Oct. 17, 2005

Enhanced Budweiser ShareLunker Database Now Online

ATHENS, Texas — Big bass nerds everywhere take note: Information about entries in the Budweiser ShareLunker program can now be searched online.

Oct. 3, 2005

In Storm's Wake, Estuary Day Shows Value Of Wetlands

AUSTIN, Texas — As Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Texas coast, those who work to protect coastal estuaries had occasion to ponder the value of wetlands to absorb storm impacts and control flooding. As it happened, Sept. 24 was National Estuary Day.

Redfish Bay Seagrass Protection Rules Proposed

ROCKPORT, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing mandatory seagrass protection measures for the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area to protect ecologically important seagrass beds from motorboat propeller scarring.

Sept. 27, 2005

After Rita, State Parks Dig Out, Game Wardens Patrol East Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Close to 200 Texas game wardens were on patrol Monday to help maintain order and safety in East Texas, particularly in southeastern counties most affected by Hurricane Rita this past weekend. Meanwhile, five Texas state parks near the Louisiana border were heavily damaged by the hurricane, many others sustained moderate damage and some 20 state parks are still closed as teams assess damage.

Sept. 23, 2005

More Texas State Parks Close, Others Hosting Rita Evacuees

AUSTIN, Texas — Since Hurricane Rita has changed course, more Texas state parks in East Texas are now closing temporarily, while others are hosting hundreds of hurricane evacuees free of charge. (See state park closure list below.)

Sept. 22, 2005

State Parks Host Rita Evacuees, Game Wardens Prep For Rescue Work

AUSTIN, Texas — As Hurricane Rita bears down on the Texas coast, coastal state parks are temporarily closing, while others open their doors at no cost to hurricane evacuees. Meanwhile, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, many of them fresh from Katrina duty in New Orleans, are staging for a possible new round of rescues in their home state. (The Governor’s Emergency Management Council is coordinating Rita response for all state agencies, including TPWD game wardens.)

Sept. 19, 2005

Agencies Preparing To Fight Hydrilla In Lake Conroe

AUSTIN, Texas — In an effort to avoid repeating a scenario that occurred here more than 25 years ago, the San Jacinto River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are making plans to control hydrilla and protect native vegetation in Lake Conroe.

Devils River Minnow Plan Will Protect Water Resources

DEL RIO, Texas — Working to keep plenty of clean water flowing in Southwest Texas rivers, streams and springs will benefit people as well as a rare fish. This is according to a scientist who worked on the recovery plan for the Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli), a plan recently approved by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

TPWD Game Warden Field Notes, Sept. 19, 2005

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

Sept. 16, 2005

Red Tide Causing Minor Fish Kills Along South Texas Coast

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials believe isolated fish kills observed this week along the lower Texas coast can be attributed to red tide.