Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act

Key Points

• The bill creates the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area along the Texas Gulf Coast, covering parts of five counties. It would become a unit of the National Park System focused on conservation, outdoor recreation, and economic benefits from nature tourism.
• Land can only be added to the recreation area from willing sellers or donors. The bill explicitly bans the use of eminent domain (condemnation) to take private land, and limits acquisitions to existing public lands or conservation properties.
• Hunting, fishing, off-road vehicles, and personal watercraft will still be allowed in the area. The National Park Service must consult with local groups and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before closing any locations to these uses.
• Existing oil and gas pipelines, shipping channels, storm surge protections, and flood control projects are protected from interference. Private landowners near the recreation area will not face new regulations because of the designation.
• A 31-member Lone Star Coastal Partnership will be created to help manage the area, including county judges, landowners, state officials, and conservation groups. They must produce an integrated resource management plan within three years.