Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 11
Presenter: Jason Estrella

Action
Acquisition of Land – Freestone County
Approximately 34 Acres at Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area
March 24, 2022

I.      Executive Summary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff seeks to acquire an inholding of approximately 34 acres inside the Carl Frentress Unit of the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is available for acquisition from a willing seller.  This tract would add excellent habitat and operational utility to the Richland Creek WMA.

II.     Discussion:  Richland Creek WMA was created to compensate for habitat losses associated with the construction of the Richland-Chambers Reservoir.  The mission of the Richland Creek WMA is to develop and manage populations of resident and migratory wildlife species and their habitats and to provide quality public recreation in a manner that sustains and conserves native habitats.

The subject tract would add valuable native habitat and eliminate a historical inholding.  The undisturbed tract has been owned by the same family for several decades. The acquisition would add strategic operational value to the Richland Creek WMA without requiring additional staff or resources for management.

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 34 acres of land for addition to the Richland Creek WMA in Freestone County.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Location Map for Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Navarro and Freestone Counties

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area
25 Miles East of Corsicana

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area Outlined in Red
Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow