Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission recently authorized the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to pursue acquisition of approximately 477 acres for a new state park in exchange for approximately 43 noncontiguous acres from Boca Chica State Park.

“This is an exciting opportunity to acquire land that has been of interest to us and the conservation community for many years,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz. “We look forward to working with Cameron County, city and state officials as well as the public to develop a shared vision for Bahia Grande that enhances conservation and expands recreational opportunities for all Texans, both now and in the future.”

Expanding Experiences

The 477 acres offered to TPWD near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge encompass one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. The land shelters endangered species, winter fowl and other migratory birds.

The expectation is the land exchange will create a tenfold return, and allow TPWD to acquire land and initiate planning for a new state park. Activities in the park will include access for fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and family gatherings.

In return, most of the 43 acres proposed for trade do not connect to each other or to areas offering public access at Boca Chica State Park. These smaller, noncontiguous tracts do not provide beach access and are dotted among private properties or immediately adjacent to SpaceX’s facilities. These sites are not readily available for public use and provide less cohesive wildlife habitat than offered by a connected and consistently managed tract of conservation land.

The current negotiation extends from more than a decade of cooperative work allowing TPWD and SpaceX to carry out their respective missions as neighbors.