Oct. 16, 2006

Dec. 15 Is Deadline Set for 2007 Environmental Quality Incentives Program

TEMPLE, Texas — The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas has set a Dec. 15, 2006, sign-up deadline for the 2007 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These federal grants help farmers and ranchers improve natural resources on private land in Texas, and they have become increasingly important for a range of wildlife species, from game animals like quail to endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Oct. 12, 2006

Public Hearings Set for Offshore Aquaculture and Private Artificial Reef Regs

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host public meetings in Dickinson and Corpus Christi Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss proposed changes to regulations affecting offshore aquaculture and the deployment of artificial reef materials by private individuals, groups or associations.

Oct. 9, 2006

NOAA Implements Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast System for Texas Gulf Coast

A new harmful algal bloom forecast system is now in place along the Gulf coast of Texas. The announcement of the ecological forecast program was made at today’s meeting of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a federal-state partnership to address critical coastal issues facing the Gulf states. The system will generate forecasts weekly to determine the current and future location and intensity of blooms, and the likely impacts to the environment.

Texas Wildlife Manager Awarded National Honors for Innovative Approach to White-tailed Deer Management

Washington, DC — Mitch Lockwood, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist, has been awarded the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ prestigious Mark J. Reeff Memorial Award. The award, for dedication to wildlife, youth, landowners and natural resources, was presented at the Association’s 2006 Annual Meeting last week in Snowmass, Colorado.

Lake Tawakoni State Park Receives Donation To Build Restrooms

WILLS POINT, Texas — The Sabine River Authority of Texas has donated $50,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to construct a new restroom facility for overnight campers at Lake Tawakoni State Park.

Advisory Committee To Review Big Bend Ranch State Park

PRESIDIO, Texas — A newly appointed advisory committee is taking a fresh look at one of the state’s natural treasures, examining ways to improve natural and cultural resource conservation, public use and visitor access at Big Bend Ranch State Park in West Texas.

Oct. 6, 2006

Deer Park Man Breaks 33-year-old Texas Tarpon Record

AUSTIN, Texas — A 25-year-old Deer Park man set the pending Texas state record for tarpon when he landed a 210-pound, 11-ounce fish off the Galveston Fishing Pier Wed.

Oct. 3, 2006

Red Tide Observed Along Coastal Bend

AUSTIN, Texas — A red tide bloom has been confirmed along the Texas coastal bend, with associated minor fish kills near Port Aransas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Sept. 25, 2006

New Buck Antler Restrictions Take Effect in 61 Counties

AUSTIN, Texas — Deer hunters in all or parts of 61 counties will need to size up the rack before making a shot as new buck antler restrictions take effect in many eastern and central Texas counties with the start of archery season Sept. 30.

Big Bend Ranch Site of Fall Digital Photo Workshop

PRESIDIO, Texas — Seasonal showers should help the Chihuahuan Desert put on its best “face” for photo buffs, both beginner and intermediate skill levels, looking to capture some of Texas’ top scenery during the fall Big Bend Ranch Digital Photo Workshop.