Action
Acquisition of Land - Coryell County
Approximately 95 Acres at Mother Neff State Park
November 2, 2023

I.      Executive Summary: Acquiring properties adjacent to current state parks from willing sellers remains a priority for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with a goal to expand public lands for recreational opportunities for the citizens of Texas and visitors from across the world.  TPWD staff has identified an approximately 95-acre tract located adjacent to Mother Neff State Park available for acquisition from a willing seller.

II.     Discussion: Mother Neff State Park consists of approximately 382 acres and sits along the Leon River approximately 15 miles north of Temple in Coryell County. The Park’s initial 6 acres were donated in 1916 by Mrs. Isabella Eleanor Neff, mother of Governor Neff. Upon Ms. Neff’s death in 1921, Governor Neff created the Mother Neff Memorial Park, making it the first state park in Texas. In 1934, private owners deeded additional land to the state, including 250 acres from Governor Neff. The park was opened to the public in 1937. The park’s improvements were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, who quarried stone and cut wood to build the structures that are still in use today. Presently, the park offers camping, nature viewing, hiking, and geocaching for the public.

TPWD staff has an interest in the acquisition of the approximately 95-acre tract along the Leon River to expand Mother Neff State Park, increase public river access, and allow future expansion of water activities and recreational opportunities.

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 95 acres of land in Coryell County for addition to Mother Neff State Park.”

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit A

Location Map for Mother Neff State Park (SP)
Coryell County

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Mother Neff SP
15 Miles North of Temple

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit C

Site Map of Proposed Acquisition
Subject Tract Outlined in Yellow
Mother Neff SP Outlined in Red