A reluctant autumn with warmer than usual temperatures finally is giving way this week to the season’s first major cold front, signaling to Texas flora that it’s time to don their colorful foliar cloaks. More than 90 Texas state parks offer leaf-peepers of all ages a safe and family-friendly setting in which to enjoy the show.
AUSTIN – The Texas State Park system’s more than 90 sites have a significant economic impact on the state’s economy, generating $774 million in retail sales annually, contributing $351 million in economic benefits and creating 5,800 jobs statewide. Those were just part of the findings of a recent Texas A&M University study shared with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved acceptance of a land donation to create the new 14,037-Acre Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area in Cochran, Terry and Yoakum Counties near Lubbock, providing a refuge for the threatened lesser prairie chicken and other native grassland birds and wildlife. It’s the first new WMA in Texas since the 2006 donation of the McGillivray and Leona McKie Muse Wildlife Management Area in Brown County.
AUSTIN – Several Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees and programs were recognized at Thursday’s TPW Commission meeting. Awards included the Shikar-Safari International Wildlife Officer of the Year Award, the Outstanding Leadership Award from the State Agency Council to the Governor’s Commission for Women, the Community Leadership Award and the John Covert Watson Award for Vision.
AUSTIN – As November approaches, it brings with it cool, crisp evenings, changing trees, and fall outdoor recreation. It’s also the perfect month to camp under the stars, spending time and making memories with friends and family.
AUSTIN – Well within the memory of many Texas Baby Boomers, some Hill Country schools used to give students a holiday on the first day of deer season.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
FORT DAVIS – The public is invited to a 3 p.m. ribbon-cutting for a newly constructed bird blind at Davis Mountains State Park on Friday, Nov. 14 being dedicated to the Francell family, which has played a major role in Texas land conservation efforts.
AUSTIN – Thirteen lucky sportsmen are making special plans for hunting season as winners of this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts. The hunters were selected by random computer drawing from applicants in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program.
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