On August 12, 2025, two quiet title actions were filed in Bryan County:
1. Curtis Lee Enterprises, LLC v. McGee, et al. – claims that riverbank accretion has expanded tracts of land, potentially redrawing boundaries to the detriment of Texas landowners.
2. Craig Hilliard v. Crain heirs, et al. – claims adverse possession dating back to 2002, paired with accretion, which could set precedent for shifting Red River ownership into Oklahoma hands.
“These lawsuits aren’t just about one ranch,” said D. Bradley Dean, managing member of Big River Ranch, LLC. “If Oklahoma courts are allowed to decide where the Red River lies and assert jurisdiction over Texas landowners, it could affect thousands of acres and generations of property rights along the border.”
Key issues raised by the lawsuits include:
Jurisdiction: Oklahoma courts asserting authority over Texas residents and land.
Property Rights: Risk of land loss for Texas families, ranchers, and landowners.
State Sovereignty: Precedent that could undermine Texas’ ability to defend its own borders.
Big River Ranch and other affected landowners are calling for community awareness and state-level support. A defense strategy is already underway, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office has been asked to review the implications.
“These cases could set dangerous precedent, not just for the Red River, but for all Texans with land near a state boundary,” Dean added. “We believe it’s critical for the public and our elected officials to understand what’s at stake.”
About Big River Ranch, LLC
Big River Ranch is a privately owned ranching operation in North Texas dedicated to responsible land stewardship, conservation, and defending property rights for future generations.
