Presenters: Corky Kuhlmann

Commission Agenda Item No. 17
Action
Land Acquisition - Hidalgo County
Estero Llano Grande-World Birding Center
January 28, 2010

I. Executive Summary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Staff (TPWD) has negotiated a contract of sale for the acquisition of a 30-acre tract as an addition to the Estero Llano Grande-World Birding Center.

II. Discussion: TPWD has entered in a contract of sale with the McAllen District, Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church a private seller for a 30-acre tract of land as an addition to Estero Llano Grande State Park. The Methodist Camp Thicket is owned and operated by the McAllen District, Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church (Church). The 30-acre property is located on FM 1015 between Weslaco and Mercedes, in Hidalgo County, Texas. The primary mission of Camp Thicket is to provide a secluded, natural setting for religious retreats. The conservation of native plants and animals is complementary to this purpose. Populations of several rare native plant species occur at Camp Thicket, including a federally-listed endangered species, Texas Ayenia. This tract has some of the best examples of native habitat left in the Valley.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire a 30-acre tract of land as an addition to Estero Llano Grande State Park."

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