AUSTIN — A proposal going out for public comment through Oct. 28 would allow Texas private landowners to voluntarily enter into agreements to benefit the endangered Houston toad, and in return receive assurances that they will not be held liable for incidental take (accidentally harming or killing an endangered species).
This month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $32,719 to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for work to monitor and manage white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease that has decimated bat populations in other states. Bat Conservation International, a nonprofit based in Austin, will do much of the work using the grant funds.
AUSTIN – More validation that everything’s bigger and better in Texas, dove populations are soaring and the hunting season, which gets underway Sept. 1, is the longest in 80 years.
DICKINSON — The next phase of the Dickinson Bayou Wetland Restoration Project began this month at the NRG EcoCenter in Baytown. Sea scouts and other volunteers “culled” or pulled smooth cordgrass from the on-site nursery to be planted at the newly constructed wetland restoration project in Dickinson Bayou.
AUSTIN— New species are popping up at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sites and agency staff and state park visitors are arming themselves with poke balls trying to catch them all. Around the state, many TPWD sites are using the game as a new way to introduce the real natural world to players venturing into the great outdoors while on virtual hunts for the illusive Japanese characters known as Pokémon.
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) is honoring conservation professionals from several western states with awards lauding their work to conserve fish and wildlife resources. Clay Brewer from Texas and Bill Bates from Utah have each been honored with the Professional of the Year Award.
AUSTIN – Hunters can start making plans for the upcoming seasons now by applying for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Drawn Hunts. The online system is currently accepting applications and the first hunt category deadline is less than a month away.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Birding Classic celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a record 750 participants enjoying a range of tournament categories that appeal to all levels, from novice to avid birders. The Classic also awarded $36,000 in conservation grants, bring the total to $880,500 of on-the-ground habitat acquisition, restoration and enhancement projects since the Classic first began.
AUSTIN – Thirteen new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) were confirmed at a Medina County captive white-tailed deer breeding facility on June 29.
AUSTIN—Celebrate the importance of birds, bees, butterflies and bats to the ecosystem and economy during National Pollinator Week, June 20-26.