Texas Border Project
Austin – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has completed the purchase of 1,100 acres in Lampasus and Burnett counties and completed the second phase of the acquisition to create a new state park.
The property is located across the river from Colorado Bend State Park and includes 1.5 miles of Yancee Creek, Limestone Bluff and several natural springs. Combined with the recent acquisition of 2,020 acres in Burnett County, the new state park will account for more than 3,000 acres.
TPWD used a combination of one-off funding and funds from the Sporting Goods Sales Tax to purchase 1,100 acres of property. The new state park will be developed through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a billion-dollar fund that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023, creating a dedicated source of funding for the acquisition and development of the state park.
“We’re a great leader in our efforts to help you,” said Jeff Hildebrand, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Committee. “The property, combined with a 2,020-acre road previously purchased near what is now Colorado Bend State Park, will provide the Texans with an exciting new state park experience.”
These two latest acquisitions, along with others created by TPWD in recent months, further expand their goal of expanding public access to Texas’ natural spaces in more corners of the state. The completion of this two-phase purchase has joined in purchases such as the 500-acre Lake Colorado City State Park, as well as other notable purchases that add 3,703 acres to the enchanting Rock State Natural Area.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to our customers,” said David Yoskowitz, Executive Director, TPWD. “Texas voters would also like to thank the Centenary Park Conservation Fund for saying ‘Yes’, which will allow for the development of the park. ”
If you are notified of available properties, TPWD will conduct a due diligence review to determine the feasibility of the property as a state park. In this case, TPWD determined that the outstanding natural and recreational features of this property were a great candidate.
“We’ve been working hard to get into the world,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “The acquisition gives visitors access to the Colorado River, beautiful streams and the diverse landscape featured throughout the site. We look forward to a generation of Texans who enjoy the scenic views of the unique post-oak forests and outdoor adventures awaiting this property.”
The new property is about 10 miles upstream from Lake Buchanan, and its acquisition will provide additional recreational opportunities, habitat conservation and natural spring conservation.
With the sale completed, TPWD will develop a plan with public opinion to determine recreational opportunities for real estate. The plan may take months to complete, but the TPWD will inform you of upcoming milestones, including potential opening dates.
