June 9, 2008

Game Warden Field Notes, June 9, 2008

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

June 2, 2008

Death of Endangered Turtle Signals Need for Vigilance on Texas Beaches

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As best anyone can tell, sometime during the middle of May a female Kemp’s ridley turtle crawled out of the surf on South Padre Island and was struck by a passing vehicle. The cautionary tale illustrates why biologists are asking beachgoers to keep an eye out for the endangered sea turtles and report sightings.

Waco Man Named to Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

ATHENS, Texas — Charlie Pack of Waco will be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame at a banquet at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center June 7.

May 23, 2008

Donations, Angler Dollars Help Achieve Shrimp Buyback Goals

AUSTIN, Texas — It’s taken more than a decade and close to $12 million, but an effort to purchase and retire commercial shrimp licenses and improve the ecological health of Texas bays has achieved its goals, thanks to support from recreational anglers, shrimpers and conservation-minded financial supporters.

TPWD: 2008 Coastal Fishing Forecast Outstanding

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas coastal fishing forecast for 2008 looks much improved compared to last year. In 2007, one of the wettest summers on record played havoc with fishing success, as finding fish and identifying fishing patterns were a challenge to even the best anglers. On a positive note, biologists say, all the freshwater that came flushing into the bays carried nutrients and sediments that can really boost productivity. Coupled with a mild and dry winter, this year all of Texas’ bays are poised to really take off and provide some of the best fishing in years, biologists say.

Biggerstaff Named Southern States Boating Officer of the Year

AUSTIN, Texas — Game Warden Alan Biggerstaff of Conroe has been named the 2008 Southern States Boating Officer of the Year for Texas.

May 19, 2008

Fun Family Events Highlight Free Fishing Day June 7

AUSTIN, Texas — A "Free Sportfishing Day" will highlight National Fishing and Boating Week, allowing anglers to fish any public waters in Texas without a fishing license on Saturday, June 7.

May 12, 2008

Austin Metro Area Water Body Added to Neighborhood Fishing Program

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division Neighborhood Fishing Program (NFP) is expanding to the Austin metropolitan area with the introduction of Bullfrog Pond in Travis County’s newly opened East Metro Park. The park is located approximately 13 miles east of downtown Austin.

TPWD Receives Grants for Aquatic Vegetation Control

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has received grants totaling more than $425,000 to help combat the spread of nuisance aquatic vegetation in Texas reservoirs.

May 6, 2008

McKinney Leaves Environmental Legacy at TPWD

AUSTIN, Texas — Dr. Larry McKinney, known affectionately as "Dr. Doom" for his candid, outspoken approach to addressing environmental issues, is leaving the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department a legacy not built on despair, but on hope.