Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation purchases 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine

Who's involved

• Texas Parks and Wildlife FoundationPurchaser of property
• Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentWill purchase property in late 2027
• Anne BrownExecutive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
• Rodney FranklinDirector of Texas State Parks at TPWD
• Sam PollardOwner of property; president of Texas Pecan Nursery
• Madelon AllenPublic information officer at TPWD's State Parks office
• Josh SmithCo-founder of TexasLand brokerage

The facts

• Property is 650 acres with roughly 2,000 feet of Lake Palestine frontage.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Property includes pine forest, native grasses, pecan orchard, 58-foot-deep lake, and roughly 10 ponds.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Pollard family has owned land since 1940; was part of Texas Pecan Nursery for decades.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Property remained under contract for nearly a year while state completed studies.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Foundation will hold property until TPWD can purchase it, likely in late 2027.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Extra time allows state to earn more interest on Centennial Parks Conservation Fund before purchase.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Anne Brown, executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Foundation was able to step in and secure land for public use.^{1 2 3}
• Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks at TPWD Families will be able to enjoy lake recreation, boating, and fishing on Lake Palestine.^{1 2 3}
• Sam Pollard, owner and president of Texas Pecan Nursery Land is part of his soul and legacy for people to enjoy.^{1 2 3}