June 15, 2010

Emergency Pumping Prevents Sinking of Battleship Texas

A rag and a backup pump kept the storied battleship Texas from sinking in its mooring at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site over the weekend, according to state park officials.

June 14, 2010

Bats, Birds and Biking: Kickapoo Cavern State Park Now Open

BRACKETTVILLE, Texas – Visitors from as far away as Houston, Austin and San Antonio came out to enjoy the day’s free activities at the grand opening of Kickapoo Cavern State Park on Saturday, marking the first day the park is open for full public access for recreation and overnight camping, after more than 20 years of limited public visitation.

Deadline Approaching for Entry to Win Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License

AUSTIN – This Father’s Day forgo the gaudy neckties and register to win a gift for dad that will never go out of style – a lifetime of free hunting and fishing in Texas.

June 11, 2010

TPWD Will Hold Public Meeting on Prospective List of Exotic Aquatic Plants

AUSTIN – Many aquaria and landscape enthusiasts and lovers of aquatic wildlife appreciate both the beauty and functionality of aquatic plants, but the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department wants to ensure the introduction of non-native plants will not harm the state’s natural resources.

June 9, 2010

Texas State Parks Director Ending 11-Year Tenure

AUSTIN – Major changes have swept through the Texas State Park system in the past 11 years under the direction of Walt Dabney, who joined Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1999. Dabney has announced he will retire Aug. 31, leaving behind an improved state park system that observers say ranks among the nation’s best and most innovative.

June 8, 2010

Toyota ShareLunker Season Payoff Underway

ATHENS—Anglers who catch Toyota ShareLunkers receive a lot of recognition—ShareLunker clothing, press coverage and a fiberglass replica of their catch—but the program is really about what is happening now.

Toyota ShareLunker 500 Angler Donates Winnings to Make-a-Wish Foundation

ATHENS—A big bass caught from O.H. Ivie Reservoir on April 9 is going to make a dream come true for a child with a life-threatening medical condition.

June 4, 2010

Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety to meet June 18

The Texas Advisory Panel on Recreational Boating Safety will convene at 10 a.m. Friday, June 18 in room E2.036 inside the capitol extension at 1400 Congress Avenue in Austin.

Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame to Induct Two

ATHENS—Two former long-time employees of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Athens June 5.

June 3, 2010

The Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Texas Outdoor Family Program Celebrates a Milestone

AUSTIN — The Texas Outdoor Family experience begun in fall 2008 will soon be sharing an outdoor adventure with their 1000th family. To celebrate the milestone, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is releasing a new schedule of dates for the coming cooler season.