AUSTIN – Government trustees planning the next phase of Texas restoration following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are calling for new or revised restoration proposals by Aug. 31. Coming next spring, the trustees will release a draft restoration plan containing proposed Texas restoration projects and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for public review and comment.
On June 29, the Menard County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens served an evidentiary search warrant on a ranch in eastern Menard County that was conducting an alleged illegal large-scale marijuana growing operation. Texas Game Wardens initially spotted the marijuana while conducting an aerial patrol of the county.
AUSTIN – Thirteen new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) were confirmed at a Medina County captive white-tailed deer breeding facility on June 29.
ATHENS— Three more Texas lakes are being added to the list of lakes affected by zebra mussels. Lake Livingston, Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth all tested positive for zebra mussels. As we head into the Independence Day weekend, these new findings serve as a good reminder to boaters to “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats, trailers and gear every time they travel from one lake to another to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.
AUSTIN – An alarming spike of boating-related fatalities on Texas waterways, including many involving paddle craft such as canoes and kayaks, is prompting a call for boaters to wear life jackets, avoid drinking alcohol and follow other safety practices heading into the peak summer boating season.
As part of a long-term effort to assess and mitigate environmental impacts from toxic waste pits along the San Jacinto River near I-10 east of Houston, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Harris County are awarding $10 million to provide new or expanded public recreation and access facilities along the river, plus fund environmental awareness and education efforts.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN—Texas State Parks and the “Get to Know” organization are partnering for the fourth annual Youth Arts Contest. The contest runs through Nov. 1 and anyone 19 and under can enter works of art inspired by the natural beauty in any state park.
AUSTIN – Looking for a summer adventure? Check out the newly updated Texas State Park Guide for an in-depth look at the 95 parks and state natural areas that make up the Texas State Park system.
AUSTIN—Celebrate the importance of birds, bees, butterflies and bats to the ecosystem and economy during National Pollinator Week, June 20-26.