Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Presenter: Trey Vick

Action
Acquisition of Land – Somervell County
Approximately 106 Acres at Dinosaur Valley State Park
May 27, 2021

I.       Executive Summary: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff recommends the purchase of approximately 106 acres of land adjacent to Dinosaur Valley State Park (SP).

II.     Discussion:  Dinosaur Valley SP opened in 1972 and is composed of 1,587 acres in Somervell County southwest of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex near the city of Glen Rose.  The SP sits along the banks of the Paluxy River and is well known for the well-preserved visible dinosaur tracts found in the limestone riverbed of the Paluxy. Dinosaur Valley SP has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior.

TPWD staff is interested in negotiating the acquisition of an approximately 106-acre tract from a willing seller, contingent upon authorization from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.  The subject tract is located adjacent to the SP and currently prevents contiguous access to the park’s 88-acre Kerr Unit.  The property has recently hit the open market, is vacant, and is currently leased to local hunters. Acquisition of this tract would allow future public-use planning for the Kerr Unit, and adding 106 acres to the park would provide recreational opportunities along the banks of the Paluxy River.

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 approximately 106 acres in Somervell County for addition to Dinosaur Valley State Park.”

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Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit A

Location Map for Dinosaur Valley State Park in Somervell County

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Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Dinosaur Valley State Park (SP) in Glen Rose

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Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit C

Site Map for Dinosaur Valley State Park Showing Location of Subject Tract
Subject Tract in Yellow
State Park in Red