AUSTIN – More than 2,100 students from 85 schools across Texas are gathered at the Bell County Expo Center this week for the 12th annual Texas-National Archery in the Schools (NASP) Tournament and Scholarship Championship. Participants in the two-day event that starts today, range from grades 4-12 and are competing for college scholarships.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
The fungus that causes deadly white-nose syndrome (WNS) in hibernating bats has been detected in Texas for the first time. The syndrome has killed millions of bats in the eastern parts of North America, raising national concern. A coalition of groups in Texas is continuing work to monitor the spread of the problem and is seeking willing landowners who could help scientists locate and access bat caves.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved close to $16 million in competitive local park grants to help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, urban gardens, playgrounds with full accessibility, dog parks, splash pads and sports fields at 37 community parks across the state.
AUSTIN— Two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff were recognized by Executive Director Carter Smith as recipients of National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) awards for their outstanding work in various fields at Thursday’s meeting in Austin.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-16 in Matagorda Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning Saturday, March 25, 2017.
ALPINE— In a continued effort to boost a struggling mule deer population in parts of the Big Bend region of far West Texas, 98 female mule deer were recently relocated from Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and one private ranch in Pecos County to the Black Gap Wildlife WMA and adjacent El Carmen Land & Conservation Company (ECLCC) – CEMEX USA and Cuenca Los Ojos property.
ATHENS – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Bobby Whiteside, a professor, author and avid bass angler; and Gulf States Toyota, a longtime sponsor of Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries programs; have been selected as 2017 inductees into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
EL PASO – Wyler Aerial Tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park is celebrating its 16 year anniversary since its reopening and the public is invited to join the festivities Saturday, March 18, noon to 4 p.m.
LIVINGSTON— Lake Livingston State Park has partnered with EarthQuest to offer a one-of-a-kind Birds of Prey program April 1.