Commission Retreat

Tuesday, August 19, 2014
1:00 p.m.

Hotel ZaZa
Hemingway Room
5701 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77005

Chairman Dan Allan Hughes, Jr., Commission Chair
Carter Smith, Executive Director

  1. State Park Advisory Committee Report – Carter Smith (George Bristol and Brian Trusty)
  2. State Park Funding – Carter Smith and Brent Leisure
  3. Legislative Preview and Update – Harold Stone and Carter Smith
  4. TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan Revisions – Ross Melinchuk
  5. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Comprehensive Campaign – Anne Brown

Commission Retreat Item No. 1
Presenter: Carter Smith
George Bristol
Brian Trusty

State Park Advisory Committee Report
August 19, 2014

I.       Executive Summary:  Carter Smith will introduce George Bristol, Chair of the State Parks Advisory Committee (Committee) and Committee member Brian Trusty.  Mr. Trusty and Mr. Bristol will present a report from the State Park Advisory Committee.

II.     Discussion: In April 2014, the Chair of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission requested that the State Parks Advisory Committee complete an analysis of operational and capital needs and the funding methods currently provided to the Texas State Parks system.  The Committee was directed to take into account the current and future needs of the system and consider the current and recommended balance between earned revenues and state supported funding.

The Committee has completed its analysis and has issued a Committee report that includes six recommendations.  These recommendations cover a wide range of issues, and are based on the evidence gathered from staff, interested parties and documentation developed by outside sources and other state agencies.  Topics include perceptions of state parks, proposed changes to the capital budget process, greater funding from the sporting goods sales tax and greater operational support.  Implementation of the recommendations will establish a firm foundation for the state park system as it moves into its second century.


Commission Retreat Item No. 2
Presenter: Carter Smith
Brent Leisure

State Park Funding
August 19, 2014

I.       Executive Summary:  Carter Smith and State Parks Director Brent Leisure will provide an overview of the funding mechanisms available for park operations, maintenance and development.

II.     Discussion:  In order to maintain a high quality park system, a sustainable funding stream that will allow long range planning, priority setting, and appropriate stewardship is needed. The Texas State Park system currently receives funds from a variety of sources including sporting goods sales taxes, park generated revenue and bond sale proceeds.  The positive aspects and limitations of these sources will be reviewed and contrasted with the identified needs of state parks.


Commission Retreat Item No. 3
Presenter: Carter Smith
Harold Stone

Legislative Preview and Update
August 19, 2014

I.       Executive Summary: Staff will present a legislative preview and update for the 84th Texas Legislative Session for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 biennium.

II.     Discussion: Staff will discuss legislative issues and initiatives that may impact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department during the 84th Texas Legislative Session which will begin January 13, 2015.


Commission Retreat Item No. 4
Presenter: Ross Melinchuk

TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan Revisions
August 19, 2014

I.       Executive Summary: Staff will update the Commission on the recommended updates to the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (Land and Water Plan).

II.     Discussion: In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature directed that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) develop a Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (Tex. Park & Wildlife Code §11.104). In 2002, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) adopted the first Plan and subsequent revisions were approved for 2005, 2009, and 2013.  The 2013 Plan is available on the TPWD web site. Staff will update the Commission and discuss recommended edits and updates to the Land and Water Plan.


Commission Retreat Item No. 5
Presenter: Anne Brown

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Comprehensive Campaign
August 19, 2014

I.       Executive Summary: Anne Brown, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (the Foundation) will discuss the Foundation’s Comprehensive Campaign.

II.     Discussion: The Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes to assist Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in carrying out its authorized purposes.  Pursuant to Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Section 11.205 and action of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission), the Foundation has been designated as the Official Nonprofit Partner of TPWD.  In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of TPWD, the Foundation has embarked on a significant comprehensive campaign.  Ms. Brown will discuss the goals and progress of campaign.