The 9,270-acre tract is owned by the Texas State University System and is open to the public and to academic researchers studying the area's natural resources.

The area's shallow, stony soils support oak, juniper, mesquite, chaparral, various cacti, and grasses.

Poaching and invasive species of plants were degrading the area, and the state did not want to provide the money to maintain the vast tract.

The gift deed required the Conservation Fund's approval before conveying the property to any party other than the federal or state parks agencies.

However, under intense public pressure, the sale of the land was delayed to give the Park Service time to make a bid.