Feb. 2, 2022

O.H. Ivie Caps Off Successful January for Toyota ShareLunker Program

ATHENS – O.H. Ivie reservoir produced another Legacy Class largemouth bass to close out the first month of the 2022 Toyota ShareLunker season. Brett Cannon of Willis, Texas, who reeled in ShareLunker 593 in 2021, got back on the board Thursday Jan. 27 to become the second angler this season to catch a Legacy Lunker in back-to-back campaigns. Josh Jones, who caught two Lunkers a year ago, brought 14.13-pound ShareLunker 612 into his boat earlier in the month.

Quagga Mussels Detected for First Time in a Texas Reservoir

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reports that invasive quagga mussels have been detected for the first time in Texas. The quagga mussel discovery was made by National Park Service (NPS) staff at the International Amistad Reservoir in the Rio Grande basin along the Texas-Mexico border near Del Rio.

Feb. 1, 2022

20th Anniversary for Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program

AUSTIN —This February marks 20 years for the Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program. Every year countless volunteers spend 10 days on the water searching the Texas bays and shorelines for abandoned crab traps. When left in the water, these crab traps foul shrimpers’ nets, snag anglers’ lines, “ghost fish,” and create unsightly views. To date, they’ve hauled off more than 40,000 of these derelict traps.

Jan. 28, 2022

Red Hot January Continues for Toyota ShareLunker Program

ATHENS – The 2022 Toyota ShareLunker season had a hot start in week one thanks to a pair of Legacy Lunkers from reigning fishery champion O.H. Ivie. In week two, Lake Daniel made history by producing its first Legacy Lunker in program history Friday Jan. 14. However, not to be outdone, O.H. Ivie got back on the board with two more Lunkers in week three. The Lunkers bring the season total to five, surpassing last year’s January total of four with a weekend still to go in the month.

Texas State Parks Welcomes 4,440 Hikers New Year’s Day for First Day Hikes

AUSTIN— Across the state, 4,440 Texans laced up their hiking shoes and hit the trail on New Year’s Day for a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park. They hiked, biked and paddled 8,764 miles to commemorate the start of 2022. Throughout the day, 69 Texas State Parks hosted 128 self-guided and guided hikes.

Jan. 27, 2022

TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest Area in Aransas Bay

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-30 in Aransas Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park to Host Kid Fish 2022 Event

MATHIS – Saturday, Jan. 29, park rangers at Lake Corpus Christi State Park are hosting their Kid Fish 2022 event as an opportunity for young anglers to learn how to fish and to enjoy the wonders of outdoor recreation.

Jan. 26, 2022

Independent Panel to Examine Rolling Pines Wildfire

AUSTIN— At today’s meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced the selection of an independent panel to review the circumstances and cause of last week’s escape of a prescribed fire at Bastrop State Park.

Jan. 19, 2022

TPWD Issues Update on Rolling Pines Fire

BASTROP – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff continue to respond with agency partners to the Rolling Pines Fire in Bastrop County. Crews worked throughout the night and day to manage containment without injuries or loss of residential structures at this time. Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management has rescinded its evacuation order for most residents in the affected area.

Jan. 18, 2022

Rolling Pines Fire Prompts Evacuations in Bastrop County

BASTROP – On Tuesday, Jan 18, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) initiated a prescribed fire at Bastrop State Park that spread beyond the intended fire boundaries.  The cause of that spread is unknown at this time. TPWD is working with the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and other partners to contain the fire, provide resources and support, and protect the health and safety of its neighbors.