tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39754987207846589372024-03-19T03:48:36.335-05:00Outdoor Tips from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazineHelping Texans find joy in the outdoors. Join us for tips to enhance your outdoor experiences.Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-12061846699600753832023-11-28T10:31:00.004-06:002023-11-28T10:36:07.118-06:00'Texas Wild' Album Released on Vinyl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1Ty1lUuQL0LjAq_WO-tRQwbjd_WaY4DBvFVRtct-Kc2tCL5w-uqGiX6cNvMFgDq6Xe2vdcTlpxKp7qD07buWk6K6pWBWorpRePojTPmAsSKKhhdhR44IIfLy3Qcat-KItRSHM_ANU0Uu79zL0XSsgiqKnuoQfIdXe9IlzUtAxEzGmVAjdQIq68vnfXs/s12500/Single-Art_12500x12500.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="12500" data-original-width="12500" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1Ty1lUuQL0LjAq_WO-tRQwbjd_WaY4DBvFVRtct-Kc2tCL5w-uqGiX6cNvMFgDq6Xe2vdcTlpxKp7qD07buWk6K6pWBWorpRePojTPmAsSKKhhdhR44IIfLy3Qcat-KItRSHM_ANU0Uu79zL0XSsgiqKnuoQfIdXe9IlzUtAxEzGmVAjdQIq68vnfXs/w389-h389/Single-Art_12500x12500.png" width="389" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This week’s vinyl release of <a href="https://texaswildalbum.org/?utm_source=Email-TPWD&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TPWD2023Sponsorship&utm_content=text-TPWD-120723"><i>Texas Wild</i></a>, an album celebrating the wild things and wild places of Texas through music, is a landmark for Austin producer Walker Lukens, who happily accepted this yearlong labor of love. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Everyone else seemed pretty overwhelmed by the scope of this crazy grand project,” Walker says of the producers who declined, but the lifelong Texas musician and park lover was delighted and eager to take it on. “When I heard there was a project that merged these two things that I really love, I literally laughed, because I couldn't believe that it was a real thing.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The idea generated from Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) and partners who wanted to dream big for state parks’ 100th birthday. Why not create a soundtrack for road tripping to the parks, one that melded nostalgic tunes with modern masterpieces for an inter-generational, inter-regional, inter-genre playlist? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“From the beginning, <i>Texas Wild</i> presented a lot of challenges, but I sort of like biting off more than I can chew,” Walker says. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As it turns out, Texas provides the perfect fertile ground for both parks and songs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“If you were doing a record of music from another state — maybe save California and New York, which have been entertainment hubs — the music would encompass far less diversity than Texas music,” he points out. “So many genres of music have started here or have been popularized by Texas musicians. That really what makes Texas music unique.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That realization came as an adult. Younger Walker didn’t realize that some of the things that frustrated him or that he was unaware of as a kid in Houston make Texas a very cool state. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“McAllen is nine hours from Amarillo. Like, that's one state,” he says, marveling at not only the geographic size but the strong cultural and historical influences from Mexico and the United States’ immigrants. “I grew up listening to Texas country, Houston hip hop, blues artists — all this stuff that's from my state — without any intention or effort. It just was in front of me and all around me.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walker discovered he wasn’t the only one who hadn’t always appreciated what Texas has to offer. Restless during the pandemic years, he rediscovered a hunger for park time and the inspiration and serenity he found in nature. When TPWF’s Anne Brown explained their intent to bring younger and more diverse visitors to Texas state parks, this “younger” Texan was all in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7RcJKGoE3GAY2h6FcVQElbqvZXS3s4Ky0JvpWcr-CG77WGmqXfrkmqdzbknDcV3dcDwxxpsRd7-IogiXx-5QNB1abmmyf31JSzHC8Yc3U2Q3QJh2yQecfKTV4fR5SkMo2kifSr_hNkSzkaymai1ayGA9FILEZzw6mvsJmdJopXRlHByfWY-Yh2hsAAo/s3089/000043960024_Fat_Tony_Adam_Walker_control_room%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3089" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7RcJKGoE3GAY2h6FcVQElbqvZXS3s4Ky0JvpWcr-CG77WGmqXfrkmqdzbknDcV3dcDwxxpsRd7-IogiXx-5QNB1abmmyf31JSzHC8Yc3U2Q3QJh2yQecfKTV4fR5SkMo2kifSr_hNkSzkaymai1ayGA9FILEZzw6mvsJmdJopXRlHByfWY-Yh2hsAAo/w536-h355/000043960024_Fat_Tony_Adam_Walker_control_room%202.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker Lukens, Adam Walker and Fat Tony at work in the studio. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I fall into the category of more than 10 park visits a year — I'm a total anomaly,” Walker says, laughing. “I think it’s really cool they're trying to do something that would appeal to young people. An album like this is such a big leap of faith, so much more than just targeting Instagram ads.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once he had committed to the project, Walker faced the daunting task of selecting songs and artists. He decided to let the artists map the course but offered a starting point — a playlist of around 50 selections — and guidance.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The artists seemed to genuinely hate that early list, Walker laughs, but it did spark the needed discussions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I think the playlist had the unintended effect of getting people to engage with their own ideas about Texas music,” Walker says of the stream of new ideas the list generated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Some people have very strong ideas about what's called Texas music,” he says. “I was on a bit of a mission to show that Texas music is all this other stuff, too. Like, how are you going to have a conversation about Texas music these days and not talk about the force of nature that is Beyonce? She's probably the most popular artist on the planet.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Beyonce eventually made the cut, with a cover of “Say My Name” by the Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, backed up by the Soul Supporters. But the first pairing that came together was Houston’s Fat Tony doing “Hey Baby, Que Paso?” by Doug Sahm and the Sir Douglas Quintet back in 1983. It wasn’t Tony’s first song choice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Tony really wanted to do a song by La Mafia, ‘Un Millón de Rosas,’ a classic song,” Walker says. “But then he decided to ask his fans on Twitter, ‘What should I cover for this album I'm working on?’” The fans demanded “Hey Baby” — Tony and Walker heard them loud and clear and changed course, featuring Texas rapper/DJ Paul Wall on the track.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“What's fun about the original is that it's pretty irreverent,” he says of the rollicking number. “It's supposed to be a little tongue-in-cheek.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One down, off to a good start. Once you sign a big name to a project, others are more eager to join. Walker began to feel the strain of trying to represent so many sounds in so few tracks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Flip through the radio station in any major Texas city, you’re gonna hear a Tejano station, a country station, a modern pop station, a hip-hop station and probably an old school R&B station,” he says. “Every single city in Texas has those five genres represented — it's all part of us, even if some only associate one genre with Texas.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What Walker never intended to do was rehash the traditional “Texas songs” we’ve heard all our lives, choosing instead lesser-known references and deeper cuts from more well-known artists like Willie Nelson.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“More than one person involved with this project asked me who would sing ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas’ on the album,” Walker says, laughing. “That was the level of selection that they thought they were going to encounter.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchRl5gyX38AINUFGSE1fNaTUI66-HgHGaoTq3VmHXWOI1Y22DSVAlPzbM7K9-KbYhhn6ANVBDSJgvZKkFY9hdwyrxaRHxgxEsHEiVnLv_e3oqdrC1SSXJh2ga_CRe2LrCuz9sBn-KVkGtBvYhsOaGIBf8I8ERs2myI-Tb4jmii81Fm8myAZ22sA-h9lU/s3089/000011210002_Sir_Woman_Kelsey.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3089" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchRl5gyX38AINUFGSE1fNaTUI66-HgHGaoTq3VmHXWOI1Y22DSVAlPzbM7K9-KbYhhn6ANVBDSJgvZKkFY9hdwyrxaRHxgxEsHEiVnLv_e3oqdrC1SSXJh2ga_CRe2LrCuz9sBn-KVkGtBvYhsOaGIBf8I8ERs2myI-Tb4jmii81Fm8myAZ22sA-h9lU/w553-h366/000011210002_Sir_Woman_Kelsey.jpg" width="553" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelsey Wilson and her band Sir Woman covered Khruangbin and Leon Bridges song, "Texas Sun."</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walker let the list grow as organically as possible, while guiding it to a satisfying conclusion, despite a few unavoidable “wishes” on his list that didn’t make it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I really, really wanted to get a ZZ Top song, but I couldn't get anyone to do that,” he says. “I had kind of an aborted attempt to get another hip-hop artist on this album, doing a Houston hip-hop classic. I was adamant about trying to do that, but I couldn't really make it happen. There’s also no blues song, so that feels a little bit like an oversight.” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walker notes Stevie Ray Vaughan’s impact on music, then riffs on the importance of Texas legends like Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, who have spawned so many imitators, some very successful in their own right. Going back even further, he can find the roots of so many genres we enjoy today.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Some of these songs are more than 60 years old; some of them are 10 years old,” Walker notes. “Some of the people who worked on this record are in their 60s and 70s; some are in their teens. The whole culture around Texas music is intergenerational and self-contained, and that’s a special and unique thing.” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walker, who recently released his own new album, <i>Accessible Beauty</i>, has already received high praise for his efforts. Texas Monthly just named it “one of the best albums of the year” and called Walker a “mad Texas genius.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For his part, Walker just wants listeners to have a good time and support the idea of state parks for all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“I think that <i>Texas Wild</i> is a fun listen through and through, conjuring up all this Texas music beyond just what you think you know,” he says, dreaming of a second album while this first one racks up digital sales and hits state parks stores, beautifully wrapped in wildlife art created by Texas illustrator Mishka Westell.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“It's great that something like <i>Texas Wild</i> exists, and that <a href="https://www.tpwf.org/">Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation</a> made it happen,” he says. “For the State of Texas, our parks, the Foundation — it's something to be proud of.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Texas Wild</i> is now available <a href="https://texaswildalbum.org/?utm_source=Email-TPWD&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TPWD2023Sponsorship&utm_content=text-TPWD-120723">online</a>, at State Park stores across Texas and in select record stores. The limited-edition vinyl album hits stores just in time for the holiday season, making the perfect gift for any music lover. Proceeds from the album sales will benefit <a href="https://www.tpwf.org/">Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The album is sponsored by notable Texas brands <a href="https://www.ramblersparklingwater.com/">Rambler Sparkling Water</a> and <a href="https://www.tecovas.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0MXriAuKLkHF-V8y5smBjWH_MlxBGH4S1tKNTB4D9VN3vgwLLEzw-hoCVlQQAvD_BwE">Tecovas</a>. The release also features unique, block-print-style artwork by Texas illustrator Mishka Westell. Butler, a branding studio in Austin, also collaborated on the project’s concept and design.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-82084073578227867612023-09-21T16:00:00.001-05:002023-09-22T09:39:19.267-05:00Austin’s Storied Natural History Museum Reopens with New Name, Fresh Look and Bright Future<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQtKM_qO-c4ShNjOaTxIqOYIElzqfFBCTaKxfQBc_qgrYC50duHj1Bjt7zsoqPfKciQgviyWkRhmD_ezQJFNnYxis1a_SZNgn74xN4JA4X4eCQVxFyWmFiOP3K_zPq6p8GiDX-VpD2IkEHPbHjug63UFW4D-e5jBx07i3nUt1oLBPsXiqpcldvMkH8Q/s4000/Texas%20Science%20and%20Natural%20History%20Museum-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQtKM_qO-c4ShNjOaTxIqOYIElzqfFBCTaKxfQBc_qgrYC50duHj1Bjt7zsoqPfKciQgviyWkRhmD_ezQJFNnYxis1a_SZNgn74xN4JA4X4eCQVxFyWmFiOP3K_zPq6p8GiDX-VpD2IkEHPbHjug63UFW4D-e5jBx07i3nUt1oLBPsXiqpcldvMkH8Q/w400-h266/Texas%20Science%20and%20Natural%20History%20Museum-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly restored Texas Science & Natural History Museum added a tyrannosaur to its Great Hall, which also features a flying pterosaur. (Credit: Nolan Zunk, University of Texas)</td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="text-align: start;">By Dale Weisman</b><br style="text-align: start;" /><div style="text-align: left;">Museum-goers gather around the south entrance to the <a href="https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/">Texas Science & Natural History Museum</a> (formerly known as the Texas Memorial Museum or TMM) on the University of Texas campus. Children cavort on the bronze statue of a snarling saber-tooth cat (<i>Smilodon fatalis</i>) while parents snap photos. The growing crowd waits eagerly for the museum’s bronze doors to open at 1 p.m. on this special Sunday, Sept. 17. It’s Austin Museum Day, an annual celebration of art, culture, science, nature, history and music at dozens of Austin-area museums. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It’s also a very special day for TMM – the first time the museum has welcomed the public back in more than a year and half. Temporarily closed since March 2022, the museum used the downtime to complete extensive structural renovations, revitalize its Great Hall, refresh and add new exhibits, and secure its future with new programs and essential funding.</div><p></p></div>The doors open, and the crowd surges in to see and experience the rejuvenated TMM. Generations of children have visited the museum on school field trips and family outings, and some are returning years later today as parents with their own kids in tow. Sunlight streams through cleaned and resealed Art Deco glass-block windows, illuminating the expansive Great Hall and its gleaming walls of French rouge marble. The Great Hall echoes with murmuring excitement, sprinkled with overheard voices of approval: “It’s good to see the museum all gussied up,” a father says to his daughter. “They’ve obviously cleaned everything,” adds a visitor, pointing to the upper walls adorned with seals of six nations that ruled Texas. Another visitor beams: “The museum is amazing, and everyone loves it!”<br /><br />Visitors gaze up at the museum’s perennial crowd pleaser: a pterosaur skeleton (<i>Quetzalcoatlus northropi</i>), the largest flying creature ever with a 33-foot wingspan, soaring over the Great Hall. A newly installed reconstructed skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex, also 33 feet long, strikes a fearsome midstride pose. UT researchers discovered the fossilized remains of both “Texas Titans,” including a T. rex maxilla (upper jaw), in Big Bend National Park. Along the hall’s western wall, a pair of bold, new murals depicts how these colorful prehistoric creatures might have looked in their habitats 67 million years ago. <br /><br />The museum’s expanded gift store is abuzz with kids and families checking out the panoply of science- and nature-themed games, puzzles, toys, books, posters, jewelry and rocks. Across the Great Hall, an all-new exhibit, dubbed Texas Transformation, fills a space that previously housed staff cubicles and a mail/copy room. Visually stunning infographic wall panels chronicle a 600-million-year timeline of evolving plant and animal life in Texas spanning the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras and ending with the Anthropocene, our current geologic epoch dominated by human impact on global ecosystems and climate. A four-minute paleogeographic animation loop shows the dynamics of plate tectonics and Texas’ geographic position in the Earth’s ever-shifting continental landscape.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-EETwmbcGi8PWt0oKyrxcjolQj0w4_A2Yg5_uVYHnTq7fuM__Im8i30lqayUDIiXQqALYvBF7IIsu0NzVN9YYGv6-YjD_BVnpfWyXj1l-adus6BrgyL4xBQWG6VzOIZ2VjGkgIwTMl6oHA1Jub--6yM8725L4Aa-y5nCbvPnKX2Y7tU8CKjNotjCSNE/s4000/Texas%20Science%20and%20Natural%20History%20Museum-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-EETwmbcGi8PWt0oKyrxcjolQj0w4_A2Yg5_uVYHnTq7fuM__Im8i30lqayUDIiXQqALYvBF7IIsu0NzVN9YYGv6-YjD_BVnpfWyXj1l-adus6BrgyL4xBQWG6VzOIZ2VjGkgIwTMl6oHA1Jub--6yM8725L4Aa-y5nCbvPnKX2Y7tU8CKjNotjCSNE/w400-h266/Texas%20Science%20and%20Natural%20History%20Museum-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modern longhorn skull resides next to a replica skull of an ancient bison that once lived in Texas. These are part of the museum's new Texas Transformation exhibit. (Credit: Nolan Zunk, UT).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Standing inside the Texas Transformation room, Pamela Owen, TMM’s associate director and a vertebrate paleontologist, marvels at the high visitor turnout, energy and excitement. “In the first 20 minutes of opening, more than 700 people came through our doors,” said Owen. “And this is just a dry run for our grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 23.”<br /><br />The opening of the Texas Science & Natural History Museum is much more than a TMM 2.0 reboot. It’s the next phase of the museum’s evolution, doubling down on its deep roots in natural history. Conceived in the early 1930s as a state natural history museum and built as part of the 1936 Texas Centennial Celebrations, the Texas Memorial Museum opened in its current square-shaped, limestone-clad Art Deco edifice in 1939. Some of the original specimens and collections were previously housed in UT’s Main Building and displayed in Gregory Gymnasium during UT’s Texas Centennial Exposition. <br /><br />Over the decades, TMM amassed an enormous collection of fossils, specimens, artifacts and other exhibits showcasing Texas history, culture, wildlife, geology and paleontology. The State of Texas transferred TMM ownership to the University of Texas in 1959, establishing the museum as a UT campus landmark that hosted many educational, university and community events. In 2003, believing that TMM’s holdings had grown too fragmented, the museum’s director transferred the eclectic cultural history items to other UT collections including the <a href="https://briscoecenter.org/">Briscoe Center for American History</a> and the <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/tarl/">Texas Archeological Research Laboratory</a>. And TMM came full circle back to natural history.<br /><br />In recent years, the TMM has endured financial woes that might have sunk other less resilient and beloved institutions. In 2013, the College of Natural Sciences cut 75 percent of TMM’s funding, and yet the doors remained open. Ten years later, the museum closed during the height of the Covid pandemic, and then reopened in 2021, only to close again in March 2022 due to funding cuts and staff departures. <br /><br />Enter Carolyn Connerat, the museum’s new managing director, and Pamela Owen, a TMM employee for 23 years who also serves as a research associate at the Jackson School of Geosciences, specializing in Texas vertebrate paleontology. They formed the ideal “skeleton crew” to navigate the TMM through its dire straits while rethinking funding, programs, renovations, collections and exhibits. <br /><br />“We are a great matched pair in terms of our relative strengths,” said Owen. “That’s how we pulled this off.” While new to the natural history scene, Connerat brought strengths in management, marketing, promotion and fund raising, honed through executive roles at UT’s Provost Office and more than 20 years of private-sector experience. Backed by a supportive advisory committee, the indefatigable duo worked a miracle – readying the TMM for its grand opening after 15 months of nonstop effort. <br /><br />Connerat added, “Much of what we did was basic renovations that hadn’t been done in 85 years – things like roof repairs, electrical and plumbing updates, painting, new lighting and flooring. We cleaned every inch of the walls in the Great Hall. When we took down the draperies and saw the glass-block windows, everyone said WOW!” In place of the dusty old drapes, newly installed motorized shades can be lowered to shield the hall from late-afternoon sunlight and damaging UV radiation.<br /><br />“We’re not done yet – we’ve just begun,” said Connerat, not quite ready to take a victory lap. “We’re still in the process of updating our downstairs and third-floor exhibits. We want everyone to come back in and enjoy what we have and bring back busloads of children.”<br /><br />“The museum’s mission is to inspire and engage curious minds about science and the natural history of Texas,” added Connerat. “We think this is a wonderful place for the education of K-through-12 students, for STEM education, and for anyone wants to spend time studying science and natural history.”<br /><br />Connerat and Owen plan to refresh the museum’s existing Paleontology Gallery on the first floor (anchored by the menacing Onion Creek Mosasaur, Shoal Creek Plesiosaur, armadillo-like Glyptodon and sail-backed Dimetrodon) and the Texas Wildlife Gallery on the third floor (with timeless wildlife dioramas and taxidermied megafauna including a mountain lion, bison and bear). “We will bring the color palette and energy of the Texas Transformation to each floor and gallery over time,” said Owen. <br /><br />Forthcoming exhibits will include the third-floor Memorial Gallery exploring the TMM’s rich history and the fourth-floor Science Frontier showcasing UT Austin’s advanced research on topics ranging from biodiversity to sustainability to human health. With only 18,000 square feet of exhibit space (one-tenth the size of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas), Connerat and Owen plan to make the most of every bit of museum space to tell the story of natural history and natural sciences in Texas.<br /><br />Funding and revenue are key to the museum’s long-term plans. To that end, the Texas Legislature threw TMM a generous lifeline this summer – a one-time $8 million funding infusion. TMM also plans to grow its own revenue. “Our goal is to be self-supporting over the next few years through admissions, a new membership program, special events and philanthropy,” said Connerat. “I’m confident we can do that.”<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXgcwSoLifYVPioTx71kYxAXvZ04Rx-qvRNB3_QoQUctrCPkTyQ_sU9uQlhaVPOEE2X2zBUkTKquP26YZ39oDrLmSSmfMLTibY2g1lEtzlTOdobviocPpUymRbv7_pPesQo3Y7QphsMytj3wLK5lkTW3by4hTyytkYra6sSzK8UolI_IWvTHOFsFuYGc/s2400/Museum%20Exterior%20Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXgcwSoLifYVPioTx71kYxAXvZ04Rx-qvRNB3_QoQUctrCPkTyQ_sU9uQlhaVPOEE2X2zBUkTKquP26YZ39oDrLmSSmfMLTibY2g1lEtzlTOdobviocPpUymRbv7_pPesQo3Y7QphsMytj3wLK5lkTW3by4hTyytkYra6sSzK8UolI_IWvTHOFsFuYGc/w400-h225/Museum%20Exterior%20Large.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The museum's Art Deco exterior, on the University of Texas campus. (Credit: UT) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The TMM building, with its restored, gleaming-white limestone façade, has “good bones” beyond its paleontological exhibits. The Art Deco landmark provides a stunning venue for private indoor and outdoor events ranging from weddings and receptions to seated dinners to tailgate parties. A large, permanent tented area for events shades TMM’s west patio, while a pollinator garden, created in collaboration with the Wildflower Center, has been installed near the main entrance.<br /><br />“’Texas Memorial Museum’ is still carved on the outside of the building so that name will always be a part of this building’s history,” said Connerat. “TMM has been used for many decades, so we’re going to keep that acronym.”<br /><br />The new name, Texas Science & Natural History Museum, clears up years of confusion over the museum’s exhibits and mission, which have nothing to do with war memorials or the nearby Texas Memorial Stadium. Connerat explains, “This museum is about life in the natural world, from the formation of our planet through the age of the dinosaurs and into our current time.”<br /><br />“We are all part of the natural world,” adds Owen. “Coming here to the museum is a reminder that we are part of this wonderful history on a really special planet. How could that not be gratifying?”</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dykTj6_bZ4l8WBpfKT2PNlI1YUSB2dQ1XjNonpr7IExZ4VdmnxZUf5FBzLDuBLjirsXPYjAEe8lpnm44ren9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-62573523967136461252023-07-07T11:35:00.017-05:002023-07-07T13:58:17.527-05:00 Texas Wild’s Surprising Second Release Features a Creepy Killer at Possum Kingdom <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr-RwzZWAVcq_UKSxDULjoD7suKSEVC6mJ3WofdMydXeNRZ9yQFl05nC7Sa1UwDOCEdlcT5gOUbL8SpbgyLZzAmj9wPB7lzjaSE2DN2E8MymkkZQz95F-R7k9UtfMevPKGxeDBPvLJehDcPKYsyFEAEJTWyJXtAel_SlKgqKCdrNNN4_YcZFQrRN1LXw/s1080/Carousel_1-of-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr-RwzZWAVcq_UKSxDULjoD7suKSEVC6mJ3WofdMydXeNRZ9yQFl05nC7Sa1UwDOCEdlcT5gOUbL8SpbgyLZzAmj9wPB7lzjaSE2DN2E8MymkkZQz95F-R7k9UtfMevPKGxeDBPvLJehDcPKYsyFEAEJTWyJXtAel_SlKgqKCdrNNN4_YcZFQrRN1LXw/w400-h400/Carousel_1-of-3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The second single release from Texas Wild, an album celebrating 100 years of Texas State Parks, dropped July 6, further whetting appetites for the full release this fall. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Possum Kingdom” by Oscar/Grammy/Golden Globe award-winner <a href="https://www.ryanbingham.com">Ryan Bingham</a> (with backup band, <a href="https://www.thetexasgentlemen.com">The Texas Gentlemen</a>) is now available on <a href="https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Possum_Kingdom">Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music</a>. Considering the wholesome family fun happening along the 300 miles of lakeshore and coves of this state park west of Fort Worth, the edgy ‘90s alt-rock Toadies’ song is surprisingly creepy. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">To listen to the single, click <a href="https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Possum_Kingdom">here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The April 30 drop of <a href="https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Hey_Baby_Que_Paso">“Hey Baby, Que Paso?”</a> by <span lang="EN">Fat Tony featuring Paul Wall sparked interest in Austin-based producer <a href="https://www.walkerlukens.com/videos">Walker Lukens</a>’ pairings of classic Texas songs twisted into fresh takes by contemporary Texas artists. <a href="https://www.tpwf.org">Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF)</a>, in partnership with <a href="http://ramblersparklingwater.com">Rambler Sparkling Water</a> and <a href="https://www.tecovas.com">Tecovas Boots</a>, is sponsoring </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;">the digital and limited-edition vinyl album</span><span lang="EN">. </span>Proceeds benefit Texas’ wild things and wild places. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The song</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv3yRUl_xS7bllxpCTLjJPUsdeusXgU2m9Cl43dYaCPA0PxFaN9ZZJxCnMHTOkmTyCDaiw3o-1wMDyEgoUEVAWY0lapN1wYW7KQPwtjrP4YImWlBtV3Dt7VTTOxe0YV1FQV9VQttp7SQAfFMeGi5HEjLQey0cOfIUW7u0E-0f_RuNOYU2SkxagRLhlEg/s1502/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%201.55.58%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1502" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv3yRUl_xS7bllxpCTLjJPUsdeusXgU2m9Cl43dYaCPA0PxFaN9ZZJxCnMHTOkmTyCDaiw3o-1wMDyEgoUEVAWY0lapN1wYW7KQPwtjrP4YImWlBtV3Dt7VTTOxe0YV1FQV9VQttp7SQAfFMeGi5HEjLQey0cOfIUW7u0E-0f_RuNOYU2SkxagRLhlEg/w400-h265/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%201.55.58%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame from Toadie's "Possum Kingdom" video</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">No other popular record has a <a href="http://texasstateparks.org">Texas State Park</a> in the title, so the <a href="https://thetoadies.com">Toadies'</a> 1994 “Possum Kingdom” is perhaps the most obvious choice for a Centennial music project despite its serial killer vibes. Think ghost stories around the campfire to set the mood — no real danger in its fiction, just a satisfying <i>frisson</i> of fear up your spine.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">Toadies lead singer </span>Vaden Todd Lewis’ lyrics have sparked Reddit threads and social media debates for decades, linking it to various real crimes and fanciful vampire legends as well as the lake’s submerged ghost town, Pickwick. In 2019, he finally told <i>Texas Monthly</i> writer Sean O’Neill in a <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/toadies-possum-kingdom-song-north-texas/">Halloween article</a> the truth behind his cryptic words. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“I just made it up.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">After reading all the interesting theories, he wonders with amusement if he should have concocted a better story. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Texans love that kind of storytelling, because it’s what we grew up with,” Lewis said. “The ghost stories—the metal hook on the car roof and all that. It’s just fun to sit around and scare each other.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The simple, repetitive lyrics put listeners uncomfortably inside the mind of a man who seems to have evil intent, trying to lure a woman to walk with him around the lake to the boathouse and promising “eternal beauty” in return.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/possum-kingdom">Possum Kingdom</a> setting came from summers spent at a family fishing lodge on the lake. With feature names like Hell’s Gate and Devil’s Island, it seemed like the perfect setting for a frightful tale, especially at night.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Lewis says he never really heard any chilling stories about Possum Kingdom, specifically,” O’Neill writes. “No one ever told him anything about the vampires or vengeful ghosts or secret cults supposedly hiding in the woods. To him, Possum Kingdom just seemed like the kind of place where something bad could happen. And because he put it in a song, many people have come to be convinced that it did.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Even the visual setting of Possum Kingdom can offer an aura of mystery and danger, attracting world cliff-diving events for daredevils.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p>“I can see where folks can see the lake as creepy with its plateaus of live oak and juniper cedar, rattlesnakes, and hundreds of soaring vultures overhead,” Possum Kingdom historian Kevin VanDuser says in the same article. “I can still hear the howling of coyotes. I’ve seen a mountain lion cross the road.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The original</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="-webkit-standard"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26P_YUzeavJpbpFmfKCaiusozcGLXPNxyoQEiZTejIb6d7gcTnqgo4N-RF9z5fD7_q4DtCLgEkpeHRYW503x45ZIOvzynga805oUXfY-vw3q5Jo9hJf6a4YIq5-I6L9_p8KAy5uqMn1hrH1pJpJMXypUrmoZUq0w47YjFMQzQ-gphxJG9i6Y2CVdBUW8/s910/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%2011.30.48%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="910" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26P_YUzeavJpbpFmfKCaiusozcGLXPNxyoQEiZTejIb6d7gcTnqgo4N-RF9z5fD7_q4DtCLgEkpeHRYW503x45ZIOvzynga805oUXfY-vw3q5Jo9hJf6a4YIq5-I6L9_p8KAy5uqMn1hrH1pJpJMXypUrmoZUq0w47YjFMQzQ-gphxJG9i6Y2CVdBUW8/w400-h195/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%2011.30.48%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Worth band Toadies<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN">“Possum Kingdom” was released as the second single from the Toadies’ 1994 album Rubberneck, breaking Billboard’s Top 40 chart and soaring even higher on alt-rock charts. Lewis said he wrote it as a kind of followup to another song on the album, “I Burn.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN">The song seems to have grown in popularity through the past quarter-century, perhaps due to the accompanying <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkwD5rQ-_d4">music video</a> that today has garnered </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext">41 million views on YouTube with 13,000 comments. In the video, the camera intercuts band performance scenes with a body bag floating in the lake. A surprise ending offers a more palatable storyline involving sculpture instead of murder, </span></span>an icy twist that makes us wonder what is real and what is imagined. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;">“Possum Kingdom” was even included in the setlist for the Xbox 360 edition of Guitar Hero II.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b>The new sound</b></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpisPct-Q5kTNd2OHTeSkCa-kkklWInlzrLWtHx5MSaxm0eczyx1AdjsitQuXCYGQkfWDwiyvaUW_7TnZvGrAQUBx7CZpPu-1K-IpGqJ8SYnqVtMEZ29WsjlVdu1IBMPYqG4oOEEt6SY5rJ93JBaCZ84WQdfE1tbDwq3QYFQZQskh_qsyiTTK_eoKIig/s3089/000007570009_Texas_Gentlemen_group_Toadies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3089" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpisPct-Q5kTNd2OHTeSkCa-kkklWInlzrLWtHx5MSaxm0eczyx1AdjsitQuXCYGQkfWDwiyvaUW_7TnZvGrAQUBx7CZpPu-1K-IpGqJ8SYnqVtMEZ29WsjlVdu1IBMPYqG4oOEEt6SY5rJ93JBaCZ84WQdfE1tbDwq3QYFQZQskh_qsyiTTK_eoKIig/w400-h265/000007570009_Texas_Gentlemen_group_Toadies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lukens with The Texas Gentlemen in the studio</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Almost 30 years later, Lukens’ <i>Texas Wild</i> version aims to honor this fan-favorite while adding elements of blues, rock and country.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Ryan Bingham wanting to do ‘Possum Kingdom’ is exactly what makes an album like this special; a big artist in one genre taking a chance by doing a popular song in another genre,” Lukens said. “Plus, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richardbowdenmusic/">Richard Bowden’s</a> fiddle solo is one of the coolest things that’s ever happened at our studio.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The Texas Gentlemen, who cover Lyle Lovett’s “(That’s Right) You’re Not From Texas” on another track of <i>Texas Wild</i>, provide backup as Bingham's band for this song.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentleman bring their own style to the tune, imbuing it with a uniquely haunting touch,” said Toadies guitarist Clark Vogeler, who’s also fond of Bowden’s contribution to the sound. “A lurid and chaotic violin pairs with the guitars creating an original appeal. This is a great cover that takes the song to new places.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Bingham’s rough-edged but authentic vocals add a haunting quality to the repetitive lyrics. Even in the earliest days of his career, critics commented on the “old” sound of his voice.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“I love how Ryan made the tune his own, really brought out the swampy, gritty vibe,” Lewis said. “Cool stuff.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe6BFN2HgILP7np6JOkC7U0WMYehPm6WfcZgBhtCJXWQVviZi0uUovojP_BQDV8CCkJh-RZFETZUl7BPsHCT03hM9CMY9574aspdnkJiPvAvPRDkFpzxGp46mqGGAT6QOre7XZvWE-fSaV55vVpLxyoplRC6L2FgMOtsyOjD3dnUA3zLA7g3wuuPmSuM/s2500/home_truck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe6BFN2HgILP7np6JOkC7U0WMYehPm6WfcZgBhtCJXWQVviZi0uUovojP_BQDV8CCkJh-RZFETZUl7BPsHCT03hM9CMY9574aspdnkJiPvAvPRDkFpzxGp46mqGGAT6QOre7XZvWE-fSaV55vVpLxyoplRC6L2FgMOtsyOjD3dnUA3zLA7g3wuuPmSuM/w400-h266/home_truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Bingham</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Bingham found fame collaborating with producer T Bone Burnett on the soundtrack for the 2009 film <i>Crazy Heart</i>, cowriting and performing the film’s award-winning theme song, “The Weary Kind.” The title track earned Bingham an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and Critics’ Choice Award in 2010, as well as a Grammy Award in 2011. He’s also been seen acting in the hit series <i>Yellowstone.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The album</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;">A third single release is slated for later this summer, culminating with the digital and limited-edition vinyl release of the entire work this fall. Plans are in the works for concerts in state parks celebrating the album.</span><span style="color: #212121;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212121;">Texas illustrator </span><a href="https://mishkawestell.com">Mishka Westell</a><span style="color: #212121;"> created unique block-print style art for each of the three single releases and the album. “Possum Kingdom” sports an aplomado falcon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212121;">"Texas music has helped shape our inimitable spirit, just as the iconic landscapes of our Texas State Parks have inspired our last 100 years,” said Anne Brown, TPWF executive director. “In places like Garner State Park, music has inspired magical summer nights for decades; visitors have danced to Texas tunes beneath the stars at the historic pavilion since the 1940s.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Fat Tony featuring Paul Wall “(Hey Baby) Que Paso”</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Sir Douglas Quintet </span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">The Texas Gentlemen "(That's Right) You're Not From Texas"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Lyle Lovett</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Shane Smith and The Saints featuring Hayes Carll - "Pancho and Lefty"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Townes Van Zandt</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Luna Luna - “Si Una Vez”</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Selena Quintanilla</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Ryan Bingham - "Possum Kingdom"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: The Toadies</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">The Suffers - "My Maria"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: B.W. Stevenson</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Shakey Graves featuring Jess Williamson - "True Love Will Find You In The End"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Daniel Johnston</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Sir Woman featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard - "Texas Sun"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Khruangbin and Leon Bridges</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Adrian Quesada featuring US and The Soul Supporters - "Say My Name"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Destiny’s Child</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Sarah Jaffe - "Flying Too Close To The Ground"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Willie Nelson</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">The Toadies - "Since U Been Gone"</span><o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #212121; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Kelly Clarkson</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Fun spoiler:</b> This album is packed with full-circle moments, with many artists doing double duty. Kelly Clarkson was seen and heard singing along to “Possum Kingdom” in her dressing room during an episode of “The Voice.” Another cut from the upcoming <i>Texas Wild</i> album will feature the Toadies covering Clarkson’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0BiGek2bKA">“Since U Been Gone.”</a><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-2801390646698173102023-05-02T07:36:00.006-05:002023-05-03T09:30:44.395-05:00First Single Drops from State Park Album, Texas Wild<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JoDL5EDGEAp_Upnm90_bgq-q0rSdnZln1NZT8bmDCom8RWC2OdZNizQC0aUg4QgwXOPhp2-Q9zzdQL4UCUEddizHeHohd0QgLFvOC4UHV0BqDjjx_NvDijEAM6oSuuxWbC14JyCV7d6dgv7AcXTyDFlkVMDUzury7m07z5d_rCO9PuA7yAZ0tIxh/s820/820x312.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JoDL5EDGEAp_Upnm90_bgq-q0rSdnZln1NZT8bmDCom8RWC2OdZNizQC0aUg4QgwXOPhp2-Q9zzdQL4UCUEddizHeHohd0QgLFvOC4UHV0BqDjjx_NvDijEAM6oSuuxWbC14JyCV7d6dgv7AcXTyDFlkVMDUzury7m07z5d_rCO9PuA7yAZ0tIxh/w535-h205/820x312.png" width="535" /></a></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">The celebration for <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/100years/">100 Years of Texas State Parks</a> picks up the tempo today with the release of the first single from <i><a href="http://TexasWildAlbum.org">Texas Wild</a></i>, a genre-bending album featuring Texas artists covering Texas classics, with all proceeds to benefit our wild things and wild places.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">Produced by inventive Austin singer/songwriter <a href="https://www.walkerlukens.com">Walker Lukens</a>, <i>Texas Wild</i> blends the traditional Texas mix of blues, cumbia and country with unexpected modern flavors like hip-hop, R&B and electronica.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1">“Your average Texan can easily name 8–10 classic songs made by Texan artists from genres as diverse as country, blues, rock, Tejano, folk, hip hop and R&B,” Lukens said. “What other state can claim to have made significant contributions to so many genres? <i>Texas Wild</i> features fresh takes on classics from all these genres— it’s a funky and soulful best-of-Texas playlist for whenever you’re feeling state pride.” </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">“(Hey Baby) Que Paso,” by Houston artists <a href="https://www.fattonyrap.net">Fat Tony</a> featuring <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PaulWall/">Paul Wall</a>, the first public taste of the highly anticipated album, is now available on</span><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to%2FHey_Baby_Que_Paso&data=05%7C01%7CLouie.Bond%40tpwd.texas.gov%7Ca524bda7d15e41545dcc08db4a816425%7C7864fda762ad47ec81ec323266e3a35f%7C0%7C0%7C638185691831811883%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PzbW0rCxecU9J9CNr%2B%2B5hMqfQN9NbX2C498hMAQMdAM%3D&reserved=0" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank" title="Original URL:
https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Hey_Baby_Que_Paso
Click to follow link."><span lang="EN"> </span></a><span lang="EN"><a href="https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Hey_Baby_Que_Paso">Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.</a> To listen to the single, click <a href="https://lowercoloradorecordauthority.lnk.to/Hey_Baby_Que_Paso">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://tpwf.planmylegacy.org">Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation</a> (TPWF), in partnership with <a href="https://www.ramblersparklingwater.com">Rambler Sparkling Water</a>, sponsored the album, to be released on vinyl this fall. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #212121;">"Texas music has helped shape our inimitable spirit, just as the iconic landscapes of our Texas State Parks have inspired our last 100 years,” said Anne Brown, executive director of TPWF, <i>Texas Wild</i> sponsors. “In places like<a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner"> Garner State Park</a>, music has inspired magical summer nights for decades; visitors have danced to Texas tunes beneath the stars at the historic pavilion since the 1940s.”</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><b>The song</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The simple lyrics of the 1983 song are a mashup of Spanish and English, sliding easily into the comfort zone of both audiences, no matter the level of bilingual ability. <a href="https://augiemeyers.com">Augie Meyers</a> (with Bill Sheffield) wrote lyrics and music, which was recorded in Spanish and the mixed “Spanglish,” with a few Spanish words mispronounced on purpose.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The rowdy singalong’s been claimed as “the national anthem of San Antonio” by some of its more enthusiastic fans, but generations of Texans of all musical tastes can sing every word — and do so with gusto. “Hey Baby” is a boisterous, rollicking romp, despite the melancholy of the underlying jilted lover story. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The memorable first line — “Hey baby, <i>que paso</i>? I thought I was your only <i>vato</i>.” — sets the scene and resonates as a first reaction to just about any breakup that comes as a shock. Through the song’s two verses (that sound like choruses), the singer pleads for his love to turn around and give him a kiss. “My <i>corazon</i> is real.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">On stage, Meyers often told a humorous story about the inspiration for “Hey Baby,” his final conversation with a soon-to-be-ex.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>“Why are you always playing that Mexican music?” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>“I love it.”<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>“Well, I don’t.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>“Well, honey, there’s the door.” </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The original </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The song was popularized by Meyers’ band, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texastornados/">Texas Tornados</a>, a Tex-Mex supergroup that formed around 1990, touring out of San Antonio. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Late country star <a href="https://www.freddyfender.com">Freddy Fender</a>, a San Benito native who had international hits with “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” and “Till the Last Teardrop Falls,” was probably the most famous member. Accordion legend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flacojimenezofficial/">Flaco Jimenez</a> — he played with the Rolling Stones and practically invented conjunto — brought the crossover musical flavor that added a flash of habanero heat to the band’s signature sound.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The gig set list centered around the talents of band leaders Meyers and Doug Sahm (who died in 1999), already popular from their successful stint in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sirdouglasquintet/">The Sir Douglas Quintet</a> in the 1960s, with hits like “Mendocino” and “She’s About a Mover.” “Hey Baby (Que Paso)” was a show-stopper, guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The band lasted about a decade altogether (including breaks) until the death of founding member Doug Sahm but released an earlier <i>Austin City Limits</i> performance as an album in 2005. The surviving members (Fender died in 2006) reformed the group with Sahm’s son Shawn and put out another record in 2010.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The new sound</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">For the 2023 arrangement of “Hey Baby,” Lukens — who wasn’t born when the song was written — collaborated with members of <a href="https://www.grupofantasma.com/home">Grupo Fantasma</a>, the <a href="https://www.thetexasgentlemen.com">Texas Gentlemen</a> and <a href="https://www.sirwoman.com">Sir Woman</a>, who take their own creative turns on other tracks of <i>Texas Wild</i> as well. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpQQ7vlfYELEl_ysoRKRcU7KRXKabqacP6B9YuXr7ndp5ArdTkwrGKI7AZ537UkiHMvFB0rUzaFFtUa8-IaiMqETlCnc13l1o3OnDp0SRBYOAqEeIf2rRYZJy8D9q5PFRb_FQSnX00jyj6i8Obpl1ghXR_0BuqCre24DCfPAykxStzJJRFcH3KnfZ/s1016/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-02%20at%206.41.33%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1016" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpQQ7vlfYELEl_ysoRKRcU7KRXKabqacP6B9YuXr7ndp5ArdTkwrGKI7AZ537UkiHMvFB0rUzaFFtUa8-IaiMqETlCnc13l1o3OnDp0SRBYOAqEeIf2rRYZJy8D9q5PFRb_FQSnX00jyj6i8Obpl1ghXR_0BuqCre24DCfPAykxStzJJRFcH3KnfZ/w400-h320/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-02%20at%206.41.33%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker Lukens, <i>Texas Wild </i>producer</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">Lukens begins the track with stripped-down bass and drums, harder driving than the original. Soon after, the <i><a href="https://songconfessional.com">Song Confessional</a></i> podcaster begins to layer in steel guitar and other instruments to build the full sound but — sorry, conjunto fans — said <i>adîos</i> to Jimenez' trademark accordion of the original. You won’t miss it for long, though, because when the beat drops, Paul Wall’s inventive rap adds a whole new element of storytelling that’s sure to make you hit repeat until you catch every word to sing along.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">The result could be described as “San Antonio meets Houston, decides to stick around and have some fun.” The marriage is harmonious but still full of surprises. “Hey Baby” loses none of its infectious spirit as it gets pleasantly stuck in your head for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><b>The album</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8swj-nP8WnsUqRKGstogj8w0SEYkjmntZB_NF1UD_gGRygd5Sh-z-l36LCofB2XIsDaOHqBajimCU1nhp4pUwes76PPxVPI7Guh3bSLSvbwTkPOd9k9EWelpw3O5nAyR-xIRlsapsypOXoImj7VJm5Ma8UMUcNeswCRsgcFnZeZrSQFPgvYwtFi/s1082/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-02%20at%206.42.08%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8swj-nP8WnsUqRKGstogj8w0SEYkjmntZB_NF1UD_gGRygd5Sh-z-l36LCofB2XIsDaOHqBajimCU1nhp4pUwes76PPxVPI7Guh3bSLSvbwTkPOd9k9EWelpw3O5nAyR-xIRlsapsypOXoImj7VJm5Ma8UMUcNeswCRsgcFnZeZrSQFPgvYwtFi/w400-h320/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-02%20at%206.42.08%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;">“(Hey Baby) Que Paso” is just the first of several single releases slated for <i>Texas Wild</i>, with a second single scheduled for release in June and a third in July, culminating with the digital and limited-edition vinyl release of the entire work this fall. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;">Texas illustrator <a href="https://mishkawestell.com">Mishka Westell</a> created unique block-print style art for each of the three single releases and the album. The album cover art features Texas native wildlife, including a screech owl, a mockingbird and other Texas critters. Sales from the album will benefit TPWF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #212121;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1">“The two best things about Texas are its physical beauty and its music,” Lukens said. “This record, which was made by some of the finest musicians in our state, benefits Texas State Parks and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, who take care of our public lands. What’s cooler than that?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN">A full track listing will be available closer to the album release, but to date, the tracks include:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Fat Tony featuring Paul Wall "(Hey Baby) Que Paso”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Sir Douglas Quintet </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">The Texas Gentlemen "(That's Right) You're Not From Texas"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Lyle Lovett</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Shane Smith and The Saints featuring Hayes Carll "Pancho and Lefty"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Townes Van Zandt</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">LUNA LUNA “Si Una Vez”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Selena Quintanilla</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Ryan Bingham "Possum Kingdom"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: The Toadies</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">The Suffers "My Maria"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: B.W. Stevenson</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Shakey Graves featuring Jess Williamson "True Love Will Find You In The End"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Daniel Johnston</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Sir Woman featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard "Texas Sun"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Khruangbin and Leon Bridges</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Adrian Quesada featuring US and The Soul Supporters "Say My Name"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Destiny’s Child</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">Sarah Jaffe "Flying Too Close To The Ground"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Willie Nelson</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span lang="EN">The Toadies "Since You've Been Gone"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;"><span lang="EN">Original Track: Kelly Clarkson</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN">Additional live events celebrating Texas Wild will be announced soon. To keep up with album news, visit <a href="http://TexasWildAlbum.org">TexasWildAlbum.org</a> to sign up for updates, or follow TPWF on Instagram, @texasparkswildlifefoundation.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-28658071503098921082023-03-23T12:28:00.023-05:002023-03-23T16:53:26.441-05:00 Women Getting Stuff Done<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><i>“A woman's place in public is to sit beside her husband, be silent, and be sure her hat is on straight.”</i> - Bess Truman</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Don’t tell that to the women at Texas Parks and Wildlife.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Meet some of our colleagues who are working to conserve Texas’ wild things and wild places. Whether they’re wrangling bighorn sheep or wrestling with a Purchase Order, these women get stuff done -- even if their hats aren’t always straight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">If you know someone who might be interested in being part of our team, check out our <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/internship.phtml" target="_blank">internship</a>, <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/" target="_blank">job</a> and <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/volunteer/" target="_blank">volunteer</a> opportunities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q06usV-JWuM-CJBYvLMXhEj_Qr0qFyUiuoAOG-KAcZ9mPyxz_Ydx0R3IGxcXcNLqH9dMhsE0CEAMJgCdYzwCxfGg9-oNuFLMIsEYx51ChV4FlICvydZpCHvkVRaEZNYR8gulKI1CQrHIQgyDObgxVoNzBjeiB1KrBL-ZumGqdctTnKtLBylX1RN_/s1800/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(57).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q06usV-JWuM-CJBYvLMXhEj_Qr0qFyUiuoAOG-KAcZ9mPyxz_Ydx0R3IGxcXcNLqH9dMhsE0CEAMJgCdYzwCxfGg9-oNuFLMIsEYx51ChV4FlICvydZpCHvkVRaEZNYR8gulKI1CQrHIQgyDObgxVoNzBjeiB1KrBL-ZumGqdctTnKtLBylX1RN_/w228-h268/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(57).png" width="228" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Sara Wyckoff, Wildlife Veterinarian</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> As one of two very busy veterinarians at Texas Parks and Wildlife, Sara monitors Texas native wildlife for disease and develops strategies to stop sickness from spreading. She works closely with biologists, landowners and other government agencies, assisting with research, veterinary protocols and training.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlights:</b> Getting to crawl into a bat cave during monitoring for white-nose syndrome and assisting with examining bighorn sheep in west Texas as part of TPWD’s native bighorn sheep restoration program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SoMR1jVfHnVm__G-7ftirSZVqNnhgeVkf2_Cnx4Ivd04YhpDFzlubFUW0irw-SYHB9TMk5RCtfJn6ZUvDVHXNy4PR38cZRfNTPuZ2BTzS8gpsvIXzG33xIIXWgCAFimeq0vvPA9IDVHYk-K7bwS3FwID5BytLXh4Z0i8pwi3lmB-ChwOHs-t_UFZ/s1920/Pagie%20Reeves.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SoMR1jVfHnVm__G-7ftirSZVqNnhgeVkf2_Cnx4Ivd04YhpDFzlubFUW0irw-SYHB9TMk5RCtfJn6ZUvDVHXNy4PR38cZRfNTPuZ2BTzS8gpsvIXzG33xIIXWgCAFimeq0vvPA9IDVHYk-K7bwS3FwID5BytLXh4Z0i8pwi3lmB-ChwOHs-t_UFZ/s320/Pagie%20Reeves.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Pagie Reeves, Administrative Technician for the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research Center</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does: </b>Pagie may spend most of her work day indoors, but she serves as the heart of a team whose research impacts coastal fisheries management. Providing the administrative support to keep things running smoothly, she strives to create a helpful, positive and professional work environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Helping plan and decorate the new San Antonio Bay field office in Port O’ Connor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfg1VycmKBpnaf5_tGAOH10fMobkkLLZnr_yYWZMYOKb4l2eX2o1teuwLIt7YrbXmFLT4wKEZDFUGG2lILng_bJRNlT5Y9NeEwH2ZX9RQ0JBpftnbwTk9d-gQhsKIZoWNw7seqOXKqJcUHRlTTg3MYxTblNzvfJnM4Ot6XRDx8uzxlYHAC25GO6UZ/s3840/MaeganLanham.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfg1VycmKBpnaf5_tGAOH10fMobkkLLZnr_yYWZMYOKb4l2eX2o1teuwLIt7YrbXmFLT4wKEZDFUGG2lILng_bJRNlT5Y9NeEwH2ZX9RQ0JBpftnbwTk9d-gQhsKIZoWNw7seqOXKqJcUHRlTTg3MYxTblNzvfJnM4Ot6XRDx8uzxlYHAC25GO6UZ/w365-h232/MaeganLanham.JPG" width="365" /></a><b></b></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Maegan Lanham, Photographer for <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine</span></b><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>What she does:</b> Inspire people to get outside through pictures. Maegan captures everything from hunting, fishing, hiking and kayaking to the incredible variety of Texas wildlife and landscapes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Photographing the 113-million-year-old dinosaur tracks that were recently uncovered during a drought at Dinosaur Valley State Park. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t9CedB0_F2v6TXnWAujKC9_aHDeRs0ftkrIFjMwMb4aYBlEhpsx9IPybO1I3eh_tdFmw3NQ4Rt_3vE-ewQh9rayE41OhXsjqX9LOtWrnLi0sOc6f-yQ6lEPncKpPjCZrWTW4vr3lyqguoyXOd_kz4sVysmSzQulnzdfdP2BanyL6wo6jx_u_3k1A/s4032/Angela%20England%20sorts%20tiny%20aquatic%20insects%20collected%20from%20Barons%20Creek.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t9CedB0_F2v6TXnWAujKC9_aHDeRs0ftkrIFjMwMb4aYBlEhpsx9IPybO1I3eh_tdFmw3NQ4Rt_3vE-ewQh9rayE41OhXsjqX9LOtWrnLi0sOc6f-yQ6lEPncKpPjCZrWTW4vr3lyqguoyXOd_kz4sVysmSzQulnzdfdP2BanyL6wo6jx_u_3k1A/s320/Angela%20England%20sorts%20tiny%20aquatic%20insects%20collected%20from%20Barons%20Creek.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Angela England, Conservation Biologist</span></b></div></span></b><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Angela works to manage riparian (streamside) areas to support healthy habitat for fish and the food web of plants, insects, and other organisms that sustain them. She helps landowners learn about land management methods that improve water quality and quantity while enhancing native biodiversity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlights: </b>Serving as the project manager for the Healthy Creeks Initiative. This project manages invasive Arundo (giant reed) in five Native Fish Conservation Areas of the Hill Country, in support of ongoing conservation projects such as restoring habitat for our state fish, the Guadalupe Bass. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWBGByApybAnLXBokULN50HAqqd4kcVGvSKKtBabZRFRQouKK_9Zv-IEF0Aj1gWquEX3dAXHZUdAyG84iLwcCOm5RUSdh89lAFzh8W-TGEnnnZ0xiSrxiHv54liKELILDY3-1PcmJh1B9dU7tu73RDxaf4zkvHkTL1zl9LsRr-GCLmr5AfSj-oJ9R/s4032/Niki%20Lambrou%20BastropDam.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWBGByApybAnLXBokULN50HAqqd4kcVGvSKKtBabZRFRQouKK_9Zv-IEF0Aj1gWquEX3dAXHZUdAyG84iLwcCOm5RUSdh89lAFzh8W-TGEnnnZ0xiSrxiHv54liKELILDY3-1PcmJh1B9dU7tu73RDxaf4zkvHkTL1zl9LsRr-GCLmr5AfSj-oJ9R/w250-h301/Niki%20Lambrou%20BastropDam.jpg" width="250" /></a><b></b></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Niki Lambrou, Design Project Manager – Civil Engineer</span></b></div><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> As a civil engineer, Niki designs anything to be built anywhere in Texas. One day she’s designing roads at a new State Natural Area and the next she’s in the bottom of a pond at the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery. Every TPWD facility involves infrastructure such as utilities, roads and parking, bridges or dams, or buildings. And everywhere there is infrastructure, a civil engineer is involved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> In her previous job with a civil engineering consulting firm, Niki had the opportunity to serve as a hydraulic engineer on a project at Devils River State Natural Area. That fueled a growing passion for the state park system and inspired her to forge a career with TPWD.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-MRX5P2R4X_YPFWye1AxcqH1GwXu0DdcEkVHh1JZHDj8txbvZyW4qCOak0kweFStX9A-oF7ga2aZjFogKeumck4nbatuHfjYuvV8i3JE0tXckiWozXQ03QMORbgBZxScTAaH0bJNWmFASBIJtn2s1JkHu8h40iuyohJkDIkaLU2IKc1QllRX8OnH/s4032/Anzhi%20Chen%20Archery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-MRX5P2R4X_YPFWye1AxcqH1GwXu0DdcEkVHh1JZHDj8txbvZyW4qCOak0kweFStX9A-oF7ga2aZjFogKeumck4nbatuHfjYuvV8i3JE0tXckiWozXQ03QMORbgBZxScTAaH0bJNWmFASBIJtn2s1JkHu8h40iuyohJkDIkaLU2IKc1QllRX8OnH/s320/Anzhi%20Chen%20Archery.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Anzhi Chen, Java Programmer - Application Development Team</b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Anzhi designs, builds and supports custom web application solutions to serve TPWD’s internal and external customers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Being part of the core team that designs, implements and provides customer support for agency’s Online Permitting system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJYFyqCeOAPC4dLZhRGkSKl9kaFBAWS30WPWNgDdPdQX9lbPcPZeWX3q8Ks0AspQIcgkXfGKWROWfENsAUy27TJSW4H7YWVE0wwR3vDbzN-A04PwYR4UZG-gSiNvdRtYhneUnznNibq7dqk8cujOu9CHpCZFzLcgs8mJxs0YNPtxmEYSexKt5Ytzk/s1249/Jess%20Burke%20Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJYFyqCeOAPC4dLZhRGkSKl9kaFBAWS30WPWNgDdPdQX9lbPcPZeWX3q8Ks0AspQIcgkXfGKWROWfENsAUy27TJSW4H7YWVE0wwR3vDbzN-A04PwYR4UZG-gSiNvdRtYhneUnznNibq7dqk8cujOu9CHpCZFzLcgs8mJxs0YNPtxmEYSexKt5Ytzk/s320/Jess%20Burke%20Headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Jessica Burke, ADA Coordinator</b><b><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Jessica manages TPWD’s Americans with Disabilities Act office, which works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to TPWD facilities and programs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Making a difference in the lives of others by partnering with communities to make spaces more accessible. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1iMI9M3WHZyby_8Fg611frxMA1X-HkO05HTmgDm_CXyks7mZiY2yd08qzDW7UoWE4jfUTUaZ93Q-jNdVhRzfZzGreTX700_DJ2uYb1ZR_VpM_eoDXhmxl0VOL93RAaqFOV9tY9ntKQhe12Bjp3JPa8vWtye20XW6di6I4nryUUp8AtcA5gLl7RR4/s480/Patty%20Cardoza.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1iMI9M3WHZyby_8Fg611frxMA1X-HkO05HTmgDm_CXyks7mZiY2yd08qzDW7UoWE4jfUTUaZ93Q-jNdVhRzfZzGreTX700_DJ2uYb1ZR_VpM_eoDXhmxl0VOL93RAaqFOV9tY9ntKQhe12Bjp3JPa8vWtye20XW6di6I4nryUUp8AtcA5gLl7RR4/w242-h320/Patty%20Cardoza.jpg" width="242" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Patty Cardoza, Staff Services Officer at Sea Center Texas</b><b><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Patty works to ensure the efficient operation of three saltwater fish hatcheries, doing everything from providing training to ordering supplies while providing ongoing support to her colleagues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Helping secure equipment for Sea Center Texas’ new Flounder Building.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BKRggXk0FkG4ZJE8Y9Ul1Y_xSarMZkLWTqed_3xFqRCK3kqLg2p_xFVYXcMY51PjL5RrJlgpi52uiENgDGsUq7T_1P0yCA0ZEqaR8TIkztzQSvUWG0NozwKvjgbcytO9w17RFRyhDhXreungBmvzWyan689PLbN8rEOeghFPRhfo_Y04-WQrlide/s1019/Dee%20Halliburton%20working%20OGT%20event.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BKRggXk0FkG4ZJE8Y9Ul1Y_xSarMZkLWTqed_3xFqRCK3kqLg2p_xFVYXcMY51PjL5RrJlgpi52uiENgDGsUq7T_1P0yCA0ZEqaR8TIkztzQSvUWG0NozwKvjgbcytO9w17RFRyhDhXreungBmvzWyan689PLbN8rEOeghFPRhfo_Y04-WQrlide/s320/Dee%20Halliburton%20working%20OGT%20event.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Dee Halliburton, Executive Assistant</b><b><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Dee supports the Executive Office team and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners. She began her TPWD career as Warehouse Clerk, and over her 35-year tenure has worked for four Executive Directors and 54 Commissioners.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> A quote from former Executive Director Carter Smith, “’No’ is not in Dee’s vocabulary. When somebody calls, they want to talk to Dee because they know it's going to get done and they know it's going to get done promptly. She solves every problem.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C0k3WcVkLWfCv2tXb8kNba3ASbg2WBljo_EnC4kABD7vQGZVUbTiuxZXu2UFQdrvi2J4W3ynfK79HwfdTt6SDRMnxdxabp6AbEn95GBK58B0z6q18-9MFxZkC12R8S7r2fMnTXdEaWz-qCvzhtxBX3LCmMg9_eItlwdt3w4Ga42_s8_VX2on5Jl5/s720/Nicole%20Feldman.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C0k3WcVkLWfCv2tXb8kNba3ASbg2WBljo_EnC4kABD7vQGZVUbTiuxZXu2UFQdrvi2J4W3ynfK79HwfdTt6SDRMnxdxabp6AbEn95GBK58B0z6q18-9MFxZkC12R8S7r2fMnTXdEaWz-qCvzhtxBX3LCmMg9_eItlwdt3w4Ga42_s8_VX2on5Jl5/w337-h271/Nicole%20Feldman.jpg" width="337" /></a></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><b>Nicole Feldman, Veteran Liaison & Internship Coordinator</b></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><b><br /></b></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Nicole works with TPWD veterans to provide resources, opportunities and a way to connect to each other. She also helps students connect with our agency through the internship program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> The opportunities for networking all over the state of Texas. Nicole enjoys meeting new people and learning from them. She says, “Everyone comes with a different story, and it is amazing to see how we were all brought together by one agency.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_hn3WCZNkW7UcAQR7p4CLzUPY5inbQRioA9SGqgbHxUkNq_ZIcVtI6lRSuIGgC3atUKWtorSCbjvyv_P-69V78QMM6Za_8jnYxfaNgwsf2XtPPE98TZbrLUA67VQhIXfKgrlxvv8ke87I49xUyOeneUNKCbOr77gd6Z74arr2ErUNdcWgWD8ikpr/s8256/CHelsea%20Bailey.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="8256" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_hn3WCZNkW7UcAQR7p4CLzUPY5inbQRioA9SGqgbHxUkNq_ZIcVtI6lRSuIGgC3atUKWtorSCbjvyv_P-69V78QMM6Za_8jnYxfaNgwsf2XtPPE98TZbrLUA67VQhIXfKgrlxvv8ke87I49xUyOeneUNKCbOr77gd6Z74arr2ErUNdcWgWD8ikpr/w370-h250/CHelsea%20Bailey.JPG" width="370" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Chelsea Bailey, Texas Game Warden</span></b></div><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>What she does:</b> Chelsea began her career as an intern, and then became a licensed peace officer as a Texas Game Warden. After working on the coast for several years, Chelsea now serves as a game warden recruiter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Career highlight:</b> Chelsea started the Texas Game Warden Women’s Conference, a leadership conference for female Texas Game Wardens and State Park Police Officers, which will come to fruition in June of 2023.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div></div>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-75962350016725902642023-03-14T13:41:00.012-05:002023-03-20T09:48:42.061-05:00Galveston Island State Park Celebrates Grand Re-opening <ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Two-day celebration at park on March 31 and April 1.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beachside reopens after repairing hurricane damages.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">New headquarters, remodeled nature center and more.</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqeIC_r76OFGxPFdVNB2DuXoI3r0gZABfh-PN1e90X3rFYp4DSwT75J_rIZBWfIZvt9aK2_zdl0u0Rs82eejt9QD8gQusU08igSAnD52wjYcwR6Gwt5GCfNw3uFfipkudF7EHFM9VSbmruxv8d5iSE-UNc8Ydkpq5R3b0gCHgivpjR67jsJSRRFBC/s2220/GISP_9421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2220" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqeIC_r76OFGxPFdVNB2DuXoI3r0gZABfh-PN1e90X3rFYp4DSwT75J_rIZBWfIZvt9aK2_zdl0u0Rs82eejt9QD8gQusU08igSAnD52wjYcwR6Gwt5GCfNw3uFfipkudF7EHFM9VSbmruxv8d5iSE-UNc8Ydkpq5R3b0gCHgivpjR67jsJSRRFBC/w400-h266/GISP_9421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island" target="_blank">Galveston Island State Park</a> invites the public to a Grand Re-opening event with two days of festivities on March 31 and April 1, as part of the ongoing, yearlong <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/100years/" target="_blank">Texas State Parks Centennial</a>. The beach side of the park opened back up last summer following the completion of a three-year major redevelopment project, sparked by damages from historic Hurricane Ike.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The first day of the festivities will feature speeches from local, statewide and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) dignitaries, as well as interpretive activities, refreshments and self-guided tours. Day Two is an extravaganza of fun, with activities every hour including prairie hikes, fishing and kayaking at Horseshoe Pond, beach walks and bay exploration at Lake Como.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“We’re excited to invite everyone to come celebrate with us and see the results,” says Park Superintendent Steven Kimbley. “It’s a small way to thank everyone for supporting us through hurricane and recovery. Galveston Island State Park is now fully open — the park’s staff is excited to welcome all Texans to come experience the Third Coast.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0VuQ9co17DDI2-oYfvVMVWvbBVamA8odicL5Ye8RpviatExER-_eEn-b3BX2p-oFgyKLG5X7Totrw3fuTIiiiNod4cxG0Zgk8fJyx_SVzYQVv3jRukte4j-EIrRGvxC8rhmgDKWliV4pCWe0x6k-91B-G3TS-Wa2B0B37CJfADwCNFZgF0lOWjzl/s1850/GISP_9378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1850" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0VuQ9co17DDI2-oYfvVMVWvbBVamA8odicL5Ye8RpviatExER-_eEn-b3BX2p-oFgyKLG5X7Totrw3fuTIiiiNod4cxG0Zgk8fJyx_SVzYQVv3jRukte4j-EIrRGvxC8rhmgDKWliV4pCWe0x6k-91B-G3TS-Wa2B0B37CJfADwCNFZgF0lOWjzl/w400-h320/GISP_9378.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br />Improvements to the park include a new headquarters building, 95 new campsites, two new restrooms (and renovations to an existing restroom), new roads, two new changing areas and rinse-off showers, 20 new shade shelters in the day-use area and a seasonal equestrian day-use area. <br /><br />Visitors to the park will find more than five miles of hiking trails, a newly remodeled nature center on the bay side, two observation towers, two boardwalks, three kayak launch locations on the bay side with more than 11 miles of paddling trails, a new vendor area and three new group-use pavilions on the beach side. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Of course, reconstruction plans included accommodations for the threat of future hurricanes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“The new headquarters, campsites and day-use area are more elevated now,” Kimbley says. “Structures are built to flex with the landscape and be more resistant to future extreme weather.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRYlWPuBDU4g2zXkvYlWY3TU7Ci-At5nHh8mTgStHPDCQ_k3pygRteltBAcKJpr-C-cHFHiAiv4C5IuP8rgPFYsDYUxRw7tiJg6xtsJ44okG-BtJUm4IFo6fezqBbIyH3frr2ReRfQ01zWow4aOIw2K7u_IROS8nCQg1Yn7cc1LuDK8IO9mNLRWO_/s2220/GISP_9395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2220" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRYlWPuBDU4g2zXkvYlWY3TU7Ci-At5nHh8mTgStHPDCQ_k3pygRteltBAcKJpr-C-cHFHiAiv4C5IuP8rgPFYsDYUxRw7tiJg6xtsJ44okG-BtJUm4IFo6fezqBbIyH3frr2ReRfQ01zWow4aOIw2K7u_IROS8nCQg1Yn7cc1LuDK8IO9mNLRWO_/w400-h266/GISP_9395.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <a href="https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/wp-content/uploads/TX_Gal_Island_FINAL_10_1_14.pdf" target="_blank">Galveston Island State Park Beach Redevelopment</a> project was brought to fruition with $10.6 million in Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) Phase III Early Restoration funds from the Texas Trustees (<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">TPWD, Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)</span>. These funds leveraged Sporting Good Sales Tax dollars to provide the improvements Texans will enjoy for generations. </span><br /><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Galveston Island State Park has 2,000 acres of park land in two sections, bayside and beachside. The park first opened in 1975, but early humans used the bountiful area for gathering resources such as oysters. The property was later used as a cattle ranch until the state acquired it in 1969.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, the park’s interpretive programming reaches thousands of children annually through educational field trips to the park and, conversely, park rangers and volunteers in classrooms. The recently renovated Nature Center provides new opportunities for education and activities including starting new fishing programs, connecting art to the park with <i>plein air</i> watercolor sessions, expanding guided hikes and offering new skills-based learning, such as kayaking. Concessionaires offer opportunities for park visitors to rent camping gear, kayaks, beach umbrellas and chairs. Popular activities include fishing, crabbing, paddling, wildlife watching and more.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Galveston Island State Park provides refuge and supports ongoing research for listed species such as the eastern black rail and piping plover. Last year, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (endangered) nest with 107 eggs was discovered in the park’s beachside dunes, the first in a decade. With the help of passionate volunteers, the park works to restore and protect coastal prairie habitat and educate the next generation about its importance. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bYLL4LWOYnK2U_sUoMMjZPY1LdNMAnEQtgImVrTTpA-qlJGWNbtFSGEZSySbSihFZtOeg0K4gB7hF-ZtXLw886SaQCKfSkxp-SpH8HBSO7IvxIrTATfUWgDkukroSOwxk5JqIIKaxEPzRVPe1y_rPrNY71bqo5aXuvKEWu21PtCeEvE4QTRwjDA/s2634/GISP_0429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2634" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bYLL4LWOYnK2U_sUoMMjZPY1LdNMAnEQtgImVrTTpA-qlJGWNbtFSGEZSySbSihFZtOeg0K4gB7hF-ZtXLw886SaQCKfSkxp-SpH8HBSO7IvxIrTATfUWgDkukroSOwxk5JqIIKaxEPzRVPe1y_rPrNY71bqo5aXuvKEWu21PtCeEvE4QTRwjDA/w400-h226/GISP_0429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 17.120001px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hurricane Ike crippled the upper Texas coast in 2008, devastating Galveston Island and Sea Rim state parks. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GalvestonIslandStateParkhttps:/www.facebook.com/FriendsOfGalvestonIslandStatePark" target="_blank">Friends of Galveston Island State Park</a> and countless other volunteers came from across the state and the nation to help the park clean up and reopen with temporary facilities only six months later.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“If it wasn’t for our selfless Texans, and the countless volunteers over the years, we couldn’t have done it,” Kimbley says. “We all seek to connect. It’s important to all of us. We have seen that connection here through friends, families and the community. Thank you all for gifting us with a park that we can share with pride.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For updated information, see the park’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GalvestonIslandStatePark" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Texas State Park reservations may now be made online anytime on the </span></span><a href="https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/?_ga=2.131891727.1246604356.1655130317-53364134.1655130317" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">TPWD website</a> <span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">or by calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at <a href="512-389-8900" target="_blank">512-389-8900</a> on weekdays during normal business hours</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: arial;">. Overnight reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and day passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park as we do expect the park to reach capacity limits.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UX6XjiInyVOg12IpxKIoTikhcbYZN9Sy8nE6WuE8EqL3fc-ytqilpXmJ68SLH4BSufntMkTvLuRrwiAl-YvyFTDTAE3mhMzqC6sBdiKVtYVLeVuDcxlYyVQxIT0un-CPGJBIlMojKqafLx5EsriB1oa0e8XQr1iSn7zq8LQudC-Uw1vgYLc8keJU/s2220/GISP_9544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2220" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UX6XjiInyVOg12IpxKIoTikhcbYZN9Sy8nE6WuE8EqL3fc-ytqilpXmJ68SLH4BSufntMkTvLuRrwiAl-YvyFTDTAE3mhMzqC6sBdiKVtYVLeVuDcxlYyVQxIT0un-CPGJBIlMojKqafLx5EsriB1oa0e8XQr1iSn7zq8LQudC-Uw1vgYLc8keJU/w400-h266/GISP_9544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">For more information about ongoing restoration efforts in Texas, visit the <a href="https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-areas/texas." target="_blank">Gulf Spill Restoration website</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial;">If you want more content like this, </span><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial;"> to </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial;">Texas Parks & Wildlife</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: arial;"> magazine, in print or by app.</span></i></div>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-42039726719763541412023-01-26T11:05:00.005-06:002023-01-26T11:23:07.590-06:00Fairfield Lake Angler Wins ShareLunker Prize Drawing<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"> Fairfield Lake angler Bryan Allen of Conroe wins Toyota ShareLunker grand prize drawing.</span></span></li><li><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"> 2022 was a record year for largemouth bass ShareLunkers in Texas.</span></span></li><li><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"> Winner caught a second Lunker at Lake Nacogdoches.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu-ahEH_L7-WJlg3MZMrnTwANDZhscpfCMFZ2Z2hyY85xIdEk1BtzUm3BZEett9ZWgExA_RCRatQp70UJ_pSehIFvlVTuTNd9xx8V1GCZgOj7XqBuxLIhQSncyixgt8tgRIsKvY5FR4Xv7lsNCD19_px3qnhkeHWyyLD5Ud7rLI9LkLe0a0IchoGr/s730/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2010.48.40%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="723" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu-ahEH_L7-WJlg3MZMrnTwANDZhscpfCMFZ2Z2hyY85xIdEk1BtzUm3BZEett9ZWgExA_RCRatQp70UJ_pSehIFvlVTuTNd9xx8V1GCZgOj7XqBuxLIhQSncyixgt8tgRIsKvY5FR4Xv7lsNCD19_px3qnhkeHWyyLD5Ud7rLI9LkLe0a0IchoGr/w398-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2010.48.40%20AM.png" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan Allen with his second ShareLunker of 2022 at Lake Nacogdoches; his first was caught at Fairfield Lake. By registering his catches, Allen was entered into a grand prize drawing... and won!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">As the 2023 <a href="https://texassharelunker.com" target="_blank">Toyota ShareLunker</a> season gets rolling, it’s a great time to look back at the success of the program last year. Lucky Texas angler Bryan Allen not only hooked two “fish of a lifetime” (on <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fairfield-lake" target="_blank">Fairfield Lake</a> and Lake Nacogdoches), he was also selected as the winner of the annual grand prize drawing. </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="background-color: white;">A total of 93 reservoirs produced at least one Lunker in 2022, led by O.H. Ivie with 121. Lake Fork (48), Fairfield (38), Conroe (26) and Sam Rayburn (23) were among the other top producers of the season, which wrapped up Dec. 31. The 512 total fish entered is a new single season record, up from 460 that were caught in 2021.</span></span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In addition to helping produce bigger, better bass for Texas lakes, anglers who enter their big bass catches in the program receive special recognition and prizes, including an entry into a year-end drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree and an annual fishing license.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“The 2022 ShareLunker season was one filled with multiple milestones, and we are glad we can close out the season with the year-end grand prize drawing,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Toyota ShareLunker coordinator. “Bryan Allen was randomly selected from all the qualifying 2022 entries. Be sure to enter your Lunker bass into the ShareLunker app or website for your chance to be included in the drawing for the 2023 season.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Allen reeled in his 24.5-inch Lunker Class fish March 19 on Fairfield Lake and submitted it to the program to become eligible for the drawing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Fairfield is one of my favorite lakes to fish,” said Allen. “I grew up in Florida fishing a lot of grass lakes and Fairfield is a good grass lake as well. I had caught some good fish there a couple of weeks before and made the trip out to Fairfield again that day. I have a small boat and usually go by myself, so I went and fished like I normally do. I was throwing a swim jig around and while fishing in some grassy points, I landed the fish.” </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRJWj-SX4qm70_DwVs6QhlZPHfW34Ro2slI7vOREssZNHqf03cLFDWnssgeKK2v2tBNHLPi2b1OvQUinsvnwGfqiWr4sju-O28o3mcBCNRBEESn9mYjhr1y_hnEPZY_prcJ7qj74SEeOqTvFyr8uQCqv6ECR5q5hZ73saf-UwucAeQgljbI3kc8Ws/s3400/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(45).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2267" data-original-width="3400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRJWj-SX4qm70_DwVs6QhlZPHfW34Ro2slI7vOREssZNHqf03cLFDWnssgeKK2v2tBNHLPi2b1OvQUinsvnwGfqiWr4sju-O28o3mcBCNRBEESn9mYjhr1y_hnEPZY_prcJ7qj74SEeOqTvFyr8uQCqv6ECR5q5hZ73saf-UwucAeQgljbI3kc8Ws/w400-h266/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(45).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing pier at Fairfield Lake State Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Allen headed out to Lake Nacogdoches May 28 and netted a 10.45-pound Elite Class Lunker, which he also entered into the program using the ShareLunker app. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Allen discovered the ShareLunker app two years ago and began submitting his catches. He was thrilled to win the $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree and an annual fishing license. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“I was overjoyed and really excited to get the call from Natalie [Goldstrohm],” Allen says. “I’m not a person who gets lucky and wins a lot of stuff, so this is pretty awesome. A big ‘thank you’ is in order for everything the ShareLunker program does for these lakes in the state of Texas.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Allen said he spreads the word to everyone about the program, the app and his favorite fishing spot, Fairfield Lake. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“The prize for me is the opportunity to catch these big quality fish all the time,” he said. “These lakes have amazing genetics — any given day you can go out and catch a good quality bass.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5lA7IP11Md4KYPLBedDIuuE3pnBz5etLTqOlLMS0GVIKdF1LU9cvzXUftxFQhycvKgAwybO9vVx3YIekL1mFimqIYJd-RU56knLZkhcp4pD3SJkc_6CKVShkmVcsc1jR27c_k0k6kTZgwsODRbWdRJhN9jZiHN5lbJDPrjaVhsZDEsyf_wXN9K1D/s2222/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(47).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2222" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5lA7IP11Md4KYPLBedDIuuE3pnBz5etLTqOlLMS0GVIKdF1LU9cvzXUftxFQhycvKgAwybO9vVx3YIekL1mFimqIYJd-RU56knLZkhcp4pD3SJkc_6CKVShkmVcsc1jR27c_k0k6kTZgwsODRbWdRJhN9jZiHN5lbJDPrjaVhsZDEsyf_wXN9K1D/w400-h266/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(47).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairfield Lake State Park</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">If you want more content like this, </span><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="color: #2a7700; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"> to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-8264735172442292882022-11-20T15:08:00.012-06:002022-11-20T15:27:55.975-06:00Wild About Carter Smith<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Texas’ beloved protector of the outdoors moves on after leading TPWD for 15 years.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span><i>“Thank you for caring about our wild things and wild places. They need you more than ever.”</i><o:p style="font-size: 11pt;"></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>If any words can bring to life the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department mission, it’s this simple statement that Executive Director Carter Smith uses to close many speeches and writings. As the Yale-educated and conservation-steeped Texas native closes out his 15-year tenure, Smith’s legions of admirers always first mention his gift of gab.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Carter’s At Issue columns were a staple of <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine for years, thoughtful essays that conjured up his love for Texas with words that could serve well as lyrics for a future state anthem. He poured out his passion like glistening cream gravy over a chicken-fried steak. Pick any installment to find inspiration, like this gem he once penned about the Katy Prairie, in his typically ardent narrative style. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“What I saw back then was simply stunning: tens of thousands of ducks and geese congregating on remote roost ponds; giant kettles of hawks migrating through in the fall and spring; shorebirds and wading birds too numerous to count; vast flocks of sandhill cranes foraging on wheat and ryegrass fields; bald eagles perched around the rice fields and surrounding wetlands, consuming errant ducks and geese; bunches of grassland birds darting around the remnant prairies and a whole lot more.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekBkq-bqlIUhOfalzYZlmKMQo9VhhzohTNgTVp_HHNlLZCcfbN6fR62TYkKvQQPZHfJestm62UjgsUCkpW2ymLHp9g8HYqAOkZ6yY9ijKK-za1_4Ope69_O9rpUw32AimwDKzVFL60NvVs1jFaRY92fqq_NXqS91HpziG6_JWRzeZ-0KudYmt3EW7/s1973/Carter_Smith-dove-IMG_0973%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1973" data-original-width="1480" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekBkq-bqlIUhOfalzYZlmKMQo9VhhzohTNgTVp_HHNlLZCcfbN6fR62TYkKvQQPZHfJestm62UjgsUCkpW2ymLHp9g8HYqAOkZ6yY9ijKK-za1_4Ope69_O9rpUw32AimwDKzVFL60NvVs1jFaRY92fqq_NXqS91HpziG6_JWRzeZ-0KudYmt3EW7/w347-h439/Carter_Smith-dove-IMG_0973%20(1).jpg" width="347" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>To lead the state’s “outdoors” agency in its many vital programs, Carter had to walk the walk, not just spout inspiring superlatives. Under his charismatic leadership, Texans enjoy the fruits of the agency’s programs to restore pronghorns and Guadalupe bass, the assurance of assistance during times of severe weather, new parklands to explore and so much more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>It’s not hard to see how Carter’s early life shaped him into a leader in Texas conservation. A seventh-generation Texas landowner who romped around native ranchlands with a family who prioritizes its love of the land, overhearing conversations with visiting conservationists like David Bamberger, hunting and fishing and exploring. He credits early daydreaming over the stories in <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine as a real inspiration. His grandmother started his subscription at age 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“I’d treasure the magazine when it would come in the mailbox — I’d just hoard it, not let anybody else in the family look at it,” he recalls. “I’d thumb through those amazing pictures and stories, and they would take me to some far corner of our state, some place that I wanted to go and see and explore and do.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>During his Yale days, Texas-fish-out-of-water Carter surreptitiously slipped issues of his favorite magazine into the shelves of the hallowed Ivy League library, secretly smiling when he saw it later in the hands of classmates. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Carter’s early professional years included an internship at TPWD and work at conservation non-profits, eventually landing his dream job as TPWD executive director at age 39. It didn’t take him long to win the hearts of colleagues who sensed his authentic passion and caring, smiling indulgently at his half-joking promises of “extra sunrises and sunsets” for bonuses, the payoff of heartfelt work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Working alongside Carter Smith for the last five years, I can say without reservation that he is one of the finest executive directors to ever run the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” says Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. “He has stewarded the state and our resources with vision and integrity. In an agency full of incredible individuals, he has been an inspiring leader. There is no replacing Carter Smith.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>As Carter passes the torch to the next era of TPWD conservation leaders, let’s take a moment to see how the agency’s thrived during the challenges of the past 15 years under his leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M1BdKMXXotQDIyIpJWJynPhCOyXwDOJ15w65RNcImTKRSKc4diPlPDT2cm893VcWTEmfXUkY6vJSyWeQxs-nmguUyCjECEauwE6gIKH-9JqFbOt_p5-pRoBqAKjdP2o-RwXaDaX7sfIpjmjc-DQ7zSksUdnavhHgzAvgQBhT9mxiIRyOtWizzsCQ/s4041/Bastrop_Wildfire-09.05.2011-_MG_0283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2694" data-original-width="4041" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M1BdKMXXotQDIyIpJWJynPhCOyXwDOJ15w65RNcImTKRSKc4diPlPDT2cm893VcWTEmfXUkY6vJSyWeQxs-nmguUyCjECEauwE6gIKH-9JqFbOt_p5-pRoBqAKjdP2o-RwXaDaX7sfIpjmjc-DQ7zSksUdnavhHgzAvgQBhT9mxiIRyOtWizzsCQ/w449-h298/Bastrop_Wildfire-09.05.2011-_MG_0283.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span><b>Crisis Response </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Through wildfire and prolonged drought, public health crises and dramatic weather events, Smith has led game wardens, park staff and wildlife professionals in helping the state recover.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>February of 2021 brought Winter Storm Uri’s power blackouts, wildlife kills, food/water shortages and a plethora of busted pipes at TPWD facilities. Dedicated staff protected facilities and counted wildlife fatalities despite the conditions, and subsequent measures helped affected species recover to pre-storm levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Three Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees died in a helicopter crash on August 8, 2020, at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area while conducting aerial surveys for desert bighorn sheep. Carter’s was the voice of solace that soothed the pain and inspired the TPWD team to carry on the work of their fallen friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“I have always said that TPWD shines the brightest when times are the darkest,” he reminded grieving colleagues. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>But perhaps no unforeseen emergency tested the agency more than the resulting destruction when Hurricane Harvey pointed its deadly eyewall at Port Aransas and Rockport in 2017. Game wardens were everywhere, rescuing people and pets, distributing hope and supplies, some continuing to work while their own families were displaced by the storm surge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>When emergency shelters overflowed, 62 Texas state parks opened their gates wide to offer a temporary home to evacuees for the month of September. Fees were waived for more than 8,000 displaced Texans, who enjoyed the beautiful scenery and helpful hospitality they found there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Hurricane Harvey forever changed the lives of many Texas Game Wardens and their TPWD family,” says Colonel Chad Jones, a new major with less than 6 months on the coast when the storm hit. “Carter rallied around me and Texas Game Wardens, standing tall and fast as a beacon to be followed throughout the storm. His mentorship and unwavering commitment to excellence throughout the devastating losses along the Texas Coast is a reminder of what leadership truly means. I hope to live up to that example every day.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxthyGGpqqiZMEfwvSyO_k9XOvgB6WliOGTjd49v2qDxnTkMZ5Jp_QHPLYGvojtpp-YHN76GI6KcevzOX090G4RVXt7Lj6eeZ5nDNmV_AuYGIDjbiucLGfTtO85DYAa22HFOpH5Cau_XWQDd4q8ORaPt2jNQC6Dr7Ya8kMcRw-tCqLv1AmivRExWr4/s5197/TPWD_0020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5197" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxthyGGpqqiZMEfwvSyO_k9XOvgB6WliOGTjd49v2qDxnTkMZ5Jp_QHPLYGvojtpp-YHN76GI6KcevzOX090G4RVXt7Lj6eeZ5nDNmV_AuYGIDjbiucLGfTtO85DYAa22HFOpH5Cau_XWQDd4q8ORaPt2jNQC6Dr7Ya8kMcRw-tCqLv1AmivRExWr4/w518-h291/TPWD_0020.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span><br /><b>Wildlife Conservation</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>In a state where most land is privately owned, wildlife conservation depends on adroit land acquisition in Texas’ diverse ecoregions. Wildlife management areas like the recent Powderhorn Ranch, Yoakum Dunes and Roger Fawcett properties represent unique wildlife resources and opportunities, with endowments that support long-term conservation and management of public lands in Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Carter has always been supportive of sound science and research activities, which has led to better resource management across Texas,” says John Silovsky, Wildlife Division director.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Any success in natural resource management and stewardship also requires the enthusiastic participation of engaged people: Texas landowners, the agency’s many partner organizations and TPWD staff. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>“Certainly, one of Carter’s most successful attributes that has advanced conservation in Texas is his ability to relate to all people,” Silovsky says. “Carter has a big heart — he’s always tried to take care of his staff and do his absolute best for the landowners of Texas.” </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></span></blockquote><span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>It took two legislative sessions’ worth of effort for TPWD to gain authorization to charge a fee for participation in the Managed Lands Deer Program. That may not sound like a big deal, but the resulting income funded 13 additional wildlife biologists to better address the technical guidance requests of landowners and wildlife enthusiasts across the state. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“With Carter’s leadership and persistence, this was one of the most impactful advancements of conservation delivery for the landowners of Texas,” Silovsky says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">All TPWD staff implementing the use of prescribed fire are now required to meet the standards of National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualification (training, experience and physical fitness). This new standard promoted inter-divisional cooperation on fire management efforts and facilitated a new level of cooperation with external partners such as the Texas A&M Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Carter has long recognized the important role of fire as a tool in managing Texas wildlife and their habitats, as well as its role in soil and water conservation.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>The percentage of Texans who consider themselves hunters continues to decline. Forty percent of license buyers only purchase a hunting license once every five years. TPWD launched its Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) program, part of a national initiative, in 2021, after many months of pre-planning, and hired two R3 coordinators.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Through Carter’s guidance and leadership, we now have two dedicated individuals who wake up every day thinking strategically and implementing ways we can better recruit, retain and reactivate outdoor enthusiasts,” Silovsky says. “This emphasis will help to ensure that the outdoor heritage we all hold dearly will continue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefCfO0zS3sY78Efs1PGVwQNKDbLawHgTjaoNQY6xBtVqdX0L1ZhQPnVKnKJ-N_0FWGEICMCeAtEeXxD0d9DYV18XYqj_uoRBehJ-nB00I4VhkuvDSVOtYOF9N-vs3nh3vYXSRbgCLLSJeIbLz_LmnVl14xruoYHZPWHK07WuA_czaaYuv17b9I05k/s2223/Carter_Smith-youth_hunt-1061%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2223" data-original-width="1480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefCfO0zS3sY78Efs1PGVwQNKDbLawHgTjaoNQY6xBtVqdX0L1ZhQPnVKnKJ-N_0FWGEICMCeAtEeXxD0d9DYV18XYqj_uoRBehJ-nB00I4VhkuvDSVOtYOF9N-vs3nh3vYXSRbgCLLSJeIbLz_LmnVl14xruoYHZPWHK07WuA_czaaYuv17b9I05k/w266-h400/Carter_Smith-youth_hunt-1061%20(1).jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span><b>Fishing Opportunities</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Smith’s leadership in increasing freshwater fishing opportunities proved to be particularly beneficial when Texans turned to nature during the pandemic. Fishery production and stocking keep great catches at the end of anglers’ hooks, while new access areas bring the fun closer to home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Every Texas angler, from the most casual Sunday afternoon line-dangler to the most competitive largemouth bass fanatic, has benefitted from the results. Dozens of projects are in various stages of completion, with new ones popping up right behind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>The Habitat and Angler Access Program restores and enhances freshwater fish habitats and improves and expands bank and shoreline-based angler access on public creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes throughout the state. The River Access and Conservation Areas program, in partnership with participating landowners, is helping paddlers and anglers access rivers across the state. The new John D. Parker East Texas Fish Hatchery opened in 2012, enhancing Texas’ production capacity for Florida largemouth bass and channel catfish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Through a public-private partnership with the TPW Foundation and Toyota, we expanded angler participation and engagement with a rebranded and improved Toyota ShareLunker Program in 2018,” says Inland Fisheries Director Craig Bonds, noting that Carter was key in helping establish the initial relationships with Gulf States Toyota. “This resulted in advances in bass genetic capabilities and the total conversion of Florida largemouth bass hatchery broodfish to direct offspring of ShareLunker fish. All Florida largemouth bass fingerlings stocked into Texas waters in 2022 were products of the ShareLunker Program.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>Fish care during bass fishing tournaments took a huge conservation step forward with the adoption of the catch-weigh-immediate-release model, first practiced at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic and then its successor events as part of the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest. This tournament model revolutionized fish care and has now been adopted by Major League Fishing competitions and a growing number of amateur events. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>During Carter’s tenure, TPWD Inland Fisheries celebrated 30 years of Guadalupe Bass conservation efforts. The division advanced science on huge alligator gar and implemented conservation measures to sustain unique fishing opportunities that draw enthusiasts from around the world. Texas remains the last stronghold for opportunities to pursue these prehistoric fish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“Carter staunchly supported Inland Fisheries staffs’ efforts to continuously strive for novel and effective means to provide access to a broad menu of quality fishing opportunities across lakes, rivers, and neighborhood ponds in Texas,” Bonds says. “He consistently championed our scientific approaches to fisheries management and aquatic stewardship. His wise counsel, encouragement, and friendship will be dearly missed.”</span><span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span><br /><b>New State Parks </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“When you think about conservation and outdoor recreation in Texas, there is no greater legacy than leaving more open space for future generations of Texans to enjoy — it is central to the mission of Texas Parks and Wildlife,” says Rodney Franklin, Texas State Parks director. “If you made a list of people who have embodied that mission, protected our heritage, and left an indelible mark on outdoor recreation, Carter Smith is right at the top.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>As with other monumental achievements over the past 15 years, there’s not enough room to discuss all the advances in parkland acquisition and conservation, but looming openings of two epic state parks serve as apt examples: Powderhorn State Park (and Wildlife Management Area) down in the Coastal Bend and Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, a short drive from Dallas/Fort Worth. These parks and those conserved during the past century benefit the public health and the economy of this state. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Park enhancements — including Dark Skies designations, historic and cultural preservation, natural resource restoration, modernized business/reservations systems, along with increased interpretation and environmental equality — mark Carter’s era of leadership. None of that would be possible without the d</span><span style="font-family: arial;">edication of sporting goods sales tax revenue in 2015 and partnerships with the private sector and non-profits, especially the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Palo Pinto Mountains</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> State Park, 75 miles west of Fort Worth, surrounds 91-acre Tucker Lake, site of the recent announcement of the upcoming State Park 100 Years celebration in 2023. Palo Pinto will have a soft opening in late 2023, the first state park in North Texas in two decades. TPWF raised the private funds for the purchase and will build the park facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>The Foundation donated the majority of the 17,351-acre Powderhorn Ranch (near Port O’Connor) to TPWD for a wildlife management area in late 2018. The remainder was donated last year for a future state park at the site. This pristine and irreplaceable land, filled with recreational and conservational opportunities, is now a significant public asset for all Texans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span>“These two (of many) examples will provide hunting, fishing, trails, paddling and nature watching opportunities for scores of Texas for years to come,” Franklin says. “In so many ways, Carter has strengthened the future of state parks — I am beyond grateful for it.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORTzOMuL4JCLx0Jw_fc4MrwKEZkjL8gDEKu0-S4o4P4e5hEnVKCSIK1zdafXCQgU7MxZQDCuGzQ0_I-pG4FsehgnDrlNC16XX8aXXo3VVAlnXzE7_WUKDoPkpJR6PwuwCNjx0ivgkZb79E7CrQT_NeaMymhJ34Fwgr-oyuZRWEhzw8L6t9stam3KR/s1850/Dr.%20David%20Yoskowitz_1042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1850" data-original-width="1480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORTzOMuL4JCLx0Jw_fc4MrwKEZkjL8gDEKu0-S4o4P4e5hEnVKCSIK1zdafXCQgU7MxZQDCuGzQ0_I-pG4FsehgnDrlNC16XX8aXXo3VVAlnXzE7_WUKDoPkpJR6PwuwCNjx0ivgkZb79E7CrQT_NeaMymhJ34Fwgr-oyuZRWEhzw8L6t9stam3KR/w256-h320/Dr.%20David%20Yoskowitz_1042.JPG" width="256" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </b></td></tr></tbody></table></b><span style="font-size: 14.666667px; text-indent: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">Yoskowitz Succeeds Smith as TPWD Chief</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">David Yoskowitz became the new TPWD executive director </span><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">on Nov. 15. Learn more about him in the </span><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">upcoming </span><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">Jan/Feb 2023 issue of </span><i style="font-size: 14.666667px;">Texas Parks & Wildlife</i><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;"> magazine. </span></div></span><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in;"><b>My Next Chapter in the Texas Outdoors</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in;"><i>The Final Installment of At Issue by Carter Smith</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first sip of coffee hadn’t quite reached my lips when Ryland came bounding into the kitchen. Bedecked in full camouflage from head to toe — cap, boots and all — he left no doubt he was ready for the deer blind. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“It’s going to be a great morning, Dad!” he said with conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“How do you know?” I teased him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Trust me, Dad, just trust me. You’ll see.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">His unbridled enthusiasm was infectious, for sure. It also roused memories from my own boyhood, when sleeping before a fishing, hunting or camping trip or some other outdoors-related adventure was a case study in lost causes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3USc8CMTjNopQ6EQlQBEipR1sF3WotEnu3Ec5vd_cbSXg6g4hp8ZjRm0vrm1bj3M-hNYrmg6Zep3KWbSEE_Ib2HHVSRqZ5jg7oAC1uUAZYQxV6pDgNpeL6XSGhNVLmMcCWhVhI2KN72G0845dFeGDnh0lG40Hji1wqlj0DkUYWp2aMDMJck_mLYh/s1145/C.Smith_014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1145" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3USc8CMTjNopQ6EQlQBEipR1sF3WotEnu3Ec5vd_cbSXg6g4hp8ZjRm0vrm1bj3M-hNYrmg6Zep3KWbSEE_Ib2HHVSRqZ5jg7oAC1uUAZYQxV6pDgNpeL6XSGhNVLmMcCWhVhI2KN72G0845dFeGDnh0lG40Hji1wqlj0DkUYWp2aMDMJck_mLYh/w400-h278/C.Smith_014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I harkened back to a deer hunt when I was 9 or so, about young Ryland’s vintage. It was a bitterly cold December morning, reeling from a bruiser of an arctic front that had pushed through southern Gonzales County earlier that night. With sleet in the air and a stiff north wind to boot, it really wasn’t the best time to climb up in a tree stand. Dad gave us both a graceful exit, promising to take me again soon, like when the temperatures were tolerable. I wasn’t having any of it. We were going hunting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our perch was a couple of two-by-fours nailed up in an old bull mesquite sitting at the edge of an oat patch. The deer loved that winter greenery, and I had grand aspirations of a big buck hitting the ground that morning. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As it turned out, I got something far greater instead. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You see, the deer didn’t really want any part of that rip-roaring wind and subfreezing temperature. Huddled up next to Dad (with my bright red Mickey Mouse sleeping bag), I was thinking about crying “uncle” when I caught a movement at the edge of the brush. I almost fell out of the tree when a big tom bobcat walked up. He sat right down on his haunches about 30-40 yards from our tree stand and stared at us. Every hair on the back of my neck stood straight up. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It was a great morning. And the hook of the outdoors had been firmly set. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That all seems a bit surreal now as I reflect on another time in my life with the outdoors, albeit professionally. It was the fall of 2007. I needed a nudge to throw my proverbial hat into the ring to be considered as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s next executive director. My predecessor Bob Cook told me emphatically it would be the best job I would ever have. Andy Sansom, Bob’s predecessor, said pretty much the same thing, as did the late Dickie Travis, the director before Andy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fifteen years later, I can say without hesitation — they were absolutely right. But, as they also readily knew, the job really isn’t a job. It is a privilege, one inarguably without measure or equal. </span> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span></span></p></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></p><blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: 31.5pt;">How does one begin to place a value on working for a department whose 3,000-plus men and women devote their entire professional careers in service to a mission that results in people having great mornings in the Texas outdoors?</span><span style="text-indent: 31.5pt;"> </span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span></b></blockquote></blockquote><p style="font-size: 11pt;"></p></span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></p><blockquote style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"></span></span><p style="font-size: 11pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Come the end of January 2023, I will be moving on to the next chapter of life and work. The separation disorder will kick in immediately, I know that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thankfully, TPWD won’t miss a beat as our new director, David Yoskowitz, takes over the reins. David is scientist-smart, thoughtful, strategic, engaging, technically savvy and an avowed outdoorsman. He’ll hit the ground running. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meanwhile, I’ll have ample time to reflect upon just what a privilege serving in this role has been to me, personally and professionally. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I grew up captivated by the places, people, stories and pictures within the pages of this very magazine. The subscription was given to me at the ripe old age of 8, courtesy of my grandmother, who recognized my love affair with all things outdoors. It was the source material for my very first book report, a piece about the work to save the ocelot in deep South Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Gonzales County game warden and area wildlife biologists were local role models and sources of advice and assistance to our family at the ranch. The Outdoor Annual was considered sacrosanct in our home and at deer camp. Palmetto State Park was the place to go and gather with family and friends. The boat ramp at Goose Island was the summer portal into the trout- and redfish-rich bays of the glorious Texas coast. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In short, TPWD was a vital part of my upbringing, and whether the wardens and biologists and magazine and state park staff ever knew it or not, they helped imbue in me a deep and enduring respect for all things land, water, fish, wildlife, parks, stewardship, conservation and the outdoors. Stewardship takes stewards, as Aldo Leopold famously reminded us. That’s what TPWD does best — steward our fish and game and parks, as well as stoke the fires of the outdoors inside us all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I pen this final letter in the pages of a magazine that to this day inspires in me a fierce love of all things Texas, my hope is that I have been able to give back to something that has given so much to me — a calling, a mission, a deep sense of fulfillment and a team of colleagues I care deeply about. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be assured, I’ll have no shortage of memories to take with me. The men and women of this department have done a lot of good for our home ground — the Guadalupe bass the biologists have put back in the rivers, the bighorns on the mountains, the turkeys in the woods and the trout in the bays; the wildlife and lands protected by our game wardens who have collared poachers and gillnetters, trespassers and smugglers; the thousands of sea turtles our team saved during the big freeze and the thousands of people they rescued during the big floods; the resilience they displayed in the fires of Bastrop and through the hurricane forever known as Harvey; the new parks and wildlife areas they protected like the wind-sculpted oaks and sweeping coastal marshes of Powderhorn and the pristine, impossibly clear and clean waters of the Devils; the new paddling trails they put in on the Neches and the hiking/biking trails out in Big Bend; all the smiling faces they helped generate through the Texas Youth Hunting, Vamos a Pescar, Archery in Schools and Texas Outdoor Family programs; the dedicated private landowners they’ve helped become Lone Star Land Stewards; the restoration of places like Salt Bayou and the recovery of the Bahia Grande. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And, certainly, that glorious day in 2019 when it seemed all of Texas showed up and voted to permanently fund their state parks. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For sure, it hasn’t been all blue skies and bluebonnets. The tragedy of line-of-duty deaths and the heartbreak of uncontrollable fires and raging floods will long be with me. I sure won’t miss the politics, over deer and oysters and red snapper and such. I’ve often called TPWD “the land of 1,000 hills to die on,” some of which I’ll confess seem bigger than others. Our constituents care, and care passionately. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m sure proud to be raising one of them, that budding outdoor enthusiast of ours, Ryland. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p style="font-size: 11pt;"></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYGt31-o7ZXTl6XLK-FPjsAsL7v2P9QsEvfVh_ZG1YlxtMD426LXtrrSCEdHq8lFUmqjovm7ozdHyI40jj1s_pRpG6BpPSZpfLqU9pZVPUCOOyWX4iq46n5dSObVY0Smb9Bp8vlyCqRot_1FIeXj-bRsUPnoXiBEC_cjM5wQXbvMs9NZn4AoMxyC/s1489/NewCarterPic%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYGt31-o7ZXTl6XLK-FPjsAsL7v2P9QsEvfVh_ZG1YlxtMD426LXtrrSCEdHq8lFUmqjovm7ozdHyI40jj1s_pRpG6BpPSZpfLqU9pZVPUCOOyWX4iq46n5dSObVY0Smb9Bp8vlyCqRot_1FIeXj-bRsUPnoXiBEC_cjM5wQXbvMs9NZn4AoMxyC/w399-h400/NewCarterPic%20(1).jpg" width="399" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3UwsGcCvXnp9aEHnoG0DqPs-4UAPaN1bVYzNH7hVDkrwBPgBpzJl9QwmH5YFzrFVNPv7E2TRUiOuvOovWYuc3Wga4j4iLNnm9P7gXcmMT8NYwOKeDNj37twvD8w-JYHEvuidZUMGB0WLXWV81QR6ZQrNsEJdA1QRrBjEfKX_rtzPdf3I-0XoAMUK/s1272/IMG_8087%20(1)%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3UwsGcCvXnp9aEHnoG0DqPs-4UAPaN1bVYzNH7hVDkrwBPgBpzJl9QwmH5YFzrFVNPv7E2TRUiOuvOovWYuc3Wga4j4iLNnm9P7gXcmMT8NYwOKeDNj37twvD8w-JYHEvuidZUMGB0WLXWV81QR6ZQrNsEJdA1QRrBjEfKX_rtzPdf3I-0XoAMUK/s320/IMG_8087%20(1)%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So what about that recent morning with Ryland? Well, our sit in the blind treated us to a sounder of wild hogs that gave us the slip, along with a nice gaggle of does and their fawns that we enjoyed watching meander around. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we knocked off the hunting part of the morning to go fishing, we got derailed by the sight of monarchs and other butterflies, massed in trees along the river bottom. The fall butterfly migration was in full force, and the abundant monarchs were a sight for sore eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we finally arrived at our fishing hole, a smattering of blue teal and a dinosaur-sized great blue heron (Ryland said it looked like a gray pterodactyl) gave us a wide berth. As I looked on from the riverbank and Ryland reeled in a handful of bass, including one we unanimously agreed was his very own “state record,” I realized he had been right.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a great morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s to many great mornings, and memories, for all of you in the lands and waters of our home ground. I am forever grateful for the privilege of contributing to a few of those for all of you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for caring about our wild things and wild places. They need you now more than ever.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-77152146802811336362022-11-01T15:21:00.033-05:002022-12-14T09:10:34.393-06:00Hunters Can Help Protect Texas Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease<p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Here’s everything you need to know about testing your fall harvest for a deadly disease.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyukPoBDS4mbEf59OGE-ILwNW0eHJ0LazaeCDcF9PwsDwwMa1XlWf5TJqTuMWL8TMGXy9tsC7CeGeAlJn0lvT9FWbWw1DjR8ozVJh__GyOOm3EuoD03sW-ojpFurwMTmyyFBuq_1phsrM7GNJnU-emeCaJmQ-HvVRS6x4WJK-qS9-oswWEq0la9BU5/s400/37706734586_1e23133993_w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyukPoBDS4mbEf59OGE-ILwNW0eHJ0LazaeCDcF9PwsDwwMa1XlWf5TJqTuMWL8TMGXy9tsC7CeGeAlJn0lvT9FWbWw1DjR8ozVJh__GyOOm3EuoD03sW-ojpFurwMTmyyFBuq_1phsrM7GNJnU-emeCaJmQ-HvVRS6x4WJK-qS9-oswWEq0la9BU5/w400-h266/37706734586_1e23133993_w.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Texas deer need your help.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Why?</b> Hundreds of captive or free-ranging deer in 17 Texas counties have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) over the past decade. If left unmanaged, CWD can have catastrophic, long-term impacts on the most beloved game animal in the state. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>How?</b> If you’re deer hunting in Texas this fall, test your harvest for CWD. It’s mandatory in CWD zones and voluntary elsewhere. With your participation, biologists can gather statewide data to aid in CWD management strategies to reduce the risk of CWD spread.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Where?</b> CWD containment and surveillance zones are found in various areas across the state. These zones have special rules, including mandatory testing. <b>See map below.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">You can find everything you need to know at the <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/" target="_blank">Texas Parks and Wildlife Department</a> or <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/cwd" target="_blank">Outdoor Annual</a> websites. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><i>Here are quick answers to common CWD questions.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Why sample for CWD? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Surveillance is an essential part of managing CWD. Testing for CWD allows wildlife biologists and animal health officials to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas. Proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to a CWD detection and can reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring deer populations. With each discovery of a new CWD-positive area in the state, CWD zones are established as a strategy to manage and contain the disease. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Which counties have mandatory testing?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">So far, <span face="Arial, sans-serif">the only areas in Texas where CWD has become established within native deer populations are in the northern portions of El Paso and Hudspeth counties in far West Texas and in western Dallam and Hartley counties in the northwest Texas Panhandle. CWD has also been detected in multiple deer-breeding facilities across the state, and on some properties neighboring those CWD-positive deer-breeding facilities in Medina and Uvalde counties. Testing within established CWD zones will help determine the geographic distribution and prevalence of the disease, or in some cases, confirm that the disease has not been established outside of captive-deer facilities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">To see if your hunting location is in a CWD zone, check the <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/#checkMap" target="_blank">map</a> at the TPWD website. <o:p></o:p><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If </span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">you</span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">harvest</span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> a deer in a CWD </span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Zone</span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">,</span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> it is mandatory to bring the deer to a check station within 48 hours of harvest to have a CWD sample collected from that deer. There </span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">are</span></span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange TrackChangeHoverSelectColorRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" face="Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW88490108 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 20.504167px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun TrackChangeHoverSelectHighlightRed SCXW88490108 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> no exceptions to the regulation.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Where is the nearest check station?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">T</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">here are approximately 30 check stations and drop boxes across the state in Kimble County, far West Texas, South Central Texas, the northwest Panhandle, Val Verde County, Hunt County, Lubbock County, Gillespie County, Limestone County and Duval County. Check the<span class="apple-converted-space"> <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/#checkMap" target="_blank">m</a></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/#checkMap" target="_blank">ap</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> at the<span class="apple-converted-space"> <a href="http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/cwd" target="_blank">TPWD</a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/cwd" target="_blank">Outdoor Annual</a> websites for locations and hours. Too far from a check station? Call your<span class="apple-converted-space"> <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/technical_guidance/biologists/" target="_blank">local TPWD biologist</a>.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>What do I need to bring to the check station?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">TPWD staff will collect a tissue sample from the head of the deer for testing purposes. The head may be attached to the carcass or separated. If you separate the head from the carcass, it is very important to include the first two to three vertebrae to keep the necessary samples intact. Place the head in a plastic trash bag and keep it cool (but not frozen) until you get to the station.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Can I take my deer out of a CWD zone?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">There are restrictions on which parts of a harvested deer may be transported outside of a CWD zone to help prevent the unnatural spread of CWD. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Parts that may be transported from a zone include: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">cut quarters with all brain and spinal cord tissue removed</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">boned-out meat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">cut and wrapped meat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">caped hides with skull not attached</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">skull plate with antlers attached and cleaned of soft tissue</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">finished taxidermy products</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">the skinned or unskinned head of a deer for transport to a taxidermist (A Deer Head Waiver form must accompany the head to the taxidermist.)</span></li></ul></blockquote><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Is testing free?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Yes, TPWD will provide free CWD testing for all your hunter harvest samples.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>How long does it take to get results?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">About two weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>How can I tell if a deer has CWD? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Only through testing. Both healthy and sick-looking deer can be CWD positive as visible symptoms do not become apparent until the terminal end-stage of the disease. An animal may be shedding infective prions well before symptoms become apparent. The disease cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone since other diseases or conditions can cause the animal to exhibit similar symptoms. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>What other precautions should I take? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Properly dispose of carcass parts. Leave inedible parts at the site of harvest, or preferably, dispose of them in a landfill or bury them on the property of harvest in any CWD zone. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>Is CWD dangerous for humans? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Researchers have found no evidence that CWD poses a serious risk to humans or domestic animals. However, as a precaution, it is strongly advised to test susceptible species harvested in known CWD areas and to not eat meat from CWD positive animals or any sick animal regardless of the disease.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Protect Texas Deer: Test4CWD</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggy6Ynx7ZhD2KiApz9-0CAt6DPOPsOO-duUn71R23pzUVURBOxXV6QV8QOKT6X87lqFegNPc0RL7Rgq4r_QcE17mkv580r_1XOyQCDc-HsSx9DnCSxaz3l-FnO7rR9u7QSo1BZ7Bc6H1EqKQ_HMV2mnDTYswnteJ9vyNeZc9gjb3LmXGDMKDk4JvS/s960/CWD%20Map%20w.%20key%2012-8-22.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggy6Ynx7ZhD2KiApz9-0CAt6DPOPsOO-duUn71R23pzUVURBOxXV6QV8QOKT6X87lqFegNPc0RL7Rgq4r_QcE17mkv580r_1XOyQCDc-HsSx9DnCSxaz3l-FnO7rR9u7QSo1BZ7Bc6H1EqKQ_HMV2mnDTYswnteJ9vyNeZc9gjb3LmXGDMKDk4JvS/w640-h480/CWD%20Map%20w.%20key%2012-8-22.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(click to enlarge)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-59358571206880962492022-10-17T12:20:00.021-05:002022-10-17T12:37:26.970-05:00Texas Mule Deer Season and Restrictions Change for 2022<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">TPWD expands antler restriction, extends season in Panhandle</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwP3-wvs-_ac34b6vEJO6OKm9BOXwRN2GJTjM7F7Hqrbn5zYpeNjUMmWZOS5-1zhJ53r3pSenvOWlw6_S91tuuYg7qvwKzeMdI-9HqVKqv6XVVFLhImm3DZI3BUPF4h0IiN_e048IFl9awrQV2v3tBUY8MyK7OMFAaMKW47q9UYwpY6unO__xCAzs/s824/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2012.15.47%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="824" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwP3-wvs-_ac34b6vEJO6OKm9BOXwRN2GJTjM7F7Hqrbn5zYpeNjUMmWZOS5-1zhJ53r3pSenvOWlw6_S91tuuYg7qvwKzeMdI-9HqVKqv6XVVFLhImm3DZI3BUPF4h0IiN_e048IFl9awrQV2v3tBUY8MyK7OMFAaMKW47q9UYwpY6unO__xCAzs/w400-h318/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2012.15.47%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To keep the balance of young/mature mule deer in the Texas Panhandle, an experimental antler restriction regulation will be continued in some counties and started in others, while the season is extended by a full week. Here are the highlights.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Antler restriction regulation:</b> </span><span>Mule deer bucks must have a main beam outside spread of at least 20 inches. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, the antler restriction does not apply on Managed Lands Deer Permit properties or within any Chronic Wasting Disease zone.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Briscoe, Childress, Cottle, Floyd, Hall, Lynn and Motley counties:</b> TPWD regulation continues.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Andrews, Armstrong, Bailey, Castro, Cochran, Collingsworth, Dawson, Donley, Foard, Gaines, Hale, Hardeman, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Martin, Parmer, Randall, Swisher, Terry and Yoakum counties:</b> TPWD antler restriction regulation begins here.</span><span> </span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Terrell County within the Trans-Pecos:</b> TPWD wants to test the antler restriction regulation here.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Extend season from 9 to 16 days, including special archery season:</b> General season starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving; continues for 16 consecutive days in the Panhandle. </span><span>(</span><span>Andrews, Bailey, Castro, Cochran, Dawson, Gaines, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Parmer, Terry, and Yoakum counties)</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In 2018, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department considered landowner/hunter requests and data that showed an excessive harvesting of young mule deer bucks in the southeast Panhandle counties. The department began testing an experimental restriction in six counties </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">(Lynn County was added in 2019)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> to protect bucks till they reach maturity at 4.5 years of age. The new antler restriction prohibited harvesting bucks with a main beam outside spread of less than 20 inches.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoM-w77jtccD6O4Fra-IuJP1EB41yo1Z-ucMOIgMbngCmg5ffaiBsrTu9Bwq0wf8pySGApgdvnxuodmIEougNvZJFPNEfbixoy_FEd3EmUFeQOQ96lrUcrxgOgFgLQZHtfzp2EW0GhhQM17r_vCt8cBAKupJo0uHWpwKuBIJEGx8lnvWH_HDcMEYh/s658/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2012.10.22%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="658" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoM-w77jtccD6O4Fra-IuJP1EB41yo1Z-ucMOIgMbngCmg5ffaiBsrTu9Bwq0wf8pySGApgdvnxuodmIEougNvZJFPNEfbixoy_FEd3EmUFeQOQ96lrUcrxgOgFgLQZHtfzp2EW0GhhQM17r_vCt8cBAKupJo0uHWpwKuBIJEGx8lnvWH_HDcMEYh/w400-h210/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2012.10.22%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Four hunting seasons later, the sex ratio is improving — there are more bucks now. The steep decline in the harvest of young bucks provides more mature bucks, as hunters and landowners are now seeing. That’s exactly the desired effect, so the department is expanding the regulation to 21 additional Panhandle counties. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Extending the season from nine days to 16 days in the selected 15 counties provides additional hunting opportunities while using the antler restriction to maintain or improve mule deer sex ratios and buck age structure. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Again, the antler restriction doesn’t apply to properties in the MLDP program as TPWD sets property-specific bag limits for mule deer which are generally conservative (producing results similar to the antler restriction). Also, the antler restriction won’t be implemented in any part of a county within a CWD management zone (an area where certain special provisions regarding harvest reporting and carcass movement are in effect) because current science indicates that increased buck harvest in those areas will reduce CWD prevalence rates and may inhibit the spread of CWD into new areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TPWD staff will implement the antler restriction in Terrell County as a 4-year experiment across the entire county. In portions of Terrell County (for example, south of US Highway 90), intense buck harvest has skewed sex ratios and severely reduced buck age structure, even more so than the primary experimental antler-restriction counties in the Panhandle. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As with the Panhandle antler restriction, staff will monitor the experiment in Terrell County. An incentive-based voluntary check station in Dryden and annual post-season helicopter surveys will be used to evaluate the success of the experimental antler restriction. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">See the <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/game_management/muledeer/" target="_blank">Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website</a> for more details. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you want more content like this, </span><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="color: #2a7700; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span style="background-color: white;"> to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-39046917309771068622022-10-06T13:37:00.006-05:002022-10-06T13:44:37.877-05:00Leading the Search for Juvenile American Eels<p style="text-align: left;">American eels undergo one of the most remarkable journeys from the Sargasso Sea to coastlines from Greenland to South America. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">These migrating eels make their way into coastal waters as small, transparent glass eels. They then develop pigment and become known as elvers, as they take up residence in estuaries or swim up rivers. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elvers continue to grow into yellow eels and live for many years before transforming into sexually mature silver eels to make their long journey back to the Sargasso Sea where they spawn and presumably die. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Along the East Coast of the United States, the arrival of glass eels is fairly predictable; however, here in Texas and across the Gulf of Mexico, we are still wondering when American eels make it to our waters. Researchers from the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) teamed up with TPWD to sample for juvenile American eels across the Texas Coast using a wide variety of gear types with the hope of answering this question. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">From 2018-20, UHCL led an effort to sample for glass eels and elvers using small-mesh fyke nets in tidal creeks from Corpus Christi Bay to Sabine Lake. These nets were set overnight to fish one incoming tide. Small fish and invertebrates, such as shrimps and crabs, were funneled into the cod end of the net until they could be checked the next morning. These nets were set in the water 330 times across 130 unique sites during the study period. </p><div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6hUS32errDnDfzB_Gdcg6kzWKO1zzrEc2TweTh_CBf3Xv0rWxm9bYndF-1gLHK7aFUhmn33bWzDC8o-fw3IUnLneEOl-voIH04Stc9Sk3ygYI1yOZgpsMxet-lnILk69RH2UArESTi2S9X3egoZCKAXWxof5Xg6dshEkfbKf_EtTtykt6l8nQP14/s4608/IMGP0713.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6hUS32errDnDfzB_Gdcg6kzWKO1zzrEc2TweTh_CBf3Xv0rWxm9bYndF-1gLHK7aFUhmn33bWzDC8o-fw3IUnLneEOl-voIH04Stc9Sk3ygYI1yOZgpsMxet-lnILk69RH2UArESTi2S9X3egoZCKAXWxof5Xg6dshEkfbKf_EtTtykt6l8nQP14/w400-h225/IMGP0713.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; text-align: start;">Justin Hansen, Jenny Oakley, and George Guillen with the University <br />of Houston-Clear Lake eploying a fyke net in a tidal creek.</span><span style="text-align: start;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">During the same time that fyke nets were in the water, volunteers with the Texas Master Naturalists were also sampling along the coast for juvenile American eels using eel mops, a funny-looking device that sits on the bottom of a creek or bayou to mimic vegetation that tiny eels utilize. Eel mops were continually deployed at a single site anywhere from 5 to 25 months and checked once a week. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Additionally, UHCL decided to sample with eel mops in year two of their study at the same sites where they were setting fyke nets. In total, eel mops were deployed across 24 different sites and checked almost 300 times.</p><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jHcuub-g32iyY1obobVf-1oDil_F9p5PGdJvk5GFFuokqewv_MBLh2AJlismNHb4xLbpgSbMfG_XzzheAZPHbgiTbSnUds3ODjWFgA_b991E8yjoFgLtgTB6agDYD7trPYg6IQXM8QJLyz-NljE-rqdyAC27qhtjrRleWnUdQXNAciqeC6hGTKbk/s2478/TMN%20Eel%20Mop%20Combined.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2011" data-original-width="2478" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jHcuub-g32iyY1obobVf-1oDil_F9p5PGdJvk5GFFuokqewv_MBLh2AJlismNHb4xLbpgSbMfG_XzzheAZPHbgiTbSnUds3ODjWFgA_b991E8yjoFgLtgTB6agDYD7trPYg6IQXM8QJLyz-NljE-rqdyAC27qhtjrRleWnUdQXNAciqeC6hGTKbk/w400-h325/TMN%20Eel%20Mop%20Combined.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Pete Romfh with the Cradle of Texas Chapter and Erik Extrell with the <br />Alamo Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists check and deploy an eel mop.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Despite this intensive sampling effort, no American eels were collected using fyke nets or eel mops. However, along with many different species of fish and invertebrates, speckled worm eels were collected in both fyke nets and eel mops. This species undergoes a similar life cycle as American eel but on a smaller scale. Many of the individuals of speckled worm eel collected were in their glass eel stage. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">UHCL graduate students Justin Hansen and Tito Molina spent much of their time sorting through and carefully inspecting these juvenile eels since both American eels and speckled worm eels swim into bays and estuaries at the same time in other parts of the country. While speckled worm eels were not our target species, the collection of these individuals is reassuring because it tells us that our gear types successfully collected another species with a similar life history. </p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk6WvwEGY-RUwGkoKTSI4RYnarhpc9DgScRwoucT67pfrjo3Oe-wDOPmbsOYjO2JWOZ9lyXhgRh9YAhkoCW_f5-aHA6IbpH_IThGKy-OpEAjSKy9ydOCoG1Snt5a3fWFy968NAoon5oTYTA5qbV--865fmfrNXLU9pHm27QbCuVdtltgpAhYqxNU_/s4608/IMGP0081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk6WvwEGY-RUwGkoKTSI4RYnarhpc9DgScRwoucT67pfrjo3Oe-wDOPmbsOYjO2JWOZ9lyXhgRh9YAhkoCW_f5-aHA6IbpH_IThGKy-OpEAjSKy9ydOCoG1Snt5a3fWFy968NAoon5oTYTA5qbV--865fmfrNXLU9pHm27QbCuVdtltgpAhYqxNU_/w400-h225/IMGP0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A speckled worm eel collected using a fyke net. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Although our sampling effort with fyke nets and eel mops has concluded, we’re not ready to give up! TPWD has partnered again with UHCL to set up a network of eel ramps along the mid to upper Texas Coast. Eel ramps are a popular sampling gear used on the East Coast to collect juvenile American eels. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">UHCL field research technicians Ashlyn Sak and Erica Underwood have led the charge in constructing and deploying eel ramps at 11 sites. These ramps will be deployed for one year and checked weekly for juvenile American eel. In addition, water samples will be collected at a subset of these sites to test for American eel DNA to see if the species is present at the site. </p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7CAv0pTX4bQweCvi5E-F4ODbSfutgKSgp__15zQh43Nq1AeFoxwMhZL_JDskX5PAgz3pBQ3sVR-edP1VM7aAY4_KojIczhmlJw9BQHD29BEkRRyeJMy0V6_v37wBkPr4an48UJZCrms-aLp4VjzpadgzLvcv17PQNcZvTowXXCBcNUDJP6S0MraL/s2048/IMG_3184.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7CAv0pTX4bQweCvi5E-F4ODbSfutgKSgp__15zQh43Nq1AeFoxwMhZL_JDskX5PAgz3pBQ3sVR-edP1VM7aAY4_KojIczhmlJw9BQHD29BEkRRyeJMy0V6_v37wBkPr4an48UJZCrms-aLp4VjzpadgzLvcv17PQNcZvTowXXCBcNUDJP6S0MraL/w400-h300/IMG_3184.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Ashlyn Sak and Erica Underwood with the University <br />of Houston-Clear Lake checking an eel ramp.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned to hear more about the work that we are doing to better understand the unique life history of this species in Texas. You can also follow us on Facebook (<a href="@TexasRiversStreams">@TexasRiversStreams</a>) and Instagram (<a href="@texasriversstreams">@texasriversstreams</a>) for project updates.
Check out this project along with other research being conducted by UHCL at <a href="https://www.uhcl.edu/environmental-institute/">https://www.uhcl.edu/environmental-institute/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">If you want more content like this, </span><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="color: #2a7700; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></p></div></div>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-41656501531817860022022-05-13T13:21:00.006-05:002022-05-17T14:57:33.366-05:00Friday's Future Conservationists (Part Three)<p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Welcome back to our new blog feature: Friday’s Future Conservationists. We’ll share inspiring work from the students who one day will be our biologists, park rangers, nature photographers, game wardens and stewards of all wild things and places.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Thanks to Amanda Asher and the teachers/students of Cibolo Creek Elementary School for helping us get started. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Did you know that living organisms in any environment depend on each other and their environment to meet their basic needs? </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Second grade students at Cibolo Creek Elementary School recently completed their science unit — “Investigating Organisms and Environments” — by creating an article for <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. <o:p></o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">This week we feature Mrs. Ferry’s class.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">The students each drew an illustration for a specific environment and the organisms that live within it. They wrote articles describing how the organisms and environment depend on each other to meet their needs. To complete the project, students mapped out the food chain from their environment, displaying the transfer of energy from one organism to another for survival. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Check back later for more amazing “articles” from our future conservationists.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhzc-CFC_qsvS9kH3_KonEESWU_uvUtgUK_ugpHNvOLWr-y3zktu4eb2PsqXQH2OvPPGGauz5PwdEb6pa7M1tN3mMK6Jv70ULgkzdwM1GwEaowK7B5OBzoPubx71ocYT2Ib1Y3To2VxtQngWhln6wz4GHjZqmR0ITmGDZV872IeF8N_UzCvDetl_l/s1283/Screen%20Shot%202022-05-17%20at%201.27.16%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-83936850255679615402022-05-12T11:58:00.002-05:002022-05-12T11:58:28.999-05:00TPWD Urges Texans to Support Landmark Wildlife Bill <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"> Bipartisan legislation will help fish and wildlife while boosting the economy </h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1O_I-R22UOlo87Luv7VU-zoyX3W41cGweew2znMaN3vJ9_2yLcEVC5VGmvvPKiz5iQjYaKRhDXjf-HC-TwOIiiuRE_egaA227NPl2wDl4CSRW0-QravaI5RQFmvwKdtbKrVeRgs3xhcRwMsTHPAVoJVdIcRtA1GxIWB-Aa6lb66Awl_bjOPQcmh8/s1213/Screen%20Shot%202022-05-12%20at%2011.54.21%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1213" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1O_I-R22UOlo87Luv7VU-zoyX3W41cGweew2znMaN3vJ9_2yLcEVC5VGmvvPKiz5iQjYaKRhDXjf-HC-TwOIiiuRE_egaA227NPl2wDl4CSRW0-QravaI5RQFmvwKdtbKrVeRgs3xhcRwMsTHPAVoJVdIcRtA1GxIWB-Aa6lb66Awl_bjOPQcmh8/w400-h300/Screen%20Shot%202022-05-12%20at%2011.54.21%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadowlark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">For decades, Texas biologists have toiled over solutions for species teetering on the brink, with some success.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>White-tailed deer, nearly wiped out by unregulated hunting in the 1900s, are now plentiful. </li><li>Down to seven nesting pairs of bald eagles in Texas in the 1970s due to DDT — now there are 200-plus pairs here. </li><li>Fewer than 100 brown pelicans existed in the 1970s, and now they’re off the endangered species list. </li><li>American alligators, with their valuable skin, were upgraded from endangered (1967) to threatened in 20 years. </li><li>Aplomado falcons, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, eastern wild turkeys, peregrine falcons and so many other Texas animals have come back from near extinction, thanks to the efforts of conservationists.</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But what if we could help more species, and help them earlier, before their situation becomes dire? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The answer has come in the form of proposed bipartisan national legislation — the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, or RAWA.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">With broad bipartisan support, RAWA is poised for upcoming votes in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking Texans to voice their support for this ground-breaking conservation legislation that would bring nearly $1.4 billion in new funding nationally, with $50 million earmarked for Texas fish and wildlife. The money would come from existing revenues, so there would be no new taxes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act represents one of the most promising and potentially transformative pieces of legislation that Congress has considered in decades to help benefit conservation,” says TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. “RAWA is at a pivotal place in Congress right now — that’s where we need your help. I hope that you’ll join me and the Texas Alliance for America’s Fish and Wildlife with our “Crossing the Finish Line” campaign as we encourage members of congress to help support this critically impactful and needed piece of conservation legislation.”<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">What would these new funds mean for Texas wildlife and those who love our iconic species? The agency plans to apply funds to implement the Texas Conservation Action Plan, a statewide “road map” for research, restoration, management and recovery projects addressing Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and important habitats, along with much-needed fish, wildlife and nature education programs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The funding is needed more than ever, as one-third of all fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction. Experts have identified 12,000 species of concern nationwide, including more than 1,200 in Texas. RAWA funds will help restore fish and wildlife habitat such as grasslands, prairies, forests, rivers, bays, and estuaries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_XcqlfpuUR3NzSnvetG9vP_itxMEtZyfD89DruKGCa0tydkVieBR-TtJ5t3MKW34uwHTkjphSd5iDc8iwVlUGajk0uuM_iieSFrxuaYgLsXMNBl0YsoupUvxz5lo7xeJe6lOfm6YKKlBkiRlhUCW4sItXjawKF7psPLkeRoOlyfIhn7VKiZorNL_/s736/Screen%20Shot%202022-05-12%20at%2011.54.35%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="736" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_XcqlfpuUR3NzSnvetG9vP_itxMEtZyfD89DruKGCa0tydkVieBR-TtJ5t3MKW34uwHTkjphSd5iDc8iwVlUGajk0uuM_iieSFrxuaYgLsXMNBl0YsoupUvxz5lo7xeJe6lOfm6YKKlBkiRlhUCW4sItXjawKF7psPLkeRoOlyfIhn7VKiZorNL_/w400-h269/Screen%20Shot%202022-05-12%20at%2011.54.35%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kemp's Ridley sea turtle</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">RAWA helps people as well as wildlife. Texas’ growing multimillion-dollar outdoor recreation industry depends on protecting these species and their habitats, offering more for Texans who now seek to be outdoors more than ever. Spending time in nature provides many physical and mental health benefits, and RAWA’s transformative funding would invest in future generations through increased nature education and wildlife-associated recreation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">If passed, $12 million would be available each year to invest in nature education, with an additional $6 million a year to invest in providing more and better outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, paddling, bird watching and nature photography. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">New jobs will come with new projects. RAWA could spark thousands of new public/private “shovel-ready” jobs for wildlife management, tree planting, river restoration and wildlife reintroductions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Recovering America's Wildlife Act is the kind of breakthrough that comes once in a generation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Here’s how to contact your elected officials to tell them you support it:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Senator Ted Cruz</i>: (202) 224-5922 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Senator John Cornyn</i>: (202) 224-2934 <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>U.S. Representative</i>: Use <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftxwildlifealliance.us13.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Dc93fdc29f553ad4c7cd66191e%26id%3D8382736400%26e%3D2101887f7c&data=05%7C01%7CLouie.Bond%40tpwd.texas.gov%7C165615ca8e8447ee8b6a08da223fee18%7C7864fda762ad47ec81ec323266e3a35f%7C0%7C0%7C637859955242266829%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FSJ0WVpQae5G1DvA%2F%2Bw%2BpTv4nNKmeuaGfVDJ81BDYIA%3D&reserved=0" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">More resources: <a href="https://www.txwildlifealliance.org/take-action" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">www.txwildlifealliance.org/take-action</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-50852928452124943562022-04-08T12:57:00.008-05:002022-05-17T14:55:18.413-05:00Friday's Future Conservationists (Part Two)<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Welcome to our weekly blog feature: Friday’s Future Conservationists. Every Friday, we’ll share inspiring work from the students who one day will be our biologists, park rangers, nature photographers, game wardens and stewards of all wild things and places.</span></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-708594878511783123" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-family: Lato; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Thanks to Amanda Asher and the teachers/students of Cibolo Creek Elementary School for helping us get started. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Did you know that living organisms in any environment depend on each other and their environment to meet their basic needs? </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Second grade students at Cibolo Creek Elementary School recently completed their science unit — “Investigating Organisms and Environments” — by creating an article for <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i>magazine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">The students each drew an illustration for a specific environment and the organisms that live within it. They wrote articles describing how the organisms and environment depend on each other to meet their needs. To complete the project, students mapped out the food chain from their environment, displaying the transfer of energy from one organism to another for survival. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Check back next Friday for more amazing “articles” from our future conservationists.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="2234" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmr54IQGRyAp3S2q2ZXB4rFaLRVGbjS3sC3IYDxtFxAt7HX2biAGyi0Jop5y913n1KCvqeuqs2MdnRcDF4zims3Fdtptr-h86FE7Uwcx6DPYJf6a34QwEIRsUiBVKKR6vbGpKXuaaJ4xOvs8XCTQMNAiPiufJQM8f2luHAX_CimMrqBtS9yT3e3LR/w400-h260/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.01.53%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CZkVHz2M53pFHXKaz_9SeiZRvBDB5-qms2LV5pL0n-S4yVxuHrVrX5C1O0TJSxUaP804ZLyYkjLq0JyaMMyQToxMZtKFRAVuMhc3gvwveg5bV80UcFb-dtehxuHwKv_XhwpXNznwCtCc8fR_5cuIBjWqLCfeOjVUBPsUpAEqsUCTxm7HYbVY7YgI/s2224/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.02.08%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2224" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CZkVHz2M53pFHXKaz_9SeiZRvBDB5-qms2LV5pL0n-S4yVxuHrVrX5C1O0TJSxUaP804ZLyYkjLq0JyaMMyQToxMZtKFRAVuMhc3gvwveg5bV80UcFb-dtehxuHwKv_XhwpXNznwCtCc8fR_5cuIBjWqLCfeOjVUBPsUpAEqsUCTxm7HYbVY7YgI/w400-h261/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.02.08%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="2230" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVPLTRbnmoYeRlab5HWz8tFWLXJPH5rRksBvEN1UxFAPoA1W47cE_sOzyFI6FZY3vtNC_a77IHSvmhdRTZDURCYs7S9uotO13ZvpscJlwI9VW4nlsmWuSv6t1pIa1smEetowoO6R5j-OzY_X7X9q9xdpJZu0DMPWEthTkeGyfqbZNc-6mB60Jg33v/w400-h263/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.03.24%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJMxTeeWiYvHzwRY4No1vqYQRvbALjcVzwWnTn9ZqFwvrySFW__65R48Uv9HhKv-eU1RyrV0c--gsjACjzMO5Ag8_djYFbu0puMrcsH89DNFSIlHVBqX33mHI7pAHVMfNOzr6-fHI32bxuT3ZXPXz9iizOErRvlxE1nHKlKex7tPfuidAwYxiNZwi/s2232/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.03.36%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2232" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJMxTeeWiYvHzwRY4No1vqYQRvbALjcVzwWnTn9ZqFwvrySFW__65R48Uv9HhKv-eU1RyrV0c--gsjACjzMO5Ag8_djYFbu0puMrcsH89DNFSIlHVBqX33mHI7pAHVMfNOzr6-fHI32bxuT3ZXPXz9iizOErRvlxE1nHKlKex7tPfuidAwYxiNZwi/w400-h259/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.03.36%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdA8C_9afFNbioZrSqtxl2a8oFQMvazuVxD45dbBKuT7fLvK3Mjvezs6Q_n2Rn5OATkEw3zcc4CnFdVNcs8vc5qv-s3O7D_MZvBrwl9KztkjaUVY8kQXZ7ODjK-sYCYHRJNnYOsw7lqOi0K5igU3aaBfGtCJppZb1qPPDBuumaFBu_MKaGFjwqD1n/s2230/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.03.48%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2230" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdA8C_9afFNbioZrSqtxl2a8oFQMvazuVxD45dbBKuT7fLvK3Mjvezs6Q_n2Rn5OATkEw3zcc4CnFdVNcs8vc5qv-s3O7D_MZvBrwl9KztkjaUVY8kQXZ7ODjK-sYCYHRJNnYOsw7lqOi0K5igU3aaBfGtCJppZb1qPPDBuumaFBu_MKaGFjwqD1n/w400-h263/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-09%20at%201.03.48%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">If you want more content like this, </span><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></span><p style="font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"></p></div>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-51045375415262083532022-04-02T11:00:00.002-05:002022-04-02T11:00:00.145-05:00 Earth Day Bay Day Festival April 9<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5Nr-Dce6evU5ezJYrTkxRZ9lZAYK6k_Y9NtYra2ZPuoISMHuY5KlI9FjrbNWnhs3j_gs_qQ5g4LG3VYua66kUPVWq78DJf7p-G013q6wIWir1A0ovqgfWKZuSXgPL0UCRKCMdsc20zNxDByxlHfsCtb6FcHoKBn3nAQCVHQZH4nl9s2g4hQq6TH1/s1051/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-01%20at%201.04.20%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1051" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5Nr-Dce6evU5ezJYrTkxRZ9lZAYK6k_Y9NtYra2ZPuoISMHuY5KlI9FjrbNWnhs3j_gs_qQ5g4LG3VYua66kUPVWq78DJf7p-G013q6wIWir1A0ovqgfWKZuSXgPL0UCRKCMdsc20zNxDByxlHfsCtb6FcHoKBn3nAQCVHQZH4nl9s2g4hQq6TH1/w400-h258/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-01%20at%201.04.20%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Join the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation to celebrate the 23rd annual Earth Day Bay Day, Saturday, April 9, at Heritage Park in Corpus Christi. The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation hosts this free festival each year to raise awareness of the need for stewardship of the area’s natural resources — this year, it’s back in person.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The popular event provides education and outreach in a fun, family environment that’s FREE for all Coastal Bend residents and others visiting Texas’ “Sparkling City by the Sea.” Since 1999, the CBBF has hosted this local event to help promote and encourage citizens to learn about our bays and estuaries, wetlands, native plants and animals, recycling, sustainability, conservation and other environmental issues through interactive activities and local exhibitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCGEmZybCO2yjGVwtv2RizNQmYK8dSPi5cvnKJ1hLjzJH0D3jt9GGRHpoMJsgPT64FkFj1r2FlE9gKSXDLEXV2jnwVoMmnT9wSb8RQQV6NTAMq7IOPDmVw29oPSTd-tTsqkRKbGQtOi-2GQ2VhrGcO35pXqosLwFhlyXjNjjair38DeHjSQQhhNou/s719/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-01%20at%201.05.19%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="719" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCGEmZybCO2yjGVwtv2RizNQmYK8dSPi5cvnKJ1hLjzJH0D3jt9GGRHpoMJsgPT64FkFj1r2FlE9gKSXDLEXV2jnwVoMmnT9wSb8RQQV6NTAMq7IOPDmVw29oPSTd-tTsqkRKbGQtOi-2GQ2VhrGcO35pXqosLwFhlyXjNjjair38DeHjSQQhhNou/w400-h234/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-01%20at%201.05.19%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Earth Day Bay Day has all sorts of things to do and see, such as educational activities and giveaways for all ages, food, animal exhibits and more. Follow the latest updates on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coastalbendbaysfoundation" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and on the <a href="https://www.baysfoundation.org">website.</a> Thanks to event sponsors, the 2023 Earth Day Bay Day celebration will feature the following fun activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Up-close animal encounters</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Birds of Prey raptor show</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The Texas Zoo</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Catch-and-release fish tank</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Expo and Operation Game Thief trailer</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Native plant giveaway by Valero</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Rock-climbing wall</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Giveaways galore</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If you want more content like this, <a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-7085948785117831232022-04-01T14:49:00.003-05:002022-05-17T14:49:26.195-05:00Friday's Future Conservationists (Part One)<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Welcome to our new weekly blog feature: Friday’s Future Conservationists. Every Friday, we’ll share inspiring work from the students who one day will be our biologists, park rangers, nature photographers, game wardens and stewards of all wild things and places.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Thanks to Amanda Asher and the teachers/students of Cibolo Creek Elementary School for helping us get started. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Did you know that living organisms in any environment depend on each other and their environment to meet their basic needs? </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 14pt; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Second grade students at Cibolo Creek Elementary School recently completed their science unit — “Investigating Organisms and Environments” — by creating an article for <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">The students each drew an illustration for a specific environment and the organisms that live within it. They wrote articles describing how the organisms and environment depend on each other to meet their needs. To complete the project, students mapped out the food chain from their environment, displaying the transfer of energy from one organism to another for survival. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;">Check back next Friday for more amazing “articles” from our future conservationists.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: clear; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO5B0R79b94hfRjJtRkwWNfc0txIwrbkNqMjDxbALjPXRsz-b9FdndzGoLRnXWKYn5uub1bW7Qy0j6KKb0W9Ez5MXt-eGzuYah7R4-KfKVwQPNLcsuIR8eM1YqFt689uVBM9Exy3PlrVkhnNrxri754DXyGi0IQ5pGeWrrlKOquVsqg4QSOvxtuAt/s848/Screen%20Shot%202022-04-01%20at%202.07.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If you want more content like this, <a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-30633340572096252192022-03-29T16:24:00.009-05:002022-03-29T17:18:47.261-05:00Meet the Women Who Protect Texas Wildlife<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Division is home to many talented, dedicated and enthusiastic female professionals. In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a small sample of the wonderful women who work to preserve and protect Texas wildlife.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWB8LxoCpwq31Lcp4ox9lYppKiADc6wF2J7rOYA-MsAYgWxUoR0OLbtLKMYezH1qrkwe6v94vEAa_9kaH3fjsWW0DOP0USbzeDaiChMOa91BiI3c3GFiwJLG8UEuCXaLYX59ZgSYTqo69QHw383pu8YRcyPRfxyfWCzGfJcuPBZTn4cyhcexNIFrx/s800/Collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWB8LxoCpwq31Lcp4ox9lYppKiADc6wF2J7rOYA-MsAYgWxUoR0OLbtLKMYezH1qrkwe6v94vEAa_9kaH3fjsWW0DOP0USbzeDaiChMOa91BiI3c3GFiwJLG8UEuCXaLYX59ZgSYTqo69QHw383pu8YRcyPRfxyfWCzGfJcuPBZTn4cyhcexNIFrx/w400-h400/Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>From top left in the photo collage, row by row:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Shannon Grubbs</b> is a district wildlife biologist covering Victoria, Calhoun and Refugio counties. She enjoys helping landowners manage their land for wildlife. In this photo, she is banding a mourning dove.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Heidi Bailey</b> is a district biologist for Kaufman, Van Zandt, Henderson and Anderson counties in East Texas. She provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers and recreational enthusiasts. Her favorite part of the job is getting her hands dirty when demonstrating on-the-ground wildlife and habitat management. Her former supervisor describes her as “one of the most highly qualified burn practitioners we have in this region, if not the state.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Arlene Kalmbach</b> (pictured with the all-female project team of Gaby Tamez, Krysta Demere and Megan Bean) is coordinator for the Landowner Incentive program and Pastures for Upland Birds program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Jessica Schmerler</b> is a habitat assessment biologist for Central and West Texas. She reviews environmental documents for development (including energy) projects and provides recommendations to minimize adverse impacts to wildlife resources. In this photo, she’s visiting a wind farm in far West Texas, where several smaller wind turbines were proposed to be replaced with larger ones. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Gaby Tamez</b> is a district biologist for Pecos County in far West Texas. She provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers and recreational enthusiasts. In this photo, she is teaching youth volunteers how to band a dove.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Caroline Ellison</b> is as a wildlife biologist and assistant area manager on the Matador Wildlife Management area in Paducah. She facilitates public hunts and conducts wildlife research and habitat management on the WMA. In this photo, she is banding a vermillion flycatcher.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Courtney McInnerney</b> is a district biologist for Tyler, Hardin and Liberty counties in East Texas. She loves to educate the public (especially youth) on nature and native Texas wildlife. She finds ways for them to get hands-on experience with alligators, snakes, pelts, skulls, plants and other fascinating things. This is a picture of her fixing a water leak. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Kelly Simon</b> is an urban wildlife biologist in Central Texas. In addition to being a published author, Kelly works to retain natural resource conservation as a priority in municipalities and communities. She is committed to improving the diversity of our profession, too: she managed an urban coyote research contract/project with Huston-Tillotson University that facilitates field research experiences to study how coyotes and their prey use habitat within the urban environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Olivia Kost</b> is a district biologist for Eastland, Brown and Mills counties in North Central Texas. She provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers and recreational enthusiasts. In this photo, she is banding a white-winged dove.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Andrea Webb</b> is a district biologist for Panola, Shelby and San Augustine counties in East Texas. She provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers and recreational enthusiasts. In this photo, she is banding woodcock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Anna Strong</b>, one of two state botanists, administers federal pass-through and state funding for rare plants, works in conjunction with USFWS to review Species Status Assessments for federally listed (and petitioned) plants and reviews the state conservation status ranks of Species of Greatest Conservation Need plants. Additionally, Anna conducts <i>in situ</i> status surveys of SGCN plants and then creates and catalogs field reports and maps populations in the Texas Natural Diversity Database.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">If you want more content like this, <a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-28282020821423673342022-02-22T10:52:00.010-06:002022-05-17T13:45:08.202-05:00Black History Month: Preserving the Legacy of Family-owned Ranches<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">East central Texas has the highest number of Black farmers and ranchers in the U.S.</span></li><li><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">A former Wall Street executive is on a mission to keep ranches in the family</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">Freestone County, southeast of Dallas, boasts gently rolling prairies, fertile soil and <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2014/Highlights_Black_Farmers.pdf" target="_blank">more Black farmers and ranchers</a> than any other county in the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">But the area’s ranchers face a host of challenges:</span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> barriers to capital and markets, land that’s been subdivided through generations, and ways of ranching that are no longer sustainable with rising land prices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirneEQhIP3fZwcnJGxYlX5dnG2a0Q1FnvKGKMoQz_MnsKUgCb2H-_SRPqkTCvR6CE82UC61X-4BxLhTEH7sf8NWy0_EhqTsWG5N--QuV5TiHlGqCFoBa8uLp8KE7IsD5SOKF4tJF_xj6-WLfdVLFTDZ8nKuhHDBMucyb3FjDwyxXAIK6I-igPtxwO4=s385" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="385" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirneEQhIP3fZwcnJGxYlX5dnG2a0Q1FnvKGKMoQz_MnsKUgCb2H-_SRPqkTCvR6CE82UC61X-4BxLhTEH7sf8NWy0_EhqTsWG5N--QuV5TiHlGqCFoBa8uLp8KE7IsD5SOKF4tJF_xj6-WLfdVLFTDZ8nKuhHDBMucyb3FjDwyxXAIK6I-igPtxwO4=w400-h396" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kimberly Ratcliff hopes to preserve their legacy, helping families hold on to their ranches through land stewardship and business partnerships. She heads <a href="https://100ranchers.org" target="_blank">100 Ranchers</a>, a non-profit organization that unites local ranchers to share best practices.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">“We are all so independent here,” said Kimberly, whose family owns Caney Creek Ranch. “But by bringing the community together, you have more strength in numbers as well as a group of people who are working toward a common goal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to her job on Wall Street, Kimberly understood the market side of the business. She spent seven years at Bloomberg, a company that provides crucial market data on commodities such as cattle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">But when her family bought a ranch in Texas, she discovered a disconnect between the people who worked the cattle and those who traded them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">“Working on both ends literally drove me crazy,” she said. “I decided I wanted to work on the agriculture </span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">end and not the platform that people were trading our products on.”<span style="color: #2f5496;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">She swapped her high heels for cowboy boots and headed home to the ranch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">Her first stop was Texas Christian University to study Ranch Management. She then began <a href="https://www.txaglandtrust.org/kimberly-ratcliff-supporting-conservation-on-working-lands-through-the-farm-bill/" target="_blank">partnering on ranch improvement projects</a> with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, an organization dedicated to putting “conservation on the ground.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">Kimberly discovered that what’s good for water and wildlife is also good for cattle. For example, integrating native trees with pastures provides shade for cattle, creates wildlife habitat and helps protect the watershed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit;">She’s also participating in Texas Parks and Wildlife’s <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/permits/land/wildlife_management/mldp/" target="_blank">Managed Lands Deer Program</a> to foster and support sound management and stewardship of native wildlife and wildlife habitats on private lands in Texas. <br /><br />“We're so consumed with what we can immediately make money on that we can forget about all the other things that support us. But if you have healthy grasses, if you have wildlife on your ranch, that’s an indicator that your ecosystem is healthy as a whole.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Kimberly is sharing this message with her fellow ranchers. She’s also finding ways to break through barriers to doing business, securing grant money for projects to connect ranchers with their end customers. Local ranchers recently met with representatives from McDonalds, Pizza Hut and other corporations to discuss how they could forge pathways to profitability. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">“This is the opportunity to tell our story,” Kimberly said. “What drives me is building our legacy. I want to keep generations ranching.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYi1zaFZUHg4krjpzl2lnR8Z2NRj3hm05kME5lLhfcHO58Gldue7HGIo6AlqWn7oVzBFMIlsQuHahpJn_gC8Nz_JczxDcyM2Fi99tN8az_hlcbyVFtUjRgnmWnu1BqW_4CZqfac2C7OjIPvBZNYSqqqJEN0n8vVwY8wmrCLs9cPNXddlh3KZo6dUCb=s624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="624" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYi1zaFZUHg4krjpzl2lnR8Z2NRj3hm05kME5lLhfcHO58Gldue7HGIo6AlqWn7oVzBFMIlsQuHahpJn_gC8Nz_JczxDcyM2Fi99tN8az_hlcbyVFtUjRgnmWnu1BqW_4CZqfac2C7OjIPvBZNYSqqqJEN0n8vVwY8wmrCLs9cPNXddlh3KZo6dUCb=w400-h210" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: clear; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">If you want more content like this,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: clear;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: clear;">to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></span></span></p></div>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-24489846777879057642021-11-08T14:41:00.008-06:002021-11-19T15:35:38.218-06:00 Texas State Park Police Celebrate 50 Years of Service<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Love our December feature? Here are more stories from the officers in their own words.</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">When we asked Texas State Park Police Officers to share their personal stories with us earlier this year, we were surprised by the deluge of wonderful anecdotes they provided. There were too many to include in the feature we published in our December 2021 issue — <a href="https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2021/dec/ed_3_parkpolice/index.phtml" target="_blank">read it here</a> — so we’ve collected the rest here for your reading pleasure. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Special thanks to State Park Police Major Doug Huggins, who spent many hours persuading his fellow officers to tell their stories, despite their reluctance to brag about what they consider their quiet duty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXI9sS-C91Z2hpKLMav_kmulXMwqxyEVP_5uDE949xkFDGTl0ZGv5ngweTp05NAfaf5H4SqNKsbHjiE6T2PUkpbOsALue6XQQmIHH_34S5quw-WXD7hnlc0OJpOqWDwU-Afp_CYew3rMWuw3BZ7taLq9QYG8MSjAPmWGx54yz8QPuwy2JfRTnQLB_V=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXI9sS-C91Z2hpKLMav_kmulXMwqxyEVP_5uDE949xkFDGTl0ZGv5ngweTp05NAfaf5H4SqNKsbHjiE6T2PUkpbOsALue6XQQmIHH_34S5quw-WXD7hnlc0OJpOqWDwU-Afp_CYew3rMWuw3BZ7taLq9QYG8MSjAPmWGx54yz8QPuwy2JfRTnQLB_V=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Heritage, History and Family</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>State Park Police Chief Wes Masur</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I’m super proud of my Texas Parks and Wildlife and State Park Police heritage. The clock started for me when I was born in 1971, the same year the State Park Police was created. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Also in 1971, my father (Mike Masur) started his career as a park ranger at Lockhart State Park while my mother became a teacher for Lockhart ISD. My father performed maintenance and administrative duties for a couple of years until he was selected to attend a police certification academy in San Marcos as part of Southwest Texas University. He was commissioned in the second group of State Park Police Officers in 1973, starting my 48-year connection to a special group of law enforcement officers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Along with his new law enforcement role, my father also became the park superintendent, with a residence in the park. What an opportunity for our family! Two years old, I was a happy kid. Lockhart State Park had a lot to offer, like hiking, fishing, swimming, a golf course and a rodeo arena. I took advantage of those opportunities every single day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">One of the most exciting things for me was that I got to know several of my Dad’s law enforcement friends, officers from multiple agencies. They ranged from Game Wardens, DPS Troopers, Sherriff’s Department, TABC agents, PD Officers, Texas Rangers, DEA agents and other State Park Police Officers. It was a good group to look up to; their lasting impressions on me convinced me to pursue a Criminal Justice degree at Southwest Texas State University.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Although I had decided early in life I wanted to be in law enforcement, I wasn’t enjoying the criminal justice classes in college and was considering switching to agriculture as a major. During my junior year, I had a conversation with my dad and a group of our law enforcement friends. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Law enforcement is looking for cops, not cowboys,” they told me. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Something about that conversation had a great impact on me and I went on to earn my criminal justice degree in 1994. Within one month of graduation, I had my fist full-time job as a jailer for Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department. Caldwell County also sponsored me to attend the Alamo Area Council of Government, Basic Peace Officer Training Academy in San Antonio and New Braunfels. The training was intense and a rough several months, but all in all I learned a great deal before graduating. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Immediately after graduation I was sworn in as a deputy for Caldwell County. From 1995–96, I served as a Southwest Texas State University Police Officer, Field Training Officer and Drug and Alcohol Intervention Officer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In 1996, I began my career with TPWD at the Austin HQ and state parks like McKinney Falls, Bastrop, Lockhart, Garner and Lake Somerville.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Over my 25-year career with the department, I have served as State Park Police Officer, Headquarters Police Supervisor, Regional Law Enforcement Coordinator, State Law Enforcement Coordinator, State Park Police Program Director and now Chief of State Park Police.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">My humble beginnings and my special connection to Texas State Parks have shaped me into what I am today. Turning 50 in 2021 and sharing this milestone birthday alongside the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Texas State Park Police — especially while experiencing a unique law enforcement connection for 48 of those 50 years — I can’t help but think my career path was meant to be. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Along with all my partners that are currently serving the agency, or have retired and moved on, I’m exceptionally proud of the State Park Police history and the bright future. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEGKV1scmoMxYu22-WtboG3cL45UMCm6Mp0bxG9lMkI2ogp45V1SEf7AsqFpxeOEnpHddyXG8anoQRZY6-Z25wumzr57Iz1gslOOnoWWPS9mut7CKx8cSTBT6Irmpya7osPJ0RTpm1bHShQ1gQOEomozBXkuuJAGMukfJe2jjC-bf2JYIXdHreEKNt=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEGKV1scmoMxYu22-WtboG3cL45UMCm6Mp0bxG9lMkI2ogp45V1SEf7AsqFpxeOEnpHddyXG8anoQRZY6-Z25wumzr57Iz1gslOOnoWWPS9mut7CKx8cSTBT6Irmpya7osPJ0RTpm1bHShQ1gQOEomozBXkuuJAGMukfJe2jjC-bf2JYIXdHreEKNt=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>No Solo Heroes</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Officer Scott Green – Lake Livingston State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">While I was patrolling Lake Livingston State Park one evening, dispatch put out a call about a man with a rope around his neck standing on the Goodrich Bridge over Highway 59. I arrived on scene within minutes; a state trooper and a sheriff’s sergeant arrived just before me. We found the man hanging from bridge with a tow strap still attached to his truck bumper. I drove the truck to other side of bridge, raising the victim while the other officers helped get him back up. The victim looked deceased; the ambulance was still 5-6 minutes away. I thought I felt a faint pulse, but the man was not breathing. I started chest compressions while another officer administered resuscitation breaths until EMS arrived. We felt a strong pulse by the time we turned him over to EMS and, before the ambulance left the scene, he was breathing on his own. Last I heard he survived; his neck was not broken. It was a full team effort with three different agencies and EMS. — no solo heroes that day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo5EluSP7MWfFLXnp7xveFgDR6rXIkjXID015HwuLouvLnBZS-NQFqXbaGgewl9saKRx9x37_u4YFVkc8JnDf9adfuo0YbnLFkwL1oPE7tu6-dUyFL0v1syS-c-4X3r9LQiB1NWe5ztuFX0Ioonq69ilE9a8iZFTXjHUl6FIlgNo9U5sUsrjSL0uk5=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo5EluSP7MWfFLXnp7xveFgDR6rXIkjXID015HwuLouvLnBZS-NQFqXbaGgewl9saKRx9x37_u4YFVkc8JnDf9adfuo0YbnLFkwL1oPE7tu6-dUyFL0v1syS-c-4X3r9LQiB1NWe5ztuFX0Ioonq69ilE9a8iZFTXjHUl6FIlgNo9U5sUsrjSL0uk5=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Extra Training Saves Lives</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Sergeant David Dotter — Big Bend Ranch State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I was on patrol one very windy West Texas day near the entrance of Big Bend Ranch State Park when an emergency call came out over the radio about a motorcycle crash involving two passengers on Highway 170 near Fort Leaton, outside Presidio. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Only one ambulance was available in the area due to multiple other motorcycle crashes; medical aircraft were grounded due to the windy weather conditions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I had to answer the call. Luckily, in addition to being a police officer, I’m a paramedic. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">A very strong gust of wind caused a man to lose control of his motorcycle. Both he and his wife suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. The wife was immediately transported by the one ambulance to Alpine; the driver was still at the scene of the crash and in critical condition. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I began providing life-saving services to the husband. The US Border Patrol was on the scene with a back-country rescue vehicle but had no trained medical crew. They drove the husband to Marfa to meet an ambulance for transport to the Alpine hospital. He survived.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">State Park Police officers have to be well rounded. Some across the state are EMTs and even wildland firefighters. In a remote area like the Big Bend country, that well rounded training saves lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1V1ROo1Zq-H_Vud71IE3_ePaGj1d3dGD-JUrwamUG3anjElvGL4Ek4S8IR2tCVfEeBESUShUoABKvkjDFPu0Nb3RannIUxJWNP8vmwbr_U7BRmAhb2sKCYRZ1VBvMpqEEpTtGOyQhJtxaGAsGVLoJ0rPnuRSkJfqhTrYAu9SKg8Wow8aFsvuOYw9U=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1V1ROo1Zq-H_Vud71IE3_ePaGj1d3dGD-JUrwamUG3anjElvGL4Ek4S8IR2tCVfEeBESUShUoABKvkjDFPu0Nb3RannIUxJWNP8vmwbr_U7BRmAhb2sKCYRZ1VBvMpqEEpTtGOyQhJtxaGAsGVLoJ0rPnuRSkJfqhTrYAu9SKg8Wow8aFsvuOYw9U=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Ring Around the HQ</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Officer Carlos Rivas — Bentsen-RGV State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">During my time working at Falcon State Park a few years ago, a park volunteer called to report a white truck operated by a young woman who was driving dangerously and crashing into bollards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I saw the vehicle driving past the park headquarters. The driver turned around and began circling the headquarters while I circled as well, with emergency lights activated. We circled the building multiple times. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The woman eventually stopped, and I asked her why she kept circling the headquarters. She said she was drunk and knew I was trying to stop her. She claimed she was trying to catch up to me to help me stop her. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The situation reminded me of how a dog chases its tail. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU4sqzOu9KuZ2HMUtxYPc33c-cSjOWvbN2ujw5h4wfWpNk7vMlploO25NABRsO91TFhJjTkYd6_kVSk2v82dbnW9CV7pINtc4c_oQsUL_ckfwKli6CO9cFbSpIBzYNXHpAoNV-evtGc-2xUn_K9U55Oxdjlgl4Z5B1q5GoG5C-Eax-uRjLjCMg7yG0=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU4sqzOu9KuZ2HMUtxYPc33c-cSjOWvbN2ujw5h4wfWpNk7vMlploO25NABRsO91TFhJjTkYd6_kVSk2v82dbnW9CV7pINtc4c_oQsUL_ckfwKli6CO9cFbSpIBzYNXHpAoNV-evtGc-2xUn_K9U55Oxdjlgl4Z5B1q5GoG5C-Eax-uRjLjCMg7yG0=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Honey, It’s Not What You Think</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Officer David Weeks — Lake Livingston State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">As a newly commissioned officer, at Martin Dies Jr. State Park my wife was concerned when I received my first 3 am park emergency callout. The report was about an intoxicated person trying to enter visitors’ RVs. The suspect was quickly located and placed into custody with no problems. She was a young woman in her nightgown, very intoxicated, lost and scared of the armadillos moving through the leaves. She was trying to find the showers to get ready for her job interview the next morning as an exotic dancer. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Since the situation was under control, I thought I would call my wife and let her know that everything was okay… or so I thought. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Never call your wife at 4 in the morning to tell her that you have an intoxicated exotic dancer handcuffed in your truck and you’ll be home late. Lesson learned. Better to let her worry!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLuu1jT1HOcIPwWehEUJeIQROQq13rpxRBGkGRNZI6Ir2GT0Kq9o1zyKKgY2oF_ViAAOSOUmEzc5AZ10HmMeoyIUB6L_pRf1cjXvpTWbYsfCbxmkSRa_K8KXjeDb3ZZSiJU9EzktSdTbSgFHKr4YQMpMzpDpPGntNV-8Vry-70W1C74EvPsvkP67_4=s1973" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1973" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLuu1jT1HOcIPwWehEUJeIQROQq13rpxRBGkGRNZI6Ir2GT0Kq9o1zyKKgY2oF_ViAAOSOUmEzc5AZ10HmMeoyIUB6L_pRf1cjXvpTWbYsfCbxmkSRa_K8KXjeDb3ZZSiJU9EzktSdTbSgFHKr4YQMpMzpDpPGntNV-8Vry-70W1C74EvPsvkP67_4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The Early Days of State Park Police</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Dennis DeWitt — Retired Law Enforcement Commander</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">At the same time as my initial on-campus interviews at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M Kingsville) in 1968, the State Parks Board was merging into a new agency, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Park keepers basically operated and maintained each state park, generating all salaries, operation, maintenance and utility costs from locally collected fees and charges with little or no state-contributed funding. Many park keepers were also licensed peace officers, since they were totally responsible for all aspects of their local operation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">An effort had begun in 1968 to recruit college graduates to begin the rebuilding and upgrading process in state park management. The first order of my employment in 1969 was to muster at Bastrop State Park for a month of extensive training for all new prospective park managers. Instructors, consisting of then current park (keepers) managers, auditors and specialists in various fields lectured all of us (approximately 40 prospective park managers). Two notable instructors/advisers were park keeper/manager at Mother Neff SP Chesley Autin (former DPS officer) and Alvis (Jake) Hoskins, park keeper/manager at Lake Corpus Christi SP and former Mathis police officer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">On weekends each student was assigned to work and stay at a state park mowing, picking up trash, repairing roads, cleaning restrooms, interacting with campers and collecting fees so we would have a genuine idea as to operations and maintenance when final assignment was made at the end of the month’s training. My Bastrop cabinmate was Bruce Hill who, after several years as a park manager, transferred to the law enforcement division as a state game warden. He was tragically killed in an on-duty nighttime boating accident many years later.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">My duty assignment was assistant manager at Palo Duro Canyon SP but was moved on request to Lake Corpus Christi by an obliging agency. This gracious accommodation forged a lifelong bond between me, my spouse and TPWD. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In July 1969 I was called to active military training; upon completion, I became assistant manager at Martin Dies Jr. SP under park manager Joe Smith. Superintendent Smith delegated most responsibilities and authority to the assistant manager, including enforcement of rules and regulations. Kozum Mott, lead ranger, was involved in park enforcement activities although there was no official authority.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“When you wear your hat, you have on your authority,” Kozum told me. We relied upon the local game warden or local deputies for assistance with serious infractions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">At Martin Dies Jr., I confronted a youngster riding his minibike through other camper’s campsites, admonished him and directed him to return to his family’s campsite. After leaving the infraction area, I realized the youngster’s dad had followed me in his pickup truck to my state-supplied residence. He appeared to have consumed a large amount of alcohol and approached me in a threating manner with arms flailing. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">My wife of less than a year was rapidly walking down the sidewalk behind me from our residence, raising a large cast iron skillet in her right hand. She shouted at the irate camper, causing him to have a startled look on his face, and he immediately ceased his rant, jumped into his vehicle and returned to his campsite. I realized I had married a “keeper” and we’ve been married 53 years now. I was 22 years old that day, and Gwen was 19. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">With no authority, we “pushed the envelope” when confronting violators for speeding, campsite infractions, etc., by keeping a gasoline issue ticket book (approximately 1 inch thick, 4 inches wide and 6 inches in length” on our pickup dashboards in plain view. When we exited the vehicle, we would make a display of retrieving the gasoline issue book and carrying it much as you would a violation ticket book when we confronted the violator. It was effective. Remember, the types of violators at that time were much different than those encountered many times today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Austin headquarters, recognizing State Parks needed their own enforcement authority, began a program for selecting and training state park enforcement personnel. The process was extremely selective as the enforcement genesis and idea was so tentative that the slightest slip up or officer infraction could result in loss of job of all involved, including the Austin supervisors. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">If you were one of the selected individuals, it was made clear it was voluntary and no extra pay or compensation would be issued. We believed strongly this was something we needed to do as part of our job and accepted all caveats and requirements as our duty in public service. A small number of selected individuals were quietly sent to local law enforcement academies for initial training, which at that time required 160 hours to obtain a peace officer license. I attended Lamar University in Beaumont for a month of training, driving back and forth daily; a sidearm was borrowed and utilized for firearms training as no equipment was supplied by TPWD. At the culmination of training, we were not commissioned by TPWD, and still had no official enforcement authority. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">As time progressed the training requirements were scheduled to increase. Before January 1, 1972, TPWD was forced to either commission each officer or wait then send for more training later as the training requirements were increasing in 1972. In December 1971, the decision was made to commission the select few trained officers. Bob Hauser arrived at Martin Dies Jr State Park, where several of the future State Park Police offers were summoned. Bob stood on the tailgate of a state pickup and swore us in as Park Peace Officers. I was issued blue badge 818; Chesley Autin was 800, Jake Hoskins was 801.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfl9316AFuLeIrj1WfLcQENa5O6K3tqxYpL83ra6Cp39wgLeGYfnNE7fB-c1tJ7XCsXKUEPjMfCuliGU2PsPQerIcqVx_9hDiKAiImhC0fZ9cVQ-Hgh4puLHyijTyg8UiebdPtYqY7tyexG_WZB1j_gA669WpLzYzoDxenHuR9Hwk_nUgh8iKrh9vu=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfl9316AFuLeIrj1WfLcQENa5O6K3tqxYpL83ra6Cp39wgLeGYfnNE7fB-c1tJ7XCsXKUEPjMfCuliGU2PsPQerIcqVx_9hDiKAiImhC0fZ9cVQ-Hgh4puLHyijTyg8UiebdPtYqY7tyexG_WZB1j_gA669WpLzYzoDxenHuR9Hwk_nUgh8iKrh9vu=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">TPWD told each of us to not create any type of issue or situation calling attention to being a commissioned State Park Peace Officer and to use extreme discretion in all enforcement activities. The term voluntary compliance was permanently ingrained in each of us. Voluntary compliance was stressed in every training session for years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">No equipment, except for a .357-caliber side arm pistol belt and a pair of handcuffs, was supplied nor available from the State Parks Division. We were truly fortunate to work with our game wardens and local sheriff’s departments for radios and other enforcement equipment; many times, they would repurpose an old vehicle for us to use. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I promoted to Fairfield Lake SP as manager. At Fairfield I was issued a brand-new grey Chevrolet Vega station wagon with a large magnetic rotating red light, complete with ten-inch-tall egg-shaped red lens and a cigarette lighter plug-in cord, to affix on my vehicle as needed for law enforcement. When the light was activated and turning, the tiny station wagon swayed in unison with the rotation. At night, in enforcement activities, the Vega was placed far enough from violators so its size and personality would not be apparent and ensured the sheriff’s supplied radio was loud. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The size of the vehicle, coupled with my size (in winter with a puffy brown goosedown nylon coat), pistol belt and hat, I resembled a large brown bear driving a tiny car. At six foot three, my left hand had to be placed on the pavement when exiting due to the proximity of the door frame to the ground. While daytime violators laughed and easily outdistanced the mighty Vega, they found they could not outrun the radio.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">As we were still in the early days of the State Park law enforcement journey, and park law enforcement was still tentative, we were required to remove all enforcement identifiers prior to arriving at the Austin Headquarters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg642Re1ciL0x0J9kcRvwVp_zm5gvV5uZIITpvVB4WWkQ_en6pUTJf5eR-HTx5ckjlDL3XW9jbkYfxtUje2Is-PD-um9Kzs_Pgw17-2T1IZRW75Ti7Z8kbOkAvEfz05B1wpql_nCremh7mUjRZ4_3ZFOzX9SG8zrqGNfyrAW5m0pUD7PJaoqbK4_Ue9=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg642Re1ciL0x0J9kcRvwVp_zm5gvV5uZIITpvVB4WWkQ_en6pUTJf5eR-HTx5ckjlDL3XW9jbkYfxtUje2Is-PD-um9Kzs_Pgw17-2T1IZRW75Ti7Z8kbOkAvEfz05B1wpql_nCremh7mUjRZ4_3ZFOzX9SG8zrqGNfyrAW5m0pUD7PJaoqbK4_Ue9=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Shadowing the Governor </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Captain Robert Enckhausen — Palo Duro Canyon State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In late spring of 2014, then-Governor Rick Perry and several Texas landowners gathered in Palo Duro Canyon State Park for an Old West trail ride and cowboy campout. The Texas State Park Police were deployed to provide planning, incident command, law enforcement protection and medical response. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Working with the Governor’s protective detail, we developed response plans for a wide variety of incidents. Teams provided security overwatch in the backcountry and medical response. Due to the remote nature of the trail ride, security and medical teams were deployed on foot and on UTV. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">One team was deployed on foot to the deep backcountry to follow the trail ride and remain out of sight. This team was tasked with providing emergency response and medical care. Over the hours, the team remained vigilant and prepared. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">On the return ride, the point rider missed the correct trail. State Park Police noticed the error and presented themselves to the trail ride, offering our assistance with a minor course correction. During this quick meeting, the Governor’s party was surprised to find a team had been following them on foot for many hours. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">It's a common response from Texas State Park visitors to say they can’t believe the resources a committed team can provide in a remote location. State Park Police across Texas are patrolling parks, waterways, trails, backcountry, conducting criminal investigations and assisting local communities every day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Governor Perry's trail ride was a safe and successful event for all, just like most visits to Texas State Parks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibtl5Dl4ZlL1Ic5qpH2o_KOAmdeHbKmt2nSi1OnIGtKkSgJzc6ybqA0iBUIHL4aeYfwESJ9GxGkIRxNjOtP3MyyfqvMiUAohKoPoRLqjh9eP5DVcuPiRmyZh4JKht9Wyk30h9dgIXFOlPqpBjVGGA2R2CNUGieeHwDAYE-UNKIuVQdZ3_I0Khc2s2Z=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibtl5Dl4ZlL1Ic5qpH2o_KOAmdeHbKmt2nSi1OnIGtKkSgJzc6ybqA0iBUIHL4aeYfwESJ9GxGkIRxNjOtP3MyyfqvMiUAohKoPoRLqjh9eP5DVcuPiRmyZh4JKht9Wyk30h9dgIXFOlPqpBjVGGA2R2CNUGieeHwDAYE-UNKIuVQdZ3_I0Khc2s2Z=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Prepared for Anything</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Officer Tara Bayliss — <span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e;">Guadalupe River State Park/Honey Creek SNA</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Born and raised in Austin, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Wildlife Expo yearly from a young age. Those Expo experiences — in addition to camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology — helped fuel a lifetime goal of working for TPWD. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In 2005, I obtained my first college internship with TPWD working at LBJ State Park and Historic Site as an interpreter at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. I was able to transport older generations back to a (labor intensive but) much simpler way of life, in addition to educating younger generations about our past and helping to foster an appreciation of what we have today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In 2008 I interned at J.D. Murphree WMA, banding mottled ducks and assisting biologists with alligator surveys. I gained an expansive appreciation of all the hard work of years of research and data collection for many native and non-native plant and animal species which thrive in wetland habitats and how to better manage them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">In 2010 I obtained a seasonal position at Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery with the Inland Fisheries Division. Working here I assisted in caring for and rearing striped and hybrid striped bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish that were eventually deposited in various bodies of water throughout Texas for recreational fishing for anglers to enjoy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Today, as a State Park Police Officer, I see how each one of my past working experiences helped prepare me. From executing interpretive and outreach programs to Boy and Girl Scouts (LBJ), to Feral Hog Management, Turkey Banding, and Public Hunts/Field Dressing Deer and Hogs within State Parks (JD Murphree WMA), to issuing citations for illegal means and methods or for taking undersized fish in the park (PK Fish Hatchery), TPWD has given me the skills to succeed as a Texas State Park Police Officer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">State Park Police Officers have evolved tremendously from 1971 to now. While the job as a whole is a lot of fun, we do deal with some exigent and adrenaline-inducing circumstances. Working vehicle fatalities, drownings, domestic violence calls, suicides, drug-related calls and search-and-rescues can be daunting. But when those efforts end with a positive and lifesaving outcome, that makes the job worthwhile. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Moreover, SPPOs get the opportunity to work alongside our fellow Texas Game Wardens. Not only do we collectively patrol our parks, rivers, lakes, oceans and counties together, but we also occasionally work border operations, commission meetings, youth hunts and kid fishes together, and back each other up on calls as needed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I’ve worked at various parks across the state, including the busiest state park. Each of these parks presents extremely stressful challenges based on demographics and topography. However, all have provided me with a distinctive skill set useful for a SPPO, along with lasting lifetime relationships and favorable memories. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">At the end of the workday, whether it be a good day or a bad day, I think I can speak for all Texas State Park Police Officers when I say the one thing that we all enjoy the most is our “office.” From the Panhandle to the coast, from the desert to the Hill Country and the Piney Woods, Texas State Parks are representative of the vast diversity Mother Nature has to offer. Park Police Officers will serve and protect now and for generations to come. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85qszRA5-jMR2qeRVp58ElBLsvBGBznUe1RPAxj0WbGc4QBa7RIsg1gknQI95CycFiGaD9Z7tXaVflP8jjtf9r3zTKy-gIL613eMC9YAQin335aRf64TdUMsuKryij5P6TRAnJDeWWuLYEdUPcgU6OTl21-VsiY_u4DJnR2jKgDTEMNcgwd0_NteM=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="2048" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85qszRA5-jMR2qeRVp58ElBLsvBGBznUe1RPAxj0WbGc4QBa7RIsg1gknQI95CycFiGaD9Z7tXaVflP8jjtf9r3zTKy-gIL613eMC9YAQin335aRf64TdUMsuKryij5P6TRAnJDeWWuLYEdUPcgU6OTl21-VsiY_u4DJnR2jKgDTEMNcgwd0_NteM=w400-h258" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Those Aren’t Guns</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i>Major Roger Dolle — Bastrop State Park</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Late one warm summer night, while on patrol at Bastrop State Park, Officer Sartor notified me that a group of individuals with AR-15 rifles were milling around off Park Road 1A near the scenic overlook. I radioed the third officer on duty, Officer Evans, and we all began to proceed to the area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Officer Evans was first on scene and advised of multiple individuals on the roadway and on the roadside equipment. The chaotic scene was quite confusing; the suspects had strange objects with them and stationary white lights on tripods. Given the low light conditions, reports of weapons and a large group of suspects, we responded with our patrol rifles and began to take control of the scene.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">As we gathered all the suspects into the light and began to assess the scene, we heard an ATV coming out of the darkness toward our location on the roadway. Not knowing exactly what we had yet, we all were on high alert and adrenaline was pumping. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">It was only then we noticed that the individuals who climbed off the roadside equipment were nude females. The “strange objects” held by our “suspects” turned out to be cameras and tripods. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The ATV rider was our own regional Natural Resource Specialist Creacy, who just happened to be returning from a survey of the fire ravaged forest in the park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The look on everybody’s face was priceless as this scene unfolded. We had interrupted an unauthorized nude photo shoot in the dark of night. No weapons were found. Given the chain of events and our relief of the less-than-harmful encounter, we opted for verbal warnings. We all let out a great sigh of relief and then a half-hearted laugh. The individuals were advised to gather their equipment and get dressed; then we escorted them out of the park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">We returned to patrol and Creacy had a story for his grandchildren.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>The Most Rewarding Career</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #201f1e;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">New graduate Taylor Marburger — Garner State Park</span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">When you think of a Texas State Park, what comes to mind? For me, I instantly think of families playing with their kids, beautiful views all across the state and countless people making memories to last a lifetime. Those are the things that drive me to protect our state park resources and the many great visitors that fill our parks daily. Helping families enjoy everything that Texas has to offer will make for the absolute most rewarding career. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrZL_9_RrIQPHN1_573zqNGIsxC1HtDUpFzndMNfxqvT63bB5TpVEP27gF4VdPrM5rEJwq0ZiGLe1sl_9oJTPyXZOlgJ-stQ4rUq8WO2jDcjYHbCtbivihxEXDnzFe57L2NAczs8G5BOwjJRXxyNQqxxt3xIBlYACIi7kHwPmIK6AJCX1IjiVEpzS=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrZL_9_RrIQPHN1_573zqNGIsxC1HtDUpFzndMNfxqvT63bB5TpVEP27gF4VdPrM5rEJwq0ZiGLe1sl_9oJTPyXZOlgJ-stQ4rUq8WO2jDcjYHbCtbivihxEXDnzFe57L2NAczs8G5BOwjJRXxyNQqxxt3xIBlYACIi7kHwPmIK6AJCX1IjiVEpzS=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><b>A Walk in the Park</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #201f1e;">New graduate </span>Jacob Estes — Lake Brownwood SP</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Since I was young, I had a deep respect for the outdoors and its importance to the community. There is no better way to bond with friends and family than to spend a day enjoying all the nature in Texas. When I got to college, I learned about a career as a State Park Police Officer. Every day on the job is quite literally a walk in the park. The ability to establish relationships with my community and protect the natural resources of Texas is what motivated me to become a cadet, and it is what keeps me excited to come to work every day. I will strive to make an impact on the lives of visitors to Texas State Parks for years to come.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p>Find out more about how to become a Texas State Parks Police officer <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/jobs/ppo/ppo-requirements/" target="_blank">here</a>. </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p>If you want more content like this, <a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-48846599955992368412021-11-05T09:58:00.003-05:002021-11-05T09:59:56.718-05:00Texas State Railroad transforms into Polar Express during magical November-December service<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">By John H. Ostdick</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw_38d01589Xh6cJVBKmcT08ryrk8eQthgzfxLH23K32T3tIPOuHsB2MCph6zCIF8eb_z_mTng9piI_l_HfvVX59tASFN-wf2FDdaFO9fI_lHw0RtUQJASlzOqVMtu9GRJX5vpOV-PmEn15BqTakt05TcMuVnZrNGiWxj91a67tspppmPIyN_valS8=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw_38d01589Xh6cJVBKmcT08ryrk8eQthgzfxLH23K32T3tIPOuHsB2MCph6zCIF8eb_z_mTng9piI_l_HfvVX59tASFN-wf2FDdaFO9fI_lHw0RtUQJASlzOqVMtu9GRJX5vpOV-PmEn15BqTakt05TcMuVnZrNGiWxj91a67tspppmPIyN_valS8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Take a sneak peek at a May 2022 Travel feature on Rusk.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Rusk's famous railroad transforms magically for the holidays.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tickets go fast!</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">During a mid-October regular run of the Texas State Railroad between Palestine and Rusk in East Texas, the train passes by a mid-construction North Pole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Train attendant Payton Harris uses the prompt to talk enthusiastically about the STR staff’s preparation for its 1920s vintage steam train’s annual <i>The Polar Express</i> schedule (Nov. 19 through Dec. 28 except for Christmas Day). The service is based on the children’s book Chris Van Allsburg wrote and illustrated (Houghton Mifflin, 1985), and the subsequent Warner Bros. animated movie featuring Tom Hanks providing the voice for the train’s conductor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">And, no, since its 2007 inception Mr. Hanks has yet to join the STR <i>Polar Express </i>ride. “We hold out hope that he will show up one year,” Harris says, smiling broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“We are all learning our version of the hot chocolate dance, only we don’t dance on the tables or throw cups around [as <i>The Polar Express</i> animated actors do in the movie].”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWiYLpa0YD35XqqFm5Rgm-cS0OgE6rHmr2M1EVgagY_ycfUWovJA6QQisD_NomSqCkSeBagVurtuCVkOLC8rdkjmENrVDjnkfc93vU1d7BuFwtK0RslSgbXpDcypnV-P6njlOo8V0iwNW1gECgWo25nangD5UFYMYMZnvjIUrEJC5ZzB4evz7XiKuZ=s1286" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="881" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWiYLpa0YD35XqqFm5Rgm-cS0OgE6rHmr2M1EVgagY_ycfUWovJA6QQisD_NomSqCkSeBagVurtuCVkOLC8rdkjmENrVDjnkfc93vU1d7BuFwtK0RslSgbXpDcypnV-P6njlOo8V0iwNW1gECgWo25nangD5UFYMYMZnvjIUrEJC5ZzB4evz7XiKuZ=w274-h400" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The ride’s 13 cars, each decked out in Christmas finery and lights, are staffed by waiters and hot chocolate chefs. Passengers are urged to come decked out as well, in warm pajamas. (Matching family PJs make for fun Christmas pictures on the train.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">During the one-hour roundtrip ride from the richly decorated Palestine station to the North Pole, the staff provides the hot cocoa, cookies, holiday songs, and a group reading of <i>The Polar Express</i>. At the North Pole, some magically conjured snow falls as elves and reindeers gather by a large Christmas tree and wave at the passengers. A jovial old fellow in a red suit then boards the train, offering merriment and a jingle bell to each child onboard during the trip back to Palestine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">If you are in the area during the next two months, don’t be surprised if you encounter families dressed in pajamas dining at local restaurants before or after their train ride, Harris says. It’s just part of the season cheer out here. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWj8yTiiwDxorIrt47KWr2Yz15ZgdToCgtPmvoo8j9YFuYcQe7x5WviLAG0-o57kKqMHKc_P1LH34HFt9bSx2Fi-gVeCbDs50qNzIkduhTeNAQ6SaYrVET_U5t8BWzdwN-xXygfylIrzHHtlr6ECXgZd2VgIwM_lj-HI4wiZtcb-mv5zWxnb_WOBqx=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWj8yTiiwDxorIrt47KWr2Yz15ZgdToCgtPmvoo8j9YFuYcQe7x5WviLAG0-o57kKqMHKc_P1LH34HFt9bSx2Fi-gVeCbDs50qNzIkduhTeNAQ6SaYrVET_U5t8BWzdwN-xXygfylIrzHHtlr6ECXgZd2VgIwM_lj-HI4wiZtcb-mv5zWxnb_WOBqx=w400-h366" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">(The various-class ticket options are in great demand and sell out quickly. For those without a copy, passengers can purchase the book as a Christmas present the same time as tickets. The train departs at various times daily from the Palestine Railroad Depot inside Rusk Palestine State Park, located at 789 Park Road 70. <a href="https://texasstaterailroad.net/home/events/polar-express/ " target="_blank">Click here</a> for tickets.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The Texas State Railroad is a historic 25-mile heritage railroad between Rusk and Palestine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Look for additional coverage of Rusk and Cherokee County in the May 2022 issue of <a href="http://www.tpwmagazine.com" target="_blank"><i>Texas Parks & Wildlife</i> magazine</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-18810223360364135032021-10-22T16:01:00.001-05:002021-10-22T16:01:07.867-05:00Texas Flounder Fishing Takes Six-Week Pause to Help Conserve Numbers<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Texas flounder fishing will be closed Nov. 1 – Dec. 14.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">More flounder can now spawn and offset long-term decline. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Public input helped guide the multi-year process.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">To keep more fish in the water to spawn during their annual migration to the Gulf, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will close recreational and commercial flounder fishing from Nov. 1 through Dec. 14. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0QADK5DDA-ZNbB31buJRwg4qA-2Hw42JoLBD26v5PsOhgq3o_xpG-S1FG4hM4ui2-BSXy935mxtFv-mnhCLzgQOURBYmll-6Bx61Cl_VLYAA3AF79tPbyY9zUAqlvRhJVe9PHqz19FZw54PJObk6KzKw5vNJmlHckdk1yfxgV--H2EJP4kz0CugKg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0QADK5DDA-ZNbB31buJRwg4qA-2Hw42JoLBD26v5PsOhgq3o_xpG-S1FG4hM4ui2-BSXy935mxtFv-mnhCLzgQOURBYmll-6Bx61Cl_VLYAA3AF79tPbyY9zUAqlvRhJVe9PHqz19FZw54PJObk6KzKw5vNJmlHckdk1yfxgV--H2EJP4kz0CugKg=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Public meetings in 2019 began the process to change flounder regulations after data indicated long-term declining populations. This is the first year for the closure after a 2020 approval by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Declines in flounder populations are driven by poor recruitment as winters continue to warm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">“We cannot regulate any factor other than harvest,” says Robin Riechers, TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division Director. “By allowing more fish to spawn, we preserve as much recruitment potential as possible and help maintain a sustainable fishery into the future.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">The flounder fishery re-opens Dec. 15; anglers may resume fishing for flounder with all approved gear types. The bag limit is 5 fish per day per angler with a 15-inch minimum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFlxbfvF9piLtfvPLblAu_caWsEvqleMrel-uJczh7NX8mCb5GZ3nEfbd2HAyi3JkXcSz3pOeHsFa6vEkVBcskwOWm4QSOvo8cBDB2uVvHx9JkOytLOOlqsuqjd0qJAwbMnL3hMypl92R7kvm2u2tAXx848FUP6MPyoN0paGZNbePW8bBBnbzrAb8d=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFlxbfvF9piLtfvPLblAu_caWsEvqleMrel-uJczh7NX8mCb5GZ3nEfbd2HAyi3JkXcSz3pOeHsFa6vEkVBcskwOWm4QSOvo8cBDB2uVvHx9JkOytLOOlqsuqjd0qJAwbMnL3hMypl92R7kvm2u2tAXx848FUP6MPyoN0paGZNbePW8bBBnbzrAb8d=w266-h400" width="266" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><b>2021 Southern Flounder FAQs<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>What is the status of the flounder population along the Texas coast?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">TPWD resource monitoring data shows a long-term population decline for flounder. Although TPWD implemented substantial changes to flounder regulations in 2009 and 2014 to help populations recover and saw small short-term improvements, overall flounder population numbers continue to be lower than they were historically. We see similar patterns in both recreational and commercial landings, with a long-term decline over time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Why aren’t flounder populations increasing?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Juvenile recruitment of flounder into bays and estuaries is dependent on escapement by females and spawning in the Gulf of Mexico. Cold winters result in higher juvenile recruitment. With warmer winters over the last decades, we have seen lower overall recruitment. Additionally, it appears that larval survival is also dependent on temperature. At the same time, we are seeing increases in fishing pressure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>What conditions are required for survival of flounder larvae?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Research done at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute reported 18° C (64.4° F) as the optimal temperature for survival of larval flounder. Flounder larvae require a very narrow range of 16° C - 20° C (60.8° F – 68.0° F) for the first 3 weeks after hatching for optimal survival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>I’m seen great flounder fishing recently. Why do we need to change the regulations?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">TPWD bag seine data showed good recruitment in early 2015 and a small increase in 2018. We also saw a 12.5% reduction in fishing pressure in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. The combination of the stronger year classes and the reduction in fishing pressure has created a small increase in flounder populations this year. Since flounder recruitment is dependent on cooler winter temperatures, good future recruitment is not guaranteed. TPWD is obligated to prevent depletion and to maintain sustainable flounder populations. While TPWD recognizes and agrees that environmental factors substantially impact flounder populations, we cannot regulate any factor other than harvest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Are flounder overfished? If not, why change the regulations?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Flounder are one of the top four most-sought-after species by anglers in Texas inshore waters. TPWD resource monitoring data has shown a long-term downward trend in the overall population, which is concerning. A reduction in landings would increase the number of older and larger fish in the population, and any reduction may also increase the number of females that escape to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi64W2Np8aRYjD77cZ40pZGzRWSKaT9hG9TRaDlHQgaEudBGxVegygLzofXiCqdbmZT7YPdW2BOzx4zmMKX7rO5Y-WOXzZ4KLJDWbvqMeL6qA3BX_9pj_ev4-aRm2RdMxv3F-OD_zIjNBFjBTyeRleCjR1dOkSmU9I_6djJsm-dBnMb3aTflBaCpCcq=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2048" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi64W2Np8aRYjD77cZ40pZGzRWSKaT9hG9TRaDlHQgaEudBGxVegygLzofXiCqdbmZT7YPdW2BOzx4zmMKX7rO5Y-WOXzZ4KLJDWbvqMeL6qA3BX_9pj_ev4-aRm2RdMxv3F-OD_zIjNBFjBTyeRleCjR1dOkSmU9I_6djJsm-dBnMb3aTflBaCpCcq=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>If TPWD doesn’t conduct creel surveys at night, how do you know there is a problem with flounder?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Our commercial landings data includes all reported landings, including fish landed at night. Our resource monitoring program has collected fishery independent data for more than 40 years and gives us a picture of the population that exists in the water at any given time, not just the fish being landed by anglers. These data show a large, long-term decline in flounder populations. While TPWD does not regularly conduct creel samples at night, previous TPWD studies in 1991 and 2007 showed that nighttime recreational gigging is a significant part of the flounder fishing effort and landings. The 1991 study showed that nighttime landings could account for up to 90% of all flounder landings in some regions during the spring and fall months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Do commercial fishermen catch most of the flounder?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Daytime recreational landings exceed the number of pounds currently being reported as commercial landings. Nighttime recreational gigging also adds to the recreational take. Based on previous TPWD studies conducted in 1991 and 2007, nighttime recreational gig fishing effort is approximately 5 times greater than that of nighttime commercial gig fishing effort and nighttime recreational gig flounder landings are slighter greater than those of commercial landings, especially during the fall flounder run. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Where are most flounder landed?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">TPWD creel data show that around 77% of the recreational flounder harvested come from Sabine Lake and Galveston Bay, with the other bays accounting for less than 6% each. For the commercial fishery, Matagorda Bay accounts for 24% of landings with Corpus Christi Bay at 23%, Aransas Bay at 20%, and Galveston Bay at 17%. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>When are most flounder landed?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Peak landings vary between the recreational and commercial fisheries. For the recreational fishery, the highest landings occur in November, with 39.4% of annual landings occurring during this month. In the commercial fishery, the highest landings take place in April and May, with 33.7% of annual landings occurring during these months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Will closing bays to gigging during other months help?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Reducing flounder harvest prior to and during the fall migration will increase escapement of adults to the Gulf and can increase the potential spawning population and increase recruitment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>Is changing the bag limit/season expected to be permanent?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Not necessarily. Regulation changes are applied to address specific issues within a fishery; realizing the full benefit of the change generally takes one generation of the managed species. TPWD continuously monitors the changing populations and landings of marine species and makes recommendations for appropriate regulation changes. Typically, regulations result in positive impacts on the overall population of a species. It can be harder to develop support for liberalizing regulations even if the populations at some point can support the increases in landings. In 2001, the daily bag limit for Spanish mackerel was increased from 7 to 15. In 2018, the daily bag limit for king mackerel was increased from 2 to 3.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>What has TPWD done in the past to help flounder populations?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Limits: In 2006, the possession limit was made equal to the bag limit. This prevented fisherman who were out past midnight from retaining 2 bag limits, both recreational and commercial. In 2009, TPWD lowered the bag limit for flounder for recreational fishermen to 5 fish (with a 2-fish bag limit) during November. The commercial bag limit was lowered to 30 fish with a 2-fish bag limit during November. Gigging was also banned during the month of November. In 2014, the 2-fish bag limit period for both recreational and commercial fishermen was extended to the period from November 1 through December 14.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">Stock Enhancement: With new buildings for TPWD hatcheries (Sea Center Texas and the Marine Development Center), Coastal Fisheries biologists hope to triple our capacity to raise flounder larvae. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>What options are being considered to manage flounder populations? </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">TPWD is considering a wide variety of tools for helping manage flounder populations. These tools include a decrease in the bag limit, an increase in the minimum size limit, area closures, time closures and gear restrictions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>How many anglers currently keep their full bag limit?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">During the part of the year with a 5-fish bag limit, almost 90% of anglers keep only 1 fish. Less than 2% of anglers keep their full 5-fish bag limit. During the part of the year with a 2-fish bag limit, 51% of anglers keep 1 fish, while almost 42% keep their full 2-fish bag limit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><i>When was this closure announced? </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;">The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a 2021 flounder fishery closure in 2020 during the statewide regulatory process. The public was given two opportunities to comment on the proposed regulation changes to flounder that included lowering the size limits and closing the fishery during the fall. This included scoping meetings on the coast in 2019 and a public comment period in March 2020. The Commission adopted these rule changes in May 2020 for the 2020–21 license year but delayed the closure until 2021. This is the first license year that includes a closing of the flounder fishery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7zqP0jb5db3QhHZwOMiPsBH65BdEV9HsGxLGgOGuzqm3d5n1yXOVO4vUFujNSKikirNUp4VEkx55Oi3oD2ztpCS-jhFb1BkEFq0ziMnrL0ThuzA3tJlSw9dKt6NBW_bfY_JvE0TlwBjTqYuOprymOTuers299D3tE9xmAyrXUvHz13WDrUjNcAMgY=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7zqP0jb5db3QhHZwOMiPsBH65BdEV9HsGxLGgOGuzqm3d5n1yXOVO4vUFujNSKikirNUp4VEkx55Oi3oD2ztpCS-jhFb1BkEFq0ziMnrL0ThuzA3tJlSw9dKt6NBW_bfY_JvE0TlwBjTqYuOprymOTuers299D3tE9xmAyrXUvHz13WDrUjNcAMgY=w266-h400" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><br /></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-38966239320836635702021-10-05T17:36:00.012-05:002021-10-06T09:40:37.736-05:00State Aquarium Addition Will Save More Wildlife During Disasters<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">By David Sikes</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUrkQ8lhnDr2MJDfNUb5pHqggH1u04XqQF6TfLg1HunoFivmB1BzqQq1CK_0WrvIEMLGOrtwlFFXhgwIXOQsXP_8_XlANkuY8LghGs5H6Gw_lslULwuRy8rKLL4ApCfjVnjT4n1f1Ev6GIgHZAaFQc6BUH3J3dA7WEU-YiAggcYJ5HMJgStwNV81UF=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUrkQ8lhnDr2MJDfNUb5pHqggH1u04XqQF6TfLg1HunoFivmB1BzqQq1CK_0WrvIEMLGOrtwlFFXhgwIXOQsXP_8_XlANkuY8LghGs5H6Gw_lslULwuRy8rKLL4ApCfjVnjT4n1f1Ev6GIgHZAaFQc6BUH3J3dA7WEU-YiAggcYJ5HMJgStwNV81UF=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Long before the big Texas freeze in February, planners at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi were well on their way to more than doubling the facility’s wildlife rescue-and-rehabilitation capacity.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">Completion of the 27,000-square-foot Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue is expected in late 2022. </span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">The idea began after Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, says Jesse Gilbert, the aquarium’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. Since then, wildlife along the South Texas Gulf coast have endured challenges that demonstrate a growing need to enhance the aquarium’s operations.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">The actual planning for this facility began in 2019, but much of the design work was accomplished during the COVID 19 pandemic — mostly through ZOOM meetings. <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">During the summer of 2019, the Coastal Bend faced a period of unusually high tides and strong winds, which battered the sea-turtle population around area jetties. Many turtles became stranded on the rocks. All were rescued by several organized efforts and later released. </span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">“We had a 100 percent survival rate,” Gilbert says. </span></div></span><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCZnIVsC-jjV6YjwUvzW0ughZyVtzHyfisaEEFjfNZjPhokS0UDr3yTeoG50fIiqD3rcFSJfCH_RhZLwfbh--05z1Helkrivdj2Ww467-YTEWDSMM61FGROBFUWTBP4pgbDeukA0gqtzndu44X2pmNornv7lSXRUVcknQwRNCVdDd5b9sgFnZvs44=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCZnIVsC-jjV6YjwUvzW0ughZyVtzHyfisaEEFjfNZjPhokS0UDr3yTeoG50fIiqD3rcFSJfCH_RhZLwfbh--05z1Helkrivdj2Ww467-YTEWDSMM61FGROBFUWTBP4pgbDeukA0gqtzndu44X2pmNornv7lSXRUVcknQwRNCVdDd5b9sgFnZvs44=w400-h274" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p>Since Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Gilbert says wildlife die-offs and stranding events have become more common along the Texas Gulf Coast. Aquarium officials realized that space for rescued animals would be inadequate if this trend continued. The February freeze dramatically punctuated this point, with thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">The aquarium currently has 5,000 square feet of indoor space for treating and housing sick or injured animals, plus another 7,000 square feet of outdoor enclosures. It’s the only Texas facility permitted to care for birds, sea turtles and marine mammals.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">While visitors already can view some of the aquarium’s permanent rescue animals, such as sea turtles and raptors, there is no public space for viewing medical and rehab operations.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">This will change with the non-profit’s new $15 million facility, including an interactive theater where visitors can watch rescue and rehab efforts in action. The facility also will provide a real-time viewing area of medical procedures behind glass, as well as a view into the wildlife rehabilitation process.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">This interpretive center, with no entry fees, was underwritten by the ExxonMobil Foundation.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">This space will be dynamic, mainly because of rescue dramas like the one that unfolded in February. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">“I don’t think anyone fully appreciated how the sea turtle population has grown,” Gilbert says. “With the new center, if you were to visit a week after a freeze, you would really get to see a full-scale rescue-medical operation at work.”</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0JXIJCK117hVO1DyFGbnO8M_agSoTbRwt_SyZZPNVu5Hz6pBpydUL_M63KGQEQunmsxusMxkMAJWsASYxlImovNRcLF79ixgnqeQdNrP3c3QuzTZVX8i42tVxJI_bTMaXUM8pG-MwWFKN8ARdqzUZEkCjYjSOnuYovWteWVmeW0ctt_V0UJIZXsYq=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0JXIJCK117hVO1DyFGbnO8M_agSoTbRwt_SyZZPNVu5Hz6pBpydUL_M63KGQEQunmsxusMxkMAJWsASYxlImovNRcLF79ixgnqeQdNrP3c3QuzTZVX8i42tVxJI_bTMaXUM8pG-MwWFKN8ARdqzUZEkCjYjSOnuYovWteWVmeW0ctt_V0UJIZXsYq=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Biologists with the National Marine Fisheries Service headquarters in Florida helped designed flexible ways to expand capacity for large rescue events, with a 95 percent survival/release rate for as many as</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> 3,000 turtles during an emergency. <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">“The February freeze was as big a challenge as (Hurricane) Harvey was for us,” Gilbert says. Natural gas to power the generators now makes the center self-sufficient for seven to 10 days.<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">“The key is to rescue them quickly so they can recover in clean, filtered water, all run on auxiliary power (which we have now mainly for hurricanes),” Gilbert said. “Soon we’ll have these safeguards in place to offset freeze events.”<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">Gilbert also considers the new facility an educational institution, capable of recruiting wildlife conservationists and promoting a sustainable conservation ethic for generations to come. <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">“I view this center as a one-stop facility that will showcase the wildlife- conservation network throughout South Texas,” he says. “Hopefully, this will further the public’s stake in conservation by helping them understand their part in rescuing, reporting and preventing wildlife harm from natural events or from man-made causes.” </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpju0feArDnYQNZ37jIDbi1inBuzTpskSYiG-P_lBySM_21doXhubUYixFqKhQjXt5JsnILenKuEF3CsUPdbXDpYk37LYzQSc6sMmgDuLHJaWryCWLfs6uO35zl4gr0mGZeVjar1kD1M4NPNhvAduicdoc7k1kcb1pKGLEcBGPc2XIi2zl3K4VFJRy=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpju0feArDnYQNZ37jIDbi1inBuzTpskSYiG-P_lBySM_21doXhubUYixFqKhQjXt5JsnILenKuEF3CsUPdbXDpYk37LYzQSc6sMmgDuLHJaWryCWLfs6uO35zl4gr0mGZeVjar1kD1M4NPNhvAduicdoc7k1kcb1pKGLEcBGPc2XIi2zl3K4VFJRy=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">TSA Annual Average Rescue/Rehab Activity </b></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Marine mammals: about one <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Sea turtles: 30-50 (spiked to 1,700 in 2020)<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Birds: 300-350.<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Rescue/Rehab Partners and Their Roles</b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: transport injured wildlife to the center, help release birds, take sea turtles offshore </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">National Park Service: formalized partnership, the Aquarium/Park Partnership for America's Keystone Species, outlines the Rescue Center's ability to rehabilitate birds and sea turtles found within the park</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">National Marine Fisheries: administer both the marine mammal and sea turtle stranding networks</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network: joint operations to recover stranded marine mammals and rehabilitate them</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Texas SeaLife Center on North Padre Island and Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) in Port Aransas: assist with large-scale events</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: permitting agency, helps with large events</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">City of Corpus Christi: logistical help during turtle cold-stunning events</span></li></ul></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 29.25pt; text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: 42px;">If you want more content like this, <o:p></o:p></span><span style="text-indent: 42px;"><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">subscribe to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife </i>ma</span></a><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">gazine</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></span></span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-27588346972760635022021-10-05T17:24:00.004-05:002021-10-06T09:41:06.248-05:00Two Fantastic Fall Venison Recipes <p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Read all about writer Brandon Weaver’s first deer hunt in the November issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, then try out these incredible recipes yourself.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4KspZ2wHe_OKdw3qv7vU6c8ba3BrIgO82QUteCsEAcb9oUXKfYsnJAa87ISmMt8NAyMduANXeyi0RsJZ87spiSW_hpgMFJGo95M0QZvgsOU4y6F3neiffDuxgI4qo1NlBDNqtMUe8sybH5DA9AMjri4-eUyuRzc3xro40OgxgmjXV30zUbHZiGTO_=s1973" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1973" data-original-width="1480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4KspZ2wHe_OKdw3qv7vU6c8ba3BrIgO82QUteCsEAcb9oUXKfYsnJAa87ISmMt8NAyMduANXeyi0RsJZ87spiSW_hpgMFJGo95M0QZvgsOU4y6F3neiffDuxgI4qo1NlBDNqtMUe8sybH5DA9AMjri4-eUyuRzc3xro40OgxgmjXV30zUbHZiGTO_=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Ground Venison Mediterranean Bowl</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Herbs and game go so nice together,” says Chef Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due in Austin. He likes bright green herbs like mint, cilantro, parsley and dill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Inspired by Griffiths’ recommendation, I combined the great flavor of ground venison with tabouli, a classic Mediterranean salad. It’s the perfect pairing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">I take the traditional tabouli recipe and add a little gluten-free twist. I replace the bulgur wheat, traditionally found in the dish, with riced cauliflower. The version has a really nice crunch and is hearty enough for a cold day. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Serves two hungry people or four folks saving room for dessert. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Tabouli Salad</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">4 cups finely chopped baby kale or baby arugula <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">3 cups finely chopped parsley<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 yellow bell pepper, diced<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">14 sweet grape tomatoes, cut into halves (any small tomato will do)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 bunch green onions, sliced from white to green <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 cup chopped fresh mint<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">4 to 6 cloves pressed garlic<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 lemon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 - 14 oz. bag of riced cauliflower (I like the H-E-B Caulibits)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">2-3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">½ cup crumbled feta<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6LZ7yBjLZ_2qKf9yCNxfT1AO7nUAvm1u_AYxW-_9-01AOXaT90IB8HTOI0tt_esx1kw3DTSfFrTJc-F72yO_KzkF4OuzrHcJ8qw0T1pFhkedaYHaA0JBovEB4JbMWQX6HbnbTSdH_5AXf2FNwPOJiJSrKx7P5chnvAbM5BBJm5OF-xogIaNA2_GFW=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6LZ7yBjLZ_2qKf9yCNxfT1AO7nUAvm1u_AYxW-_9-01AOXaT90IB8HTOI0tt_esx1kw3DTSfFrTJc-F72yO_KzkF4OuzrHcJ8qw0T1pFhkedaYHaA0JBovEB4JbMWQX6HbnbTSdH_5AXf2FNwPOJiJSrKx7P5chnvAbM5BBJm5OF-xogIaNA2_GFW=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Set oven on warm. Combine veggies (except cauliflower) in an oven-safe bowl or dish. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and squeeze the lemon over the top. Toss the ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Pour a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet and sauté the riced cauliflower and garlic over medium heat until cauliflower is crisp and garlic is slightly browned. Add fresh ground salt and pepper to taste; pour over veggie mixture and toss. Place the bowl in the warm oven. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Ground Venison</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 pound of ground venison<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Processors, both commercial and home, add beef fat to ground venison. When you cook it, there’ll be a lot of excess fat. Sauté venison in a skillet with just enough avocado oil to keep it from sticking. I pour off about ¾ of the excess fat and set it aside. Add fresh ground salt, pepper and cumin to taste. When you add the seasoning, it’ll start to dry out so add back some fat to keep everything moist. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Plating</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Use a shallow bowl or a plate with a lip for this dish, so you can mix everything up evenly. Take the warmed tabouli salad out of oven and fill your plate or bowl. It’s all veggies, so don’t be stingy! Add some ground venison and top with feta. I like to spice it up with Yellowbird Habanero sauce or El Yucateco Green Chile Habanero Sauce. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Peppercorn Crusted Venison Backstrap with Kale and Beet Salad</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYV5qqAw_ABLW3d_wbjkovV6NxNVi4j9MwBPRX-ZaocyUjvdApnGo4gnPuDhOft3dmBRz2JjD3hSScHuswlyN9Ycj3-ye4ItXu8qPhp0LBs59qi3qow5TD28u3fgFdbc6PuYcYWJMs4xeyF8a6IATKBBXCHP6_z_U4CHHe675lXcG9jR-Pvhzgi_Km=s1973" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1973" data-original-width="1480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYV5qqAw_ABLW3d_wbjkovV6NxNVi4j9MwBPRX-ZaocyUjvdApnGo4gnPuDhOft3dmBRz2JjD3hSScHuswlyN9Ycj3-ye4ItXu8qPhp0LBs59qi3qow5TD28u3fgFdbc6PuYcYWJMs4xeyF8a6IATKBBXCHP6_z_U4CHHe675lXcG9jR-Pvhzgi_Km=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Keep the game-cooking process very simple, so the venison is the star of the show. Coat a six-inch piece of backstrap with avocado oil, coarsely cracked peppercorns and a little salt, and sear it on a hot grill. Per Chef Tre Wilcox’s recommendations, I let the meat rest for the same amount of time as it is cooked. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">The following is my recipe for peppercorn crusted backstrap with pan-fried potatoes and a beet and kale salad. Since the venison is local, I try to source most of my veggies from my local farmer’s market, too. Eat fresh! Eat like a locavore, <i>a person who eats food grown or produced locally. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Serves two hungry carnivores.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">6- to 8-inch piece of backstrap cut lengthwise. I like a 2-inch thick steak so the meat cooks fast without drying out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">8 medium red potatoes, cut into quarters, boiled<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">8 oz. bag of baby kale. Use half of the bag and save the rest for the Ground Venison Mediterranean Bowl. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 large beet, either oven-roasted or boiled. Cut the cooked beet in half and then slice the halves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 red bell pepper, diced<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">1 bunch green onions, sliced from white to the green <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">½ cup crumbled feta cheese<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">4 to 8 cloves pressed garlic<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">¼ cup avocado oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">I set the meat and veggies out as I cook the potatoes, so everything comes to room temperature. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ve had myriad fancy pepper grinders and they all break. The H-E-B Peppercorn Medley Grinder is my go-to seasoning apparatus. You can even unscrew the top and refill it. I generously coat the entire backstrap filets with peppercorn. I’ll salt it after it comes off the grill. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Preheat the grill on high. You want it hot!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Pan-Fried Red Potatoes</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Heat ¼ cup of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain cooked potatoes and smash with a spatula, then add to the skillet. If the oil starts to smoke, turn down the heat. Cook four to six minutes until a golden crust develops. Season with salt, pepper and pressed garlic; add olive oil as needed to keep a light fry going. Flip to brown the other side. Once they’re crisp, add a little more salt and pepper to taste and keep warm in the oven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Kale Salad</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Chop the baby kale, making several crosscuts so the leaves are bite-size. I plate it to the side of the dish and add red bell pepper and green onion. I’m looking for color here, so the beets and jalapenos go on last to complete the rainbow. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Venison </i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Drop the backstrap on the hot grill and cook 60 to 90 seconds per side (err on the side of less). It’ll cook fast. Pull it off and add just a touch of fresh ground sea salt or my favorite pink Himalayan salt. Let it rest in a warm part of your kitchen so you get a nice medium-rare, warm center. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Final Presentation</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Plate the potatoes on the other side of your dish. Warm the sliced beets in the pan, then place them on the greens with some sliced jalapeños. Pour warm olive oil over the salad and finish with feta on top. Slice the backstrap and place down the middle to bridge your greens and potatoes. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; text-indent: 42px;">If you want more content like this, <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: 42px;"><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">subscribe to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife </i>ma</span></a><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">gazine</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></span></span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-63674854844983588962021-09-17T13:53:00.007-05:002021-10-06T09:42:46.029-05:00Texas Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day With Plan to Help More People Enjoy the Outdoors<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUY2Mczg5BU/YUTiqKw525I/AAAAAAAACok/24qJ2asBinEsJybVeKs8fHTHYQ3Pr8Y0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s799/51437937250_97b010128e_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="799" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUY2Mczg5BU/YUTiqKw525I/AAAAAAAACok/24qJ2asBinEsJybVeKs8fHTHYQ3Pr8Y0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/51437937250_97b010128e_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">September 25 is National Hunting and Fishing Day, a day to thank hunters and anglers who</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> fund conservation efforts through their purchases of hunting and fishing licenses and equipment.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Texas Parks and Wildlife Department celebrates this special day by launching our first <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/texas-r3-plan/" target="_blank">Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Plan (R3)</a>, whose aim is to connect more people to the outdoors and increase the number of Texans who enjoy hunting and fishing. </span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The number of Texans who hunt and fish remains static despite our state's population boom, a serious issue because Texas’ wildlife and wild lands depend on funding from hunters and anglers. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">TPWD is working to increase the number of resources for people interested in learning to hunt and fish, including beginner classes, videos, blogs, social media and web info on where to fish (and more). </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">For generations, Texas sportsmen and women have understood that fish and wildlife populations and habitats must be managed for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy. As they take to the hunting field or cast their line into a lake or the Gulf of Mexico, they know they are not only enjoying the state’s bounty but are helping to conserve it.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">In honor of this tradition, Saturday, Sept. 25 is designated as <a href="https://nhfday.org" target="_blank">National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF)</a> and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is launching a new initiative aimed at inviting more Texans into the outdoors. Hunters and anglers fund the state’s wildlife management programs through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and stamps, as well as through taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, firearms and ammunition. This generates millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit both game and non-game species statewide.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">“This year, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, I challenge you to share your passion for the outdoors with someone new by providing an opportunity for them to hunt and fish,” says TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. “Not only will you help make lifelong memories, but you will help pass along one of the greatest gifts we can give future generations, a love of the great outdoors.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">For many years, the number of people who hunt and fish in Texas has remained relatively static, despite huge increases in the state population. Since there hasn’t been a significant increase in the number of people participating in the outdoors, it could spell problems for conservation in the future. Conservation is directly funded by hunting and fishing license sales and existing taxes on firearms, ammunition and fishing equipment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">The new initiative, named the Texas Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Strategic Plan, aims to connect more Texans to nature and outdoor recreation. Increased participation in fishing and hunting brings funding soconservation agencies like TPWD can continue supporting programs such as fish hatcheries (which help bolster the population and quality of different species of fish in Texas) and mentored hunting programs (which introduce new hunters to the sport in a safe environment). <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">The benefits go beyond conservation funding. TPWD intends to foster lifelong participants in hunting, fishing, boating and shooting sports, and create a better-informed public with more interest in conserving wild things and wild places in Texas and beyond. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szyo5J0pMzU/YUTi6_NmDmI/AAAAAAAACo0/3Ki6QJSOdJc3FaL0quxx3TlKQaPatlaQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/51436215107_a8111277c5_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szyo5J0pMzU/YUTi6_NmDmI/AAAAAAAACo0/3Ki6QJSOdJc3FaL0quxx3TlKQaPatlaQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/51436215107_a8111277c5_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Those interested in learning about hunting can take an online or in-person <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education" target="_blank">hunter education course</a>. Mandatory for all new hunters, the course equips them with the necessary tools and information they need to be safe in the field:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">basics about firearm safety, species identification, zones of fire and more. Hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 2, 1971.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">TPWD also offers <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/mentored_hunting_workshops/" target="_blank">mentored hunting workshops</a> to introduce new hunters to the experience and educate them on needed skills. The <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/hunting-for-beginners.phtml" target="_blank">Hunting for Beginners</a> webpage also offers a wealth of information. TPWD is also working with partners across the state to increase hunting opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Texans who want to learn to fish can also find many resources on the TPWD <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/fishing-for-beginners/" target="_blank">Fishing for Beginners</a> webpage: how to get started, safety, basic gear assembly, tackle boxes and supplies, bait and lures, how to cast and more. TPWD’s new outdoor education curriculum is available <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20200722a" target="_blank">online</a> and covers everything from basic fishing skills to fly tying. No license is required to fish at a Texas State Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">NHF Day was launched by Congress in 1971 to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. In 1972, Richard Nixon signed the first presidential proclamation of NHF Day. The fourth Saturday in September every year is observed as NHF Day to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, target shooting, and fishing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHmpLcB9Jo/YUTjHQNa0nI/AAAAAAAACo4/AkZ2ycens9IIrWv31OvUOTD4hipXrL7pACLcBGAsYHQ/s799/51436968396_525e25272c_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="799" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHmpLcB9Jo/YUTjHQNa0nI/AAAAAAAACo4/AkZ2ycens9IIrWv31OvUOTD4hipXrL7pACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/51436968396_525e25272c_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; line-height: 19.97333335876465px;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; text-indent: 42px;">If you want more content like this, <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: times; text-indent: 42px;"><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">subscribe to <i>Texas Parks & Wildlife </i>ma</span></a><a href="https://ssl.drgnetwork.com/ecom/tpw/app/live/subscriptions?org=TPW&publ=PW&key_code=ICN001&type=S" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #954f72; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #2a7700;">gazine</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.</span></span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975498720784658937.post-50708101914578239392021-08-18T09:56:00.006-05:002021-08-18T10:01:28.666-05:00Life as a TPWD Summer Intern <h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>By Devin Davis, Summer Intern, Marketing</i></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">Being an intern for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is something special for everyone who participates. Not only are we steps away from our dream careers, we share memorable and fun experiences along the way. Intern duties range from alligator relocating to preserving historic natural sites. We all dip our feet into a little bit of everything with our particular TPWD group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzv5nTqhRhTzKHy1y2ecBVxP5UbpmHe4Af_yKfBRWYh1ZLMC2ksn0eYbjnelqRstLNU3csN5saCyaxFw_xFinNwDdWtbxJ8VqpA7wywmdu4EKbIYOknNsxxQbyw_PC2k8NOKIXqEoWIUnQQGVI1kNM3MOKhVh2bBfawcFxvwS7RtNaeadhCvo1gyO=s768" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWzv5nTqhRhTzKHy1y2ecBVxP5UbpmHe4Af_yKfBRWYh1ZLMC2ksn0eYbjnelqRstLNU3csN5saCyaxFw_xFinNwDdWtbxJ8VqpA7wywmdu4EKbIYOknNsxxQbyw_PC2k8NOKIXqEoWIUnQQGVI1kNM3MOKhVh2bBfawcFxvwS7RtNaeadhCvo1gyO=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew 'Smitty' Smith</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Matthew “Smitty” Smith</b> says he loves the time spent getting his hands dirty in the “nitty gritty” at Garner State Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">“This internship has already provided so much for me in my pursuit of full-time work with TPWD,” Matthew says. His varied jobs include tending the landscape, fixing water leaks and helping clean up downed trees. He has been working on a trail project with the park host to assess trail signage and has visited other parks to learn about how they operate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyWUnrsKv9kqeDG1Tifbt0enwdM3Jkq0TndnVcU-mjXPXMw5M-lWfJt67OauA67A1Nz62ydKyx0vZGIzCLA-48LOsofzE1VOT9UNaXt25whprRDLkosq8kknKAOOy4J6E0kgAbNoKyu_jIgat6P2_qoTBr-TIeipBZjYn5D8ySxD5hZa0OOocpSCL6=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyWUnrsKv9kqeDG1Tifbt0enwdM3Jkq0TndnVcU-mjXPXMw5M-lWfJt67OauA67A1Nz62ydKyx0vZGIzCLA-48LOsofzE1VOT9UNaXt25whprRDLkosq8kknKAOOy4J6E0kgAbNoKyu_jIgat6P2_qoTBr-TIeipBZjYn5D8ySxD5hZa0OOocpSCL6=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Gallender and friend</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Justin Gallender’s</b> stint as a Texas Game Warden intern is quite an adventure for someone who is not afraid of alligators. He’s learned about boating operations and equipment handling and how to perform water safety inspections. He has also acquired knowledge on ticket writing, handling wildlife and boating registration. His work as a TPWD intern is constantly changing, which he says keeps it interesting for him. Justin graduated last May from Sam Houston State University, majoring in criminal justice with a minor in animal science.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMGi6SYQgHaXph2vhbvEW0OAbfhga81XfSl5jJKDTYencdSGm8-KWGRxV0v9g_ugUFz9De7AZgxEic3W57CQ0qNB1trqO19-1BhAM4fU7uf5hi-Ri8Qq5JKZLVWB4hiNcA5EzLEjLvmMEjaCA727lBLNcIHq-WWdisfiYbd5zo4KUwmUe6LY31Vn4f=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMGi6SYQgHaXph2vhbvEW0OAbfhga81XfSl5jJKDTYencdSGm8-KWGRxV0v9g_ugUFz9De7AZgxEic3W57CQ0qNB1trqO19-1BhAM4fU7uf5hi-Ri8Qq5JKZLVWB4hiNcA5EzLEjLvmMEjaCA727lBLNcIHq-WWdisfiYbd5zo4KUwmUe6LY31Vn4f=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frances Franklin</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Frances Franklin</b> is a graduate student majoring in natural resource communications. She currently attends Stephen F. Austin State University, working on her master’s degree. She has learned to write website content and edit it on Google during her internship, as well as learning more about practicing safety in desert parks. Frances has been proofreading state park maps and updating Google alerts for state parks. Captioning TPWD educational videos and re-writing portions of park websites are also things she has learned to do. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">As for me, <b>Devin Davis</b>, I’m a student at Huston-Tillotson University, and being an intern for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been one of the best experiences of my college career. I did not want to intern anywhere else, so I thank myself every day for being patient enough to grab the opportunity to do so. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">All the 64 summer 2021 TPWD interns have worked hard to achieve our goals, whether virtually, outdoors or even in the water. As the summer comes to an end, most of us are finishing up our projects and preparing to share our experiences with others so they can have the same great experience at TPWD in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To learn more about internships at TPWD, visit our </span><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/internship.phtml" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. </span></p>Texas Parks & Wildlife magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941528979193749829noreply@blogger.com1