Land Acquisition — Presidio County

[SHANEA]

I've emailed Ted requesting more information, but have not heard anything back.  This is a large tract.

Notice of Proposed Real Estate Transactions and Opportunity for Comment Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting — July 17, 2008

Land Acquisition — Presidio County

On July 17, 2008, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) in a Special Called Meeting may consider, among other things, the potential acquisition of a 6,817-acre inholding at Big Bend Ranch State Park in Presidio County. The meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. at 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas.  Before taking action, the Commission will take public comment regarding the proposed acquisition.  Public comment may be submitted to Ted Hollingsworth, Land Conservation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744, by e-mail at ted.hollingsworth@tpwd.state.tx.us, or in person at the meeting.

[Ay Chihuahua!]

Went to look at the map on their website to see which one of the inholdings this might be and I'll be damned if the haven't changed the map again.  It no longer shows the inholdings. 

[SHANEA]

Well, I've emailed a slew of people "out that way" that are members of the 4th Estate and have already got some responses that they are "looking into it".   

[SHANEA]

Ask and ye shall receive...

This is a number of disjunct sections, all with the park, known as the Norsworthy Ranch or the Rutherford Ranch. The heirs of the ranch and their trustee have offered it to TPWD, and it is our intention to acquire it. This will make some important areas and features in the park accessible to the public at some point in the future.

The map attached is not very descriptive, but does indicate where these sections are in the park. They are the ones outlined adjacent to the label “Norsworthy Ranch”. Thanks for your interest. Ted

Ted Hollingsworth
Land Conservation Director
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
(512) 389-4520 ph.

[SHANEA]

Land Acquisition - Presidio County

[RichardM]

No date on this article, but it looks like this may go through.

Norsworthy Ranch on way to park

Avalanche staff

The coveted Norsworthy Ranch — a 6,817-acre inholding at Big Bend Ranch State Park — is one step closer to becoming part of Texas’ biggest state park.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission staff recommended recently that the “executive director … take all necessary steps to acquire” the Presidio County property for an addition to the state park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been negotiating with heirs and the ranch trustee for more than a decade, said Ted Hollingsworth, director of the agency’s Land Conservation section.

“We anticipate that we may [sign] a contract by the end of August,” Hollingsworth said. “We’re delighted that we’ve reached this reality.”

The property, also known as the Rutherford Ranch, comprises a number of disjunct sections, all within the state park.

One of the key attractions to the ranch, Hollingsworth said, is that it includes two riverfront sections and parcels within the park’s interior, and it straddles Fresno Canyon.

The Fresno Canyon road and trail is the only route into the park from Lajitas, and public access to Fresno Canyon is critical to full implementation of the park’s Public Use Plan, he added.

At over 300,000 acres, Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest state park in Texas.

It offers unbeatable opportunities for wilderness hiking and camping eperiences.

Hollingsworth also was pleased that of all the public comments received on the planned purchase, no one voiced opposition.

[SHANEA]

Thanks Richard.

That is exceedingly good news.

 
Now, if I can just get away from it all to go exploring out there.  So much to explore, so little time...

[SHANEA]

Commission Agenda Item No. 18