BASTROP– On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began a major renovation of the Bastrop State Park Pool to repair significant leaks and upgrade mechanical equipment. The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, will cause the pool to close during the 2018 season.
AUSTIN – Sam Rayburn Reservoir produced the final Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class largemouth bass entry with just hours left in the 2018 donation season March 31. Angler Stacy Spriggs of Huntsville caught the 13.06 pound, 27 inch Legacy Class lunker during the Second Annual Stanley Burgay Memorial Bass Tournament on a Carolina rig in 8 feet of water.
AUSTIN — For the seventh year in a row, Whole Earth Provision Co. will support Texas State Parks throughout the month of April during their “April is Texas State Parks Month” fund drive at all eight locations across the state. The Texas-based travel, adventure and nature store will give all funds gathered during the effort to help fund state parks’ day-to-day operational expenses, including enhanced visitor programs, park trail maps and facilities maintenance.
AUSTIN – Since 2002, thousands of anglers have contributed more than $675,420 to improve fishing in Texas by purchasing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s largemouth bass conservation license plate (CLP). But many anglers may not know exactly how that money directly benefits their favorite fishing hole.
AUSTIN – For the first time in the 32 year history of the program, Kurth Reservoir in Lufkin has produced a Toyota ShareLunker entry. Angler Pablo Torres Jr. of Lufkin caught the 13.34 pound, 26 inch Legacy Class lunker in less than 8 feet of water while fishing with his son-in-law at the lake March 25.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved expansion of the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) Panhandle Containment Zone following the discovery of the disease earlier this year in a roadkill white-tailed deer.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $8 million in competitive local park grants to help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks and sports fields at 26 community parks across the state.
AUSTIN— At Thursday’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith recognized Texas Game Warden Carlos Maldonado as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year.
AUSTIN – Arundo donax, an invasive, non-native plant, is devastating Texas waterways. It causes erosion, increases the risk of fire, worsens flooding and harms native aquatic life.