major tourist area. Its con-
dominiums, restaurants, and vacation cottages
are supported by visitors drawn to the 67J5 miles
of beach in the nearby national seashore as well
as state and county parks and open beaches front-
ing private lands.
268
-------
The subject property is bordered by undeveloped
private holdings. Beachfront condominium
development begins sporadically about 1.5 miles
northwest of the park and bayside development
six miles further north.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD utilizes the property as a state park, offer-
ing swimming, sunbathing, camping, picnicking,
and fishing. La 1987, visitors numbered 912,372,
of whom 40,947 stayed overnight. The property
was acquired from private owners in 1972.
Buildings include two residences, headquarters,
service complex, two rest rooms, and equipment
storage building. Site improvements include
paved roads and parking, 48 camp sites, 68 picnic
sites, 10 beach showers, fencing, sewage dump
station, underground fuel storage, entrance gate
and booth, and flagpole. Typical pipeline and
utility easements are in place.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 10%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 348.1 acres
UNDEVELOPED 90%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 3,355.49 acres
BUILDABLE AREA.... (unable to determine due to
wetlands)
VISITATION (FY '85) 935,802
TPWD plans to continue the present use of the
site, providing public beach recreational oppor-
tunities and protecting over five miles of un-
developed coastal barrier area. A program to
enhance and develop the water bird nesting
habitat at the park is planned for the near future.
MAIN ROAD
PARK BOUNDARY
CAMPING
RESIDENCE
CONVENIENCE STATION
PARK ROAD 53
BEACH CAMPING
GULF OF MEXICO
PARCEL A (129&256 ACRES)
PARCEL B (1185.148 ACRES)
PARCEL C (1221184 ACRES)
Fig. 2 Site
269
-------
Groups opposed to the Packery Channel project
have suggested the development of an alternate
boat channel at Corpus Christi Pass, Fish Pass, or
Newport Pass. (Newport Pass is just south of the
park, Corpus Christi and Fish Passes within the
park borders.)
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BUILDINGS 10,548 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 9%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $704,405
WATER City of Corpus ChristI
SEWER City of Corpus Christi
GAS City of Corpus Christi
ELECTRICITY Central Power and Ught Co.
The property is zoned "park" by the City of Cor-
pus Christi and is included in the Mustang-Padre
Island Area Development Plan, a comprehensive
plan developed by the city. TTiis plan seeks to
preserve the integrity and dynamics of the islands
through direction of commercial development
and calls for low-density residential use (one unit
per acre) for non-wetland areas abutting Parcels
B and C. Currently vacant beachfront on both
sides of Parcel A is set aside for high-density
residential development (over three stories and
having a maximum FAR of 1.0).
Eighty percent of the parkland between the bay
and the road is in the tidal marsh or tidal flat area
classified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
as wetlands. The Corps has the power to restrict
land use on those designated wetlands. The
park's dime system is outside of U.S. government
jurisdiction but provides storm surge protection
to the mainland during hurricanes.
In view of the park's multiple functions (recrea-
tion, flood protection, and wetlands manage-
ment) and the ample amounts of competing,
undeveloped, and planned resort lands on Mus-
tang Island, GLO appraisers find that its highest
and best use is a state park. If surrounding areas
were to become more intensely developed, or if
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $57,137,109
BUILDINGS $641,013
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $394,353
MARKET VALUE $58,172,500
APPRAISAL DATE. March 2, 1987
HIGHEST & BEST USE Recreation
either Fish or Corpus Christi Pass were to be
chosen for the development of a boat channel,
commercial development of portions of the
property could be considered.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
property for agency operations at this time.
270
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ROCKPORT REGIONAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE
LOCATION - Rockport Regional Law Enforcement Office
is located at 715 Bronte Street, Rockport, Aransas County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers .69 acres (ap-
proximately 30,000 square feet), more particularly described
by deed in Volume E, p. 272, Aransas County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is the site of Regional
Headquarters for TPWD's Parks Division and
Wildlife Division and serves also as a field office
for the Law Enforcement Division. These offices
serve an area of south Texas covering 38,000
square miles.
The tract consists of four lots on the northeast
corner of a city block bordered on the north by
Bay Street and on the east by Bronte Street (SH
35 bypass), a main artery connecting Rockport to
Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass to the south.
The tract has 200 feet of frontage on Bronte and
150 feet on Bay.
Rockport, an active tourist resort, is well-known
for its artists' colony, crescent beach on Aransas
Bay, active fishing business, and shrimp fleet. The
area has a large winter population of Winter
Texans or "Snow Birds" from the north who come
here to escape cold winters.
A few landscaping shrubs and live oak trees grow
on the property, which is typical of highway
frontage property in Rockport It is located in
Flood Zone C, a minimal flooding area.
General Data
SIZE. 69 acres
COUNTY Aransas
MUNICIPALITY .Rockport
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 18136
TORP REGION. 20
TPWD JURISDICTION....- Law Enforcement
271
-------
HOUSTON
SAN ANTONIO
ARANSAS COUNTY
ROCKPORT
REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE
CORPUS
CHRISTI
GULF
Fig. 1 - Location
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Physical Data
TP WD houses personnel for its Parks, Wildlife,
ELEVATION 10-1511 msl and Law Enforcement Divisions on the subject
SLOPE 0% - 3% site. The TPWD Marine Fisheries Laboratory is
SOILS Qalveston-Mustang Assoc. located nearby at the town harbor on 39 acre
FLOODPLAIN Flood Zone C leased from the Aransas County Navigation Dis-
PREVAILING WIND SE trict
DRAINAGE Into street
Surrounding land uses include business and com-
mercial sites such as offices, a laundry service,
convenience stores, and undeveloped lots. Much
of the area on minor traffic arteries is residential.
The town is gradually redeveloping its older sec-
tions in small businesses that cater to tourism.
Commercial activity associated with the U.S.
Naval Homeport Project in nearby Ingleside is
becoming a strong support to the local economy.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 688 acre
UNDEVELOPED... 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED Oacre
BUILDABLE AREA. 30,000 sq. ft
VISITATION Not applicable
272
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDINGS 3,255 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 5%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $106,677
WATER City of Rockport
SEWER City of Rockport
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Central Power & Light Company
Improvements to the subject property consist of
a one-story masonry office building, an asphalt
parking lot, a flagpole, and a chain link fence.
TP WD acquired the property by purchase in 1964
from a private citizen. It is zoned B-l, general
business, and has typical utility easements in
place. No deed restrictions affect disposition of
sh as
SH3S
FULTOl
ROCKPORT
'BAY
FM881
SITE
TPWD MARINE FISHERIES
LABORATORY
ARANSAS BAY
SH 35
FM70
Fig. 2 - Site
the site, which TPWD plans to continue in its
present use.
Highest and best use is identified as office use or
general business use. GLO appraisers consider
the property above average because of its good
location on a main highway.
Appraisal Data & Values
[[[ {60^ 000
BUILDINGS. $106,677
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $33,250
MARKET VALUE $199,927
-------
BAY STREET
FUQUA
STREET
MORGAN STREET
n
SITE
BAY STREET
7
SH 35/
BRONTE
STREET
LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE
J 01
Fig. 3 Site
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
274
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
TIPS STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Tips State Recreation Area (SRA) is located
on SH 72, .5 mile west of Three Rivers, Live Oak County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 31.3 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 123, p. 326,
Live Oak County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Tips State Recreation Area (SRA) provides the
public with picnic, camping, volleyball, and fish-
ing facilities, with an attached wildlife preserve
on the Frio River. The SRA was deeded to the
state in 1925 by the Tips family, with the under-
standing that it would be known as Charles Tips
State Park. It was leased in 1965 to the City of
Three Rivers, which currently manages it The
SRA is generally popular during white bass
season, but during most of the year, visitation is
confined to local residents. A tourist guide book
states that the SRA "is neither very attractive nor
very well maintained."
The property is separated into two parcels by SH
72. Parcel A (12.3 acres), south of SH 72, is
developed and open to the public. Parcel B (19
acres), north of the highway, is undeveloped and
unused. Parcel B is subject to flooding from the
Frio River and shares the erosion problems
which constantly plague the City of Three Rivers.
There is no floodplain determination for Parcel
B because it is outside the city limits in a part of
live Oak County which does not participate in
the Federal Emergency Management Ad-
ministration.
General Data
SIZE. 31.3 acres
COUNTY Uve Oak
MUNICIPALITY J4ot applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 21/45
TORP REGION. 20
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
live oak, elm, and small stands of mes quite along
with native brush are the principal flora. live
Oak County bases its economy on oil activities
275
-------
hps
STATE RECREATION AREA
TO %
SAN ANTONIO
SITE
FRIO
RIVER
RIVERS
IH 37
US x
281
CORPUS
CHRJSTI
Fig. 1 Location Map
and agribusiness. Principal crops are milo, cot-
ton, corn, wheat, and hay, with beef cattle and
Physical Data
ELEVATION 215 - 230 ft. msl
SLOPE 5%-15%
SOILS Slnton clay loams & Odem
fine sandy loams
FLOODPLA1N 33%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE E Into Frio River
hogs also prominent. Three Rivers (population
2,177) is supported by refineries and a boat fac-
tory.
The site is accessed via SH 72, which connects,
three miles east of Three Rivers, with IH 37,
principal route between Corpus Christi and San
Antonio.
Adjoining land uses are primarily agricultural
with some industrial use on the eastern (op-
posite) bank of the Frio River.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
The City of Three Rivers operates the subject site
as a recreation area (Parcel A) and wildlife
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 39.3%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 12.3 acres
UNDEVELOPED 60.7%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 19 acres
BUILDABLE ACRES 0
VISITATION Not available
preserve (Parcel B). According to city sources,
Parcel B is closed to the public because of
problems with poachers.
276
-------
Parcel A contains the tract's only building, a rest
room. Site improvements include nine recrea-
tional vehicle hook-ups, a .25-mile caliche road,
and 28 tables with grills.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 1
AREA OF BUILDING 441 sq.ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST $3,898
WATER City
SEWER City
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Central Power and Light Co.
The city paid $1 in July 1965 as the total due for
the entire 99-year period of the lease. The site is
not subject to any known easements.
TPWD projected use of the site is to continue
operation as a unit of the state park system.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $62,600
BUILDINGS. $2,221
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $8,960
MARKET VALUE $73,781
APPRAISAL DATE. December 16, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The GLO appraiser finds that recreation is the
best use for the site. Sixty percent of the site is
undeveloped but has little productive value at the
present time because of its topography and flood-
ing from the meandering Frio River.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Deparment retain the
subject property for agency operations.
1. REST ROOM
2. MULTI-USE COURT
3. RIVER DAM
FRIO RIVER -L*- '
SH 72
PARKING
PARCEL B
ID
PARCEL
Fig. 2 Parcel & Site Map
277
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Region 21
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 21 (LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY)
HIDALGO
WILLACY
US 281
US 77
McALLEN
3*
CAMERON
BROWNSVILLE
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. ARROYO COLORADO STATE RECREATION AREA
2. BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK
3. LAS PALO MAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
CAMERON CO., HIDALGO CO., WILLACY CO.
4. OLMITO STATE FISH HATCHERY
5. PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC
STRUCTURE
6. RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK
280
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
REGION 21 (LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY) covers 3,063 square miles at the southernmost tip
of Texas.
ECONOMY - Region 21 (along with three other TORP regions) makes up the economic area known
as the Border. This area has led the state in growth during the latter part of the 1980s due to the oil
and real estate recessions in other areas and the success of the inaqiiiladora (twin plants) concept
The Border area will maintain a better-than-average annual expansion, projected as 1.7% population
growth annually and 2.2% non-agricultural job growth. Recovery in the coming decade will be led by
manufacturing, supplies, and transportation for the twin plants.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
3
2
637,959
208
115
GEOGRAPHY - A combination of South Texas plains and Gulf prairies and marshes, Region 21 is a
rich agricultural center dependent on irrigation from the Rio Grande. Despite its agricultural basis,
it is the fifth most populous TORP region, with concentration around the McAllen/Edinburg/Mission
and Brownsville/Harlingen areas.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
470
73,212
>2,000
19th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - All five of the TP WD recreation facilities are listed among the
14 facilities termed major attractions and resources by the TORP in this region. Approximately 10%
of the resources in Region 21 is considered developed recreational land. The main regional attractions
are saltwater related and concentrated on South Padre Island.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
8
6
3,323
$5,921,873
l%/5%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the need for recreational facilities by 1995 in Region 21
will be primarily for athletic and playground facilities, followed by fishing and water-related facilities.
The latter are typical TP WD coastal amenities.
281
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
ARROYO COLORADO
STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION - Arroyo Colorado State Recreation Area
(SRA) is located 2,600 feet north of FM 2925, seven miles
tost of Rio Hondo, Cameron County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 472.81 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 1,142, p. 227,
Cameron County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Arroyo Colorado State Recreation Area is an
undeveloped tract of native brush that is current-
ly leased out for grazing. It was purchased in 1979
to help preserve the endangered native thorn
woodlands ecological region of the Rio Grande
Valley. TPWD plans to develop the tract for
recreational use while expanding its role as a
nature preserve.
Bordered on three sides by the meandering Ar-
royo Colorado, the site is irregularly shaped and
flat. Vegetation consists of native trees and brush
including huisache, hackberry, bluewood,
lotebush, wild olive, Texas persimmon, common
mesquite, and cedar elm. Native weeds and gras-
ses associated with wooded areas also grow in the
area. Endangered fauna in the park include
ocelots and black-bellied whistling ducks.
Cameron County is one of the state's leading
counties in total farm income with an economy
based on fruit, vegetables, seafood processing,
fishing, shipping, tourism, agribusiness, and
manufacturing.
General Data
SIZE 472.81 acres
COUNTY. Cameron
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SENfREP DISTRICTS 7/39
TORP REGION 21
TPWD JURISDICTION. Parks
The site is approximately ten miles northeast of
the Rio Grande Valley International Airport
Access at present is by a dirt road, impassable in
wet weather. FM 2925, approximately one-half
mile south of the park site, connects via SH106
Preceding page blank
283
-------
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Physical Data
ELEVATION 10-15 Urns!
SLOPE 2% -5%
SOILS .... Raymondville clay loam, Harllngen clay
FLOODPLAIN 40%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE N and W Into Arroyo Colorado
to US 77, the main route between Harlingen
(population 43,543), about 12 miles to the south-
west, and Brownsville (population 84,997), 13
miles further south.
TPWD plans to develop the site as a state park
with recreational uses such as hunting, fishing,
and camping. No date has been set for master
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 472.81 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
Land uses surrounding the park consist of planning the park; and in the interim, it is the
agricultural operations to the north, south, and intention of TPWD to continue to lease out the
west, with native brush to the east. land for grazing.
ARROYO COLORADO
STATE RECREATION AREA
CAMERON
COUNTY
SITE
GULF OF
MEXICO
RIO GRANDE RIVER
BROWNSVILLE
Buildings on the property include a
deteriorated, vacant house and a
partially useable barn. Old cattle
pens and an entrance gate are the
only site improvements on the
property. Because of their condi-
tion, neither the buildings nor the
site improvements were assigned a
value by the appraiser. (The tract
thus was appraised as 100% vacant
and unimproved.)
At the time of appraisal, the
property was under a two-year
grazing lease that expired January
31,1988. The term of the lease con-
sisted of an annual fee of $4,500
with a grazing limit not to exceed
five acres per animal unit A new
grazing lease was signed in April
1989.
The site was acquired from a
private owner in 1979. Easements
are typical of the area and there is
no reversion clause in the deed.
The tract is unzoned.
Fig. 1 - Location
284
-------
Fig. 2 - Site
SITE
PASO
REAL
PM 2925
TO
K1NGSVILLE
SH106
WILLACY COUNTY
ARROYO COLORADO
RIO HONDO
HARLINGEN
CAMERON COUNTY
SAN
UST7
TO BROWNSVIU-E
GLO appraisers find the highest and best use of
the subject property is grazing and recreation.
An abundant supply of stock water and the rela-
tively undisturbed native brush make the area
ideal for cattle grazing. The extensive frontage
along the arroyo is well suited for recreational
uses.
To maintain a lasting income stream, TP WD
should continue the grazing leases as long as this
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BLDGS Not given
DEPRECIATED Not given
RECONSTRUCTION COST. Not given
WATER None
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY None
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $550,000
BUILDINGS. *0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $550,000
APPRAISAL DATE May 11, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation, wildlife
habitat
use is compatible with the future recreational
development of the property.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
285
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS A WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BENTSEN - RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK
LOCATION - Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley State Park (SP)
is located at the southern terminus of FM2062, approximately
seven miles southwest of Mission, in Hidalgo County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers approximately
587.73 acres, more particularly described by deeds in Volume
768, pp. 269-272, Hidalgo County deed records.
of old river beds which have remained filled with
water after the river has changed its course.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
This scenic tract adjacent to the Rio Grande in
extreme South Texas is widely known as a base
for viewing rare flora and fauna. It is one of the
last natural cat and bird refuges in Texas and is
home to the ocelot and jaguarundi, and birds
unique to the southern United States. Species
include Alta Mira's oriole, pauraque, groove-
billed ani, green jay, Kiskadee flycatcher, red-
billed pigeon, elf owl, and chachalaca. The park
is considered a major, world-class bird sanctuary.
Trees typical of sub-tropical ecosystems such as
mesquite, ebony, wild olive, retama, huisache,
Rio Grande ash, colima, granjena, and gum tree,
are common. An unusually high 85% of the
property remains in its native state.
The park contains two oxbow lakes and lies en-
tirely within the 100-year floodplain. Oxbow
lakes, also known as resacas, are curved sections
General Data
SIZE. 587.73 acres
COUNTY Hidalgo
MUNICIPALITY Hot applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. ~~27/41
TORP REGION. 21
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Organized in 1852 from Cameron and Starr
Counties, Hidalgo County was named for
Mexican revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y
Costillo. Today the county is aprime agricultural
area and winter resort known for its mild climate
(attractive to the retired), fishing, hunting, tourist
Preceding page blank
287
-------
industry, and access to adjacent Mexico. Impor-
tant crops include cotton, grain, citrus, sugar
cane, vegetables, and cattle.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 110- 115fLmsl
SLOPE Level to slight
SOILS Rio Grande, Matamoros
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE East to northeast
The McAllen metropolitan area, some 14 to 20
miles northeast of the park, is the eighth largest
in Texas and is populated every winter by a large
influx of seasonal visitors, both American and
Mexican. Providing for the needs of these
travelers is a major local industry.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 15%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 88.16 acres
UNDEVELOPED 85%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED.. 499.57 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 310,951
From US 83 (the major Mission-McAllen-Har-
lingen-Brownsville highway), access to the park
is west from Mission for about two miles on Loop
374 to FM 2062. Two and one-half miles further
south on FM 2062 is Park Road 43, an internal
facility road.
The park is bordered on the north by the Inter-
national Boundary Water Commission Levee
and on the south by private property and the
BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY
STATE PARK
USUI
STARR
COUNTY
/MISSION
PM492
MISSION
LOOP *74
MeAU-EN MEXICO
HARUNOEN
- RIOORANDE
Fig. 1 Site
288
-------
HIKING TRAIL
..
PARK BOUNDARIES
PARK ROAD
HEADQUARTERS
ฆ
REST ROOMS
~
SCOUT AREA
OXBOW LAKE
PARK ROAD 43
TO MISSION
FM 2062
frr
OXBOW
PRIVATE
RIO GRANDE -^\ \ PROPER'
MEXICO
Fig. 2 - Site
Republic of Mexico across the Rio Grande. Sur-
rounding land is used to grow vegetables, citrus
fruits, cotton, sorghum, and sugar cane.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a nature refuge
and recreation area. Primary activities include
picnicking, hiking, boating, camping, bird-watch-
ing, fishing, photography, and nature study. Sing-
ing Chaparral Nature Trail, 1.5 miles in length,
has informational stops that correspond to a park
brochure. The 1.8-mile Rio Grande Hiking Trail
allows visitors to experience South Texas brush-
land, the Rio Grande, and the old oxbow lakes.
Buildings include headquarters, residence, open
shelter, equipment storage shed, shop and main-
tenance building, volatile building, and three rest
rooms. Site improvements include roads and
parking areas, sewage and water systems, 142
camping sites, boat ramp, fish dean-out, and
playground.
TPWD bought the property in 1944 for one dollar
from late Lloyd Bentsen senior and other mem-
bers of the Bentsen family, on condition that it be
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF B UILDINGS 9
AREA OF BUILDINGS 11,412 sq. ft
RECONSTRUCTION COST $216,953
WATER LaJoya Water Supply Co.
SEWER On-site treatment plant
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Central Power A Light Company
289
-------
maintained and operated as Bentsen-Rio
Grande Valley State Park. Should the state cease
to do so, title would revert to the original owners.
Mineral rights are owned by the state. The site is
zoned rural - agricultural.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $530,640
BUILDINGS. $183,738
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $279,000
MARKET VALUE $993,378
APPRAISAL DATE October 28, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
TP WD plans to continue present use of the site
as a state scenic park and recreation area, and
GLO appraisers have determined that this is its
highest and best use. The subject park is one of
the few state recreation facilities available in the
area, which has no federal parks.
Nearby McAllen, a major port of entry, makes the
park readily accessible to foreign tourists, many
of whom travel from all over the world to view
the park's unique ecosystem and bird population.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
290
-------
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
CAMERON, HIDALGO, AND WILLACY COUNTIES
Program Abstract
PREFACE
Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area consists
of fourteen units in four South Texas counties
and one county in the Trans-Pecos. (A descrip-
tion of the two Starr County Units can be found
in the TORP Region 19 volume of the TPWD
Evaluation Report, and the Ocotillo Unit in
Presidio County can be found in the Region 8
volume.)
Each unit was purchased or donated to preserve
white-winged dove nesting habitat Although
white-wings can be found throughout the south-
western quarter of the state, 80% of their nesting
occurs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley counties
of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy. The
Lower Valley units protect the Eastern white-
wing subspecies.
As early as 1940, loss of native brush was iden-
tified as the main cause of a reduction in white-
wing nesting. During the early 1950s, the doves
nested in citrus groves which had replaced their
native habitat. Unfortunately, severe freezes in
1951, 1962, and 1983 destroyed many of these
groves, further diminishing nesting environment.
TPWD now concentrates its efforts on preserving
and restoring native brush which, being resistant
to hard freezes, has proved the more reliable
nesting habitat.
Located on an important migratory bird route,
the Rio Grande Valley is one of the great birding
areas of North America. Visitors from around the
world observe exotic Mexican birds in the sum-
mer and migratory birds from Canada and
Central America in the fall and winter. Texas has
joined with the U. S. Department of the Interior
to protect the migratory and nesting habitat of
many of these species at Las Palomas and other
state facilities.
The area is a prime tourist haven, especially
catering to retirees escaping northern winters.
PRESENT USE
TPWD operates the WMA as a nesting refuge for
the white-winged dove and the chachalaca, a
large, pheasant-like game bird only found in the
U. S. in southern Texas. Las Palomas is an in-
tegral part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Wildlife Corridor, a loose confederation of
federal, state, civic, and private lands acquired as
sites for restoration of native brush and desirable
nesting trees such as the Texas ebony, huisache,
andanacua.
The aim of the WMA is to produce nesting
habitat for 800,000 pairs of breeding doves.
TPWD records show that from the early 1970s
until 1983, the white-winged dove population
fluctuated from 500,000-700,000 breeding pairs.
In 1983, the Valley was hit with a freeze that
devastated the citrus orchards, which were nest-
ing grounds for the doves. Although restoration
of native brush and replanting of new citrus fields
has been underway since the freeze, current es-
timates put the dove population at 375,000 pairs.
The department now believes it will take until the
year 2000 before the goal of800,000 pairs can be
attained.
In addition to the hundreds of birds, mammals
include endangered cats such as ocelot and
jaguarundi.
The WMA covers 1,132.77 acres. For con-
venience, they will be evaluated in three sections.
This report describes units in Cameron, Hidalgo,
and Willacy Counties.
291
-------
POTENTIAL USE
TPWD plans to continue the present use of the
WMA as wildlife habitat, concentrating on the
protection of the white-winged dove by expand-
ing the total acreage restored to native vegeta-
tion.
TPWD plans to phase out most farming opera-
tions and to allow much of the currently farmed
acreage to return to native brush in accordance
with its long-term plan to manage Las Palomas as
a white-winged dove refuge. A small amount of
acreage will be retained in cultivation as white-
wing food plots.
No reversion clauses, deed restrictions, zoning,
or other encumbrances adversely affect the
marketability of the properties to a typical buyer.
Consideration of possible alternate use develop-
ment revealed, however, that the Rio Grande
Valley has been heavily impacted by the general
Texas economic slowdown. None of the subject
tracts is located in an area where a demand for
development is foreseen in the near future.
Surrounding uses, location, and physical charac-
teristics indicate that alternate use for the subject
properties is limited to agriculture and hunting.
Agricultural use was considered in some cases,
but GLO analysts believe this would be incom-
patible in the long term with TPWD and National
Wildlife Refuge goals.
Hunting is a lucrative industry in the Rio Grande
Valley and is permitted on units with open areas.
Consideration was given to recommending hunt-
ing as a source of income on other units. Accord-
ing to TPWD, however, this activity would not be
compatible with the WMA goals on tracts
covered with native brush.
GLO appraisers find that wildlife habitat is the
highest and best use for the following units:
Cameron County - Longoria, Tucker, and
Voshell Units
Willacy County - Frederick Unit
Hidalgo County - Adams, Baird, Kelley,
and McManus Units.
GLO appraisers find that wildlife habitat and
agriculture are the highest and best use for the
following units:
Cameron County - Anacua and Carricitos
Units
Hidalgo County - Penitas Unit.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject properties for agency operations.
292
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS ft WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
CAMERON COUNTY UNITS
LOCATION - Anacua Unit ( 200.99) is located on the Rio
Grande at the terminus of an unmarked county road, one
mile south of Santa Maria.
Carricitos Unit (117.85 acres) is located on an unmarked
county dirt road, four miles northeast of the town of San
Benito.
Longoria Unit (200.53 acres) is located on FM 506, about
three miles southwest of the town of Sebastian.
Tucker Unit (101.96 acres) is located on Ttlden Road,
southwest of the town of San Benito.
Voshell Unit (67.86 acres) is located on FM 511, just south
of the Brownsville International Airport
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS - The tracts cover 689.19 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 120, p. 221;
Volume 633, p. 560; Volume 666, p. 501; Volume 679,
p. 382; Volume 1,292, p. 884; Volume 1,351, p. 604; and
Volume 1,435, p. 352, Cameron County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Terrain in all units is flat, with vegetation mainly
confined to agricultural crops and native brush.
Cameron County is one of the state's leaders in
total farm income. Principal crops include cot-
ton, sorghum, citrus fruit, vegetables, and sugar-
cane. Anacua Unit was acquired from private
owners in 1982, Carricitos in 1986, Longoria in
1957, Tucker in 1984, and Voshell in 1958.
Access is adequate in all cases. Longoria and
Voshell Units have .7 and .4 miles of frontage,
respectively, on paved, farm-to-market roads.
Anacua, Tucker, and Carricitos Units are ac-
cessed by gravel county roads. Placement is
deliberately away from population centers and
well-used highways except in the case of Voshell
Unit, which occupies a suburban location near
the city of Brownsville.
Tucker Unit contains a five-acre lake. A portion
of each unit is within the 100-year floodplain.
293
-------
Surrounding land is predominantly agricultural cal climate. Voshell Unit abuts Brownsville In-
in an area known for its rich soils and semi-tropi- ternational Airport Other units are bordered by
farm land or brush.
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
CTgRR
Fig. 1 - Location
Public dove and chachalaca hunting is
permitted at Anacua, Longoria, and Car-
ricitos Units during appropriate seasons.
Longoria Unit is improved by a barn,
shed, and water well. Anacua Unit has a
parking area for the use of hunters.
Other site improvements are minimal,
usually limited to perimeter fencing and
gates.
Approximately 87% of Anacua Unit
(consisting of two tracts physically
separated by private land) was formerly
under an agricultural lease (expired
1988). Since then, TP WD has farmed
this land. Carricitos Unit is 40% farm
land.
Water rights are found only on Anacua,
Tucker, and Carricitos Units.
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
CAMERON COUNTY UNITS
FM506
FM L561
SANTA
MARIA
FM511
LANACUA
2. VOSHELL
3. TUCKER
4. CARRICITOS
5. LONGORIA
" '' V.
BROWNSVILLE
Fig. 2-Site Map
294
-------
PROPERTY DATA FOR CAMERON COUNTY
Anacua Unit
Carricitos Unit
Longoria Unit
Tucker Unit
Voshell Unit
General Data
SIZE
200.99 acres
117.85 acres
200.53 acres
101.96 acres
67.86 acres
COUNTY
Cameron
Cameron
Cameron
Cameron
Cameron
MUNICIPALITY
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS
27/37
27/37
27/37
27/37
27/37
TORP REGION
21
21
21
21
21
TPWD JURISDICTION
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Physical Data
ELEVATION
60 - 65 ft msl
25-30ft msl
45-50ft msl
45-50 ft msl
20 - 25ft msl
SLOPE
0%-l%
0%-l%
0%-2%
0%-l%
0
#
1
$
SOILS
Laredo/Ma tamoros/
Rio Grande
Laredo/Olmito
Willacy - Racombs
Laredo
Laredo
FLOODPLAIN
20%
5%
50%
15%
5%
PREVAILING WIND
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
DRAINAGE
S, SE into Rio Grande
SP into Resaca de Los
Fresnos
S into North Floodway
SE into Resaca del
Rancno Vieio
ia'i'alma ฐ ^csaca ^
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
UNDEVELOPED
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
200.99 acres
117.85 acres
200.53 acres
101.96 acres
67.86 acres
295
-------
Anacua Unit
Carricitos Unit
Longoria Unit
Tucker Unit
Voshell Unit
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS
0
0
2
0
0
WATER
None
None
Well
None
None
SEWER
None
None
None
None
None
GAS
None
None
None
None
None
ELECTRICITY
Central Power &
Light Co.
None
Magic Valley Elect Co.
None
None
AREA OF BUILDINGS
None
None
1,080 sq. ft
None
None
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
$268,322
$188,566
$212,562
$ 96,857
$122^09
WATER RIGHTS
$106,399
$ 51*350
None
$ 47,210
None
MARKETVALUE
$374,721
$239,916
$229,192
$144,067
$122309
APPRAISAL DATE
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST
Wildlife habitat/
agriculture
Wildlife habitat/
agriculture
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
296
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
HIDALGO COUNTY UNTO
LOCATION- Adams Unit (64.67acres) is located on a
closed county dirt road, approximately two miles north of
the community of Progresso.
Baird Unit (12Z29 acres) is located on county dirt roads,
approximately four miles south of the town of Donna.
Kelley Unit (45.85 acres) is located on a county dirt road,
approximately four miles east of the town of Hidalgo.
McManus Unit (56.27 acres) is located on county dirt roads
connecting to SH 493, seven miles south of the town of
Donna.
Penitas Unit (119.50 acres) is located on a paved county
road one mile southeast of the community of La Jqya.
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS - The tracts cover 408.58 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 1,230,
p. 880; Volume 1,509, p. 244; Volume 1,686, p. 400;
Volume 1,770, p. 207; Volume 1,803, p. 6; and Volume
1,821, p. 35, Hidalgo County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Terrain in all Hidalgo County units is flat. All
except Adams Unit, which contains a five-acre
lake, have significant portions in the 100-year
floodplain. Adams, Kelley, and McManus Units
are entirely covered by native brush. Baird Unit
is a combination of brush and cropland, while
Penitas Unit is almost completely cropland.
Access is difficult in almost all cases, sometimes
involving locked gates. Roads are poor and un-
marked. The ownership of some roads is unclear
and some units may only be accessed over private
roads. Placement is deliberately away from
population centers and well-used roads.
Utilities are available in the general area, but
only Penitas Unit has electric service within the
property. Adams Unit was acquired from private
owners in 1969, Kelley in 1976, McManus in
1980, Penitas in 1982, and Baird in 1983.
Surrounding land is predominantly agricultural
Typical crops include cotton, sorghum, citrus
fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane. A mobile
297
-------
home park and a USDA Subtropical Experimen- Seven acres of brush east of Penitas Unit are
tal Station lie adjacent to Adams Unit. Public managed as wildlife refuge by TPWD.
dove and chachalaca hunting is per-
mitted at Penitas and Baird Units during
the appropriate hunting seasons.
Hunters are limited in number and
selected by computer.
Except for Penitas Unit (which has a
metal barn and parking for hunters), site
improvements are minimal, usually
limited to perimeter fencing and gates.
Water rights can be found on Adams,
Baird, and Penitas Units but not on the
other units.
Approximately one-third of Baird Unit
was formerly under an agricultural lease
(expired 1988). Since that time, TPWD
has fanned this land as well as the
Penitas Unit land.
A surface drilling lease with ARCO Oil
and Gas Company is in operation on
Penitas Unit.
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
CAMERON
V CO.
Fig. 1 Location
LAS PALOMAS
ซ 111 MV ffM % tf a VI A A VkVI A .
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA f
HIDALGO COUNTY UNITS /
/
l reNTTAS /
1 KEIXEY
3. ADAMS /
4. MCMANUS /
5. BAIRD /
/
/
/
/
/
/
/ US S3
JOYA
y FM 1015
1 v
N-iH
'i <3
HIDALGO 1
tUSMI jt j ''
r
FM
1015
PROORESSO
298
-------
PROPERTY DATA FOR HIDALGO COUNTY
Adams Unit
Baird Unit
Kelley Unit
McManus Unit
Penitas Unit
General Data
SIZE
64.67 acres
12229 acres
45.85 acres
56.27 acres
11930 acres
COUNTY
Hidalgo
Hidalgo
Hidalgo
Hidalgo
Hidalgo
MUNICIPALITY
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS
20/40
20/40
20/40
20/40
20/40
TORP REGION
21
21
21
21
21
TPWD JURISDICTION
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Physical Data
ELEVATION
65-70 ft msl
70-75 ft msl
85-95 ft. msl
80-85 ft msl
115-120ft msl
SLOPE
Less than 1%
Less than 5%
Less than 5%
0%-l%
0%-l%
SOILS
Harlingen clay
Harlingen / Runn
MatamotM, Rio Grande
Ma tamo roc, Rio Giande
Rio Grande
FLOODPLAIN
None
5%
100%
100%
100%
PREVAILING WIND
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
S-SE
DRAINAGE
S into Lkao Otandc Lake
S into React de la Cniz
SE into Rio Grande
SE into Rio Grande
S into Rio Grande
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
0%
0%
0%
0%
Less than 1 %
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
30 acre
UNDEVELOPED
100%
100%
100%
100%
More than 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED
64.67 acres
17779 acres
45.85 acres
56.27 acres
119.00 acres
299
-------
Adams Unit
Baird Unit
Kelley Unit
McManus Unit
Penitas Unit
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS
0
n
n
0
l
WATER
None
None
None
Nnne
None
SEWER
None
None
None
Nnnr
None
GAS
Nnnr.
Nnnr.
Nnn*
Nnnr.
ELECTRICITY
None
None
None
Nnne
pentral Power & Light
AREA OF BUILDINGS
None
Nnnr.
Nnnr.
NntiA
QAI ซq ft
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
$67,904
$116,176
$36,679
$45,013
$13L450
WATER RIGHTS
$29,984
$ 16,250
None
None
$ 35.750
BUILDINGS
None
None
None
None
$ 12.000
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
None
None
None
None
$ 0
MARKET VALUE
$97,888
$132,426
$36,679
$45,013
$179,200
APPRAISAL DATE
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1,1987
September 1.1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat
Wildlife habitat/
ajmnilhirr.
300
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA:
WILLACY COUNTY UNIT
LOCATION - Frederick Unit is located on a country gavel
road approximately 1.5 miles north of the town of
Sebastian.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION The tract covers 35 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 89, p. 594,
Willacy County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Terrain at Frederick Unit is flat to gently rolling,
with vegetation confined to native brush. There
is minimal flooding.
Access is relatively good, with .1 mile of frontage
on a county gravel road. Placement is deliberately
away from population centers and well-used
highways.
Surrounding land use is predominantly agricul-
tural. Typical crops include cotton, sorghum,
citrus fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane. No hunt-
ing is allowed on the Willacy County Unit, which
has neither site improvements nor water rights.
Electricity and telephone service is available in
the neighborhood but does not extend to the site.
TPWD acquired Willacy County Unit from
private owners in 1967.
LAS PALOMAS
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
STARR
ca
HIDALGO
CO.
CAMERON
V otx
Fig. 1 - Location
301
-------
/WILLACY COUNTY
/
LAS PALOMAS
y
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
' /
FREDERICK UNIT
L US 77
1| -ป RAYMONDVILLE
Sl'I'H r>LYFORD
SEBASTIAN
***** ^
Fig. 2 - Site Map
302
-------
PROPERTY DATA FOR WILLACY COUNTY
Frederick Unit
General Data
SIZE
35 acres
COUNTY
Willacy
MUNICIPALITY
Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS
20/37
TORP REGION
21
TPWD JURISDICTION
Wildlife
Physical Data
ELEVATION
40 ft. msl
SLOPE
0%-l%
SOILS
Willacv-Racombs
FLOODPLAIN
None
PREVAILING WIND
S-SE
DRAINAGE
S into North Floodwav
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED
0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED
0 acres
UNDEVELOPED
im%
AMOUNT IJNDEVELOPED
35 acres
Frederick Unit
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS
0
WATER
None
SEWER
None
GAS
None
ELECTRICITY
None
AREA OF BUILDINGS
None
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
$24,500
WATER RIGHTS
None
BUILDINGS
None
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
None
MARKET VALUE
$24,500
APPRAISAL DATE
September 1,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
Wildlife habitat
303
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
OLMITO STATE FISH HATCHERY
LOCATION - Olmito State Fish Hatchery (SFH) is located
at 95 Fish Hatchery Road in Olmito, a suburb on the northern
edge of Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 28.95 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 191, p. 414,
and Volume 561, p. 410, Cameron County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated approximately six miles northwest of the
Rio Grande and within the City of Brownsville
extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), the subject
property was developed as a fish hatchery by
TPWD in 1930. Since that time, it has suffered
heavy soil and water pollution from pesticides
and herbicides. When the fingerling survival rate
dropped to 10% - 20% in 1986, operation as a fish
hatchery was suspended.
TPWD currently utilizes one acre of the property
as a Coastal Fisheries Field Station and a boat
storage facility and office for TPWD game war-
dens serving the lower Laguna Madre and Gulf
of Mexico region.
The irregularly shaped site is almost flat, with
buildings located on a gentle slope. Vegetation
consists of mesquite, retama, huisache, Rio
Grande ash, native brush, and grasses. Although
completely within the 100-year floodplain, the
property is subject to little flooding because of
the levy built around the ponds and flood control
from Falcon Dam, upstream on the Rio Grande.
For descriptive purposes, the tract has been
divided into two parcels.
General Data
SIZE. 28.95 acres
COUNTY Cameron
MUNICIPALITY Olmito
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 27139
TORP REGION. 2T
TPWD JURISDICTION Fisheries
Preceding page blank
305
-------
Parcel A (23 acres) is low-lying, follows the bend
of an oxbow lake and contains most of the ponds.
Parcel B (5.95 acres) is upland property and con-
tains the existing structures.
Olmito SFH was operated until 1978 by TP WD
to produce bass and freshwater catfish. Between
1978 and 1984, the property was used by TP WD
for boat storage and an agency shop.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 25 - 35 ft. msl
SLOPE Level to gently sloping
SOILS Laredo silty clay loam
FLOODPLAIN 100%
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SE into Resaca del Rancho Viejo
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 28.95 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
BUILDABLE AREA 5.95 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
In 1984, Texas Southmost College received a
federal grant for operation of the hatchery and
leased it from the state as a freshwater shrimp and
redfish nurseiy. During this period, improve-
ments were made which included drainage, new
building and pump house, work on a well, and an
underground aeration system for one half of the
ponds.
In 1986, after losing its federal grant and aportion
of its enrollment, and with a discouraging 10% to
OLMITO
STA TE FISH HATCHERY
CAMERON COUNTY
J
US 281
TOENGSVILLE
RESACA \ \
DEL RANCHO \ \
Vฎ10 ^ l^SH 1
/
\\ 1 ^
/ / \ \ / / //
7 II
\
Vy. \\ *
vV i 1 *
BROWNSVILLE CITY }
% -\_'
IJMTP5
\
MEXICO
RIO GRANDE RIVER
BROWNSVILLE
Fig. 1 - Location
306
-------
M STRUCTURES
CO PONDS 1-20
Fig. 2 - Site
20% survival rate in the brood stock, Texas
Southmost abandoned the project.
Cotton, corn, sorghum, and miscellaneous
vegetables, all requiring aerial spraying, are typi-
cal Rio Grande Valley produce grown in the area.
Spraying of aerial defoliants and pesticides on the
facility is illegal, but unpredictable winds and
other considerations make this type of pollution
extremely difficult to control. Consequently, the
area became contaminated.
Brownsville (population 95,677) has an economy
based on industry, shipping, tourism, and
agribusiness.
Access to the site is via caliche-paved Fish
Hatchery Road which connects to US 77, the
main highway between Brownsville and
Kingsville.
Land uses surrounding the property are mostly
agricultural, primarily cotton, corn, and other
vegetables. Rural homesites and privately owned
recreational campgrounds are adjacent to the
site.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD uses one acre of the property as a Coastal
Fisheries Field Station responsible for the
routine monitoring of fish, crab, shrimp and other
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 10,145 sq. ft
DEPRECIATED 54%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $164,796
WATER Cameron County Water District #6
SEWER Septic tanks
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Central Power & Ught Co.
307
-------
marine life in the Laguna Madre Bay System and
the Gulf of Mexico from the Rio Grande up the
coast to the land cut north of Port Mansfield. In
addition, TPWD game wardens use this portion
of the tract for boat storage.
Buildings include two residences (one vacant, the
other used as an office), boat/storage building,
garage, metal storage building, and two
hatcheries. Site improvements consist of 20
ponds, roads, and a water well.
TPWD plans to maintain the Coastal Fisheries
and Law Enforcement station on the tract, pos-
sibly improving the existing residences and as-
phalt areas. TPWD game wardens have
requested additional garages for boat storage.
TPWD acquired the majority of the property
(26.55 acres) in 1928 by purchase from private
owners. An additional 2.4 acres were purchased
from a private owner in 1953. No easements af-
fect the property, which is unzoned.
No legal water rights exist by deed. The hatchery
was formerly served by an irrigation canal
provided by Cameron County, but this canal
water is high in chloroform and not fit for human
consumption. Water from the existing well is too
high in saline and mineral boron for biological
use. Currently, Cameron County Water District
No. 6 provides drinkable water through a
potable water fee.
Highest and best use of the property is agricul-
ture or wildlife refuge (Parcel A) and rural
homesites (Parcel B).
Renewed use as a fish hatchery does not seem to
be economically viable due to the high cost of
renovation, risk factors, and high operating costs.
(All the ponds would need to be emptied,
cleaned, dredged, and lined with clay.)
Providing potable water would be a principal
problem for any alternate use of the site.. Al-
though the City of Brownsville has recently ex-
tended its waterlines to a facility immediately
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $77,225
BUILDINGS $75,489
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $152,714
APPRAISAL DATE. July 6, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Parcel A: Agriculture
Parcel B: Residences
north of the subject tract, the cost of hooking onto
this line is estimated at $26,000, plus labor.
The local economic slowdown, a location away
from major arterial frontage and within the 100-
year floodplain, and demolition costs combine to
rule out housing development on Parcel B at the
present time.
TPWD is encouraged to consider leasing out un-
utilized Parcel A for agricultural purposes.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that Par-
cel A be used as a wildlife refuge or leased out for
agricultural use while Parcel B is retained at its
current use as a Coastal Fisheries and Law En-
forcement station.
308
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE
STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE
LOCATION - Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Structure
(SHS) occupies two-thirds of a block bounded by SH 100
(Queen Isabella Boulevard), Tamava Street, Maxan Street,
and Garcia Street in the town of Port Isabel, Cameron
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers .552 acre, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 508, p. 402,
Cameron County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only one of
Texas' 16 lighthouses open to the public. Long a
dominant feature of the southern tip of the Texas
Gulf Coast, it was built in 1851-53 as a navigation-
al aid to heavy shipping passing through Brazos
Santiago Pass.
Visible for more than 15 miles at the western end
of the Queen Isabella Causeway (connecting
South Padre Island to the mainland), its station-
ary white light was a familiar aid to seafarers for
more than a century.
The subject area was a latecomer to history, pass-
ing almost without incident through Spanish,
Mexican, and Republic of Texas periods. Settle-
ment began after statehood when, in 1846,
General Zachary Taylor arrived with his troops
to wage the U.S.- Mexican War. Fort Polk, estab-
lished at Port Isabel, received the wounded from
General Data
SIZE. 552 acre
COUNTY Cameron
MUNICIPALITY Port Isabel
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 27138
TORP REGION. 21
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma,
and served as a supply depot for the U.S. Army
for the remainder of this conflict
309
-------
PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE
STATE HISTORIC SITE
SITE
( SAN BENITO
LOS FRESNOS
US 251
US
SH 100
PORT ISABEL
FM 1547
GULF OF MEXICO
RIO GRANDE
RIVER
MEXICO
BROWNSVILLE
Fig. 1 - Location
When hostilities ceased, Fort Brown and
Ringgold Barracks on the nearby Rio Grande
continued to be supplied through Port Isabel, and
need for a lighthouse was recognized. In 1851, the
U.S. War Department donated a site, and Con-
gress authorized the lighthouse and appropriated
money for its construction.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 13'-24'msl
SLOPE Nearly level, except at
lighthouse
SOILS Port Isabel-Urban Land
FLOODPLAIN Zone C (minimal)
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE NE Into Laguna Madre
During the Civil War, both sides used the Port
Isabel Light, damaging its beacon. Historians
now acknowledge that the last battle in the Civil
War was fought near Port Isabel on May 13,1865,
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 552 acres
UNDEVELOPED 0
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 0
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 12,048
more than a month after Lee's surrender at Ap-
pomattox.
In 1866, the lighthouse was repaired and relit. It
served faithfully, except for a six-year interval,
until deactivated in 1905 due to declining marine
traffic.
310
-------
In 1950, the lighthouse was donated to the state
by Mr. and Mrs. Lon C. Hill, Jr., and the Port
Isabel Realty Company. Renovated by TPWD
and refit with a mercury-vapor light, the classical-
ly shaped structure with its graceful staircase is a
favorite subject for photographers and tourists.
The lighthouse rests on a raised mound sur-
rounded by shade trees, with 380 feet of frontage
on Queen Isabella Boulevard and Maxan Street,
and 115 feet on Tarnava Street. A 90 x 115 foot
area east of the structure (43% of the tract) is
vacant.
Access to the site is via SH 100 (Queen Isabella
Boulevard), the principal thoroughfare between
the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island.
The site is approximately 20 miles northeast of
Brownsville.
The subject site is adjacent to a commercial
retailing strip including a grocery and other mis-
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 2
AREA OF BUILDINGS 1,087 sq. ft
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 04
WATER City of Port Isabel
SEWER City of Port Isabel
GAS Rio Grande Valley Gas Co.
ELECTRICITY. Central Power and Ught Co.
cellaneous retail establishments, professional of-
fices, and a tourist center. On-street parking and
pedestrian access is available from Maxan and
Tarnava Streets.
The economic base of the area is tourism and
fishing. Port Isabel, with a 5,000 plus population,
provides support services for the resort com-
munity of South Padre Island.
MAXAN STREET
a
TARNAVA
STREET
7
/
LIGHTHOUSE
NON-STATE
PROPERTY
GARCIA
STREET
STATE HIGHWAY 100
TO
SOUTH
PADRE
Fig. 2 - Site
311
-------
from the highway by millions
more. The public may climb the 60
feet from ground level to the
lantern room floor to enjoy a
panoramic view of Laguna Madre
and South Padre Island. Exhibits
explain the operation, history, and
construction of the lighthouse.
GLO appraisers have determined
that the highest and best use of this
unique property is its present use.
No monetary value can realistical-
ly be placed on such an historic
structure, especially one with a
limited market. Hence, only land
values are used in this appraisal. In
light of the high visibility of the
tract and the 43% vacant parcel,
the GLO also recognizes that an
alternate use could be pursued for
the vacant portion.
The Rio Grande Valley - South
Padre Island district is increasing-
ly popular both with tourists and
permanent residents. Motorists to
South Padre, approximately
14,900per day, must pass the light-
house property. This excellent
location suggests that some ac-
tivity in support of the lighthouse
might be undertaken to enhance
utilization. Whether an interpre-
tive building, tourist bureau, res-
taurant, or retail establishment,
such improvement would need to
conform to standards set forth to
preserve the structure's historic
integrity.
Public parking would be the main
problem posed by such a scenario,
as there is insufficient area for the
off-street parking required by the
TPWD preserves the lighthouse as a state historic city. To insure preservation and public benefit,
structure and plans additional restoration work, development would best be carried out in joint
It is visited annually by almost 25,000 and seen venture with TPWD on a land lease basis.
Fig. 3 Port Isabel Lighthouse
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
312
-------
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND
BUILDINGS
SITE IMPROVEMENTS.
MARKET VALUE
APPRAISAL DATE
$402,700
Not appraised
May 19,1987
Not given
. $402,700
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Historic Structure
Since the site lies within the city limits of Port
Isabel, city zoning regulations apply. Typical
utility easements are in place. No encumbrances
in the deed restrict disposition of the property.
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
313
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK
LOCATION - Resaca de la Palma State Park (SP) is located
off Carmen Boulevard, three miles northwest of Brownsville,
Cameron County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,100.54 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 1,421, p. 255,
and Volume 1106, p. 549, Cameron County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The subject property is an integral component in
cooperative efforts by federal, state, and private
wildlife agencies to create the Lower Rio Grande
Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a
loosely administered collection of private, state,
and federal tracts suitable for preserving the uni-
que ecosystems of the region. The park is un-
developed and is named for its oxbow-shaped
segments of former riverbeds (resacas). To date,
the park has not been master planned.
According to TPWD, the site contains one of the
last surviving examples of sub-tropic woodlands
in North America. In addition to preservation,
the property is targeted for future recreational
use, to be developed in a manner compatible with
the reestablishment of native brush as habitat for
plants and animals, many of them endangered,
living within the park.
Wildlife includes numerous rare and protected
species such as the jaguarundi, rarest cat in the
United States, as well as hundreds of bird species.
A small area of the property adjacent to the
resacas lies within the 100-year floodplain.
General Data
SIZE. 1,100.54 acres
COUNTY Cameron
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 27139
TORP REGION. 21
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The rectangular-shaped tract is relatively flat.
The oxbow lake called Resaca de la Palma bisects
the property, and a section of another oxbow
Preceding page blank
315
-------
RESACA DE LA PALMA
STATEPARK
US2S1
FM1732
US 77
RIO 'C
ORANDB
CAMERON COUNTY
CARMEN BLVD
MEXICO
BROWNSVILLE
US 77
PADRE ISLAND
US 63
10 ORANDE RIVER
MEXICO
BROWNSVILLE
Fig. 1 - Location
lake, Resaca del Rancho Viejo, crosses the north-
east corner. Vegetation consists of native trees
and brush, including the Texas ebony-anacua
Series (on both the global and state lists of en-
dangered species). A portion of the tract has
Land uses surrounding the site include croplands
with some native brush to the east, south, and
west, and a federal wildlife refuge to the north.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
Physical Data
ELEVATION 30 - 35 ft. msl
SLOPE Less than .5%
SOILS Harllngen clay
FLOODPLAIN 100-yr & 500-yr
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE SW into Resaca de la Palma
been leased out for irrigated fanning of cotton,
corn, sunflowers, and similar crops.
Access is via a private dirt road from US 281.
Eventually, more direct access will be possible via
Carmen Boulevard, which leads into
Brownsville, three miles to the southeast.
TP WD plans to develop the site as a wildlife
refuge and state park at some undetermined time
in the future. TTiat portion of the tract which is
not under agricultural lease is being revegetated
with native brush.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 04%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED One-half acre
UNDEVELOPED 99.96%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,100.00 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 1,100.54
VISITATION Not applicable
316
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER Valley MUD #1 available
SEWER Valley MUD #7
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Unknown by TPWD
The site is considered 99.96% undeveloped by
the appraiser because it has no buildings, and site
improvements are limited to an undeveloped
roadway.
The property was acquired from private owners
in 1977 and 1985. Easements on the property are
typical of the area and are not considered a detri-
ment to the site. Although within the Brownsville
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the site is not
zoned.
Located within Valley Municipal Utility District
(MUD) #1, the property will have access to
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $2,197,170
BUILDINGS. $0
SITE IMPROVEMENTS - $0
MARKET VALUE $2,197,170
APPRAISAL DATE. May 11, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat,
recreation
RESACA DEL RANCHO
VIEJO
FEDERAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
SITE
RESACA DE LA
PALMA
CROPLAND
CROPLAND
US 281
RESACA DE LA
PALMA
Fig. 2 - Site
317
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utilities upon approval from the MUD.
Brownsville City Planning Department indicates
that what little commercial and residential
growth is taking place in the area seems to be
occurring along the frontage of US 77, toward the
Olmito area and away from the subject tract.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is preservation, agricul-
ture, and recreation, with commercial or residen-
tial development a future alternate use if
Brownsville ever shows growth in the direction of
the property. The site is ecologically unique and
an important part of federal and state attempts to
preserve the disappearing flora and fauna of the
Rio Grande Valley.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
318
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Region 22
-------
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 22 (TEXOMA)
DENISON
SH 78
COOKE
US
BONHAM
SHERMAN
GAINESVILLE
us is
GRAYSON
FANNIN
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. BONHAM STATE RECREATION AREA
2. EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC
SITE
320
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
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%
REGION 22 (TEXOMA) covers 2,722 square miles stretching north of the Metroplex along the
Oklahoma border.
ECONOMY - Region 22 is predominantly rural but is considered an extended part of the Metroplex
economy. Depressed by the 1980s recession, it is recovering at a slower pace than the urban counties
to its south. TTie region is expected to see a 1.2% annual population growth and a 2.1% non-agricul-
tural job growth (led by high tech manufacturing, air transportation, and business services) per year
over the next decade.
Number of
Counties
Number of
Population
Centers
Regional
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
Mile
Park Acres 1
1,000 Pop.
3
1
154,983
57
289
GEOGRAPHY - Dominated by Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairies, Region 22 is predominantly
agricultural. Only three TORP regions have a smaller population. Settlement is concentrated around
the Sherman/Denison area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
116
44,844
0-499
24th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Six TP WD facilities are listed among the 10 considered major
attractions and resources by the TORP in this region. Approximately 15% of the resources in Region
22 is considered developed recreational land. Most TPWD facilities in this region are leased and,
therefore, not evaluated in this report. Lake Texoma is the single greatest attraction in this region.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
7
2
264
$756,966
2% 1.6%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 22 will be for trails, camping, and swimming facilities, all typical TPWD amenities in this
region.
321
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
BONHAM STATE RECREATION AREA
LOCATION Bonham State Recreation Area (SRA) is
located northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex on
Farm Road 271, approximately three miles southeast of the
town of Bonham, Fannin County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 261 acres, more
particularly described by deed in Volume 226, p. 212, Fannin
County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Congressional leadership through the influence
of the late Sam Rayburn, former Speaker of the
U.S. House of Representatives, is credited for the
land allocation and eventual development of
Bonham State Recreation Area. Located on the
rolling terrain of the blackland prairies of north-
east Texas, this popular park provides a beautiful
setting for outdoor activities less than forty miles
from the Metroplex.
Like the nearby town of Bonham, the park is
named for James Butler Bonham, a hero of the
Alamo. The park was established in 1934, with
original rock structures designed by the National
Park Service and built by the Civilian Conserva-
tion Corps. These buildings have been well main-
tained and are still widely used. In its first year,
the park received a donation of 500 acres from
the town of Bonham to complete the work begun
by Speaker Rayburn. However, almost half of this
donation has been reclaimed by the town.
The park's perimeter road is attractively lined
with oak, cedar, and bois d'arc trees; pecans,
cottonwoods, and willows grow along the creeks.
Many wildflowers bloom around the 65-acre lake
where raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits can often
General Data
SIZE..... 261 acres
COUNTY. Fannin
MUNICIPALITY..... Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 2/2
TORP REGION 22
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
Preceding page blank
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BONHAM
STATE RECREATION AREA
BONHAM
US 62
US 82
FM 271
SITE
SH/70
Fig. 1 Location
be observed. The terrain is mostly gently sloping,
with increasing decline in the area just below the
dam.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 600-650 ft. msl
SLOPE 3%-12%
SOILS Clay, clay loam
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SW- S
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the site as a state park, offering
camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, boat-
ing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Use of
the lake with its boat dock and ramp is limited to
small craft; a concessionaire rents paddle boats
and canoes. Seasonal attractions are the spec-
tacular display of wildflowers in the spring, multi-
colored leaves in the fall, and good rainbow trout
Access to the park is via FM 271, which borders
the tract and leads into SH 78, a link to US 82 in
Bonham. Surrounding land uses include farms,
ranches, and rural recreation. Two historic
landmarks, the carefully restored Sam Rayburn
House and the Sam Rayburn Library, are located
within three miles of the park in Bonham (1985
population 7,203).
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 42%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 109 acres (with lake)
UNDEVELOPED 58%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 152 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 130,561
324
-------
fjchirig during the winter months when the lake is
restocked.
Although total visitation for FY 1987 was down
to 130,561 (from 145,000 in 1986), the park's
I mp rove ments/Uti I ities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 19
AREA OF BUILDINGS 14,207 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 31%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $305,592
WATER Bartley Woods Water
SEWER Septic
GL4S Propane/Greenville Automatic Gas
ELECTRICITY TU Electric
popularity with overnight campers remains
steady. The 15,000-person decrease from the
previous year was mostly made up of day visitors,
with only 115 fewer overnighters. Day-use
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $234,900
BUILDINGS. $211,894
S/7E IMPROVEMENTS $196,901
MARKET VALUE $643,695
APPRAISAL DATE. March 10,1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
decline is attributable to newer parks and recrea-
tion areas in this north-northeast region of the
state. Reservations, however, are still required at
the park during peak seasons when the
campgrounds and cabins are filled to capacity.
Over 58% of the park (152 acres) is undeveloped.
The remaining 42% of the site (109 acres) houses
all the existing improvements. Site improve-
ments include sidewalks, picnic tables and grills,
playground equipment, fencing, roads and park-
PAVED ROADS
= CREEKS
PARK BOUNDARIES
(ฅ] ENTRANCE STATION /
ฎ PICNIC AREA /
0 GROUP BARRACKS & /
DINING HALL /
ฃ CAMPING <[
o CONCESSIONS N\
fPAVILLION N\
GROUP PICNIC SHELTER X
RESIDENCE
dt BOAT RAMP
E RESTROOM
t HEADQUARTERS
PLAYGROUND /
PARK LAKE
FISHING
ENTRANCE
Fig. 2 - Site
325
-------
ing, waterlines, sewer lines, and swimming and
fishing piers.
Buildings within the park include a staff building
and dining hall, four cabins, three shower houses,
superintendent's residence, shop, volatile
storage area, picnic shelter, rest room, boat-
house with concessions, park headquarters, gate
house, and covered picnic pavilion.
A reversion clause in the deed would return
ownership of the park to the town of Bonham
should TP WD cease to maintain it as a recrea-
tional facility. A roadway easement allows access
to an adjoining tract east of the site. The property
is not zoned. If the reversion did not exist, an
alternate use for the site would be recreational
homesites and small country residences because
of its proximity to Bonham.
TPWD plans to continue use of the subject
property as a state park. Because of the reversion
clause on the property, the GLO appraiser
believes its current use as a state park is the
highest and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
326
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE
STATE HISTORIC SITE
LOCATION - Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
(SHS) is located on the northeast comer of Day Street and
Lamar Avenue in the Dumas addition, Denison, Grayson
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2.96 acres (15.5
city lots), more particularly described by deed in Volume 880,
p. 336, Grayson County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Dwight D. Eisenhower, five-star general and 34th
President of the United States, was born in this
two-story frame house on October 14, 1890.
Centrally located in the town of Denison, the
house was not officially recognized as
Eisenhower's birthplace until the early 1950s.
The Eisenhower family lived in Texas for three
years while the president's father, David, worked
for the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad.
The spring after Dwight's birth, David Eisen-
hower moved his family to Kansas. It was not until
World War II, when Eisenhower became a na-
tionally known military leader, that Jennie Jack-
son of Denison, remembering the general as a
baby, established the birthplace by correspon-
dence with his mother.
Ms. Jackson organized a citizens' group to pur-
chase the house and land around it for the pur-
pose of preserving the historic structure. The
General Data
SIZE. 2.96 acres
COUNTY Grayson
MUNICIPALITY Denison
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 30/62
TORP REGION. 22
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
property was deeded to the City of Denison in
1953. In October of that year, the city deeded the
site to the Eisenhower Birthplace Foundation,
327
-------
EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE
STATE HISTORIC SITE
us
DENISON
SITE
SHERMAN
GRAYSON
COUNTY
US 75
US 77
DALLAS
FORT
WORTH
Fig. 1 - Location
Inc. Through the efforts of this organization, the
birthplace was restored and the surrounding city
block was converted into a park. In 1958, the
property was deeded to the State Park Board.
The area's economy is based on manufacturing,
tourism, and agriculture. The site is flat with flora
and fauna typical of an urban setting in North
Texas.
Physical Data
ELEVATION 750ft.msl
SLOPE 1%-3%NW
SOILS Aubrey-Birome-Urban
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND S, SW
DRAINAGE NW Into small creek
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 4
AREA 2,732 sq.ft.
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO 02
DEPRECIATION 42%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $88,390
WATER City of Denison
SEWER City of Denison
GAS Lone Star Gas Company
ELECTRICITY. City of Denison
The property is easily accessed, being three
blocks east of US 75, principal route between
Denison and Dallas.
Surrounding land uses in the aging and declining
neighborhood include low-to-moderate-income
residential development to the north, west, and
328
-------
us
75-A
MAIN ST
EISENHOWER
BIRTHPLACE
US
75-A
US 69
US 75
^ TO DALLAS
Fig. 2-Site
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 1.48 acres
UNDEVELOPED 50%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1.48 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 59,096
south of the property, and commercial develop-
ment on the east.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state historic
site. Although only one object in the house, a
quilt, actually belonged to the Eisenhowers, the
furnishings are authentic 1890s. The exterior has
been restored to reflect its appearance when the
Eisenhower family occupied the structure.
Buildings include the original house where
Eisenhower was born, superintendent's
residence, rest room, and tool shed. Site im-
provements include sidewalks, fencing, brick
wall, parking lot, and flagpole.
TPWD records show the total visitation for FY
1987 as 59,096. This figure represents an increase
of more than 3,000 visitors from the previous year
and almost 9,000 visitors over the average yearly
visitation figure since 1980. Minimal entrance
fees range from $.50 to $1.00.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $40,300
BUILDINGS $51,217
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $21,754
MARKET VALUE $ 113,271
APPRAISAL DATE April 15, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
The site contains 2.96 acres, of which half is un-
developed and half contains the structures and
site improvements.
Deed restrictions limit use of the property, which
is zoned multi-family, to a public park. No ease-
ments were found affecting the property.
TPWD plans to continue the present use of the
property, and the GLO appraiser has determined
that given the deed restrictions this is the highest
and best use.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
329
-------
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-------
Region
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 23 (CENTRAL TEXAS)
SH SI
\ HAMILTON
MILLS
CORYELL
SAN SABA
SH 190
LAMPASAS
ซ 35
BELL
MILAM
TPWD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. COLORADO BEND STATE PARK
2. MOTHER NEFF STATE PARK
332
-------
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-------
REGION 23 (CENTRAL TEXAS) covers 6,565 square miles of the central Texas area between Austin
and Waco.
ECONOMY - Region 23 includes the northern portion of the designated IH 35 corridor. Having
suffered significantly from the real estate recession, this area still shows little or no growth, due in
part to lack of high tech and defense spending. The area is expected to recover over the next decade,
during which a 1.3% population growth and 2.4% non-agricultural job growth per annum are
projected. Recovery will be led by high-tech manufacturing and services, health services, and a
rebounding construction and real estate industry.
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
DensitylSq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
7
1
306,952
47
70
GEOGRAPHY - Containing portions of four ecological zones (from the Edwards Plateau eastward
beyond Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairie to Post Oak Savannah), Region 23 is rich in scenic
diversity. Rural in nature, the region's population is close to the TORP median. Population is
concentrated around the Killeen/Temple area.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Regions)
159
21,447
500-999
9th
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Both of the TP WD facilities are listed among the four major
attractions and resources by the TORP in this region. Approximately 18% of the resources in Region
23 is considered developed recreational land. Mother Neff State Park is the oldest facility in the state
park system.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of AU Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
2
2
971
$1,589,238
1 %/5%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 23 will be for multi-use trails and swimming, athletic fields, and other sports facilities. The
area has no hiking or horseback trails, so estimates of these services are difficult.
333
-------
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-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
COLORADO BEND STATE PARK
LOCATION - Colorado Bend State Park (SP) is located
downstream from Bend, Texas, on the Colorado River, 10
miles above its confluence with Lake Buchanan in San
Saba County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 5,327.96
acres, more particularly described by deed in Volume 185,
p. 370; Volume 194, p. 145; and Volume 254, pp. 513-528,
San Saba County Deed Records. (The original purchase,
which was initially given the working title of Gorman Falls
State Park, covered 712.31 acres; this tract war
anahned hv the GLO appraiser and is covered in this report.
A second purchase recently increased the size of the
property either to 5,328.3 acres, as reported by TPWD, or
5,327.96 acres, according to the deeds. The name change
reflects the greatly enlarged holding.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Colorado Bend State Park occupies the site once
known to the Indians as the Land of Living
Waters, named for its 60-foot waterfall, the prin-
cipal natural feature of this remote region. The
tract is also nationally famous for its outstanding
spring bass fishing and hundreds of caves.
Although the park was purchased in two parts
(1984 and 1987), only the first acquisition (712
acres) has been appraised and evaluated in this
report. A small portion of the site is currently
open to the public, with some public hunting at
stated intervals. Most of the property is closed
pending master planned development.
Called the most spectacular natural area in the
Hill Country by LBJ School naturalists, the sub-
ject area is the locale of the famous Lemons
Fishing Camp, a lost 18th century San Saba mine,
and a refuge sacred to the Comanches. The falls,
a nearby creek, and the principal cave all take
General Data
SIZE. 712.31 acres
COUNTY San Saba
MUNICIPALITY ~A/of applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 24/54
TORP REGION. 23
TPWD JURISDICTION Partes
their name from William Gorman, a fugitive
from a murder indictment who hid here for many
years after the Civil War.
Preceding page blank
335
-------
COLORADO BEND
STATE PARK
SAN SABA
COUNTY
COLORADO RIVER
FM 580
BEND
NX
LAMPASAS
'V'
LAKE
^ BUCHANAN
SITE /
Fig. 1 - Location Map
It was not until after World War II that this
secluded region became known to the general
public. Landowners set up fishing and hunting
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1200-1321 ft. msl
SLOPE 5%- 16%
SOILS Ekrant-Rock, clay loam
FLOODPLAIN Not applicable
PREVAILING WIND S-SW
DRAINAGE Into Colorado River
camps on the property and charged admission to
see the waterfall and admire the river with its
sheer rock walls. Cavers frequented the cavern,
which has 3,000 feet of predominantly walking
passages.
The appraised 712-acre, irregularly shaped tract
has great slope variations, with steep cliffs along
the Colorado River limiting access to the water.
The terrain becomes more hilly toward the
western edge of the tract where ridges dominate
the landscape. Flora include elm, Ashe juniper,
green ash, hackberry, and pecan trees. Persim-
mon and Mexican buckeye are common in the
wooden understoiy. The area is a habitat for
several protected species including the golden-
cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, and the
concho water snake.
Sparsely populated San Saba county was formed
in 1856 and named for the San Saba River. The
county seat, San Saba, calls itself the pecan capi-
tal of the world. Economy is based on agribusi-
ness, pecans, stone processing, tourism, and
hunting leases.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 5 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 707.31 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not available
Access is via a primitive, unimproved road, six
miles due south from the community of Bend
(population 115) in southeast San Saba County.
At Bend, travelers can join FM 580, leading east
to Lampasas (population 6,165), 25 miles away.
The park can also be accessed by small boat via
the Colorado River from Lake Buchanan, ten
miles south of the property.
Surrounding land uses include fishing camps,
seasonal deer, turkey, quail and dove hunting,
grazing, and agriculture (principally fruit and
pecan orchards). Recreational homesites with
lake frontage are located 10 miles south of the
property at Lake Buchanan.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD is developing this new acquisition as a
state park. At present, 5.2 acres have been
336
-------
cleared for primitive camping. The remainder of
the property is used for hunting in years when
overpopulation of deer or turkey occurs.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 3
AREA OF BLDGS 2,740 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATED 100%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $101,087
WATER Well
SEWER Cllvus-Multrum Unit
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY Hamilton County Electric Co-op.
The only current public activities offered other
than hunting are primitive camping and fishing.
Eventually, TP WD plans to offer boating, caving,
hiking, camping, and nature study trails. TP WD
reports that all caves are now closed to the public
due to hazardous conditions. Access to Gorman
Falls is closed for environmental reasons.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $997,231
BUILDINGS. $18,500
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $0
MARKET VALUE $1,015,731
APPRAISAL DATE. March 1,1988;
June 26,1989-updated
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Buildings are a multi-use concession building, a
storage/tool shop, and a shower building. The
appraisal lists no site improvements.
No easements or reversion clauses in the deeds
restrict the marketability of the property, which
is not zoned.
The GLO appraiser finds that recreation is the
highest and best use of the subject site. Became
of geographical isolation, a downturn in the local
A
PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA
RESIDENCE
HEADQUARTERS
PARK BOUNDARY
DIRT ROAD
HIKING TRAIL
TO BEND
SUBJECT APPRAISED
GORMAN FALLS
GORMAN CAVE
COLORADO RIVER
Fig. 2 - Site Map
337
-------
economy, and various commercial surrounding
land uses, orchard production was the only alter-
nate use considered. A high incidence of rock
outcropping on the subject property, however,
was found to negate commercial orchard
viability.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
338
-------
TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
V
MOTHER NEFF STATE PARK
LOCATION - Mother Neff State Park (SP) is located on
SH 236, approximately IS miles west of Eddy, in Coryell
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers approximately
259 acres, more particularly described by deeds in Volume
122, p. 485, and Volume 137, p. 17, Coryell County Deed
Records. (Because TPWD does not have a copy of the
original deed and the two recorded deeds use general lan-
guage, the GLO recommends a survey of the property to verify
exact acreage.)
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Situated along the Leon River in Central Texas,
this park has historical prominence as the first
state park in Texas. The isolated and rocky ranch
property is still much as it was in 1854 when
Isabella Eleanor Neff and her husband Noah
immigrated to the Leon Valley from Roanoke,
Virginia.
Mrs. Neff, known locally as Mother Nefฃ was the
mother of Pat M. Neff who was Governor of the
State of Texas from 1921 to 1925. In her will, Mrs.
Neff donated approximately six acres of land to
the state. This plot was used by her son as the
nucleus of Mother Neff Memorial Park and was
placed under the control of the newly created
Texas State Parks Board, the precursor of the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In 1934
Governor Neff enlarged the park by donating an
additional 250 acres of contiguous Neff family
land.
General Data
SIZE. 259 acres
COUNTY Coryell
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 24/57
TORP REGION 23
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
The property contains a section of the mid- 19th
century military road between Austin and Fort
Gates (present-day Gatesville) where an original
milestone still exists.
339
-------
During prehistoric times the area was occupied
by several groups of Indians, including groups
probably related to theTonkawas. A rock shelter
Physical Data
ELEVATION 400 - 950 ft. msl
SLOPE 1% to 40%
SOILS Eckrant-Real-Rock and Bosque-Frlo-
Lewisvilie
FLOODPLAIN Small area
PREVAILING WIND SE; sometimes N
DRAINAGE Into river and draws
within the park was once used by the Tonkawas
as a campsite and burial place. The Civilian Con-
servation Corps developed this site and many
other state parks during the 1930s depression era.
Other interesting sights are a stone water tower
with a winding staircase that affords a spectacular
view of the surrounding countryside, a waterhole
called Wash Pond, which was used by the Indian
women as a laundry, and Hangman's Tree, where
a rancher found a hanged man in the 1870s.
The property is half gently rolling prairie and half
scenic cliffs and draws, displaying diverse
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 1%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 2 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 257 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 113,579
varieties of grasses and woody plants both on
uplands and in the riverbottom. Mature stands
of pecan, ash, oak, and hackbeny, including the
National Champion Texas Oak, are the
predominant natural features that give the park
MOTHER NEFF
STATE PARK
LEON RIVER
WACO
gatosvzlle
USซ4^^
-7-SH107
VsH2H 1
EDDY
SH36
HIS
TEMPLE O
SH236
PARK HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
GROUP FAClLmES
HIKING TRAIL
Fig. 1 - Location
340
-------
its character. A large variety of birds provides
opportunities for birdwatching. While the site is
not currently affected by flooding, 26% is within
the boundaries of the maximum pooling level of
Lake Belton on the Leon River.
Principal access is west from IH 35 at the small
community of Eddy, via SH107 for 12 miles, then
south on SH 236. Eddy is 20 miles south of Waco
and 18 miles north of Temple.
Surrounding land is used for hunting and recrea-
tion, with beef, goat, and sheep production as a
secondary use.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates the property as a state park,
offering camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, bird
watching, nature study, playground, and some
swimming. Buildings include residence, equip-
ment shed, office, group shelter (the RockTaber-
Improvements/Utiiities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 7
AREA OF BUILDINGS 10,127 sq. ft.
RECONSTRUCTION COST. $246,551
WATER Elm Creek Water Supply Corp.
SEWER Septic
GAS Empire Gas Co. (propane)
ELECTRICITY McClennon Co. Rural Elect.
Corp. and Texas Utilities Elect.
nacle), two rest rooms, and stone shelter used for
garage and storage.
Site improvements include two wells and one
tank not in use, one well in use, five rock water
fountains, sewage disposal system, two above-
ground tanks, one below-ground tank, telephone
system, paved and gravel roads, 24 picnic tables
with grills, six campsites with tables and grills,
fencing, two cattle guards, stone entrance, and
flagpole.
While the park operates at a loss (with gross
income less than cost of annual maintenance
alone), deed restrictions on 252 acres and negli-
gible market potential limit consideration of al-
ternate uses, and none were considered by the
appraiser. There are no zoning regulations in
place.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $207,200
BUILDINGS $198,007
SITE IMPROVEMENTS. $168,300
MARKET VALUE. $573,507
APPRAISAL DATE October 23, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Ownership and control over grazing and gather-
ing of pecans, grapes, etc., was reserved by the
Neff family in the original donation covering ap-
proximately 257 acres of the park. Other property
rights for this portion of the tract are not affected.
Approximately two acres donated separately for
an entrance revert to original owners if the park
is closed.
The park has adequate frontage along SH 236 to
provide access without this two-acre entry parcel.
No commercial potential is evident at present,
due to the property's isolation and lack of market
alternatives in the area. Because of deed restric-
tions, lack of market demand, and poor quality
rangeland, GLO appraisers find that the highest
and best use of the property is its current use as
a state park.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
341
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Region 24
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TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL REPORT - TORP REGION 24 (MIDDLE RIO GRANDE)
EDWARDS
VAL VERDE
REAL
j KINNEY
DEL RIO
US 277
i UVALDE
MAVERICK
ZAVALA
EAGLE
PASS
LA SALLE
US 277
DIMMIT
TP WD FACILITIES EVALUATED:
1. CHAPARRAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
2. DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA
3. GARNER STATE PARK
4. LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA
5. SEMINOLE CANYON STATE HISTORIC PARK
344
-------
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-------
REGION 24 (MIDDLE RIO GRANDE) covers 14,299 square miles along the Texas border with the
Mexican State of Coahuila.
ECONOMY - Region 24 (along with three others) makes up the economic area known as the Border.
This sparsely populated region will least reflect state economic trends. Still, the Border area maintains
abetter-than-average expansion, projected as 1.7% population growth and 22% non-agricultural job
growth per annum (led by manufacturing, supplies, and transportation for maqnilaHorax [twin plants]).
Number of
Number of
Regional
Population
Park Acres!
Counties
Population
Population
Density/Sq.
1,000 Pop.
Centers
Mile
9
none
132,188
9
399
GEOGRAPHY - A combination of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains, Region 24 is rural
and even isolated in character. Only one other TORP region has fewer inhabitants. The population
is generally scattered.
Total Number
Total
Regional Acreage
Priority Rank:
of All Parks
Park
Needed by 1995
Greatest need for
Acreage
Facilities / Resources
(of 24 Reports)
119
52,798
500-999
2nd
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS - Six of the seven TPWD facilities are listed among the nine major
attractions and resources by the TORP in this region. Amistad Reservoir and recreational area and
Garner State Park are among the major regional attractions. TPWD provides 89% of the recreational
land in the region. Five TPWD sites make up 68% of the developed recreational land.
No. of
Number
No. of TPWD
Value
TPWD Properties
TPWD
Evaluated
Acres
of TPWD
as % of All Parks
Facilities
Evaluated
Properties
(Number / Acres)
7
5
22,838
$15,862,132
4%/ 43%
FUTURE NEEDS - The TORP projects that the greatest need for recreational facilities by 1995 in
Region 24 will be for campsites, fishing structures, and a wide variety of athletic fields and other sports
facilities. Typical TPWD amenities such as camping, fishing, and hiking could be provided by
development of the three facilities currently closed to the public (the two new properties mentioned
above plus Devil's Sinkhole). Chaparral WMA and Seminole Canyon State Historic Park also have
significant open acreage that could be evaluated for further recreational development
345
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
CHAPARRAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA
LOCATION - Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
(WMA) is located on FM133 six miles west ofArtesia Wells,
in Dimmit and La Salle Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 15,200 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 151, p. 239,
La Salle County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Chaparral Wildlife Management Area covers
hunting and ranching land in a sparsely-popu-
lated area of South Texas between San Antonio
and Laredo. The region is known for its large,
high-quality, white-tailed deer.
Boasting a mild climate, this brush country is
excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife. Dove,
deer, quail, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, feral hogs,
roadrunners, birds of prey, rattlesnakes, and
badgers are some of the wildlife inhabiting the
area.
Common plants include mesquite and hackbeny
trees along the drainages as well as dense brush
consisting of Ratama, whitebrush, blackbrush,
and ceniza on the uplands.
Access to this tract is by FM 133, which connects
six miles east to IH 35, principal route between
General Data
SIZE. 15,200 acres
COUNTIES Dimmit and La Salle
MUNICIPALITY . Not applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS.'. 21144
TORP REGION. 24
TPWD JURISDICTION Wildlife
San Antonio and Laredo. The tract is fifty miles
north of Laredo. FM 133 runs along the southern
boundary, and 2,000-to-30,000-acre ranches lie
along its north, east, and west boundaries.
Preceding page blank
347
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SAN ANTONIO
RIO GRANDE
REPUBLIC
MEXICO
CATARINA
LAREDO
Fig. 1 - Location
There is no surface water, and shallow well water
is brackish and mineral-laden. Lack of potable
Physical Data
ELEVATION 512 - 615 ft. msl
SLOPE 0% - 5%
SOILS Duval and Dilley
FLOODPLAIN None
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE NE into Nueces River
water handicaps human and domestic animal life
all through the area.
Large ranches, agribusiness, and oil and gas pro-
vide the economic base of this brush country,
along with tourism and hunting. Dimmit County
has a population of 12,000 in its 1,300 square mile
area, 10,000 in the three major towns (Carrizo
Springs, Asherton, and Big Wells). La Salle
County has 6,000 people in its 1,500 square mile
area, of whom 4,500 live in Cotulla, the county
seat.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD plans to continue operating and improv-
ing the tract for public hunting use and wildlife
research. Biologists are working to increase the
animal-carrying capacity of the area and enhance
wildlife populations. Water wells, windmills, and
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 03%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 5 acres
UNDEVELOPED 99.97%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 15,195 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) Not applicable
348
-------
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 8
AREA OF BUILDINGS 5,950 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 32%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $137,284
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY Medina Electric Co.
ponds have been added to improve available
water supplies.
Wildlife management areas represent specific
ecological zones at locations where management
practices can be researched and demonstrated.
Chaparral WMA is typical of the South Texas
Plains or Rio Grande Plains ecological zone.
Here, existing biological techniques are tested to
determine their effect on wildlife. Animals taken
by hunters are evaluated for diet, forage condi-
tions, or disease in addition to body condition,
sex, and age.
In 1987, 912 citizens paid $28,260 in permit fees
to hunt deer or javelina on the WMA. Ap-
proximately 3,000 dove or quail hunters paid
$ 15,000 to hunt on the WMA. Total income from
hunting in 1987 was $43,260. .
Buildings include four bunkhouses, a residence,
maintenance building, storage building, and of-
fice/checkstation. Site improvements include
equipment shed, portable building, metal water
well pump house, walk-in cooler, gas pump shel-
ter, sidewalks, nine earthen tanks, water wells,
windmills, ten water storage tanks, 20 water
troughs, eight cattle guards, 30 miles of deer-
proof fencing, conventional fencing, and three
corrals.
CHAPARRAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
DIMMIT COUNTY
LA SALLE COUNTY
CATARINA
TO ARTESIA WELLS
FM 133
ROADS
WINDMILL
CAMPSITE
CHECK STATION
Fig. 2 - Site
349
-------
TPWD acquired the property for $1,898,650 in
1969 from private owners, who retain mineral
rights and ingress-egress easements. Several
power line and pipeline easements are also in
place. The tract is not zoned.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $6,232,000
BUILDINGS $94,074
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $286,219
MARKET VALUE $6,612,293
APPRAISAL DATE October 28, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Wildlife habitat
The stocking ratio is about one animal unit to 35
acres. In the past, cattle was grazed on the WMA
to enhance habitat quality for the benefit of
wildlife. However, due to ongoing drought con-
ditions, livestock have not grazed on the WMA
since 1984.
GLO appraisers find that a combination of hunt-
ing and wildlife research and management is the
highest and best use for the property. Good
wildlife management will improve the conditions
and carrying capacity of the tract Biologists are
trying to maintain a one buck-to-two does ratio,
which is considered the best balance for the area.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations and con-
tinue efforts to lease portions for grazing.
350
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
DEVIL'S SINKHOLE
STATE NATURAL AREA
LOCATION-Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area (SNA) is
located 2.25 miles east of US 377 and eight miles northeast
of the town of Rocksprings in Edwards County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,801.67 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 70, pp. 205
and 214, Edwards County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Devil's Sinkhole, a nationally Registered Natural
Landmark, is a collapsed limestone pit 50 to 75
feet in diameter at its opening and 158 feet deep
at its shallowest point. As it penetrates solid
rock, it flares like a bell into an extensive system
of passageways and caverns thrusting outward on
all sides into the earth. The full extent of these
caverns and passageways is not known.
The sinkhole is the largest in Texas and shelters
a significant population of resident and migratory
Mexican Free-tailed Bats and other cave biota.
Running water from what appears to be a large
water recharge zone can be heard at the
sinkhole's floor. The site, acquired from private
owners in 1985-86, is a premier example of the
karst topography which characterizes the Ed-
wards Plateau.
The park is an irregularly shaped rectangle, with
a 32.63-acre easement which accesses it to US
377. Surrounding terrain includes typical Texas
Hill Country oaks and mesquite-covered
ranchlands. Tlie hills are gently rolling with very
small areas of steep, rocky land.
General Data
SIZE 1,801.67acres
COUNTY. Edwards
MUNICIPALITY. Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS 25/67
TORP REGION 24
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
351
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Physical Data
ELEVATION 2,140-2,340 feet msl
SLOPE 3%-6%
SOILS Eckrant (gravelly clay)
FLOODPLAIN 10 -100 feet wide along draws
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Hackberry Creek
Vegetation represents the only example in the
park system of western Edwards Plateau uplands.
Predominant short grasses are curly mesquite
and grama grass. Tall grasses such as little blue-
stem, side oats grama and Texas winter are often
found in areas allowed to have long dormant
periods between plantings. Typical trees include
juniper, live oak, and a few pinon pine.
Soil depth varies from zero to thirty inches and is
so shallow on the slopes that rapid water move-
ment washes most of the top soil away, leaving
exposed rock. This curtails grass and plant
growth and creates severe erosion problems.
Floodplains at the site are very narrow due to
steep slopes of ten-to-100 feet in width.
Access is via US 377, the main route between
Junction and Rocksprings, on an unimproved
ranch road. Right-of-way purchased by TP WD
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 0
WATER Well
SEWER None
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. None
for a new access road, which has not yet been
built, is at present obstructed and impassable.
Temporary entrance (limited to TP WD person-
nel) is through private property. The park is 40
miles south of IH10 which connects San Antonio
and El Paso. State Highway 41 crosses east-west
about three miles north of the tract.
DEVIL'S SINKHOLE
STATE NATURAL AREA
TO
EL PASO
JUNCTION
IH 10
US 377
SH 55
SITE
TO
SAN ANTONIO
ROCKSPRINGS
SH 41
SH 55
US 377
Fig. 1 - Location
352
-------
Edwards County has a popula-
tion of 2,100, covers 2,100
square miles, and operates 52
businesses. Devil's Sinkhole
SNA is in an isolated location,
with the nearest store located
11 miles away in Rocksprings;
it is surrounded by operating
ranches. Average stocking
rate is one animal unit (one
cow with calf or six goats or five
grown sheep) per 35 acres.
PRESENT AND
POTENTIAL USE
Park staff indicate that the
delicate and complex ecosys-
tems in the sinkhole require
careful management to ensure
its preservation and safety of
visitors. The park is closed to
the public pending develop-
ment, for which no date has yet
been set.
TPWD is conducting scientific
studies prior to designing a
state park at this recently ac-
quired location.
US 377
-PARKS & WILDLIFE RIGHT-OF-WAY
/
O DEVILS \ /
SINKHOLE \
(CAVERN)
SITE
Fig. 2 - Site
The only improvements are a
water well, one holding pen, and two water
troughs.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 0%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 0 acres
UNDEVELOPED 100%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,801.67 acres
VISITATION Not applicable
Devil's Sinkhole is outside any local jurisdiction
controlling use or development. Zoning is not
applicable in this area. No deed restrictions or
encumbrances that would affect the disposition
or marketability of the property were found, al-
though its status as a National Natural Landmark
would limit development on portions of the
property.
Because of the property's unique features and its
current use as grazing land, GLO feels that
TPWD should continue the present use.
353
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CONCLUSIONS AND
Appraisal Data & Values RECOMMENDATIONS
LAND $765,709
BUILDINGS None The General Land Office recommends that
SITE IMPROVEMENTS None Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
MARKET VALUE $765,709 subject property for agency operations.
APPRAISAL DATE November 3, 1986
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Agriculture
354
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
GARNER STATE PARK
LOCATION - Gamer State Park (SP) is located on US 83
approximately 31 miles north of Uvalde, Uvalde County,
Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 1,456 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 20, p. 116;
Volume 51, p. 529; Volume 84, p. 338; Volume 86, p. 31;
Uvalde County Deed Records, and three judgements,
#11,579, #11,580\ and #11,581, for which no recording
information is available.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Gamer State Park, set in limestone hills on the
spring-fed Frio River along the edge of the Ed-
wards Plateau, is the most popular overnight
camping facility in the Texas Parks system. The
Frio, which fronts the park for 2.5 miles, is one of
Texas' most picturesque rivers.
Ideal year-round for nature lovers, campers, and
sightseers, the park scenery is spectacular, vary-
ing from a river canyon lined by magnificent
cypress, elm, oak, and pecan trees to rugged hills
and grassy meadows. Limestone slopes are
covered with cedar, wild cherry, persimmon,
madrone, and other hill-country trees. Ferns and
mosses grow in the ravines, and valleys are
blanketed seasonally with wildflowers.
A small dam at the lower end of the park creates
a shallow lake. Park habitats shelter a diversity
of animal life, many of Mexican origin and many
General Data
SIZE. 1,456 acres
COUNTY Uvalde
MUNICIPALITY Hot applicable
SENIREP DISTRICTS. 21167
TORP REGION. 24
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
endemic to Texas. Uvalde County is known as a
major deer and turkey hunting area.
355
-------
GARNER
STATE PARK
UVALDE COUNTY
US 83
FM 1050
SITE
TO SAN ANTONIO
BRACKETTVILLE
UVALDE
Fig. 1 - Location
For descriptive purposes, the park has been
divided into three parcels:
Parcel A (approximately 600 acres) includes
frontage on the Frio River and is largely scenic.
It is bordered on the north by FM 1050.
Parcel B (531 acres) includes the lake, some river
frontage, and 1,800-foot peaks and ridges that
rise above meadows. It is bordered on the west
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,400 - 1,800 ft. ms!
SLOPE 1% - 100%
SOILS Atco, Brackett, Real, etc.
FLOODPLAIN Along river
PREVAILING WIND SE, N
DRAINAGE SE In Frio River
by US 83 and contains all buildings and
campgrounds. Roads along the ridges provide
scenic views. This parcel is utilized for wildlife
preservation.
Parcel C (325 acres) is level land with scattered
trees, bordered on the north by FM 1050 and on
the west by US 83. It is used for overflow camping
and parking.
Uvalde County was the birthplace of the first
Texan elected to national office, John Nance
"Cactus Jack" Garner, Vice-President during
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 41.2%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 600.1 acres
UNDEVELOPED 68.8%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 856 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 345,983
Franklin Roosevelt's first two terms. The
original 600 acres (Parcel A) were acquired by a
Uvalde County volunteer group in 1935 as a
memorial to Garner. The Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) constructed the attractive stone
buildings still in use. As their architectural guide,
356
-------
CCC chose the style of the French-Alsatian town
of Castroville in nearby Medina County.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 48
AREA OF BLDGS 52,471
DEPRECIATION 20%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $1,591,294
WATER Well Systems
SEWER Sewage Disposal System
GAS Butane
ELECTRICITY. Electric System on Site
Direct access to the park, which is 31 miles north
of Uvalde, is via US 83 alongside Parcel B. In
Uvalde, US 83 intersects US 90 about 90 miles
west of San Antonio. The park has 2.5 miles of
frontage on US 83 along Parcels B and C, and 13
miles on FM1050, the park's northern boundary.
All roads are paved and in good condition.
Land north of the park is developed and managed
cropland; east and south is rangeland with scat-
tered homesite developments. Most land to the
west and south is raw Hill Country rangeland
used for hunting and some beet goat, and sheep
production. Area economy is based on agribusi-
ness, tourism, and hunting leases.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD operates the property as a state park,
offering fishing, paddleboating, swimming,
camping, hiking, miniature golฃ nature study,
FM 10S0
E
A
0
HEADQUARTERS
REST ROOM
CAMPING
RESIDENCE
MAIN ROAD
PARCEL BOUNDARY
PARK BOUNDARY
US 83
, | ^ PARCEL A
ENTRANCE -ปฆ
FRIO RIVER
Fig. 2 - Site Map
357
-------
and a dance terrace. Gamer is one of six TPWD
parks with cabins for rent. There were 178,176
overnight visitors and 167,807 day visitors at
Garner during 1987, a total of345,983. The agen-
cy plans to continue present use of the tract.
Buildings include four residences, 16 cabins, two
group shelters, headquarters, maintenance
building, service building, office, three conces-
sion buildings, ten rest rooms with showers, three
comfort stations, 40 screened shelters, and five
camp shelters.
Site improvements include water, sewage, gas,
and electric systems, drinking fountain, concrete
dam, tanks, roads, 61 picnic tables, 362 camp
sites, hiking and nature trails, fencing, miniature
golf course, log gates, flagpole, and barbecue pit.
Parcel A, the original park, is restricted to public
use by reversion clauses in the deed. Parcels B
and C, obtained from Uvalde County and private
owners between 1936 and 1977, have no deed
restrictions. There are no zoning regulations, but
typical utility easements apply to the property.
GLO appraisers find that the highest and best use
of the subject property is recreation and wildlife
preservation. Parcel A is restricted by deed to
public use and Parcel B contains the park
facilities and is further limited by rugged terrain.
Parcel C is unused and has potential as a lodge
site, recreational vehicle park, or additional
campgrounds.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,456,059
BUILDINGS. $1,286,537
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,744,995
MARKET VALUE $4,487,591
APPRAISAL DATE. December 16, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Alternative uses considered by the appraisers
include farming, ranching, homesite develop-
ment, and recreation. They found that the tract
does not contain sufficient acreage to support
farming, and ranching is not economically
feasible based on current operating costs in the
area. Current real estate market saturation and
low profit margin in housing transactions rule out
homesite development.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
358
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA
LOCATION - Lost Maples State Natural Area (SNA) is
located on RR 187, five miles north of Vanderpool, in
Bandera and Real Counties, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,207.94 acres,
more particularly described by deed in Volume 35, p. 61
(1,280 acres), Real County Deed Records, and by Certificate
of Judgement, Cause No. 198, 198th Judicial District Court,
Bandera County (927.94 acres).
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Lost Maples was the first state natural area in the
Texas park system and was designated a National
Natural Landmark in 1980. The spectacular
autumn colors of its famous stands of bigtooth
maple trees make the SNA one of the best-known
units in the park system. Meadows and wooded
slopes combine with steep limestone canyons
(rising over 550 feet above spring-fed streams) to
produce a property of unusual variety.
Texas' "lost" maples, a species found today prin-
cipally in the Rocky Mountains, survive from the
Pleistocene Ice Age. As the ice withdrew, the
Texas climate became hotter and drier, restrict-
ing the bigtooth maples to sheltered canyons such
as those on the subject site. In the fall, tourists
flock to the SNA to enjoy a vivid display of red,
orange, and golden leaves.
Set in the Edwards Plateau of south central
Texas, the SNA is irregular in shape, with the
Sabinal River, fed by several creeks, meandering
through from north to south. Sabinal Canyon has
been a natural refuge for thousands of years,
sheltering prehistoric man as well as a unique
collection of rare or isolated plants and animals
General Data
SIZE. 2,207.94 acres
COUNTY Bandera and Real
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/45
^.................................... >* >. ฆ. ฆ... ฆ . ฆ 2^
TPWD JURISDICTION Parks
359
-------
JUNCTION
KERRVTT ,T ,F,
VANDERPOOL
SAN ANTONIO
UVALDE
Fig. 1 - Location Map
Physical Data
ELEVATION 1,800 - 2,350 ft. msl
SLOPE Level to Vertical
SOILS Steep Tarrant, Orlf-Karnes
FLOODPLAIN Lower elevations
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE Into Sablnal River
Upland plateaus are mostly open grassland with
scattered live oaks and madrone trees. Ashe
juniper, oak, and black cherry trees are also com-
mon. Canyon bottoms support sycamore, pecan,
hackberry, maple, walnut, and button brush.
American smoketree, common witchhazel, and
Canadian moonseed occur in the SNA, isolated
from the rest of their kind by hundreds of miles.
The endemic snowbell flower is noted for its
graceful white blossoms in the spring.
Bird life is diverse. Canyon wrens are common,
as are the endangered golden-cheeked warbler,
black-capped vireo, green kingfisher, golden
eagle, and bald eagle. Streams and springs har-
bor Guadalupe bass and the green-throated
darter, both species confined to Central Texas, as
well as the unique Texas salamander, the scarce
barking frog, and the Texas cliff frog. Other
animals in the SNA include deer, armadillo, bob-
cat, opossum, raccoon, fox, squirrel, mountain
lion, Russian boar, and javelina.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 4.5%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED. 98 acres
UNDEVELOPED 95.5%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 2,109.94 acres
BUILDABLE AREA 0
VISITATION (FY '87) 134,600
Access is via RR 187 which connects, 18 miles
west, with SH 83 (the route between Junction and
Uvalde). State Highway 90, principal route be-
360
-------
tween Del Rio and San Antonio, is less than an
hour's drive south at Uvalde.
The SNA is centered in an area where cattle,
sheep, and goat ranching, hunting leases,
tourism, fishing, summer camps, and cedar
products provide th e principal sources of income.
Bandera County is well-known for its dude
ranches and artist colonies. Real County is a
leader in mohair production.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TP WD manages the property as a state natural
area, preserving the unique community of plant
and animal life in its protected canyons.
Development has been consistent with conserva-
tion goals, and physical facilities are fewer and
less extensive than in recreational parks. Trails
lead visitors to nearly all the diverse environ-
ments, and exhibits explain natural features.
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA OF BUILDINGS. 7,290 sq. ft.
DEPRECIATION 8%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $277,927
WATER Well
SEWER Own Plant
GAS Propane
ELECTRICITY. Bandera Electric
Cooperative Co.
The maple groves along the Sabinal River are the
easiest to see, but visitors claim that the harder-
to-reach stands in Hal's Hollow and along Can
Creek and Dry Can Creek are the most reward-
ing. Two stone pools with waterfalls, stalagmites,
ferns, and mosses are also special attractions.
17- i\
i.*' ปปป
S
m
~
m
R4
ฆ ฆ B
OtLO*.
~Pa
pA..*
' * i ซ
SCALE IN THOUSANOS OF FEET
HEADQUARTERS
RESIDENCE
MAINTENANCE
RESTROOM
PICNICKING DAY USE
CAMPING
TRAILER DUMP STATION
PARK BOUNDARY
TRAILHEAD
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
PRIMITIVE TRAIL
MAPLE TRAIL
SCENIC OVERLOOK
Fig. 2 - Site Map
361
-------
Activities offered include camping, picnicking,
hiking, photography, nature walks, bird watching,
and sightseeing. Visitation is high for so isolated
a location. In 1987, two-thirds of the SNA's al-
most 135,000 visitors (119,423 day and 15,177
overnight) arrived during October and Novem-
ber.
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $1,576,275
BUILDINGS $257,326
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $1,125,335
MARKET VALUE $2,958,936
APPRAISAL DATE May 11, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Buildings include a cabin, two residences,
warehouse, maintenance building, and head-
quarters. Site improvements consist of a water
system, three dams, sewage system, two tanks,
electric system, roads, 20 picnic sites, 30 camp
sites, three toilets, 11 miles of hiking and nature
trails, fencing, gate, holding pen, entrances and
signs, flagpole, volatile storage building, stables,
rest rooms with showers, and comfort station.
The property is not zoned. Neither easements
nor deed restrictions encumber the tract, which
TP WD acquired in 1974 from private owners.
TP WD plans to continue the protection and use
of this property as a state natural area; GLO
appraisers have determined that this is its highest
and best use. The outstanding attractions of
Sabinal Canyon with its rugged beauty, impres-
sive status as a botanical refuge for many
threatened and endemic species, and abundant
wildlife populations render this a unique asset
within the state park system.
The only viable alternate use that would not ad-
versely impact the ecology of the SNA would be
tourist service, such as a lodge and restaurant
Due to topographic complexity, only a site above
the general camping area would be suitable for
such an activity. The success of such an operation,
while likely during the peak season, might be
more speculative at other times of the year.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
362
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TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE
EVALUATION REPORT
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
SEMINOLE CANYON STATE HISTORIC PARK
LOCATION - Seminole Canyon State Historic Park (SHP)
is located on US 90, 45 miles west of Del Rio, in Val Verde
County, Texas.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION - The tract covers 2,172.52 acres,
more particularly described by deeds in Volume 149, p. 473,
Volume 260, p. 191-197, and Judgement Causes No. 11,669
and 11,670, Val Verde County Deed Records.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Seminole Canyon State Historic Park includes
some of the most significant prehistoric Indian
pictographs in North America and was purchased
to protect the finest and oldest of this aboriginal
rock art.
The SHP forms part of the area known to early
Spanish explorers as the Despoblado, or unin-
habited place. An inhospitable region with
rugged limestone terrain, the area is noted for its
deep canyons on the Rio Grande, Seminole
Canyon being one of the most spectacular.
Representative of the western margin of the Ed-
wards Plateau and Balcones Escarpment, the
SHP is located at a point where three major
North American biotic regions converge. It con-
tains encloses an especially rich and diverse col-
lection of flora and fauna.
Seminole Canyon probably supports the most
varied reptile and amphibian community in the
entire park system. Vegetation is a mosaic of
General Data
SIZE. 2,172.52 acres
COUNTY Val Verde
MUNICIPALITY Not applicable
SEN/REP DISTRICTS. 25/68
TORP REGION. 24
TPWD JURISDICTION Paries
363
-------
semi-arid grasslands and canyon woodlands.
Slopes support desert scrub or brush typical of
the Tamaulipan zone of South Texas and North-
ern Mexico.
The park is located a short distance downstream
from the confluence of the Rio Grande with the
Physical Data
ELEVATION 900 - 1,200 ft. msl
SLOPE Gentle to steep
SOILS Clay to sandy day
FLOODPLAIN Narrow strip along river
PREVAILING WIND SE
DRAINAGE S Into Rio Grande
Pecos River. Ten miles to the southeast is the
Amistad Reservoir, with Langtry (population
145) approximately 20 miles to the west on US 90
and IH 10 approximately 75 miles to the north.
US 90 forms the 1.8-mile northern boundary of
the SHP. The Rio Grande, separating the U.S.
and Mexico, forms its southern border. To the
east and west, surrounding land is used for twen-
ty-to-thirty-thousand-acre ranches.
Val Verde County has a population of 39,000, of
whom 34,000 live in Del Rio. The other 5,000
people are scattered over a 3,150 square mile
area.
PRESENT AND POTENTIAL USE
TPWD operates a strong preservation and
management program at the SHP, which is util-
ized primarily as an outdoor museum. Other
activities include camping, picnicking, and
hiking.
Visitors learn about the lower Pecos region and
its people from interpretive exhibits in the
SEMINOLE CANYON
STATE HISTORIC PARK
IH
10
SH p63
PECOS RIVER /
US/277
LANGTRft \
W (
SITE ^ TKXJxJ
DEL RIO
amistad^jQ
ซ^US 90
RESERVOIR
MEXICO
iV^^-RIO GRANDE RIVER
Fig. 1 - Location
364
-------
Fig. 2 - Site
PARK
ENTRANCE
TO
DEL RIO
US 90
TO
LANGTRY
ฆ SHADE SHELTER
HEADQUARTERS
A PICTOGRAPH SITE
HIKING TRAIL
SEMINOLE CANYON
RIO
GRANDE
RIVER
museum, which contains a life-sized cave
diorama. Park rangers conduct guided tours to
Fate Bell Shelter, which contains representative
rock paintings near a scenic overlook of the Rio
Grande. Panther Cave is famous for its pic-
tographs, including a 19-foot panther, and can be
reached by boat or observed from a hiking trail
across the canyon.
Utilization Data
DEVELOPED 14.7%
AMOUNT DEVELOPED 320 acres
UNDEVELOPED 85.3%
AMOUNT UNDEVELOPED 1,852.52 acres
VISITATION (FY '87) 52,968
Improvements/Utilities
NO. OF BUILDINGS 6
AREA 11,112 sq.ft.
DEPRECIATION 10%
RECONSTRUCTION COST $453,099
WATER Well
SEWER Septic
GAS None
ELECTRICITY. Rio Grande Electric Co.
Since many of the prehistoric paintings in the
vicinity were inundated when Lake Amistad was
built, and since state law does not protect ar-
cheological artifacts on private property, TPWD
intends to preserve the major prehistoric cave
365
-------
paintings in Seminole Canyon SHP. (State law
does protect archeological artifacts on state
property.)
Appraisal Data & Values
LAND $362,691
BUILDINGS $408,240
SITE IMPROVEMENTS $266,672
MARKET VALUE $1,037,603
APPRAISAL DATE October 1, 1987
HIGHEST AND BEST USE Recreation
Buildings include a rest room with shower, two
residences, gas tank shelter, interpretive center,
and service complex. Site improvements include
fences, roads, parking lot, curbs, water system
and lines, electrical lines, sewer system,
sidewalks, picnic areas, tent pads, entry sign, gas
pump and tank, hiking trails, paint storage shed,
shade shelters, and flagpole.
TPWD acquired the property between 1973 and
1977 from private owners. No deed restrictions
are in force, but a lease expiring in 1993 allows
the original owners access to their ranch head-
quarters. Typical utility easements are in place.
No zoning regulations affect the property.
TPWD plans to continue operation of the tract as
a state historic park, and GLO appraisers have
determined that this is the highest and best use
for the 320 acres containing 98% of the improve-
ments. The highest and best use of the remaining
1,75232 acres is ranching if the property is leased
or sold to a contiguous land owner. (Consolida-
tion with larger acreage would be necessary in
order to achieve an economically feasible ratio of
one animal unit per section.) However, because
the developed area roughly bisects the tract, a
lease would be difficult, if not impossible, to
manage in conjunction with SHP activities.
In the light of this low commercial potential, the
present limited market, and the park's important
function in preserving prehistoric art, the GLO
does not presently envision more intense utiliza-
tion of the tract.
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The General Land Office recommends that
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department retain the
subject property for agency operations.
366
-------
I
I
i
Appendices
-------
Intentionally Blank Page
-------
r
INDEX
Name Baglon. Vninma Earn.
A. E. WOOD FISH HATCHERY AND ROBERT J. KEMP, JR., FISH. CTR. ..12 1 285
ABILENE STATE RECREATION AREA 7 1 173
ADMIRAL NIMITZ STATE HISTORICAL PARK 18 2 163
ARROYO COLORADO STATE RECREATION AREA. 21 2 283
AUSTIN TRAINING ACADEMY. 12 1 289
BALMORHEA STATE RECREATION AREA 9 1 229
BASTROP STATE PARK. 12 1 293
BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK 21 2 287
BIG SPRING STATE RECREATION AREA 9 1 233
BLACK GAP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 8 1 189
BLANCO STATE RECREATION AREA 12 1 297
BONHAM STATE RECREATION AREA 22 2 323
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK 16 2 65
BRYAN BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA 16 2 69
BUESCHER STATE PARK 12 1 301
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK. 6 1 117
CADDOAN MOUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE 6 1 121
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK 1 1 17
CHAPARRAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 24 2 347
CLEBURNE STATE RECREATION AREA 4 1 65
COLORADO BEND STATE PARK 23 2 335
CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE HISTORIC PARK 11 1 261
COPPER BREAKS STATE PARK 3 1 41
CHRISTMAS BAY STATE PARK 16 2 73
DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK 5 1 101
DAVIS HILL STATE PARK 16 2 77
DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 8 1 193
DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA 24 2 351
DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK 4 1 69
DUNDEE STATE FISH HATCHERY 3 1 45
EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 4 1 73
EAGLE MOUNTAIN STATE FISH HATCHERY 4 1 77
EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC SITE 2.2 2 327
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN WMA AND STATE PARK 8 1 197
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA 18 2 169
369
Preceding page blank
-------
Name Region Volume Page
FALCON STATE RECREATION AREA 19 2 241
FANNIN BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC SITE 17 2 129
FANTHORP INN STATE HISTORIC SITE 13 2 7
FISH HATCHERY PARK. 18 2 173
FORT BOGGY STATE PARK 13 2 11
FORT GRIFFIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK 7 1 177
FORT LANCASTER STATE HISTORIC SITE 10 1 241
FORT LEATON STATE HISTORIC SITE 8 1 201
FORT MCKAVETT STATE HISTORIC SITE 10 1 245
FORT PARKER STATE RECREATION AREA 11 1 265
FORT RICHARDSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK 3 1 49
FORT WORTH STATE FISH HATCHERY. 4 1 81
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK. 8 1 205
FULTON MANSION STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE 20 2 255
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK 16 2 81
GARNER STATE PARK. 24 2 355
GENE HOWE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 1 1 21
GOLIAD STATE HISTORICAL PARK. 17 2 133
GOOSE ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA 20 2 259
GOVERNOR HOGG SHRINE STATE HISTORICAL PARK. 6 1 125
GUADALUPE DELTA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 17 2 139
GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK 18 2 177
GUS ENGELING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 6 1 129
HEART OF THE HILLS FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION 18 2 181
HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA 18 2 185
HONEY CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA 18 2 189
HUECO TANKS STATE HISTORICAL PARK 8 1 209
HUNTSVILLE STATE FISH HATCHERY 16 2 85
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK 16 2 89
INKS LAKE STATE PARK 12 1 305
J. D. MURPHREE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 15 2 45
JASPER STATE FISH HATCHERY. 14 2 29
JIM HOGG STATE HISTORICAL PARK 6 1 133
JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO STATE HISTORIC SITE 18 2 193
KEECHI CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 13 2 15
KERR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 18 2 199
KERRVILLE LAW ENFORCEMENT REGIONAL HDQTS 18 2 203
KERRVILLE - SCHREINER STATE PARK 18 2 207
370
-------
Name
Region
Volume
Eaga.
LA PORTE REGION VIII HEADQUARTERS
16
2
97
LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE RECREATION AREA
3
1
53
LAKE BOB SANDLIN STATE RECREATION AREA
...... 5
1 .....
105
LAKE BROWNWOOD STATE RECREATION AREA
7
1
181
LAKE HOUSTON STATE PARK
16
?
93
LAKE LIVINGSTON STATE RECREATION AREA
14
2
....... 33
LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK,,
4
1
85
LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE
18
p
211
LAS PALOMAS WMA - CAMERON, HIDALGO, & WILLACY CO'S.
......... 2.............
291
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - PRESIDIO COUNTY.... 8
......... 1
ป.*ป. 213
LAS PALOMAS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA - STARR COUNTY...
.. 19
2
245
LIPANTITLAN STATE HISTORIC SITE
20
2
263
LOCKHART STATE RECREATION AREA
12
1
309
LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK
12
1
313
LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA
24
2
359
LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK
18
2
215
2
1 .1
a
1..
e 1..
. 3
1..
12
> * a <
.......... 1 .1
,11
1..
,18
2..
, 6
1.,
,14
2..
12
1.,
,23
2..
.20
2..
MACKENZIE STATE RECREATION AREA 2 1 33
217
MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 6 1 137
57
ฆa 317
MERIDIAN STATE RECREATION AREA 11 1 269
221
141
37
.... 325
339
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK 20 2 267
NEASLONEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 17. 2.... 143
OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE 11 1 273
OLMITO STATE FISH HATCHERY 21 2 305
PALMETTO STATE PARK 17 2 147
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK. 1 1 25
PEACH POINT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 16 2 101
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK. 12 1 329
PERRY R. BASS MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION. 17 2 151
PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE. 21 2 309
POSSUM KINGDOM STATE FISH HATCHERY 4 1 89
POSSUM KINGDOM STATE RECREATION AREA 4 1 93
PURTIS CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA 6 1 145
371
-------
Name
Region
Volume
Page
RANCHO DE LAS CABRAS STATE HISTORIC SITE 18 2 225
RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK 21 2 315
ROCKPORT REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE 20 2 271
SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC PARK 15 2 49
SAM BELL MAXEY HOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE 5 1 109
SAN ANGELO STATE FISH HATCHERY # 1 & REG. HDQTS. 10 1 249
SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND STATE HISTORIC PARK 16 2 105
SAN JOSE MISSION NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 18 2 229
SEA RIM STATE PARK 15 2 53
SEABROOK MARINE FIELD LABORATORY. 16 2 109
SEBASTOPOL HOUSE STATE HISTORIC STRUCTURE. 18 2 233
SEMINOLE CANYON STATE HISTORIC PARK 24 2 363
SHELDON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA/STATE RECREATION AREA.16 2 113
SIERRA DIABLO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 8 1 221
STARR MANSION STATE HISTORIC SITE 6 1 149
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE HISTORICAL PARK 16 2 117
SWAN POINT STATE FISHERMAN ACCESS 17 2 155
TEXAS STATE RAILROAD SHP & RUSK-PALESTINE SP 6 1 153
TIPS STATE RECREATION AREA 20 2 275
TYLER RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT STATION. 6 1 157
TYLER STATE FISH HATCHERY 6 1 161
TYLER STATE PARK. 6 1 165
VARNER ฆ HOGG PLANTATION STATE HISTORICAL PARK. 16 2 121
VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK 15 2 57
WACO REGIONAL OFFICE 11 1 277
WALTER BUCK WMA S SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK 10 1 253
WASHING TON-ON-THE-BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC PARK 13 2 19
372
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AN OVERVIEW
THE EVALUATION PROCESS:
Statement of purpose
Evaluation reports have been prepared in accordance with the Texas Natural Resources Code,
Sections 31.151, et seq. The act requires the Asset Management Division of the General Land
Office (GLO) to identify and evaluate designated state-owned real property and accomplish
the following:
determine current market value,
identify real property not being used or being substantially underused, and
propose to the legislature various recommendations for future use or disposition of
unused or underused properties.
Appraisals are performed by GLO staff whose findings are contained in reports on file in the
agency's Appraisal Division. Field staff measure and examine buildings to determine structure,
composition, and condition. Resulting data are processed using the Marshall and Swift
Valuation Service to derive replacement and depreciated values. Using the Market Data
approach, area markets are examined, and the current market value of the land is determined.
All findings are based on market data and conditions as of the appraisal date. Appraisers do
not make forecasts of future trends not already indicated by current real estate activity.
Evaluation process
Analysis
The GLO analysis staff reviews appraisal findings and performs additional research to deter-
mine the following:
pattern of land utilization for each facility:
* land that is economically underutilized,
* land not being used for agency or facility function; and
development potential for underutilized/unused areas of the property.
This analysis should be viewed as a preliminary feasibility study which identifies potential
alternate uses. Additional research would be necessaiy prior to marketing the property to
Appraisal process
373
-------
insure accurate forecasts of land use, income streams, transaction costs, and implementation
scenarios.
Recommendations
Asset Management staff base their recommendations on whether
the recommended land is being used in a manner consistent with the programmatic
function of the facility; and/or
the property has potential for greater economic return to the state.
When most appropriate economic use of the property is determined, implementation
scenarios are developed. Sale, lease, or other development options are chosen in order to
insure the highest return to the state.
Projected, discounted returns are derived from a cash flow model using base values from the
appraisal report. Development and marketing strategies can change these values, as can
changes in market conditions.
Appraisal and evaluation findings stated in the reports will be over one year old when this
report is published. If the legislature authorizes disposition of property pursuant to GLO
recommendations, updated research may be required to insure accurate expectations for a
given project.
Definition of terms
Evaluation reports employ the terms defined below.
Market Value
The amount one can expect to receive if the property were sold on the open market
Also:
The highest price which a property will bring if offered for sale in the open market, with
reasonable time allowed to find a knowledgeable buyer and assuming reasonable financing
terms. This definition implies the concept of a willing buyer and seller, neither of whom is put
under undue duress and both having been given time to consummate the sale.
Highest and Best Use
The most profitable, likely, legal use to which a property can be placed. It is that use which
may be reasonably expected to produce the greatest net return and/or enjoyment over a given
period of time.
374
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Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR)
A measure of development intensity used to judge relative land utilization. FAR is the ratio
of built space in square feet compared to the area of land supporting the building. This factor
is a useful index of economic efficiency when compared with typical FARs for given categories
of use.
Construction at densities lower than accepted standards is difficult to justify economically and
represents an inefficient use of land and infrastructure.
Value Ratio of Land to Buildings
A measurement that indicates the time when replacement of the current use is economically
justified, i.e., when the value of the cleared land exceeds the value of the original property
(land and buildings). As the ratio approaches 1:1, costs of maintaining present operations
versus alternate use of the asset should be examined and relocation criteria determined.
Planned Unit DevelopmentfPUDl
A flexible approach to development of large properties under a uniform concept. TTiis can
involve a mixture of uses and developers. As plans are proposed for individual projects, an
administrator or review board implements them under a consistent plan utilizing development
and architectural standards.
Reproduction/Replacement Cost
An estimate of the cost of an individual structure with the same area, use, and overall design
as the original but constructed using current materials and techniques. This figure is not
suitable for estimating the cost of constructing a new facility, as size, function, and configura-
tion may differ.
375
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Intentionally Blank Page
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The General Land Office gratefully acknowledges the generous assistance of Andrew
Sansom and Karen Leslie of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department The GLO also
recognizes the following sources of material used in compiling evaluation reports:
Bomar, George, Texas Weather. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas, 1983.
Evans, Harry, 50 Hikes in Texas, Gem Guides Book Company, Pico Rivera, California,
1983.
Haislet, John A. (Editor), Famous Trees of Texas, Texas Forest Service, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas, undated.
Miller, George Oxford, and Tull, Delena, Texas Parks and Campprnnnds Texas Monthly
Press, Austin, Texas, 1984.
Smith, Griffin, Jr., and Kennard, Claude, Victorin Canyon. A Natural Area Survey. Lyndon
B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin, 1973; and additional
Natural Areas Surveys of this series.
Texas Almanac and State Industrial Guide. Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, 1988-89.
Texas Parks and Wildlife brochures.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine-
Texas Travel Handbook. Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation,
Austin, Texas, undated.
Webb, Walter Prescott (Editor), The Handbook of Texas. The Texas State Historical
Association, 1952, three volumes.
Preceding page blank
377
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