Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 7
Presenter: Stan David

Action
Acquisition of Land – Matagorda County
Approximately 1,750 Acres Adjacent to the
Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area
January 25, 2024

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to pursue acquisition of approximately 1,750 acres of land adjacent to the Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area (CMA) that is available from a willing seller. The land would add excellent habitat and operational utility to the Matagorda Peninsula CMA.

II.     Discussion: In 2017, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) established the Matagorda Peninsula CMA with the acquisition of approximately 5,100 acres of land on Matagorda Peninsula from the Texas General Land Office. The Matagorda Peninsula CMA currently consists of more than 6,300 acres, preserving approximately 14 miles of peninsula from the Caney Creek Cut westward and from the Gulf of Mexico to East Matagorda Bay. The CMA is a remote and undeveloped barrier system that preserves habitat for a remarkable diversity of coastal wildlife from nesting sea turtles to resident and migratory shore and wading birds, several of which are listed as species of greatest conservation need. Habitats consist of Gulf beaches, sand dunes, lagoons, strand prairies, bayous, tidal flats, and emergent salt marshes that are critical for the production of crustaceans, shellfish, and finfish. The East Matagorda Bay system has been identified as a conservation focal area by TPWD and its conservation partners. Goals to protect the East Matagorda Bay system include conservation of as much of the peninsula and surrounding bay shoreline as opportunities and funding allow.

The subject tracts would add valuable land to expand TPWD’s research and management activities for indigenous and migratory wildlife species. Local staff regard these tracts as a high-priority strategic acquisition for the Matagorda Peninsula CMA. No additional staff or infrastructure would be needed to manage these tracts if acquired.

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 approximately 1,750 acres of land in Matagorda County for addition to the Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit A

Location Map for Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area (CMA)
Matagorda County

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Matagorda Peninsula CMA
20 Miles South of Bay City

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tracts Outlined in Yellow
Ongoing Acquisition Project in Blue
Matagorda Peninsula CMA Outlined in Green
Mad Island WMA Outlined in Red