Oct. 23, 2013

Hydrilla in Lake Austin under Control

AUSTIN—A vegetation survey of Lake Austin by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in September revealed that the exotic plant hydrilla was finally under control. The survey found no hydrilla. It also documented that 203 acres of aquatic vegetation habitat, mostly Eurasian watermilfoil (milfoil), was still present in the reservoir. In the June 2013 survey, there were 330 acres of hydrilla and 135 acres of milfoil. The successful control of hydrilla was a result of a science-based stocking plan of sterile Asian grass carp, which target hydrilla as their main food source.

Oct. 22, 2013

Alien Plant in Lake Quitman

ATHENS—In recent weeks, the Inland Fisheries Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) discovered a resurgence of the non-native aquatic plant water hyacinth at Lake Quitman. This plant is a free-floating (non-rooted) aquatic plant native to South America. It was originally introduced into North America in the late 1800s and has been widely spread around the country through the water garden and aquarium trade, and by boaters. The plant is popular with water garden enthusiasts primarily due to its attractive lavender or pink flower; however, water hyacinth is a prohibited plant in Texas and is illegal to sell or possess.

Mule Deer Hunters Reminded of CWD Testing Requirements

AUSTIN – Wildlife officials are reminding mule deer hunters and landowners in far West Texas about the protocols developed as part of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Chronic Wasting Disease management plan. The plan includes mandatory check stations for harvested mule deer taken inside the CWD Containment Zone, which covers portions of Hudspeth, Culberson, and El Paso counties. See map of CWD zones at http://tpwd.texas.gov/cwd.

Oct. 18, 2013

Boeing Awards Grant to Help Restore Native Landscapes at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site

EL PASO – One of Texas’ most unique cultural resources will soon reap the benefits of environmentally friendly landscaping, thanks to support from Boeing, which recently awarded Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation a grant in support of native landscape restoration at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site.

Game Warden Field Notes, Oct. 18, 2013

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

Oct. 11, 2013

Defendant in State Game Warden Hostage Case Pleads Guilty

AUSTIN – A former Upshur County commissioner arrested in October 2012 for holding a state game warden at gunpoint has pled guilty to the third-degree felony offense of taking a firearm from a peace officer and further admitted in his plea that he could be found guilty of aggravated assault on a public servant.

Oct. 10, 2013

Whooping Cranes Beginning Their Fall Journey to Texas

AUSTIN — Endangered whooping cranes have begun their annual 2,400-mile fall migration from Canada to Texas. As the rare birds approach the Lone State, a citizen science initiative is inviting Texas residents and visitors to report whooper sightings.

Texas State Parks Open, Unaffected by Federal Shutdown

AUSTIN–As the federal budget impasse persists well into the second week, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants the public to know that the welcome mat is still out at the more than 90 Texas state parks.

Oct. 9, 2013

Texas Hunting, Fishing License Sales Unavailable Overnight Oct. 19-20

AUSTIN – Texas hunting and fishing licenses cannot be purchased between 9 p.m. (CDT) Saturday, October 19 and 9 a.m. Sunday, October 20. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department licensing system will be down for maintenance.

Oct. 8, 2013

TPWD to Hold Public Meeting to Consider Trout Fishing Regulation Changes for the Guadalupe River

ATHENS —Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will hold a public meeting to take comments on changes being considered to the trout fishing regulations for the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake Dam.