Lakefront ranch near Dallas will become new Texas state park after $10M purchase

"This land is part of my soul," said Sam Pollard, who grew up working, hunting, and fishing on the land.

A sprawling piece of lakefront property long used to grow pecans is set to become a new Texas state park.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation closed this week on 650 acres along Lake Palestine, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas, in Henderson County. The $10 million ranch includes native pine forests, pastures, and small lakes and ponds.

The land has belonged to the Pollard family, owners of Texas Pecan Nursery, since 1940. They used part of the land to grow pecans and later sell pecan trees, but much of the property remains untouched.

The park, which has not been named, will expand conservation and outdoor recreation in a region the state has long considered underserved. One of the largest contiguous pieces of land with lake frontage, the park will provide opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, swimming, paddle boarding, and camping.

Click here to read more on this report from our partners at The Dallas Morning News.