Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has acquired nearly 54,000 acres in Edwards and Kinney counties for a future state park, according to state officials.
The property, located between Rocksprings and Uvalde about 150 miles west of San Antonio, will become Silver Lake State Park. The site includes canyons, limestone cliffs, rolling hills, West Nueces River frontage and a 30-acre spring-fed lake.
State officials said the acquisition makes Silver Lake the second-largest state park in Texas, behind Big Bend Ranch State Park.
The Moody Foundation and the Libbie Shearn Moody Trust previously owned the land, which was used for sheep and cattle ranching. The Moody Foundation donated an 87.5% ownership interest in the property to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, while the state purchased the remaining share for $11.85 million using funds from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and the Sporting Goods Sales Tax.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the park will expand public access to Hill Country land and support long-term conservation. Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director David Yoskowitz described the acquisition as an addition to the state park system.
The property includes live oak, juniper and other native vegetation, as well as several creeks and water features including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, North Spring Creek, Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.
Wildlife on the site includes white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina and dove. State officials said aquatic species such as the greenthroat darter have been identified in the area, and portions of the land may provide habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Texas Parks and Wildlife said it will develop the park in phases. Early access may include guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure work continues. Later phases could add trails, camping areas and paddling access.
Before opening the park to the public, officials said staff and contractors will conduct natural and cultural resource surveys. The agency said it will also seek public input on recreational planning.