TPWD News Releases

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards $21.2 Million in Local Parks Grants

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $21.2 million in local park grants, a new record, to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

Funding Available for Grassland Restoration in Central Texas

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), in partnership with the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, Quail Forever and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, is now accepting applications for the Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP).

Official Media Statement: Texas Game Wardens, Local Agencies Respond to Fatal Incident in Fannin County

On Jan. 26, multiple local and state agencies in Fannin County and the surrounding area responded to an emergency call for three brothers (ages 6, 8 and 9) who fell through ice on a private pond off Rec Road #3, just outside of Bonham.

Brazos Bend State Park to Host 2nd Annual Explore Bowhunting Event

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program is partnering with Brazos Bend State Park in Needville on Feb. 7 to help the public “Explore Bowhunting.”

El TPWD Está Cerrando el Área de Aprovechamiento de Ostión en la Bahía Matagorda

AUSTIN — El Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) está cerrando el Área TX- 19 en la Bahía Matagorda al aprovechamiento comercial y recreativo de ostión a partir de las 12:01 a.m. Miércoles, 21 de enero. Este cierre o veda está basado en muestras recolectadas recientemente por el TPWD que mostraron baja abundancia de ostiones de tamaño legal.

TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest Area in Matagorda Bay

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-19 in Matagorda Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. This closure is based on samples recently collected by TPWD showing a low abundance of legal-sized oysters.

20th Annual Texas-National Archery in the Schools Championship to Draw Thousands of Students to San Antonio March 20–21

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as it hosts the 20th anniversary of the Texas State National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Bullseye & 3D Tournament. The event will take place March 20 –21, at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, bringing together thousands of young archers from across the state for two days of competition, scholarships and state pride.

Public Meetings Scheduled in Central Texas Jan. 14, 15 to Discuss Public Use Plan for Post Oak Ridge State Park

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hosting public meetings in Austin and Lampasas to gather input on the Public Use Plan for Post Oak Ridge State Park.  This plan will outline the site’s future recreational access, trail design, wildlife and habitat protection, and cultural storytelling.

Official Media Statement: TPWD Files Proposed Amendments to Proof of Residency Requirements for Recreational Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Permits

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Becomes Fifth Texas State Park to Receive Dark Sky Park Designation

QUITAQUE – Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is the latest Texas State Park to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). 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.