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.
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 — 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.
ATHENS, Texas — Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nominated through Feb. 29 for induction into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
AUSTIN, Texas — When the USTS Texas Clipper finally plunged beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico in a plume of spray at 12:35 p.m., Nov. 17, it’s fair to say the mood aboard many of the boats chartered to observe the sinking was euphoric.
AUSTIN, Texas — Christmas came early this year to dozens of state parks throughout Texas, thanks to lawmakers and voters who gave a strong thumbs-up to more funding for parks. That’s good news for families planning a state park outing during the upcoming holiday season.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife commission recently approved a $400,000 grant for the development of the Escondido Draw Recreational Area, a new off-highway vehicle park located near Ozona in Crockett County.
AUSTIN, Texas — A ship with three lives — World War II troop transport, New York City luxury liner, and sea cadet training vessel — is about to make her final journey. Weather permitting, the Texas Clipper will be sent to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 17* to become an artificial reef.