The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation closed the deal on October 12, 2026, paying more than $10 million for the 650-acre property in Henderson County. The acquisition secures roughly 2,000 feet of frontage on Lake Palestine, ending nearly a year of negotiations with the Pollard family, who owned the land since 1940. This move transforms a private pecan nursery and hunting ground into a designated site for public recreation and conservation.
The foundation does not intend to hold the land forever. It will serve as a temporary steward, keeping the property off the open market while the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department prepares its budget and infrastructure plans. Officials anticipate the state will assume ownership in late 2027. This interim period allows the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund—approved by voters in 2023—once the interest has accumulated and the administrative hurdles are cleared.
The landscape offers a mix of pine forests, native grasses, and a deep lake reaching 58 feet. Wildlife surveys confirmed the presence of white-tailed deer, bobcats, and waterfowl, making the site critical for habitat protection. The ranch also features the original Pollard pecan orchard, a defining feature of the family's legacy since they established their nursery business there. For visitors, the plan includes boating, fishing, hiking trails, and campsites, with scenic bluff views expected to draw day-trippers from Tyler and Athens.
Development will not happen overnight. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans a phased opening, starting with guided access in 2027 before introducing day-use facilities and overnight camping. Public input sessions will determine the final balance between ecological restoration and recreational access. The next major milestone is the formal transfer of title, expected by the end of 2027, which triggers the start of physical development work.