Oct. 14, 2009

Big Sam at Risk

ATHENS, Texas — Over 100 acres of giant salvinia was found in the Angelina River north of Sam Rayburn Reservoir on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Acting with the help of a waterfowl hunter, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) personnel investigated and identified the plants in a backwater area called Estes Lake approximately 10 miles upstream from Marion Ferry and Kingtown, in Nacogdoches County. An annual vegetation survey conducted by airplane last month did not detect the infestation since the survey does not include the Angelina River above Kingtown. The infestation had apparently been contained by shallow water and dense brush perhaps for a year or more. Low water levels help contain the infestation but recent rains may force the infestation south towards the main portion of the reservoir. Additional surveys are being conducted to define the southern extent of the infestation and determine if the infestation has reached the river channel.

Oct. 12, 2009

Is There a Lunker Lurking in Your Attic?

ATHENS, Texas — The first photograph was taken 170 years ago, so you’d think that everyone who ever caught a largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more would have been photographed proudly holding it.

Oct. 9, 2009

Sea Center Texas to Host Halloween Spooktacular

Lake Jackson, Texas — To provide local families with a safe, enjoyable trick-or-treat experience Sea Center Texas will host its annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Oct. 7, 2009

Game Warden Field Notes, Oct. 7, 2009

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

Oct. 5, 2009

State-Fish Art Expo Coming to Texas

ATHENS, Texas-The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has agreed to host the 2010 national State-Fish Art expo next July.

Toyota ShareLunker Video Now on YouTube

ATHENS, Texas — Anglers wanting to know what to do if they catch a huge largemouth bass and want to enter it into the Toyota ShareLunker program can now get all the facts in a video.

Sept. 30, 2009

Texas Game Warden Green Named National Boating Officer of the Year

Corpus Christi, Texas — The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has presented its prestigious national Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award to Game Warden Chris Green of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, marking the first time the award has gone to a Texan at the national level.

Sept. 25, 2009

Work on East Texas Fish Hatchery Progress Hampered by Pipe Failure

AUSTIN — One year into the construction phase of the new $27 million Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) fish hatchery near Jasper, work is about 30 percent complete, although weather delays and infrastructure issues have created significant construction challenges. The project is currently about six months behind schedule due to the effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and problems with the massive drain pipes that carry water from the ponds.

Sept. 22, 2009

"Take Me Outdoors Houston" el 10 de octubre en Discovery Green

En esta época en la cual los habitantes de ciudades grandes cada vez se desconectan más del mundo natural y de las actividades al aire libre, se presentará el 10 de octubre en Discovery Green "Take Me Outdoors Houston" (Llévame al Aire Libre Houston), el primer festival familiar y gratuito dedicado a las actividades al aire libre.

Sept. 17, 2009

Anglers Urged to Report Fish Sightings via Tarpon Observation Network

AUSTIN, Texas — As we approach the peak of fishing season for one of the most sought-after saltwater species in Texas waters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is encouraging anglers to report when and where tarpon have been spotted or caught.