Latest news with #TPWD
Associated Press
28-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund
LAMPASAS, Texas (AP) — On a blistering June morning, Andy Sipocz brushes his fingers through the thick, sawgrass fronds rising higher than his head beside a creek in the Texas Hill Country. Around him, rocky limestone lines Yancey Creek, streaked in subtle reds and browns — evidence of millennia of mineral deposits and weathering. Sipocz, a natural resources coordinator and biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is one of more than three dozen staffers gathered here to begin laying the groundwork for what will one day be Texas' newest state park — about a two hour drive northwest of Austin. Wearing cargo shorts and pants, hiking boots, and sun-brimmed hats, the TPWD team winds its way down a steep hill — no trail in sight. That's the point. They're here to determine where the trails should be. Today's mission: conduct early-stage natural resource surveys and habitat assessments to support the park's future design. 'Like any good business, you need to know what you have before you start,' Sipocz, who has been with TPWD for 35 years, said. 'You can't make good plans until you know what it is you've got.' After voters approved the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion investment passed by lawmakers in 2023, Texas began a new era of public land acquisition and park development. The fund allows the parks department to expand access to natural spaces across the state, while preserving native ecosystems and cultural landmarks. That growth is especially significant after a controversial loss in 2023 of Fairfield Lake State Park, a 1,800-acre site about 100 miles south of Dallas. The park closed after the private power company that leased the parkland to the state at no cost chose to sell it. The site was later purchased by a private developer to build a luxury housing project. Fairfield sat on leased land. Today, 17 parks sit on leased land. The closure sparked widespread outcry and galvanized support for state leaders to buy more parkland so there won't be a repeat of the Fairfield debacle. According to a 2022 report by Environment Texas, Texas lags behind most others states in state parkland: The state ranks 35th in the nation for state park acreage per capita, with about 636,000 acres of parkland for a population of over 29 million as of 2019. The report suggests that Texas needs to add 1.4 million acres of state parks by 2030 to meet the needs of its residents. With the new voter-approved funding, Texas is poised for a historic expansion of its 88-park system. Among the most recent additions to the state park system are: The first two acquisitions will create a new Post Oak Ridge State Park. Centennial fund money will be used to develop the new acquisitions. 'This is kind of a new thing for the department,' Sipocz said. 'There was a big burst of acquisitions of parks in the '70s and '80s, and there hasn't been since. That's what makes this so exciting.' Two ranches will become new park At the heart of the planning process is JJ Fleury, the program director for planning and geospatial resources at TPWD. Fleury said Post Oak Ridge State Park, where Yancey Creek flows, is still in the early stages of development. The park was originally two large ranches, Vann River Ranch and Big Springs Ranch. Park staffers identified the parcels and ultimately acquired them as soon as they went on the market. Together the properties cost $47.1 million. Fleury said the park checked a lot of boxes: within the Texas Triangle formed by Houston, San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth, varied terrain like sweeping canyons and frontage along the Colorado River. He added that the flatter, less scenic areas of the park could serve as 'back of house' zones for wastewater treatment, maintenance, or staff housing. This site also sits near Colorado Bend State Park. When developed, the more than 3,000-acre new park along Yancey Creek will connect with the greater Colorado Bend ecosystem, which Fleury said will expand conservation efforts at a regional scale. 'One of the exciting things is that landscape scale of conservation, where we're protecting now 10,000 acres,' Fleury said. He also added that the park is filling recreation gaps like cabins and RV camping, which Colorado Bend doesn't provide. A 'herp search' to catalogue critters Early that June morning Greg Creacy, a natural resources program director for Texas State Parks, leads a team of biologists, herpetologists and hydrologists through the ecological inventory — walking the land, cataloging species and habitats, and determining what's rare or sensitive. The Yancey Creek survey starts with a herp search — short for herpetology — which includes snakes, lizards, frogs and salamanders. '(That knowledge) informs our plans for how to conserve these systems and these species over the long haul,' Creacy said. 'It also informs how we manage the site, how we develop and how the public uses the site recreationally and doesn't negatively impact those resources.' Staff fan out across the limestone creek bed, squating, lifting rocks and peering into the shadows because according to Sipocz, the biologist, that's where these creatures like to hide — under rocks where it's cool and moist. For Sipocz, there's a thrill in every discovery. He jokes and says picking up rocks is addictive and gives him high. It doesn't take long before they're hollering joyfully from opposite banks. 'OMG, look at this!' one yells. 'What have you got?' another replies. Tadpoles wriggle in shallow pools. A Rio Grande leopard frog attempts to escape with a leap before being gently scooped for identification. A water moccasin slithers through the tall grass — taking Sipocz by surprise. One team member spots a bright blue collared lizard basking on a sun-warmed rock and picks it up, while another points out a delicate Maidenhair Fern. Someone else finds a tiny skink hiding beneath a loose stone, and a plain-bellied water snake in the creek. Staffers use the iNaturalist app to log every species they encounter, uploading photos and habitat notes in real time. The data will help TPWD assess the site's ecological significance and identify sensitive areas in need of protection. These discoveries guide the placement of trails and facilities — and sometimes determine what can't go where. 'We might find a flat, buildable area that looks great for a trail,' said Fleury, 'but then our resource team comes back and says, 'Endangered species habitat — move it.'' Electrofishing in Yancey Creek Following the herp search, the TPWD team pivots to the fish community. A small team steps into the clear, and at times knee-deep waters of Yancey Creek. Some wear waders; others simply brave the water in soaked clothes. Using a method called electrofishing, the team led by aquatic biologist Stephen Curtis, temporarily stun fish with a low electrical current — enough to make a human hand tingle uncomfortably, but not dangerous to fish. Every zap from the backpack-mounted electrofisher triggers a sharp beep as fish float to the surface, where they are gently scooped by a net to later be dumped into buckets for identification. The team documents species one by one, sorting and tallying. They found an array of native species including longear sunfish, Western mosquito fish, sand shiners, blacktail shiners with their striking orange fins, and Texas tetra. Buckets quickly filled, especially with the 'cuss bugs,' a local nickname for a particularly prickly aquatic insect with small stinging barbs. After they count the fish and scribble its species on a pad, they release them back into the creek. 'That's a good sign,' said Curtis. 'We have a lot of complexity in this stream. We have a variety of habitats for fish to occupy and we want to keep it that way and keep that managed to where we can share this with people in the future.' Curtis said that sampling fish is about building a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. Fish diversity can reveal how healthy the stream is and how well it's functioning. It will also help them assess how they will need to manage the fish population when this site is open to the public for fishing. In addition to identifying fish, the team collected water samples and measured how much water is flowing. Fleury, the park planner, said that once surveys are done, park planners will work closely with resource specialists to steer clear of sensitive areas for species and start figuring out the best spots for things like roads, parking, utilities, buildings, and recreational features — think trails, campsites, and picnic areas. As they go, the planning team will create some early concept plans to share with the public and get feedback from the public at a series of local and regional public meetings where they can weigh. The idea is to gauge what kinds of experiences people want — day use, overnight facilities, paddling access, etc. — and test the early concept plans before they're finalized. Once a plan takes shape, TPWD moves into design and construction. 'It's like building a small city,' Fleury said. With the Centennial parks funding, the timeline is fast. He said that people can expect to have access to Post Oak Ridge State Park, the new park at Yancey Creek, within a year. That could mean guided tours, paddling, birding or limited day use on existing ranch roads. Within 18 months, the goal is to have basic facilities such as trails, parking areas and restrooms. And within four years, a full-fledged state park including day use and overnight recreation, administrative support facilities, utilities, roads and parking. Back at Yancey Creek, the team wraps up its survey. Some are sunburned, wet or mud-splattered. They've logged dozens of species and mapped critical areas for future planning. As they begin the long trek back up the hill, one staffer takes a moment to admire the land, which remains raw and untamed. In the near future, this stretch of Texas Hill Country could become a place the public can cherish and explore. 'This is why I got this career,' Sipocz said. 'We don't get paid a lot, but… we get paid in sunsets.' ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
CBS News
04-07-2025
- CBS News
Sharp rise in water-related deaths prompts Texas to step up enforcement on impaired boating
Texas officials sounded the alarm ahead of the July Fourth holiday after a sharp rise in water-related deaths, including 21 boating fatalities — a 75% increase over the same period last year. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued the safety alert as Texans hit the water for the long weekend, warning that many of the 59 water-related deaths reported so far this year could have been prevented. In addition to the 21 boating-related deaths, the state has recorded 38 open-water drownings, according to TPWD. Memorial Day to June: grim stats From Memorial Day through the end of June, TPWD reported 12 open-water drowning deaths, six boating-related deaths, 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated and 213 citations for life jacket violations. "These aren't just numbers. These are lives lost — friends, family, children — often due to something that could have been prevented," said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD's law enforcement director, in a news release. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 22: People paddle down the Buffalo Bayou during the Buffalo Bayou Regatta on Saturday, March 22, 2024, in Houston. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap Operation Dry Water targets BWI To help reduce the rise in boating-related fatalities, Texas game wardens are joining Operation Dry Water — a nationwide campaign targeting impaired boating over the July Fourth holiday. Alcohol is the primary contributing factor in recreational boating deaths, TPWD said. "Texas game wardens will be out in full force this holiday, working day and night to protect everyone enjoying our lakes, rivers and coastal waters," VanderRoest said. "We have zero tolerance for boating while intoxicated because one reckless decision on the water can have deadly consequences." Hundreds of thousands on the water The call for caution comes as TPWD reports more than 560,000 registered boats and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft on Texas waterways. "If you're drinking and operating a boat, you're not only breaking the law — you're putting lives at risk," said Cody Jones, assistant commander for marine enforcement. "We want your celebrations to end with fireworks and family, not emergency calls and sirens." How to report unsafe behavior TPWD urges anyone who witnesses dangerous behavior on the water to report it by texting the keyword TXOGT and your tip to 847411, using the Texas OGT app (available on iOS and Android) for a possible reward of up to $1,000, or by calling anonymously at (800) 792-GAME (4263). Safety reminders from TPWD Meanwhile, TPWD issued a list of key safety reminders: Wear a life jacket – Required for children under 13. – Required for children under 13. Use an engine cut-off switch – It's the law. – It's the law. Never boat under the influence – Alcohol and water don't mix. – Alcohol and water don't mix. Take a boater safety course – Mandatory for some operators. – Mandatory for some operators. Follow rules for personal watercraft – Know the regulations. – Know the regulations. Be weather-aware and avoid overcrowding – Stay alert and safe. – Stay alert and safe. Avoid saltwater with open wounds – Risk of Vibrio bacteria infection. TPWD vows strong enforcement "Our duty is clear: Ensure every Texan and visitor can enjoy the outdoors safely, and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent to make that happen," VanderRoest said.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas to create response team to combat New World screwworms
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Wednesday directed two state agencies to assemble a response team to combat the New World screwworm, which poses a serious threat to Texas livestock and wildlife. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New World screwworms are a species of fly larvae that infest and feed off the flesh of warm-blooded animals. RELATED | Texas officials warn of infectious, parasitic screwworms found in Mexico In a news release, Abbott said, 'The mission for the Response Team is clear: to lead Texas' prevention and response efforts and ensure that Texas remains informed, prepared, and aligned to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite.' The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) are responsible for establishing the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team. 'As a border state, Texas represents the first line of defense against the potential re-entry of this harmful pest into the United States,' Abbott wrote in a letter to TPWD and TAHC. 'Texas played a critical role in eradicating this pest from the United States in the 1960s and will do so again if the need arises.' RELATED | US plans to open a fly factory in Texas as part of its fight against a flesh-eating parasite Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced a multi-national program to stop the spread of screwworms. The U.S. planned to invest $8.5 million in a dispersal site from Moore Air Base and $20 million in a facility in Mexico that produces sterilized screwworms. The insects will then be released by planes over Mexico to stop them from coming to the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Texas to create response team to combat New World screwworms
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Wednesday directed two state agencies to assemble a response team to combat the New World screwworm, which poses a serious threat to Texas livestock and wildlife. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New World screwworms are a species of fly larvae that infest and feed off the flesh of warm-blooded animals. In a news release, Abbott said, 'The mission for the Response Team is clear: to lead Texas' prevention and response efforts and ensure that Texas remains informed, prepared, and aligned to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite.' The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) are responsible for establishing the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team. 'As a border state, Texas represents the first line of defense against the potential re-entry of this harmful pest into the United States,' Abbott wrote in a letter to TPWD and TAHC. 'Texas played a critical role in eradicating this pest from the United States in the 1960s and will do so again if the need arises.' Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced a multi-national program to stop the spread of screwworms. The U.S. planned to invest $8.5 million in a dispersal site from Moore Air Base and $20 million in a facility in Mexico that produces sterilized screwworms. The insects will then be released by planes over Mexico to stop them from coming to the U.S.
Axios
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Vote for your favorite Texas horned lizard license plate
Texas wants you to help pick out a new design for its horned lizard license plate. The big picture: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is refreshing the popular plate for the 25th anniversary of its Conservation License Plate Program, which helps fund fisheries, state parks, wildlife management, research and conservation projects. How it works: Vote online to choose between three plate designs featuring the Texas horned lizard, the state's official reptile. You can purchase a conservation license plate online or at the county tax assessor-collector's office. They cost $30 per year, and $22 goes directly to conservation projects. What they're saying:"Unfortunately, we don't have as many horned lizards as we used to, but TPWD is trying to fix that," Richard Heilbrun, TPWD wildlife conservation program director, said in a statement. By the numbers: The conservation plate program has raised more than $12 million since its inception in 2000, per TPWD.
