A sprawling 650-acre ranch on the shores of
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation facilitated the purchase, acting as an intermediary to hold the property until the
A Legacy of Land Stewardship
The property, situated in Henderson County between the cities of Tyler and Athens, has been under the ownership of the Pollard family since 1940. For decades, the land served as the base for the Texas Pecan Nursery, where the family cultivated pecan trees while maintaining the surrounding landscape for personal use, including fishing and hunting. Sam Pollard, president of the nursery, described the sale as a transition of a deeply personal family asset into a lasting legacy for the public.
The ranch features approximately 2,000 feet of lake frontage, native pine forests, grasslands, and a mature pecan orchard. Beyond its recreational potential, the site serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, and migratory birds. The land also includes a 58-foot-deep lake and roughly 10 smaller ponds, contributing to its ecological significance.
Strategic Expansion of Public Space
The acquisition is part of a broader effort to expand the Texas state park system, bolstered by a $1 billion investment approved by state lawmakers in 2023. By stepping in to purchase the land ahead of the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation ensured the property remained available for public conservation rather than being sold to private interests. Anne Brown, the foundation's executive director, noted that the scale and location of the ranch made it a rare opportunity for preservation.
While the long-term vision for the park includes hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and camping, the transition will be gradual. TPWD intends to begin with guided access before expanding to day-use areas and, eventually, overnight facilities. Rodney Franklin, director of
