Commission Meeting Agenda Item No. 8
Presenter: Trey Vick

Action
Acquisition of Land – Briscoe County
Approximately 1,100 Acres at Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
January 25, 2024

I.      Executive Summary: Staff requests authorization to pursue acquisition of approximately 1,100 acres of land adjacent to Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway that is available from a willing seller. The land would increase the habitat for the State Bison Herd as well as expand public access and recreational opportunities at the state park.

II.     Discussion: Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway consists of approximately 15,300 acres in Briscoe County, making it the third largest state park in Texas. Caprock Canyons State Park opened in 1982. In 1993, the trailway was created after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) acquired 64.25 miles of right-of-way from the abandoned Fort Worth and Denver Railroad lines between Estelline and South Plains. Today, the park hosts the State Bison Herd of Texas, which was donated to the State of Texas in 1997 and originally preserved by Charles Goodnight and his wife.

TPWD staff has an interest in the acquisition of the approximately 1,100-acre tract to increase critical habitat for the State Bison Herd, increase public access to the state park, and expand the recreational opportunities of the park.

III.   Recommendation: 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 1,100 acres of land in Briscoe County for addition to Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit A

Location Map for Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Briscoe County

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
5 Miles North of Quitaque

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tract in Yellow
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Outlined in Red