TPWD News Releases

TPWD Hosting Role of State Coordinator for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

AUSTIN – As of July 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officially began hosting the role of State Coordinator for the Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the STSSN in 1980, which documents sea turtle strandings along the coastal areas from Maine to Texas and in parts of the U.S. Caribbean.

Enchanted Rock SNA Opens New Backcountry Area for Day Usage

FREDERICKSBURG – One of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area’s newest expansions, the Backcountry Area, is slated to open for expanded public day use on July 7. This is the first phase of opening for self-guided day use.

Official Media Statement: Vessel Incident, Lake Conroe, Montgomery County, July 4

Official Media Statement: Water Fatality, Lake Hawkins, Wood County

Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: Texas Game Wardens Urge Safe, Sober Boating

AUSTIN – As Texans and visitors prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary on lakes, rivers and coastal waters across the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging everyone to prioritize water safety after Texas Game Wardens responded to an unusually high number of water-related fatalities last weekend.

TPWD Accepting Drawn Hunt Permit Applications for 2026-27 Season

AUSTIN – Hunters have an exciting lineup of opportunities and a chance to experience the beautiful scenery of Texas through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program.

Reuniones públicas programadas en el centro de Texas para los días 8 y 9 de julio para discutir el plan de uso público del Parque Estatal Bear Creek

AUSTIN – El Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) organizará una segunda ronda de reuniones públicas en Kerrville y Houston para recibir comentarios sobre el Plan de Uso Público del Parque Estatal Bear Creek. Esta fase se basa en la participación comunitaria realizada en mayo de este año y servirá para informar sobre cómo dichas aportaciones han contribuido a dar forma a la planificación del área de expansión.

Public Meetings Scheduled in Central Texas July 8, 9 to Discuss Public Plan Use for Bear Creek State Park

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hosting a second round of public meeting in Kerrville and Houston to gather feedback on the Public Use Plan for Bear Creek State Park. This phase builds on community engagement conducted in May of this year and will share how that input has helped shape planning directions for the expansion area.

Boaters Prompted to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ to Halt the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

AUSTIN – The Fourth of July holiday arrives soon and during the height of summer, Texans throughout the state will head out to enjoy the sun and water. During the holiday celebrations, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters, paddlers and anglers to do their part to protect Texas lakes from aquatic invasive species.

Join Texas State Parks to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday

AUSTIN – Fourth of July is always special at Texas State Parks, but the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has provided some memorable programming for this year’s holiday. Join Texas State Parks in celebrating America 250 with a patriotic themed event near you.