July 3, 2012

Caution Urged on Lakes and Bays during Busy 4th of July Holiday

AUSTIN — State Game Wardens are urging boaters to take extra care as thousands take to the state’s lakes and bays over the busy Independence Day holiday.

June 5, 2012

Clean your boat. Save your lake.

ATHENS — Invasive species, plants or animals that find their way to new places they don’t belong and cause economic, environmental or ecological damage, have wreaked havoc throughout the U.S. A couple of well-known examples are the lamprey invasion of the Great Lakes and everybody’s favorite in Texas, the fire ant.

May 24, 2012

Michael Hummert Named Marine Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

AUSTIN — Anyone who spends much time on Lake Texoma in North Texas likely has run into Game Warden Michael Hummert, the 2012 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department marine law enforcement officer of the year.

Texas Water Safety Efforts Enhanced by San Antonio Foundation

AUSTIN — A new water safety video will be produced for Texas driver education courses, thanks to a generous donation by the Scott A. Freund Memorial Foundation. Foundation representatives presented a ceremonial check for $20,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today.

TPWD Re-Launches Zebra Mussel Awareness Campaign

AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife and a coalition of partners are re-launching a public awareness campaign to coincide with the start of boating season and a new regulation that took effect this month asking boaters on Lake Texoma, Lake Lavon and the Red River and its tributaries to remove all water from their boat and trailer before leaving for another body of water.

May 10, 2012

State Game Wardens Stress Boater Education in Water Safety

AUSTIN – With many Texas lakes holding more water than they did this time last year, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens are anticipating a busy boating season. And while they will be doing everything they can to make it a safe one, wardens could use a little help from boaters.

May 3, 2012

New Regulations to Affect Boaters, Anglers on Texoma, Lavon, Red River

ATHENS—Recent changes mean that boaters and anglers who take steps designed to prevent the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels, silver carp and bighead carp won’t have to worry about being in violation of state laws prohibiting the possession of certain exotic species. These changes take effect May 17.

Feb. 1, 2012

Game Warden Field Notes, Feb. 1, 2012

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

Jan. 30, 2012

Zebra Mussel Test Results on North Texas Lakes Reported

ATHENS—Despite recent test results showing zebra mussel DNA to be present in several North Texas reservoirs, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officials remain hopeful that the invasive aquatic species is still confined to Lake Texoma.

Jan. 26, 2012

Regulation Proposals Target Spread of Exotic Species

AUSTIN – Proposed regulations under consideration by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would enlist anglers and boaters in the fight to prevent further spread of exotic aquatic species into Texas waterways.