April 18, 2011

With Help from Other Agencies, TPWD Firefighters Minimize Damages to State Parks in North and West Texas

AUSTIN – Despite the concerted efforts of dozens of state and federal firefighters, a wind-whipped wildfire that has raged for days in North Texas and grown to more than 40,000 acres roared through Possum Kingdom State Park Sunday afternoon, burning 90 percent of the 1,500-acre park. No one was injured and no structures were lost, though minor damage to one cabin and linen building was reported.

April 15, 2011

Sweetwater Angler Pulls Rare Trophy from O.H. Ivie: Toyota ShareLunker 523

ATHENS—Faron McCain of Sweetwater went fishing at O.H. Ivie Reservoir April 14 intending to catch a big largemouth bass on her spawning bed, and he did just that.

April 6, 2011

Experts Estimate 10 Days To Extinguish Drilling Rig Fire at Village Creek State Park

AUSTIN – Authorities now say a natural gas drilling rig fire that started April 1 in Village Creek State Park near Lumberton should be put out by April 16, if they are able to relieve pressure so they can safely cap the well head and complete other steps as expected.

San Jacinto Day Festival on April 16 Celebrates Texas’ 175th

LA PORTE – The annual reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto takes on added significance this year with the celebration of the 175th anniversary of Texas independence. The freedom-winning battle in 1836 will be recreated at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 16, with hundreds of Texian and Mexican army reenactors, booming cannons, cracking musket fire and thundering hooves

April 4, 2011

Wulf Outdoor Sports Spring Outdoor Classic Coming to Athens April 6–17

ATHENS — Wulf Outdoor Sports, the premium outdoor retailer for hunting, fishing, archery and firearms will be hosting their sixth annual Spring Outdoor Classic April 6–17 at their Athens store at 1220 South Palestine St.

Wildlife Management Workshop May 13 at Engeling Wildlife Management Area

ATHENS — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Anderson-Houston Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor a workshop on managing small acreages for wildlife on Friday, May 13th, at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area north of Palestine on U.S. 287.

April 2, 2011

Drilling Rig Fire at Village Creek State Park Contained, May Take Days To Extinguish

AUSTIN – Authorities estimate it could take 10 days or more to extinguish a natural gas drilling rig fire that started yesterday in the southeastern corner of Village Creek State Park in Hardin County near Lumberton.

April 1, 2011

Firefighters Contain Natural Gas Drilling Rig Fire at Village Creek State Park

AUSTIN – A natural gas drilling rig caught fire a little before 1 p.m. today in the southeastern corner of Village Creek State Park in Hardin County near Lumberton. There are no known injuries, the state park remains open for business, and the fire is contained and under control, with experts coming to try to extinguish the burning rig.

TPWD Finalizes Hunting and Fishing Regulations for 2011-12

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted hunting and fishing regulations for 2011-12 with relatively few changes. All amendments take effect Sept. 1, 2011.

March 31, 2011

Volunteers Vital for Wildlife, Parks, Outdoor Education

AUSTIN – April is National Volunteer Month, and folks who love state parks, hunting and fishing in Texas have plenty tocelebrate. In 2010, volunteers provided close to 955,000 hours of service worth an estimated $16.9 million to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.