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Texas backs out of effort to save Fairfield Lake State Park through eminent domain

The park's land, which was leased by the state to operate the park, came under new ownership this year after the land was sold to a private developer from Dallas.

FAIRFIELD, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is backing out of its efforts to keep Fairfield Lake State Park alive.

The park's land, which was leased by the state to operate the park, came under new ownership this year after the land was sold to a private developer from Dallas.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) commissioners voted in June to condemn the property and seize it through eminent domain, which would have provided a path to keep the park open. But the agency on Tuesday announced that it will no longer pursue acquiring the land through imminent domain.

"This means that there will be no efforts to establish a state park or any other use on [the new owner's] property," the agency said in a news release.

“TPWD recognizes the importance of conserving our state’s natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for Texans,” TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said in a statement. “However, TPWD must also responsibly manage the state’s fiscal resources in order to maximize the benefit of our parks for all Texans. The citizens of Texas have always shown strong support for expanded access to state parks, and I believe there is a promising future for outdoor recreation in our great state.”

Welcoming more than 80,000 visitors in 2022, Fairfield Lake State Park was known for its towering elm, pecan and ash trees, as well as its lake that drew anglers trying to catch catfish, largemouth bass and other fish.

The battle over the park’s ownership had been brewing for years.

The park opened in 1976 on land the state leased from the energy company Vistra Corp. at no charge. Since then, the state said it had invested about $80 million into renovations and improvements to the park.

Earlier this year, Vistra Corp. sold the land to developer Shawn Todd and his firm for $110.5 million.

“We want to thank the staff and visitors who made Fairfield Lake State Park such a special place for the past half century, as well as those who have supported the effort to save the park,” Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin said in Tuesday's release.

The Texas Tribune contributed to this report

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