Regional Highlights - Panhandle Issues

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

Golden algal blooms monitored by TPWD biologists (Regions P, N, C & W)

TPWD biologists continue to monitor for golden alga in Texas waters. Fish kills have been reported recently in the Brazos River Basin at Lake Whitney and in Lake Granbury. In the Red River Basin, fish kills at Lake Baylor and Lake Kemp are being investigated. While no significant kills have occurred yet this year, TPWD has been monitoring carefully. Since 2001, five rivers have been impacted, affecting 20 reservoirs and killing 20 million fish. The Legislature has obligated $1.2 million for research and management related to golden alga. TPWD's commission will be briefed on the topic during the January 26th commission meeting. For more information, contact Phil Durocher at 512-389-4643 or phil.durocher@tpwd.state.tx.us

- More information on golden alga