March 1, 2017

Stephen F. Austin State Park Reopens After Almost a Year of Flood Repairs

SAN FELIPE— After almost a year of repairs from the flooding last Memorial Day, Stephen F. Austin State Park is reopening its gates to visitors March 1.

Feb. 22, 2017

Whole Earth Provision Co. Hosts Banff Film Festival Benefiting Texas State Parks

AUSTIN — For the sixth consecutive year, Whole Earth Provision Co. will be donating proceeds from the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Texas State Parks.

Feb. 21, 2017

Biologists Confirm Genetics of First ShareLunker Offspring Entered into Program

ATHENS – In March 2006, angler Edward Reid pulled a staggering 14.48-pound largemouth bass from the depths of Lake Conroe near Houston. On Feb. 10, nearly 11 years later and more than 234 miles away, angler Ryder Wicker caught the 13.07-pound offspring of that fish from Marine Creek Lake near Fort Worth.

Feb. 15, 2017

South Llano River State Park Designated as an International Dark Sky Park

JUNCTION — Nestled just off IH-10 on the western edge of the hill country is the International Dark-Sky Association’s newest appointee – South Llano River State Park located just outside of Junction. The International Dark-Sky Park designation will ensure the protection of the park’s dark skies not only for the park’s natural resources, but also for the local community and out-of-town visitors to enjoy.

Feb. 13, 2017

First 2017 Toyota ShareLunker Collected at Marine Creek Lake

ATHENS — Fort Worth angler Ryder Wicker caught the first Toyota ShareLunker of the 2017 season Feb. 10 at Marine Creek Lake. But this wasn’t the only “first” he checked off the list – this particular fish outweighs the former water body record holder by more than 2 pounds, and is likely the first ShareLunker caught from a group of selectively bred largemouth bass that were stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries biologists 11 years ago.

Feb. 8, 2017

Texas Parks and Wildlife Seeks Contractors for $70 Million in Repair Projects

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has more than 68 repair and improvement projects, with a total construction value at over $70 million, which must be bid and encumbered into construction contracts by this August, thanks to funding provided during the 84th legislative session in 2015. For builders who like the idea of working in state parks, it can offer a nice change of pace compared to big city projects. Anyone is encouraged to bid, but the agency makes special efforts to appeal to minority and woman-owned businesses, following state purchasing rules.

Jan. 24, 2017

San Jacinto Battleground to Conduct Prescribed Burn

LA PORTE – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is conducting a prescribed burn Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park to Host Kid Fish Event

MATHIS – Park rangers are hosting a free kid fish event for beginner anglers ages 5 to 12 Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lake Corpus Christi State Park.

Jan. 19, 2017

New Texas State Parks Centennial Plan Lays Blueprint for Brighter Future

AUSTIN— While many Texans are making plans to prepare for the New Year, Texas State Parks have prepared a plan for a new century.

Jan. 18, 2017

Record Breaking Attendance at Texas State Parks’ Annual First Day Hikes

AUSTIN— This past New Year’s Day, nearly 4,000 park visitors statewide walked, biked, swam and paddled their way into 2017 as part of Texas State Parks’ annual First Day Hikes events. First Day Hikes events are a national initiative to get park visitors to start their year on the right foot and enjoy the natural, historical, cultural and recreational opportunities at state parks.