CP-003: Responsibilities of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission

The Commission shall be responsible to the public for the overall conduct of TPWD with specific reference to:

  • responsibility for the management and administration of TPWD funds.
  • responsibility for explaining the financial needs of TPWD to the legislative bodies responsible for making budgetary appropriations.

The Commission shall adhere to the following guidelines:

  • The Commission or any of its individual members should not take any direct responsibility for administering TPWD.
  • The Commission should exercise its responsibility of explaining TPWD to the public, outlining its programs and policies and defending its actions.
  • The Commission should also exercise its responsibility of representing and explaining to TPWD staff public reaction to TPWD programs and administrative procedures.
  • The Commission will maintain familiarity with the federal and state constitutional provisions, statutes, and regulations directly affecting TPWD, and as appropriate, the Commission may seek the advice of the TPWD General Counsel.
  • The Commission should assume responsibility for leadership in securing appropriate legislation to further existing programs or to provide for new and additional programs for the benefit of Texas citizens.
  • The Commission should require that manuals be prepared to establish rules and procedures for carrying out the administrative responsibilities of TPWD.
  • The Commission shall be responsible for preserving and conserving the resources of the State while preventing depletion and waste of those resources. This will necessitate giving biological data precedence over economic and political considerations.

Each Commission member should:

  • have a good understanding of TPWD’s mission and the importance of TPWD programs.
  • have capacity to see TPWD objectively in relation to changing needs and to be receptive to changes necessary to meet such needs.
  • understand TPWD policy on the difference in function between Commission and TPWD staff, and work in genuine accord with this policy.
  • keep informed of developments in the various program areas appropriate to the work of TPWD.
  • serve actively on the Commission, attend all Commission meetings regularly unless valid reasons prevent, and carry out all Commission assignments promptly.
  • make constructive suggestions and criticisms regarding TPWD through the appropriate channels.