May 13, 2019

TPWD says ‘Thank You’ to Law Enforcement with New Free Fishing Weekend

AUSTIN –  To recognize the service and sacrifice made by Texas law enforcement personnel, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering the first-ever “Free Fishing for Law Enforcement Weekend” May 18-19 during National Police Week. This weekend, anyone who holds an active peace officer license under chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code can fish recreationally in Texas public waters without needing a valid fishing license or endorsement.

May 10, 2019

Game Warden Field Notes, May 10, 2019

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

May 8, 2019

San Jacinto Battleground, Battleship Texas Reopen to the Public May 8

LA PORTE— The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and the Battleship Texas State Historic Site will be reopening to the public May 8 after the recent chemical fire in La Porte.

Fungus Causing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats Continues to Spread in Texas

AUSTIN — The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats has continued to spread into parts of Central, South, and East Texas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

May 6, 2019

TPWD Temporarily Closes Alligator Gar Fishing in Segment of the Trinity River

AUSTIN –  Due to flooding conditions on the Trinity River, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is temporarily prohibiting fishing for alligator gar in portions of the river between the Highway 287 bridge near Cayuga and State Highway 7 near Crockett.

Gulf Shrimp Season Closing on Wednesday, May 15, 2019

AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 until a still-to-be determined date in July.

May 3, 2019

TPWD CO-OP Awards More Than $1.5 Million in Grants to Texas Communities

AUSTIN – Texas children and families will have enhanced opportunities to explore the State’s natural resources, thanks to $1,585,400 in 36 grants awarded this year through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP). These grants support community-based outdoor recreation programs and activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and more.

April 30, 2019

Invasive Giant Salvinia Eradicated from Lake Fork, Lake Athens

AUSTIN – Recent vegetation surveys conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Aquatic Habitat Enhancement (AHE) Team have revealed that giant salvinia – an invasive, free-floating fern that has been wreaking havoc on East Texas lakes for more than 20 years – is believed to have been eradicated from Lake Fork and Lake Athens.

TPWD Launches New Desert Bighorn Sheep Conservation License Plate

AUSTIN – Texans can help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in its wildlife conservation efforts through their purchase of the new Desert Bighorn Sheep conservation license plate, available now.

April 29, 2019

TPWD Joins Partners in Recognizing Soil and Water Stewardship Week

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has partnered with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Texas Wildlife Association, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to highlight the importance of voluntary land stewardship in Texas. The statewide campaign, “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper”, is the theme of this year’s Soil and Water Stewardship Week, which is April 28 through May 5, 2019.