Preface

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department History and Mission

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) was created in 1963 with the merger of the Texas Game and Fish Commission and the State Parks Board. The merger allowed more centralized control and effective management of the state’s natural resources. In 1967, TPWD was given responsibility for acquisition and administration of state historic sites and structures. With passage of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1983, TPWD was also given the authority for managing fish and wildlife resources (except oysters and shrimp) in all Texas counties. In 1985, the Texas Legislature extended the authority to manage shrimp and oysters, a role previously held almost exclusively by the legislature.

The mission of TPWD is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. TPWD currently oversees approximately 50 wildlife management areas and over 80 state parks, historic sites, and natural areas. TPWD has thirteen divisions responsible for protecting, interpreting, and managing cultural and natural resources: Coastal Fisheries, Communications, the Executive Office, Financial Resources, Human Resources, Information Technology, Infrastructure, Inland Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Legal, State Parks, Support Resources, and Wildlife.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Philosophy

In fulfilling our mission, TPWD will:

• be a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs.
• serve Texans, visitors, and our employees with the highest standards of service, professionalism, fairness, courtesy, and respect. 
• rely on the best available science to guide our conservation decisions. 
• responsibly manage agency finances and appropriations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of taxpayer and user fee resources. 
• attract and retain the best, brightest, and most talented workforce to successfully execute our mission.  

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commission members serve staggered terms of six years, with the terms of three members expiring every two years.

The Governor designates a presiding officer or chair of the Commission from among the members.  The Commission elects a vice-chair from among its members to serve a two-year term.

The Governor fills vacancies on the Commission, while vacancies in the office of chair and vice-chair are filled in the same manner as the original appointment or election.

Members of the Commission serve without pay but are entitled to reimbursement for their actual expenses incurred in attending meetings and to compensatory per diem as provided in the General Appropriations Act.