Dec. 18, 2009

Texas Parks and Wildlife Launches Big Blue Catfish Study

ATHENS, Texas — At a time when many anglers have put away their fishing gear in favor of picking up a .30-06 and heading to the deer lease, a few avid anglers know the cold weather can provide a great opportunity to catch big blue catfish. Although it is not entirely necessary to endure 31-degree temperatures in order to catch big blue catfish, it may help. Those were the conditions when Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries staff arrived at Richland-Chambers Reservoir in mid-December as part of a special study on the fish.

Dec. 15, 2009

CO-OP Grants Awarded To 18 Schools, Nonprofits Across Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Young people and families across Texas will get to experience overnight camping, fishing, and environmental education opportunities thanks to 18 Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grants of up to $50,000 each. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded the grants totaling $627,678 to schools and nonprofit organizations in various cities.

Durocher Leaves Legacy of Cultural Change at TPWD

AUSTIN, Texas — There was a time not long ago when Texas bass were small and ended up battered and fried alongside catfish and bluegills. Phil Durocher had a hand in taking bass off the dinner table and putting a national spotlight on quality largemouth fishing in Texas.

Dec. 14, 2009

Nominations Sought for Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

ATHENS, Texas — Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nominated through February 26 for induction into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Texas Master Naturalist Program Seeks Applicants

Austin, Texas — Thirteen chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program have announced training classes across the state starting January through March for volunteers who want to learn about and help conserve natural resources.

Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Restoration Project Gets $50,000 SARP/NOAA Grant

HOUSTON — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received a $50,000 grant from the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to continue and expand oyster reef restoration in Galveston Bay.

Dec. 10, 2009

Holiday Gifts Galore for the Conservationist on Your List

AUSTIN, Texas — If you’re fresh out of holiday gift ideas for your eco-minded cousin or that relative who would rather spend his or her spare time in the woods, on the lake or at a state park, or even for yourself, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department invites you to shop the outdoors.

Dec. 7, 2009

South Texas Birders Excel in National Bird Count Competition

WESLACO, Texas — Stick another feather in the cap of the Lower Rio Grande Valley to boost its already sizable reputation as one of the nation’s hottest birding spots.

Dec. 4, 2009

Students Lauded for Naming Official State Amphibian of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — With help from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a group of Texas fourth graders successfully enabled the Texas legislature to name the Texas Toad (Bufo speciosus) the official amphibian of Texas.

Dec. 3, 2009

North Deer Island Partners Honored By Presidential Award

HOUSTON — On Dec. 2 the North Deer Island Protection Team received the Coastal America Partnership Award-the only environmental award of its kind given by the President of the United States-for their efforts to protect the most important colonial water bird rookery on the upper Texas coast: North Deer Island.