Texas Parks and Wildlife is investing more than $10 million to acquire 650 acres of land on Lake Palestine for a new state park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) acquired the 650 acres and will hold it until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) receives the funds to purchase it. TPWD is expected to acquire the property in late 2027, when additional funding from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund becomes available
Philanthropy from NextEra Energy Foundation, NextEra Energy Resources, and Land Conservation Loan Fund allowed TPWF to act quickly.
“Opportunities to protect a property like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, timing is critical,” said Anne Brown, TPWF executive director. “TPWF was able to step in and secure this land now so it can ultimately become a place where generations of Texans can enjoy the outdoors. This is a great example of what public-private partnership can accomplish for conservation in Texas.”
“We are excited to add this East Texas gem to the Texas State Park system,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “Families will be able to enjoy lake recreation on Lake Palestine, along with the pecan trees that are a signature of the property. We are grateful to our partners, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, and to owner Sam Pollard and his family who have graciously allowed this special slice of the Pineywoods to be accessible for generations of Texans.”
The land was formerly a pecan farm in the Texas Pecan Nursery, owned by the Pollard family since 1940. It lies about 18 miles west of Tyler and 20 miles east of Athens.
“This land is part of my soul. It means a lot to me that we can leave a legacy for people to enjoy,” said Sam Pollard, president of Texas Pecan Nursery.
Pollard grew up working, hunting, and fishing on the property, as his children and grandchildren do.
The purchase ensures that his land will be preserved and mostly undeveloped.
Included in the 650-acre expanse are native pine forests, ponds, pecan orchards, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and waterfowl. The state park will house one of the last large sections of habitat in that part of East Texas.
Lake Palestine provides opportunities for conservation and outdoor recreation. Boating, paddling, fishing, and swimming are popular on the lake, which also features scenic views, the pecan orchard, and wildlife watching activities surrounding Lake Palestine.
According to TPWF, TPWD will open the park in phases: guided access, day use, and finally full-day and overnight access. Hike and bike trails, traditional and primitive campsites, lakefront access, and habitat restoration are among the planned improvements.
TPWD will request public input.
Other recent acquisitions by TPWD and TPWF include Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, Powderhorn State Park and Wildlife Management Area, Trinity River Wildlife Management Area, and an expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
