Fairfield State Park

[SC-001]

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/t..._for_fairfield

[DedDuk]

Landowner's right to sell their property.

[Killer]

Wow I grew up fishing and camping on that lake. Hope TPWD can come up with the funds to keep it!

[RWB]

Texas is one of the most prosperous states in the US, generated a huge budget surplus and still can't figure out how to make this happen?

[tvc184]

Originally Posted by RWB

Texas is one of the most prosperous states in the US, generated a huge budget surplus and still can't figure out how to make this happen?

Figuring it out probably isn’t hard. The $$$ is the issue.

The developer has eyes on many millions of dollars in profit for an exclusive and private lake, golf course, million dollar homes, etc. They can legally do it and it is understandable. Had this been completely private property to begin with then one would notice or probably even care. Private property sales for private ventures is done daily.

Make it public property for generations with a great outdoor spot for average people and it really hurts that money has overcome the state’s (in this case every member of the public) interest in retaining it.

There seems to be an easy and legal way retain the property for the park. The problem is the funding though and I doubt that it will be done. Claim eminent domain, seize the property and pay the market value.

[toledo]

Originally Posted by RWB

Texas is one of the most prosperous states in the US, generated a huge budget surplus and still can't figure out how to make this happen?

They got plenty of money but nobody is willing to give up their two assistants and personal secretary in exchange for purchasing more land for the public.

[Hoggslayer]

That Sucks. Its one of my favorite lakes to fish. Great Campgrounds now that all the Tilapia castnetters are gone. If they sale I might look into buying a lot up there.

[bullets13]

We’ve hunted it a couple of times through the draw system. It’s a neat place. Would hate to see them sell it, but it makes a lot of sense for a developer to buy it with all of the infrastructure already in place.

[Killer]

I assumed they would have to buy it all instead of the smaller amount the State had the park on. I had not thought about eminent domain usage.
It’s a shame our funding is so screwed up with the Tpwd funds that they don’t use them strictly for wildlife and hunting even though as hunters we fund it!

[KIETHSTONE]

I guess I was wrong for assuming that these parks were state owned for public use.


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[bossbowman]

Now the state is saying they have the money to purchase it but it might be too late. Somebody dropped the ball big time.

The state of Texas is poised to lose an 1,800-acre state park that has been open to the public for nearly 50 years, as the private landowner plans to sell the property to a developer. Fairfield Lake State Park, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth, is one of 89 state parks in Texas. It offers 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with extensive shoreline for fishing. But the land, though used as a public resource, is not actually publicly owned. TOP VIDEOS Fairfield_MaeganLanhamTPWD_1.jpg Fairfield Lake State Park, approximately halfway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, has been open to the public for nearly 50 years. But the private owner of the land now plans to sell the property to a developer. Maegan Lanham Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Parks and Wildlife has leased the 1,800 acres since the 1970s from Vistra Corp., which used to operate a power plant nearby. Fairfield Lake itself, which is more than 2,000 acres, was constructed as a cooling reservoir for that power plant. The company, through subsidiary Luminant, closed that power plant in 2018 and placed its entire 5,000-acre property on the market in 2021. Get unlimited digital access Try 1 month for $1 CLAIM OFFER The land, including the lake and the state park, was listed for $110 million and advertised as the “largest private water offering in the state of Texas.” The listing sparked concern that the park could be closed under a different owner. Until recently, the park remained open and unsold. In 2022, the park saw about 82,000 visitors, Parks and Wildlife staff said. But now, the property is under contract. And the potential new owner “has no intention of continuing the state park lease,” according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting agenda from late January. The buyer is not identified in the meeting agenda and Vistra declined to identify the buyer, but Parks and Wildlife officials said they’ve met with Shawn Todd, of the Dallas-based development company Todd Interests, about the property. Todd did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. TX Politics newsletter Get government and election news that affects our region, plus a weekly take exclusive to the newsletter. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The closure of a state park would strike a particularly hard blow in Texas, which has relatively little public land to begin with. Of all the land in Texas, only about 5% is publicly owned. Fairfield_MaeganLanhamTPWD_2.jpg Fairfield Lake State Park could soon close to the public. Maegan Lanham Texas Parks and Wildlife Department It’s also not the way that Janice Bezanson, the senior policy director for Texas Conservation Alliance and a longtime conservationist, had hoped to start 2023. This year is the 100th anniversary of the founding of Texas’ state parks; it had been slated as a year of celebration, as well as the opening year for the state’s newest park, in Palo Pinto. “What we were hoping to do was to highlight the need to be expanding parks,” Bezanson said. “And suddenly we’re starting the centennial year with the prospect of closing one, which is really a shame.” Vistra spokesperson Meranda Cohn said in an email that the company has provided the land for public use, at no charge, since the 1970s. “We have received no compensation,” Cohn wrote. “The company has continued to be responsible for the upkeep of the lake, dam, and property taxes.” Cohn said that when Vistra closed the power plant in 2018, it notified Parks and Wildlife and encouraged the department to make an offer on the full 5,000 acres. Beaver Aplin, the founder of Buc-ee’s who serves as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, said the department didn’t have the money at the time to purchase the property. The agency asked instead to buy just the park land. Both Aplin and Cohn said Vistra was only interested in selling the entire property. “We never got to first base,” Aplin said. “The answer was, ‘No, we’re not splitting it, we’re doing it as one sale.’” The company then began marketing the entire property for sale publicly in 2021. And while Vistra’s position on selling the entire property intact has not changed, the state’s budget has. The department now has the money to purchase the entire 5,000 acres, said the Parks and Wildlife Department’s executive director, David Yoskowitz. The funding shift is thanks to a 2019 amendment to the sporting goods tax, which Yoskowitz called “a game changer for the department.” But now the property is under contract. If the situation doesn’t change, Vistra has indicated to Parks and Wildlife that the sales contract will take another step forward on Feb. 3, Aplin said. It’s unclear what the buyer will do with the land if the sale goes through. The listing agent, Cash McWhorter of the Hortenstine Ranch Co., declined to answer specific questions. However, the listing itself describes the whole 5,000-acre property and its 21 miles of shoreline as a “blank canvas offering massive development potential.” The land, the listing says, could be turned into “a private ranch, hunting and fishing club” or developed for “residential, commercial, corporate, leisure, theme park, and resort” uses. Bezanson, the conservationist, said she can’t remember another time when a Texas state park has been fully lost to the public. Although properties sometimes change hands, she said they’ve typically remained open to the public. “This would be kind of a first, for a public park to suddenly become private and off-limits to the public,” Bezanson said. With a contract already in place and another deadline rapidly approaching, there isn’t a lot of time to find a solution that would keep Fairfield Lake State Park open to the public. But both Aplin and Yoskowitz said they’re still hopeful. “We’d like to buy the whole thing,” Aplin said. “We now see a path to do that.”

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/s...#storylink=cpy

[Hoggslayer]

Sounds like TPWD was just sitting back and playing dumb waiting to see what was going to happen.

Sure hope they don't lose it. Not many state parks with boating access. Only about 1/4 of the 88 parks have Lake access.

Ponds yes, but not lakes.

[Killer]

What a cluster fluck for the people of Texas

[Abctx]

Eminent domain the mf’er. Considering all the garbage they use (the ability to eminent domain) it for, surely a park, open to anyone, for fishing/camping(some hunting), ought to qualify....

[hooligan]

are they gonna have decent price lots? I’ll be in the market for a lake house soon

[steve morton]

Upper echelon at it's finest ����

[Bullseye07]

Originally Posted by steve morton

Upper echelon at it's finest ����

How so?


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[redfishted]

I’m surprised it took this long to sell, with the layout of that piece of property and its location between Houston and Dallas it’s prime for development. Doing the same thing on Hwy 7 in Leon County, I believe it’s a piece of what was the Center Ranch.

[RWB]

Originally Posted by redfishted

I’m surprised it took this long to sell, with the layout of that piece of property and its location between Houston and Dallas it’s prime for development. Doing the same thing on Hwy 7 in Leon County, I believe it’s a piece of what was the Center Ranch.

Sad to see the center ranch being broken up

[bloodtrailer28]

Yet another cluster **** brought to us by txpw.

[SC-001]

Well things have stalemated, Feb. 3 was supposed to be the date the park would have to turn the keys over but the park is still open. Few reports out there that state representative in Austin have been flooded with angry emails and phone calls about the public losing this to private development, and that the state is currently high-level meetings about purchasing some or all of the Luminant land.

[Etxbuckman]

Originally Posted by SC-001

Well things have stalemated, Feb. 3 was supposed to be the date the park would have to turn the keys over but the park is still open. Few reports out there that state representative in Austin have been flooded with angry emails and phone calls about the public losing this to private development, and that the state is currently high-level meetings about purchasing some or all of the Luminant land.

Well that is certainly good news (assuming it’s true).

[DRT]

Someone from California will outbid them.

[da_pepper]

Originally Posted by DRT

Someone from California will outbid them.

^^^^^^ this...

[Mesquite Archer]

I hate to see it go but renting land from a power company sounds like a typical bad business model for the state. TPWD has likely operated that park at a loss for the last 50 years, but when it's other people's money you can get away with it.

The State should have purchased it 50 years ago when it was 100 times cheaper and would surely be money ahead without paying lease fees for fifty years, developing the park, maintaining and staffing the park only to have it taken by the highest bidder.

The power company wins, the developer wins, the State says awe shucks and the tax payer loses. I will be curious to see how many of our reps fighting to save the park end up with premium choice lots and club memberships to the golf course in a few years when they open.

[jdg13]

State could have bought it 50 years ago, but I'm sure "didn't have the money." Now someone shows up with money and they want to act like it's some evil plot. Like a tire kicker in the classifieds complaining that someone else bought something. Just another TPWD screw up.

[jomw10]

Originally Posted by jdg13

State could have bought it 50 years ago, but I'm sure "didn't have the money." Now someone shows up with money and they want to act like it's some evil plot. Like a tire kicker in the classifieds complaining that someone else bought something. Just another TPWD screw up.

Why will they bought it 50 years ago when they signed a lease with a $0 cost!.

[texan16]

So from what I understand from very reliable sources around town is that the big tract of land that was up for sale (which includes the lake and the property where the State park currently sits) has been under contract for several months with Todd Interests (development company). However Todd Interests is having issues closing the deal and may be backing out. IF they do back out and the contract is voided, then the State will have the option/ability to purchase the lake and State Park property from Vistra Energy. I have also heard that Beaver Aplin (owner of Bucee's) is backing the State with finances to purchase the property. LOTS of moving parts in this transaction..........

[Hoggslayer]

Originally Posted by texan16

So from what I understand from very reliable sources around town is that the big tract of land that was up for sale (which includes the lake and the property where the State park currently sits) has been under contract for several months with Todd Interests (development company). However Todd Interests is having issues closing the deal and may be backing out. IF they do back out and the contract is voided, then the State will have the option/ability to purchase the lake and State Park property from Vistra Energy. I have also heard that Beaver Aplin (owner of Bucee's) is backing the State with finances to purchase the property. LOTS of moving parts in this transaction..........

Beaver Aplin is Chairman of the TPWD board of directors. That's the only tie he has to it. I'm sure the state doesn't need his money.

[texan16]

Originally Posted by Hoggslayer

Beaver Aplin is Chairman of the TPWD board of directors. That's the only tie he has to it. I'm sure the state doesn't need his money.

He is the Chairman of the Board and yes the State will take his money...........

[Hoggslayer]

Originally Posted by texan16

I have also heard that Beaver Aplin (owner of Bucee's) is backing the State with finances to purchase the property.

Originally Posted by texan16

He is the Chairman of the Board and yes the State will take his money...........

Can you provide the source of this info? Is it reported in some article or just the talk at the local cafe?

[texan16]

Originally Posted by Hoggslayer

Can you provide the source of this info? Is it reported in some article or just the talk at the local cafe?

Was told this by two guys I know that are very closely involved with the current transaction with Todd and Luminant/Vistra. Doesnt really matter where the money comes from. TPWD has stated they have the finances to purchase the property so hopefully they are given the opportunity to do so.

[backwoods]

The state should have never leased the land (even for $0) because it should have been understood that this day will come.

With a 50 year history of public use, I would support the use of eminent domain to acquire the property (at fair market value) for the continuation of public use.

This should also be a lesson to evaluate all other land leases that the state holds.

The current lack of public land and recourses available to the people of Texas is a major drawback.

[Killer]

This could be good news

[justindfw]

That place is infested with hogs. Should be interesting if they turn it into a golf course

[Bullseye07]

Originally Posted by justindfw

That place is infested with hogs. Should be interesting if they turn it into a golf course

Not any different than the golf course 20 minutes from there.


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[Radar]

Would be nice if the state keeps it as a park.

I read an article about the population growth in Texas, it stated that we are losing 235 square miles of land per year to development. We are 45th in the country with public land, which is 4.2 percent total.

[DUKFVR]

I say no to eminent domain. How many of y'all would like it if it was your land. To heck with that. Just another BIG screw up from tpwd.

[Hoggslayer]

Originally Posted by DUKFVR

I say no to eminent domain. How many of y'all would like it if it was your land. To heck with that. Just another BIG screw up from tpwd.

That would be the the ****tiest thing I've ever seen if they did that. Free rent for 50 years then they steal it out from under the land owner. I'd move to Oklahoma if Texas did that to them.

[Abctx]

Originally Posted by Hoggslayer

That would be the the ****tiest thing I've ever seen if they did that. Free rent for 50 years then they steal it out from under the land owner. I'd move to Oklahoma if Texas did that to them.

I’ll have to disagree. As long as the State is paying the asking price, this is the PERFECT case for “eminent domain”. A tract of land with a huge lake, millions of dollars worth of park facilities (paid for by taxpayers over the last 50 years, no less), and something that hundreds of thousands of Texans would make use of. Vistra no longer has any use for the property. The only potential for “suffering”, here, is some fat-cat developer out of Dallas, that’ll have to find another piece of property to cover with concrete.

Would this property be worth as much as it is, if TPWD hadn’t “beautified” it, over the last 50 years?? No.

How many folks will benefit if it goes to a private developer??

Vistra gets their asking price (which is higher than it would have been, if taxpayers hadn’t already sunk a ton of money in it, over the last half century). Taxpayers get to keep access to a beautiful state park. Wildlife benefits by not having McMansions built all over thousands of acres.

Win.
Win.
Win.

[Hoggslayer]

Originally Posted by Abctx

I’ll have to disagree. As long as the State is paying the asking price, this is the PERFECT case for “eminent domain”. A tract of land with a huge lake, millions of dollars worth of park facilities (paid for by taxpayers over the last 50 years, no less), and something that hundreds of thousands of Texans would make use of.

Would this property be worth as much as it is, if TPWD hadn’t “beautified” it, over the last 50 years?? No.

How many folks will benefit if it goes to a private developer??

Vista gets their asking price (which is higher than it would have been, if taxpayers hadn’t already sunk a ton of money in it, over the last half century). Taxpayers get to keep access to a beautiful state park. Wildlife benefits by not having McMansions built all over thousands of acres.

Win.
Win.
Win.

Yes, if they go in and pay asking price. If they try to get it cheaper through eminent domain that is underhanded.

[Abctx]

Originally Posted by Hoggslayer

Yes, if they go in and pay asking price. If they try to get it cheaper through eminent domain that is underhanded.

I agree, COMPLETELY.

[Huntindad]

Originally Posted by Abctx

I’ll have to disagree. As long as the State is paying the asking price, this is the PERFECT case for “eminent domain”.

if the state is paying asking price... why is eminent domain even in the conversation ? at that point it is just a purchase ...correct ?

[Abctx]

Originally Posted by Huntindad

if the state is paying asking price... why is eminent domain even in the conversation ? at that point it is just a purchase ...correct ?

Right now, the developer in Dallas has “dibs” (the State didn’t know, apparently, a few months ago, that they had the money to buy it, so the developer got there first). If he doesn’t back out on the deal, he’s going to get it. The only way for the State to get it, now, is for him to drop out, or to “eminent domain” it (which would knock him out, and allow the State to buy it).

[WItoTX]

Originally Posted by DUKFVR

I say no to eminent domain. How many of y'all would like it if it was your land. To heck with that. Just another BIG screw up from tpwd.

Yep. Rules for thee, not for me.

[tvc184]

Originally Posted by DUKFVR

I say no to eminent domain. How many of y'all would like it if it was your land. To heck with that. Just another BIG screw up from tpwd.

If “how would you like it” is an issue then they need to do away with eminent domain.

They entire intent of eminent domain is because people don’t like it. If everyone was willing to sell at a reasonable price then eminent domain doesn’t need to exist.

It is like saying you need to have freedom of speech…. as long as you don’t offend anyone.

[DUKFVR]

Originally Posted by tvc184

If “how would you like it” is an issue then they need to do away with eminent domain.

They entire intent of eminent domain is because people don’t like it. If everyone was willing to sell at a reasonable price then eminent domain doesn’t need to exist.

It is like saying you need to have freedom of speech…. as long as you don’t offend anyone.

They do need to do away with it. If a person doesn't want to sell shouldn't be forced to. Fair market price is total BS. A person should be able to get whatever they want or can for their land IF they want to sell it. The BS like the bullet train is a prime example. All it does is fatten some worthless politicians & his buddy developer's pockets,

[tvc184]

Originally Posted by DUKFVR

They do need to do away with it. If a person doesn't want to sell shouldn't be forced to. Fair market price is total BS. A person should be able to get whatever they want or can for their land IF they want to sell it. The BS like the bullet train is a prime example. All it does is fatten some worthless politicians & his buddy developer's pockets,

Then there would be no roads, no airports, no railroads, no parks, no……

[Capt.Brown]

Originally Posted by tvc184

Then there would be no roads, no airports, no railroads, no parks, no……

I don’t like it either, but you’re right, it’s needed or there would be zero infrastructure.

[Bilbo]

I have been playing Powerball religiously the last two years. That place is what I was going to buy if I won.