Scouts caught in the pipeline

Springfield Pipeline LLC, a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation of The Woodlands wants to run a natural gas pipeline through Camp Urland in Woodville. The Three Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America owns the property and claims Springfield Pipeline offered a below-average price per section of pipe. When the Three Rivers Council asked for more money, Springfield filed a petition for condemnation (eminent domain) with the Tyler County District Court to have a commission determine "fair market value" of the property.


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Boy Scouts of America scout executive Jack Crawford walks down a survey line cut through Camp Urland in Woodville on Thursday, April 27, 2006. He said a pipeline company had asked to look at the property, but had not asked permission to survey the property.


A surveying stake remains next to a cut tree in the disputed area of Camp Urland in Woodville. Scout executive Jack Crawford said a pipeline company was not given permission to cut any trees in the camp.



Scout executive Jack Crawford inspects the area where pipeline has already been laid on adjacent land during a tour of the disputed area of Camp Urland in Woodville. He said the pipeline company said they would create a 30 foot compacted soil barrier around the pipeline to prevent tree growth as is visible in the background. The resulting barrier looks like a dirt road.



Contractors continue repairs to the trading post and quartermaster station at Camp Urland in Woodville. The camp's buildings were heavily damaged by Hurricane Rita. Consequently, the pipeline company contends the price of the land should be lower.


Scout executive Jack Crawford (center) prepares evidence before a commission hearing at the Tyler County District Court in Woodville on Friday, May 12, 2006.

The commission granted the scouts $34,000 - $6,500 more than the original pipeline offer on property the scouts claim is worth as much as $137,900.