AUSTIN— Visitors from every corner of the state headed to a Texas State Park on Jan. 1 to help usher in the new decade with a First Day Hike in a big way. The roaring 20’s were welcomed by 5,242 people who hiked, biked and rode a total of 9,564 miles statewide.
AUSTIN – In 2019, anglers entered 327 lunker bass over 8 pounds in the Toyota ShareLunker program from 88 lakes across the state. In addition to helping produce bigger, better bass for Texas lakes, anglers who enter their big bass catches in the program receive special recognition and prizes, including an entry into a year-end drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree and an annual fishing license.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN— Kick off the next decade of adventures at a Texas State Park by participating in a First Day Hike. This New Year’s Day, Texas State Parks will host a variety of programs for the whole family to enjoy.
AUSTIN – In December 1989, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), which was a new continental conservation funding mechanism. Designed to assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan when waterfowl populations were declining across North America, NAWCA has also benefited many wildlife species and people across the continent.
AUSTIN – Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in a free-ranging, 5 ½ year-old white-tailed doe between Del Rio and Amistad Reservoir, making it the first confirmed case of the disease in Val Verde County.
AUSTIN – Since 1971, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Angler Recognition Program has recognized fishing excellence by maintaining the fish record lists for all public and private water bodies across the state. Participation in the program has continued to grow every year, and 2019 was no exception with anglers receiving more than 638 official awards for their big fish.
AUSTIN— After 26 years of stories covering Texas’ wild things and wild places, the Passport to Texas radio program is coming to an end as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department transitions to its new Under the Texas Sky Podcast.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has added Lake Marble Falls and Granger Lake to the statewide list of lakes infested with invasive zebra mussels after discovering established, reproducing populations in the lakes this fall.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP), which includes establishing fees for participation in the MLDP and clarifying existing program provisions.