Wildlife Department is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations for 2016-17.
Access to the online resources, including details on proposals and options for the public to provide comment, may be found at: tpwd.texas.gov/business/feedback/public_comment/.
Hearings will focus on proposed changes to deer and migratory game bird hunting regulations, and others affecting freshwater fishing.
A live online public hearing webinar is set for 7 p.m. on March 3.
Details and instructions for participating in the webinar will be available on the TPWD website home page on the day of the event.

Increased funding set for state parks

The 84th Texas Legislature is providing a significant increase in dedicated funding for state parks.
House Bill 158 will dedicate 94 percent of state sales tax revenue attributed to sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for park facilities and operations – plus funds to help cities and counties build and improve upon existing community parks.
In 2016-17, money will be used for much-needed state park capital repairs and improvements meant to address a backlog of deteriorating facilities through water and wastewater projects, visitor center upgrades, restroom replacement and utility modernization.
Sporting goods sales tax revenue totals $261.1 million for state park operations, repairs, park grants and bond debt service.
Lawmakers allocated $90.6 million for repairs, surpassing capital funding from previous sessions.
As a result, the agency now has more than 80 repair projects to improve state parks during the next five years – using a combination of new appropriations and funding from previous sessions.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (Logo provided by the TPWD, used with permission)