Our mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be conducting a free Hunter Education New Instructor Training Workshop June 2, 2012, in Tyler, Texas. The workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's East Texas Ecological Center located at 11942 FM 848, Tyler 75707. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120522a 20120522a ATHENS, Texas--The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens will kick off National Fishing and Boating Week June 2 by making a family fishing trip affordable with free admission for kids 12 and under plus free fishing for the whole family. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120517a 20120517a AUSTIN - Join in the celebration of "America's Largest Trailgating Party" by attending one of dozens of special events being held at Texas State Parks on Saturday, June 2 to commemorate the 20th annual National Trails Day. To celebrate Trails Day, many state parks across Texas will host guided or staff-led hiking, biking or paddling events to encourage folks to get outside, exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120516a 20120516a AUSTIN, TX - As one of only 11 recipients nationwide, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Historic Sites branch was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the National Park Service to study the effects of the Bastrop fire on Bastrop State Park's historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corp. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120515b 20120515b LA PORTE - On the opening weekend of the Hollywood blockbuster "Battleship" come be a part of history as we celebrate the centennial of the launching of the nation's oldest battleship. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120515a 20120515a AUSTIN - With many Texas lakes holding more water than they did this time last year, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens are anticipating a busy boating season. And while they will be doing everything they can to make it a safe one, wardens could use a little help from boaters. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120510a 20120510a AUSTIN -- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Tuesday, May 15 until an unspecified time in July. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120507a 20120507a EDNA -- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Departmentandnbsp;has informed the Lavaca Navidad River Authority that it plans to terminate the lease of LNRA property that provides for Lake Texana State Park, subject to formal action of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and concurrence by the LNRA Board of Directors. LNRA officials have indicated that they will take over operation of the park when the lease is terminated. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120504a 20120504a ATHENS--Recent changes mean that boaters and anglers who take steps designed to prevent the spread of invasive speciesandnbsp;such as zebra mussels, silver carp and bighead carp won't have to worry about being in violation of state laws prohibiting the possession of certain exotic species. These changes take effect May 17. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120503a 20120503a TYLER - United States Attorney John M. Bales announced Monday, April 30, that Blake Powell, a 32-year-old Cherokee County man, was sentenced for negligent transportation of wildlife before United States Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120502a 20120502a AUSTIN - Col. Pete Flores, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division Director, has announced his retirement effective May 31 after more than 27 years of state service. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120501c 20120501c ATHENS--Officials at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center have announced the winners of the Texas division of the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120501b 20120501b ATHENS--April 30 marked the end of the 26th season of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's ShareLunker program. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120501a 20120501a AUSTIN - The ability to manage land in difficult times, through extended dry periods and economic downturns, is the hallmark of a good land steward. This year's recipients of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Lone Star Land Steward Awards are prime examples. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120430b 20120430b ATHENS--Thanks to the Sportmen's Club of Fort Worth and the Nell V. Bailey Charitable Trust, fishing will be better than ever in Tarrant County this year. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120430a 20120430a