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 Longoria Unit, Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area - Santa Rosa, Texas Posted by:  JimmyEv
N 26° 19.273 W 097° 49.372
14R E 617487 N 2911792
Surrounded by miles of savannah, the Longoria Unit preserves a sliver of original Rio Grande Valley habitat. If you come here, be on the lookout for swarming hordes of butterflies.
Waymark Code: WM3EFT
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/23/2008
Views: 40
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This tract was purchased by TPWD in 1957 to preserve white-winged dove habitat, mainly for hunters. But, luckily for birders and others, a portion of the tract was found to be a remnant of native Rio Grande Valley forest. Restoration efforts addressed the farmland, turning it into prime habitat for the white-winged dove. The remnant forest was developed for birders with the installation of two bird blinds and a hiking trail.
The hiking trail begins paved, but eventually turns into a dirt path. With a little bit of back-tracking, you can do a 0.75-mile loop through the flowers and into the woods. In October, there are butterflies everywhere in the forest - orange butterflies, red butterflies, yellow butterflies, blue butterflies - it’s simply amazing.
Outside of the small tract of forest are acres of brushland, good for hunting but way too sunny and flat for hiking or mountain biking.
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Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 373 acres
Is there a trail system?: Yes
If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.:
Short system. See link above for a download.
What points of interest are there?:
Wildlife.
What activities are available?:
Hunting (in season); mountain biking; hiking
List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.):
Snakes; Plants with thorns.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: Yes
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.:
You would think this would be an easy question to answer. According to TPWD's website, one must have a $15 Limited Use Permit (LUP) to access Wildlife Management Areas. It states that you can buy the LUP at any State Park.
If you try to purchase an LUP at a State Park, they will not know what you are talking about and tell you that you need a State Park Conservation Passport ($60 with free admission to all Texas State Parks).
At any rate, there is no place within 50 miles to purchase either an LUP or a passport, and there are no signs indicating that either are required.
Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]
Hours of accessibility?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
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