Texas family sells 650-acre pecan ranch for $10M+ to become state park

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has bought a 650-acre waterfront ranch on Lake Palestine for more than $10 million. The purchase protects one of the largest remaining connected properties along the lake, with plans to turn it into a new state park. The property is in Henderson County, about 18 miles west of Tyler and 20 miles east of Athens. The Pollard family has owned the land since 1940. For decades, it was part of the family's business, Texas Pecan Nursery. It also served as a private retreat where family members gathered, hunted and fished. According to The Texas Tribune, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation completed the purchase to hold the land temporarily until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department formally buys it in late 2027.Acquisition structure and conservation fundingThe purchase follows a two-step process designed to make better use of public funds.