Texas Parks and Wildlife Press Release

Buzz Into Action: Texas Pollinator BioBlitz Starts Friday, Oct. 11

October 3, 2024 - Texans are invited to see and document pollinators buzzing into action Oct. 11-27, 2024 during the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz. This annual event celebrates the bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, nectar-feeding bats and other animals that serve as pollinators across Texas.

Many pollinator species have seen declines in their population, which could spell trouble. These important insects, birds and mammals are key to sustaining native plant species, human food crops and even crops for livestock.

Texas Game Wardens Stress Boating Safety, 'Staying Dry' During July 4 Holiday

July 3, 2024 - As temperatures continue to rise, many Texans and out-of-state visitors are making plans to cool off on one of the many pristine waterbodies across the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds those on the water to follow basic boating safety precautions over the holiday weekend.

TPWD Completes Groundbreaking Bass Tracking Study

July 2, 2024 - Biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have completed an innovative study that tracked the movement and behaviors of largemouth bass at Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Fork. The goal of the multi-year initiative, which launched in 2020, was to learn more about fish behavior and help anglers be more effective when they target largemouth bass.

Texas State Parks Offers Seven Summer Heat Safety Tips

June 20, 2024 - Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely.

Last year, 48 state parks reported 156 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets, but this year could well eclipse that. State parks have already fielded 51 heat-related incidents since Jan. 1, compared to 32 reported by this time last year.

Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors:

TPWC Approves Statewide Deer Carcass Disposal Regulations

June 13, 2024 - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved statewide deer carcass disposal regulations during its May meeting in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) across the state. For most hunters, these new regulations do not change how they currently care for their deer after harvest.

TPWD Awards $4.5 Million in Recreational Trail Grants to Texas Communities

May 31, 2024 - During Thursday’s meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $4.5 million in grants, funding 16 trail construction and maintenance projects across the state.

The National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) supports recreational trail construction, renovation and acquisition through grants funded from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by fuel purchases for off-highway vehicles. The fund must be used to support a diverse mix of both motorized and non-motorized trail projects.

Free Fishing Day in Texas Scheduled for June 1, 2024

May 30, 2024 - The Texas tradition of Free Fishing Day returns this Saturday, June 1, 2024 at public waterways across the state. Each year on the first Saturday in June, Texans and our visitors can pack their tackle boxes, get their fishing poles ready and go fish on any public waterway in the state without a fishing license.

National Safe Boating Week Encourages Boating/Water Safety on Memorial Day Weekend

May 23, 2024 - Just in time for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, Texas Game Wardens and agency partners are celebrating National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24. The week-long campaign emphasizes the importance of safe boating practices and the use of boating safety equipment.

Toyota ShareLunker Program Wraps Up Another Outstanding Collection Season

May 10, 2024 - The 2024 Toyota ShareLunker program was full speed ahead and produced an exceptional collection season for the fourth consecutive year.

Anglers contributed 19 Legacy Class ShareLunkers from seven different lakes throughout Texas. Three new waterbodies recorded their first Legacy Class fish, but O.H. Ivie in west Texas was at the head of the class again this season with 12 entries.

Displaced Wildlife May be Found in Unlikely Places as Flooding Recedes

Caution Urged When Removing Debris

May 10, 2024 - As flood waters begin to recede across much of Central and East Texas, property owners may encounter wildlife in unexpected places. Floods can temporarily displace wildlife like snakes, armadillos, skunks and raccoons into some people’s yards and houses as they seek cover or higher ground.

Common sense precautions should be practiced; be aware that snakes and other animals may seek shelter in debris piles and caution should be used during cleanup efforts.

Shelby County Today

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