EDITORS NOTE: In this issue of TPWD News, we forsake our usual format for the most part and provide a summary of the top news stories of 2007. Details about these topics can be found in the department’s online news archive. Please note that TPWD will not be distributing weekly news during the coming holidays. Weekly news distribution will resume on Jan. 14, 2008. Happy Holidays!
PILOT POINT, Texas — An international resort company that owns Dallas’ famed Southfork Ranch was the highest bidder last week at an auction to take over of Ray Roberts Lake State Park’s Lantana Lodge. The previous concessionaire at the park, Nature Leisure Times, LLC, had been in bankruptcy for more than a year.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas game wardens this month concluded an investigation into an illegal deer hunting ring in Southeast Texas, filing 247 criminal charges against 20 offenders.
The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN, Texas — State fisheries biologists have set a January series of public input meetings in Port Arthur, Dickinson, Port Aransas and Port Isabel to discuss possible changes to the way fishing and fisheries are regulated along the Texas coast.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Carter Smith was named executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Dec. 5 at a special meeting of the TPW Commission in San Antonio. Smith will be leaving the helm at The Nature Conservancy of Texas to take the top job at TPWD.
AUSTIN, Texas — For an inexpensive, entry-level fishing experience the entire family can enjoy, it doesn’t get much easier than winter rainbow trout fishing in Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas — Give a gift of the outdoors this holiday season to that favorite someone on your shopping list and you’ll get a present as well under a special Texas Parks and Wildlife Department promotion.
AUSTIN, Texas — For those who prefer Texas history, colorful traditions and the occasional outdoor setting for holiday festivities, Texas state parks are offering a variety of special events and opportunities for the public during the 2007 holiday season.
AUSTIN, Texas — Twenty-two chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are conducting spring training classes for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management.