March 4, 2010

Texas Monarch Monitoring Workshop to be Held this Spring

BOERNE — Volunteers from the Texas Monarch Watch, Cibolo Nature Center and Texas Master Naturalists are offering a Monarch Monitoring Workshop on April 9-10. The workshop is designed to train volunteers to aid scientists as part of the Monarch Larval Monitoring Project, Monarch Watch and Journey North. The monarch’s overwintering population in Mexico is the lowest ever recorded, and the butterfly was recently added to the World Wildlife Fund’s Top 10 Most Threatened Species list.

Feb. 18, 2010

TPWD Seeks Input on Prospective List of Approved Exotic Aquatic Plants

AUSTIN — Attractive as ornamentals and functional in some applications, invasive aquatic plants can also pose a threat to the state’s natural resources. To provide appropriate opportunities for use of certain non-native aquatic plants and algae without risking impacts to the state’s natural resources, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is looking for help compiling a prospective list of exotics that could be allowed for sale in Texas.

Feb. 9, 2010

River Otters Returning to Texas Waterways

Sightings of the elusive Texas river otter have increased, some in unexpected places, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Biologist Gary Calkins. Otters have been spotted much farther west than expected, and even as far north as Wichita Falls.

Feb. 8, 2010

‘How-to’ Camping Program Coming to Northeast Texas State Parks

AUSTIN — Outdoor recreation specialists with the state’s Texas Outdoor Family program will be sharing their camping, cooking and various outdoor skills on Feb. 20-21 at Caddo Lake State Park and March 6-7 at Tyler State Park.

Feb. 5, 2010

Texas Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Deer Trafficking, Stolen Property

AUSTIN — A four-year, multi-agency investigation that began when two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens received information about possible stolen property on two Northeast Texas ranches has ended with federal prison sentences for a father and son who pled guilty to transporting stolen property and wildlife trafficking.

Feb. 4, 2010

West Texas Community Input Sought for Texas Mountain Trail Project

Van Horn — The Texas Mountain Trail region is seeking wildlife viewing and birding locations to include in new Far West Texas wildlife trail map. The map is a partnership between the Van Horn-based non-profit heritage tourism organization; the Texas Pecos Trail; and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Site nominations are due March 1.

Feb. 2, 2010

TPWD Unveils 2010 Texas Land and Water Plan

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has completed a major revision of its Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan, which is now available to the public. The year-long process created 12 regional forums based on river watersheds to promote dialogue and joint planning with outside stakeholders and field staff.

Feb. 1, 2010

TPWD Seeks Public Comment on Hunting and Fishing Proposals

AUSTIN — Expansion of mule deer hunting opportunities tops a short list of proposed changes to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering for 2010-2011.

Jan. 28, 2010

Game Warden Named Texas "Officer Of The Year" By Conservation Association

AUSTIN — Burnet-based Game Warden Brent Whitus has been named Texas "Officer of the Year" by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Jan. 27, 2010

Media Advisory: Port Arthur Oil Spill News Video Available

Texas Parks and Wildilfe Department is making available broadcast-quality news video at the FTP address above. On the FTP site there are two .mov files, described below, each containing about 2:00 of raw video with nat sound and some short interview soundbites.