Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 4
Presenter: Jason Estrella

Action
Land Acquisition Strategy – Jack County
Approximately 5 Acres at Fort Richardson State Park,
Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
March 28, 2024

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to pursue a land acquisition strategy for multiple tracts of land totaling approximately 5 acres that are surrounded by and adjacent to Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway (Fort Richardson SP). These tracts are available from willing sellers. These acquisitions would add excellent habitat and operational utility to the park and protect the park’s viewshed.

II.     Discussion: The preservation of Fort Richardson SP was started in 1936 by the Texas Centennial Commission, and in 1968, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the site, which totals approximately 450 acres. Fort Richardson was built to house soldiers that protected settlers across the Texas frontier. Today, visitors can experience a glimpse of life in the past while camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Staff prioritizes acquiring state park inholdings and adjacent properties from willing sellers to minimize operational and management conflicts and ensure the conservation of TPWD public lands. Staff has identified several strategic tracts within and adjacent to Fort Richardson SP totaling approximately 5 acres.

III.   Recommendation: Staff recommends that 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 strategic state park inholdings and adjacent tracts at Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Exhibit A

Location Map for Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir
State Trailway (Fort Richardson SP)
Jack County

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Fort Richardson SP
Jacksboro, Texas

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Exhibit C

Site Map for Fort Richardson SP
Area of Interest Outlined in Green
Fort Richardson SP Outlined in Red