Newest Texas Paddling Trail to Launch in Brownwood

Media Contact: Rob McCorkle, TPWD, (830) 866-3533 icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Rob McCorkle, TPWD, (830) 866-3533 or robert.mccorkle@tpwd.state.tx.us
Shelly Plante, TPWD, (512) 389-4500 or shelly.plante@tpwd.state.tx.us

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BROWNWOOD – A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 12 will mark the launch of the Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail, the 63rd official Texas Paddling Trail and the northwesternmost trail in the expanding system. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in Fabis Primitive Park.

Paddlers can access the Pecan Bayou trail in Fabis Primitive Park and paddle either a 3.2 mile- loop upriver and back from the park or do a 4-mile loop downriver to the dam and back. The slow-moving body of water is filled by rainfall and from overflow from Lake Brownwood. Float time is one to three hours, depending on the water level, winds and flow rates.

The trail incorporates a peaceful stretch of wildlife-rich Pecan Bayou that flows through a mature pecan orchard composed of numerous pecan trees more than 100 years old. Birders will enjoy spotting eastern bluebirds, several species of owls, herons, egrets and woodpeckers year-round, as well as and such winter species as brown creeper, northern pintails, blue-winged teal and yellow-bellied sapsuckers.

Anglers can cast for large and small mouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Small lures, such as jigs, spinner baits and plastic worms rigged on light line, are recommended.

The Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail is a cooperative effort between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the City of Brownwood and Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, visit the Texas Paddling Trails pages at tpwd.texas.gov/paddlingtrails.

The Texas Paddling Trails program helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. More Americans paddle (canoe, kayak or raft) than play soccer, making it one of the fastest-growing nature tourism experiences.

A canoe and several kayaks will be available for use at the trail opening ceremony. For more information, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at (325) 646-9535.

To view paddling photos, visit: http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/news_images/?g=paddling_trail_-_pecan_bayou