AUSTIN – In response to recent concerns about traffic backups and the resulting safety issues that it presents for park visitors at Balmorhea State Park, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is implementing operational changes to better serve guests at the park, site of the world’s largest spring fed swimming pool.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is helping the National Park Service prepare for its 100th birthday in 2016, by joining the Find Your Park campaign. Find Your Park urges all Americans – and Texans – to get outside and explore nature, and then share their experiences on social media.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will hold a special meeting Thursday, July 16 at 9 a.m. for the sole purpose of discussing the evolving Chronic Wasting Disease situation in Texas.
AUSTIN— Boaters in Texas are being reminded that their actions are critical to help stem the spread of invasive zebra mussels. Despite recent flooding that some feared might spread the dangerous nuisance species, experts say that boaters who “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats, trailers and gear before traveling from one Texas waterway to another are still key to containing the costly problem.
AUSTIN – Texas game wardens have completed their investigation into an alligator attack that resulted in the death of Tommie Woodard, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri. Investigators concluded that the unprecedented circumstances of the case, believed to be the first fatal alligator attack in Texas on record, warrant no further action.
ATHENS—With the addition of new Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes in Abilene, Tyler and Missouri City, more Texans and their families than ever have good fishing close to home.
AUSTIN – Texas Game Wardens are investigating several incidents from the July 4th holiday weekend, including multiple fatalities.
PORT O’CONNOR, Texas — The official opening and ribbon cutting for the expanded Port O’Connor Paddling Trail and new kiosk will be on July 9 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the Little Jetties Launch Site and free kayaking lessons will follow afterwards.
AUSTIN – A two-year-old white-tailed deer in a Medina County deer breeding facility has been confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first case of CWD detected in captive white-tailed deer in Texas. CWD was first detected in Texas in 2012 in free-ranging mule deer in the Hueco Mountains in far West Texas.
AUSTIN—The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Birding Classic, an all ages statewide birding event, has generated $844,500 for 95 on-the-ground habitat acquisition, restoration and enhancement projects during the last 19 years. This year’s tournament, which saw a record 530 participants representing 100 teams, contributed $25,000 from registration fees and sponsorships to fund conservation grants.