| (a) The commission finds that there are many factors
that affect the suitability of land for use as a state park, natural
area or historic site, and objectively quantifying the relative value
of one tract over another can be difficult or impossible. Nonetheless,
all potential acquisitions (including donations) are evaluated for
their attributes with respect to the categories delineated in this
section. The relative importance of each parameter within the categories
will vary from proposal to proposal, depending upon the specific needs
and goals of the department at the time of consideration.
(1) Contribution to Land and Water Resources Conservation
and Recreation Plan. The department will consider whether the addition
of land for inclusion in the state parks system is consistent with
the department's Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation
Plan.
(2) Contiguity with existing land in the state parks
system. The land is near, adjacent to, or within the boundaries of
an existing unit of the state parks system.
(3) Recreational value. The land possesses a high potential
for providing popular, strategic, or critical opportunities for recreational
enjoyment of the natural world by the public. Such potential is characterized
by:
(A) water features such as springs, creeks, bayous,
rivers, lakes, or coastline;
(B) landforms such as mountains, hills, canyons, etc.,
that are suitable for hiking, camping, or other types of outdoor use
that are typically sought after or enjoyed by the public;
(C) underground features such as caves, caverns, or
sinkholes;
(D) significant aesthetic resources, such as views
or panoramas; or
(4) Natural resource value. The land:
(A) contains a high-value natural feature or features;
(B) is habitat for rare or endangered species of plants
or animals;
(C) reflects a representative ecosystem of the state
or could be restored or managed to reflect a natural ecosystem; or
(D) significant geological or paleontological resources.
(5) Historical or Interpretive value. The land provides
significant cultural or historical resources or interpretive value
consistent with the department's Land and Water Resources Conservation
and Recreation Plan.
(6) The land fills a gap in the inventory of natural
or cultural resources or recreational opportunities offered by the
state park system.
(7) Ancillary values. The land offers or contains significant
or valuable:
(A) viewsheds;
(B) wildlife corridors;
(C) watersheds; or
(D) buffers for existing parkland from development
or other incompatible land uses.
(8) Size. The department shall consider the size of
a parcel of land as it relates to the factors set forth in paragraphs
(1)-(5) of this subsection.
(A) Small parcels (less than 500 acres) should normally
be contiguous to existing properties in the state park system to be
considered, unless the value of the parcel in terms of the criteria
listed in paragraphs (1) - (5) of this subsection is such that the
department has a compelling interest in acquiring the land.
(B) Large parcels (greater than 500 acres) need not
be contiguous to existing properties within the state park system
to be considered for acquisition, provided that acquisition is consistent
with the department's Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation
Plan.
(9) Other criteria. The department will consider other
criteria, including, but not limited to cost effectiveness, source
or availability of funding, access, deed restrictions, potential threats
to future operations from mineral activity, use agreements, previous
land uses, operating and maintenance costs or any other factors would
make the use of the land undesirable, impractical, or problematic.
(b) No land will be added to the state park system
unless the land is formally accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Commission voting in open session. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission,
in its sole discretion, may accept or decline any proposed donations
of land for inclusion in the state park system.
|
