Oct. 17, 2005

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center To Close for Repairs

ATHENS, Texas–The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center will be closed for repairs Nov. 28, 2005, through Jan. 2, 2006.

Oct. 7, 2005

Game Wardens, Parks, Wildlife Areas Cope in Rita's Aftermath

AUSTIN, Texas — Dozens of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens continue to deliver food, water, medical assistance and peacekeeping support to East Texas counties still reeling from Hurricane Rita. Meanwhile, the number of state parks temporarily closed by Rita is down to four from about 20 two weeks ago. State wildlife management areas remain open, but fall hunters are being urged to use caution.

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

Government Canyon State Natural Area Opens Oct. 15

SAN ANTONIO — The much-anticipated opening of the newest member of the Texas State Parks family — Government Canyon State Natural Area — will take place Saturday, Oct. 15, on the northwestern fringes of the state’s third most populous city.

Sept. 8, 2005

Texas Game Wardens, State Parks Aid Katrina Victims

AUSTIN, Texas — Within the past week, Texas game wardens in New Orleans have rescued close to 5,000 people left stranded by Hurricane Katrina's lingering floodwaters. Meanwhile, hundreds of evacuees are still camping free in dozens of Texas state parks.

Sept. 5, 2005

Copano Bay Fishing Pier Management Transfer Planned

FULTON, Texas — Ownership and management of the Copano Bay Causeway State Fishing Pier is expected to transfer from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to Aransas County Navigation District No. 1 this fall, a move expected to have little immediate affect on the visiting public.

Aug. 29, 2005

Twenty Texas Communities Get $3.75 Million In Park Grants

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved $3.75 million in grants at its Aug. 25 meeting to provide recreational opportunities and park facilities, and create greenbelts for communities throughout the state.

Aug. 25, 2005

TPW Commission Rejects Offer To Buy Big Bend Ranch Land

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today rejected an offer to buy part of Big Bend Ranch State Park, citing concerns that there were no guarantees the complicated transaction would improve public access and resource conservation consistent with the agency’s mission and plans.