April 20, 2010

New Cabins Underway at Possum Kingdom State Park

CADDO — One of Texas’ most scenic and popular water-sport parks will soon boast two new rustic-style cabins to meet the eager demand of year-round visitors. Thanks to bond funding authorized by the Texas Legislature and approved by statewide voters, Texas Parks and Wildlife is currently replacing two dilapidated Possum Kingdom cabins built shortly after World War II. The new cabins, to be completed this fall, will have increased space and amenities, be more fire resistant and meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Students Begin Work On Healthy Habitats Grants Across Texas

AUSTIN — Schools and organizations across the state have begun service-learning projects to benefit wildlife and the environment with the help of Texas Healthy Habitats Grants. A total of $225,000 in Texas Healthy Habitats Grants were awarded to 15 different schools and non-profit youth organizations across the state, including near Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, Bryan, Lubbock and other cities. Each organization received up to $15,000.

Golden Alga Impacts Two Central Texas Reservoirs

AUSTIN — Golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) has once again impacted two very important reservoirs and fisheries on the Brazos River system. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists have been monitoring golden alga blooms and resulting fish kills on both Possum Kingdom Reservoir and Lake Whitney.

April 19, 2010

Texasinvasives.org Empowers Citizens To Stop Plant, Animal Pests

AUSTIN — The invasive species Web site http://www.texasinvasives.org/ debuts a complete redesign this month, featuring new interactive features enabling people to report sightings and take action to stop the spread of invasive plants and animals that threaten the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.

April 15, 2010

Tyler Dance Group to Headline Cinco de Mayo at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center May 8

ATHENS, Texas — Athens will celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) May 8 with food, music and dancing in addition to the normal TFFC activities such as fishing, tram rides and dive show presentations.

CO-OP Grants Help Kids Get Outdoors, Despite Economic Times

AUSTIN — As organizations across the nation face budget cuts, groups in Austin, Dallas, Brownsville, San Antonio, Houston and other cities are still finding ways to get more kids and their families outdoors. Sixteen such organizations have been awarded grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to introduce participants to environmental education, conservation and outdoor recreation.

April 14, 2010

Game Warden probe nets guilty plea in bass tourney cheating try

ROCKWALL — A Garland man has pled guilty to stuffing a lead weight into a bass during a fishing tournament last fall, the outcome of an investigation by a Dallas-based Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden.

April 12, 2010

Toyota ShareLunker 500 Angler Collects Big Check

ATHENS — So far this season O.H. Ivie Reservoir has produced nine largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more that have been entered into the Toyota ShareLunker program. All were special fish to the anglers who caught them, but the ninth was a little more special than the others: Sam Callaway of Corpus Christi will collect $500 a pound for his catch, a total of $6,670.

Lake Austin Produces Toyota ShareLunker 501

ATHENS — Lake Austin continues to be the sleeper among public water bodies pumping out largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more.

April 9, 2010

Toyota ShareLunker 499, 500: O.H. Ivie Again

ATHENS — Bill Hunter III of Sweetwater caught Toyota ShareLunker 499 from O.H. Ivie Reservoir April 6. The fish weighed 13.04 pounds.