July 6, 2016

Great Texas Birding Classic Reaches New Heights in Participation

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Birding Classic celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a record 750 participants enjoying a range of tournament categories that appeal to all levels, from novice to avid birders. The Classic also awarded $36,000 in conservation grants, bring the total to $880,500 of on-the-ground habitat acquisition, restoration and enhancement projects since the Classic first began.

New Research Data Available of Texas New Deal Projects

AUSTIN— Unlock the rich history surrounding Texas State Park lands and buildings with new research data collected by the Historic Sites and Structures program at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Texas Natural Resource Trustees Call for Gulf Restoration Project Proposals

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.

July 1, 2016

Texas Game Wardens and Menard County Sheriff Find Large-Scale Illegal Marijuana Operation

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.

Additional CWD Cases Discovered at a Quarantined Captive White-tailed Deer Breeding Facility

AUSTIN – Thirteen new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) were confirmed at a Medina County captive white-tailed deer breeding facility on June 29.

June 29, 2016

Three more Texas lakes affected by Zebra Mussels

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.

Surge in Water Fatalities a Stark Reminder to Practice Safe Boating

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.

June 28, 2016

Texas Parks and Wildlife, Harris County Award $10 Million in Grants

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.

June 24, 2016

Game Warden Field Notes, June 24, 2016

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

June 22, 2016

TPWD Kicks Off Fourth Year of Youth Arts Contest

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.