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Commission approves two land acquisitions and a pipeline easement for WMAs and state park access
Summary
The commission authorized acquisition of ~50 acres adjacent to Lake Mineral Wells State Park, approved a ~2,850‑acre purchase to create the Robbie Davis Wildlife Management Area in Stephens County, and granted a ~13‑acre pipeline easement at J.D. Murphree WMA with directional‑drilling conditions.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved several land‑use actions on March 26, authorizing a small park acquisition, a large wildlife management area purchase and a pipeline easement under strict conditions.
Jacob Aston presented staff recommendations to acquire approximately 50 acres adjacent to Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway (Parker County) to improve operational access and provide reliable access to a portion of the park that currently has limited entry. The commission approved authorization to acquire the tract from a willing seller after staff noted public comments were primarily supportive.
Stan David presented a proposed acquisition of roughly 2,850 acres in Stephens County to establish the Robbie Davis Wildlife Management Area. Staff said the property contains representative native wildlife habitat and provides opportunities for public hunting, habitat conservation and research; the commission authorized the executive director to proceed with acquisition.
On a separate item, Dr. Whitney Gann asked the commission to authorize granting an approximately 13‑acre pipeline easement across portions of J.D. Murphree WMA in Jefferson County. Staff indicated the pipeline would be installed via horizontal directional drilling with no surface disturbance; the commission approved the easement with reference to strict drilling and monitoring requirements. Public comment on the easement included opposition to industrial activity on state lands, but commissioners noted standard conditions governing directional drilling and protection of habitat.
Staff will continue to work through closing procedures and will publish required notices; the department said it will coordinate site‑specific management plans for the new WMA.
