AUSTIN – In 2017, Caddo Lake was covered by more than 6,000 acres of invasive giant salvinia that was reproducing rapidly due to a warm winter and unusually long growing season. Access for anglers, boaters and waterfowl hunters was blocked on much of the lake, and hired contractors struggled to keep up with the demand for herbicide treatments due to the sheer size of the growing giant salvinia mats.
AUSTIN – More than 20 lakes in East Texas are currently infested with giant salvinia, including Caddo Lake, which is considered a wetland of international importance for waterfowl habitat. With waterfowl seasons opening soon across the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is urging hunters to be aware of invasive giant salvinia and to help prevent its spread by cleaning, draining and drying all equipment before leaving any water body.
AUSTIN – As flood waters recede in the Llano, Colorado, Pedernales and other central Texas rivers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists are fielding questions from anglers and other members of the public concerning the impacts of flooding on fish populations. Although TPWD biologists do not expect to see a negative impact on fish populations in these rivers as a direct result of the flooding, the long-term outlook depends on how riverside landowners and communities respond to the aftermath of downed trees and other debris deposited in and along these rivers.
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.
AUSTIN – As sunny days and warm weather kick off spring boating season, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) inland fisheries and law enforcement staff are urging boaters to fight back against the aquatic invasive species that threaten Texas lakes.
AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) inland fisheries staff found in total, less than 1 acre of invasive giant salvinia in multiple locations near Lake Athens Marina boat ramp Feb. 19.
AUSTIN – Two central Texas lakes have received upgraded classifications for invasive zebra mussels as a result of statewide sampling by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries staff and partner agencies.
ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee announced Shannon Tompkins, a reporter and columnist at the Houston Chronicle; and the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association (LFSA), an organization that works to protect and promote Lake Fork’s natural resources, will be inducted into the hall of fame in 2018.
AUSTIN —The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed the presence of invasive giant salvinia at three locations on Lake Fork – the largest total infestation ever found on the lake.
AUSTIN – With duck hunting season getting underway in most of the state in early November, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding waterfowl hunters to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment before traveling from lake to lake to help avoid spreading invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels.