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Commission approves utility easement for Bandera County Hill Country State Natural Area
Summary
The commission granted a defined electrical utility easement to Bandera Electric Cooperative across approximately 21.7 acres of Hill Country SNA to document long‑standing infrastructure and allow upgrades; staff said a surface use agreement will limit construction impacts.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on March 27 approved a resolution authorizing a defined electrical utility easement across portions of Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera County to formalize long‑standing infrastructure and enable upgrades and maintenance.
Stan David of the department's Land Conservation Program said the Hill Country SNA totals about 5,370 acres and that Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) has power lines and poles crossing parts of the SNA that predated the department's acquisition. Staff proposed a defined easement approximately 47,300 feet in length and about 20 feet wide for utility lines that provide power to park buildings and infrastructure; the easement area discussed in presentation equates to roughly 21.7 acres.
Staff said a surface use agreement would govern construction and limit impacts to the SNA. Agency outreach yielded four public responses: three in agreement and one opposed; staff said the opposition expressed concern about damage to the SNA and that the surface use agreement is intended to address those concerns.
Commissioner Foster moved approval of the resolution. The commission voted by voice; the chair recorded ayes and no opposition. The motion carried.
