Regional Highlights

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Northeast Texas lakes at record low levels (Regions N & E)

Lake levels are down across north and east Texas and recreational users are beginning to feel some impacts. Toledo Bend and Lake Fork are at record lows and Cooper Lake is down more than 11 ½ feet. All area lakes are feeling the effects of the lack of rainfall. Some boat ramps are becoming difficult to use and declining lake levels have exposed stumps, rocks and other obstacles. At Martin Creek Lake State Park, the boat ramp has been shut down and we’re keeping on eye on boat ramps at other parks across the region. On the plus side, “The fishing is outstanding,” said Dave Terre, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The fish are concentrated in a smaller area, so those anglers who are out on the water are having great success.” Terre said he doesn’t expect the lowered lake levels to have any lasting effect on the fisheries. “We manage for these eventualities, so unless the low water levels persist and there is no rain for the next few months, then we shouldn’t see a long term impact.” For more information, contact Inland Fisheries Regional Director Dave Terre at 903-566-1615 ext 202 or dave.terre@tpwd.state.tx.us

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Texas Game Wardens assist in wildfire investigations (Regions N,P & W)

At the request of the Governor's emergency management office, TPWD Game Wardens are assisting the Department of Public Safety and the State Fire Marshall's office in investigating reports that as many as 70 wildfires that have raged across Texas in recent weeks resulted from arson. In Rusk County, information developed by one of our game wardens led directly to arrest warrants for two individuals who have been charged with arson-related offenses. TPWD wardens continue assisting on the front lines of several wild fires and have been involved in evacuations, traffic control, clearing fire lanes and other related duties. For more information, contact Law Enforcement Deputy Director Craig Hunter at 512-389-4846 or craig.hunter@tpwd.state.tx.us

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Federal Grant to help restore Galveston Bay rookery island (Region U)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a federal grant to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for a more than $1.2 million project to restore wetlands on North Deer Island, the largest bird rookery island in the Galveston Bay system.

The Texas grant was part of more than $15 million in grants to 12 states to help acquire, restore and protect coastal wetlands for long-term conservation benefits to wildlife and habitat under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program.

North Deer Island in West Galveston Bay is used each year by up to 30,000 breeding pairs of 19 species of coastal-dependent birds, including more than 1,000 nesting pairs of federally listed brown pelican.

The North Deer Island project will protect and restore over 135 acres of fish and wildlife habitats. In Phase II to be funded by the federal grant, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and project partners, will protect 82 acres of island habitat from erosion and restore eight acres of estuarine marsh.

- read news release "Federal Grant to Restore Galveston Bay Rookery Island" - 01/16/06
- For more information, contact Larry McKinney at 512-389-4636 or larry.mckinney@tpwd.state.tx.us

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World Birding Center/Brownsville work to begin (Region V)

Development at the World Birding Center in the Valley continues with the execution of a $2.4 million construction contract. Work at the Brownsville site is expected to begin in February of 2006. The Brownsville site is the largest of the three WBC sites and is the most remote. A tram system will operate to distribute birders to the trail system. Resacas with controlled water levels will offer excellent birding opportunities. The project is funded primarily from Park Development bonds and local community match. For more information, contact Infrastructure Division Director Steve Whiston at 512-389-4741 or stephen.whiston@tpwd.state.tx.us.

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San Jacinto projects underway (Region U)

Fire safety repairs at the San Jacinto Monument are well underway, thanks to $2.1 million in emergency repair funds approved by the 79th Legislature. The repairs will ensure visitor safety and will allow the tower to the observation deck to be re-opened for visitor access. Access has been suspended since September 2004 when a report commissioned by the San Jacinto Museum History Association recommended additional fire precautions. Those repairs are expected to be completed later this year.

Also on tap for the site: a new visitor center. As directed by the Legislature, TPWD has begun the process for hiring a design consultant for a new center which will orient visitors to the Battleground, the Monunment and the Battleship Texas.

For more information, contact Infrastructure Division Director Steve Whiston at 512-389-4741 or stephen.whiston@tpwd.state.tx.us

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