Passport to Texas » Shows http://passporttotexas.org Your radio guide to the great Texas outdoors Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 2006-2009 billy.hayes@tpwd.state.tx.us (Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) billy.hayes@tpwd.state.tx.us (Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) 1440 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/videos/podcasts/state-park-stories/podcast.jpg Passport to Texas » Shows http://passporttotexas.org 144 144 Your radio guide to the great Texas outdoors Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department billy.hayes@tpwd.state.tx.us no no TPW TV: Parks and Wildlife People http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-parks-and-wildlife-people/ http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-parks-and-wildlife-people/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:34 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6164
This is Passport to Texas

You’ll find interesting people with interesting jobs at Texas Parks and Wildlife. And you’ll meet some, too, this month on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Television Series. Series Producer, Don Cash.

59—In February we’re going to introduce you to several people and their odd jobs—I guess. One of those people is Amy Treuer-Kuehn; she’s a plant ecologist, and she travels around the state looking at vegetation and habitat and getting record of it and letting people know what’s there on the property.

Amy goes out and tells us what’s exactly on the ground. Her expertise in botany and plant ecology makes sure that we have a really good dataset.

Also in February, meet Billy Tarrant, who is a wildlife biologist. And he works in the Trans-Pecos region. And one of the projects he works on is pronghorn antelope.

There’s a huge amount of responsibility trying to manage some of the greatest diversity in our state. However, there’s an immense amount of satisfaction knowing that you’re doing it.

So, yeah, part of what we do on the television show is people stories. There’s a lot of interesting people with some unusual jobs at Texas parks and Wildlife, and we hope people will watch in February and see what we’ve got going on.

Thanks, Don.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-parks-and-wildlife-people/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas You’ll find interesting people with interesting jobs at Texas Parks and Wildlife. And you’ll meet some, too, this month on the ... This is Passport to Texas You’ll find interesting people with interesting jobs at Texas Parks and Wildlife. And you’ll meet some, too, this month on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Television Series. Series Producer, Don Cash. 59—In February we’re going to introduce you to several people and their odd jobs—I guess. One of those people is Amy Treuer-Kuehn; she’s a plant ecologist, and she travels around the state looking at vegetation and habitat and getting record of it and letting people know what’s there on the property. Amy goes out and tells us what’s exactly on the ground. Her expertise in botany and plant ecology makes sure that we have a really good dataset. Also in February, meet Billy Tarrant, who is a wildlife biologist. And he works in the Trans-Pecos region. And one of the projects he works on is pronghorn antelope. There’s a huge amount of responsibility trying to manage some of the greatest diversity in our state. However, there’s an immense amount of satisfaction knowing that you’re doing it. So, yeah, part of what we do on the television show is people stories. There’s a lot of interesting people with some unusual jobs at Texas parks and Wildlife, and we hope people will watch in February and see what we’ve got going on. Thanks, Don. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. TPWD TV Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no Red Tide in Texas http://passporttotexas.org/red-tide-in-texas/ http://passporttotexas.org/red-tide-in-texas/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:46 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6152
This is Passport to Texas

Last year’s record breaking heat and drought contributed to one of the longest outbreaks of Red Tide in Texas history. Texas parks and Wildlife biologist, Meredith Byrd, says a species of algae named Karinia brevis causes the condition.

06—And when these algae reproduce very, very quickly, they turn the water red or reddish brown and so that’s what we here on the Texas coast know as a red tide.

Red tide can be irritating to the skin and lungs but is not a serious threat to most people—but certain aquatic life, isn’t as lucky.

15—Red tide does cause toxins that kill fish and are collected in the oyster tissue so unfortunately the commercial oyster season that would have began Nov. 1st has been suspended indefinitely.

Texas parks and Wildlife Water Resources Branch Chief Cindy Loeffler says, because oysters are filter feeders that can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, they will eventually rid themselves of toxins… just not in time to save this season’s $30-million dollar Texas oyster industry.

16— What has to happen is for the toxin level in the oyster meat to drop below a certain threshold level but unfortunately the drought, predicted to persist at least through early spring, mid-spring so that would typically be about the length of our commercial oyster season.

That’s our show. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/red-tide-in-texas/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas Last year’s record breaking heat and drought contributed to one of the longest outbreaks of Red Tide in Texas history. Texas ... This is Passport to Texas Last year’s record breaking heat and drought contributed to one of the longest outbreaks of Red Tide in Texas history. Texas parks and Wildlife biologist, Meredith Byrd, says a species of algae named Karinia brevis causes the condition. 06—And when these algae reproduce very, very quickly, they turn the water red or reddish brown and so that’s what we here on the Texas coast know as a red tide. Red tide can be irritating to the skin and lungs but is not a serious threat to most people—but certain aquatic life, isn’t as lucky. 15—Red tide does cause toxins that kill fish and are collected in the oyster tissue so unfortunately the commercial oyster season that would have began Nov. 1st has been suspended indefinitely. Texas parks and Wildlife Water Resources Branch Chief Cindy Loeffler says, because oysters are filter feeders that can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, they will eventually rid themselves of toxins… just not in time to save this season’s $30-million dollar Texas oyster industry. 16— What has to happen is for the toxin level in the oyster meat to drop below a certain threshold level but unfortunately the drought, predicted to persist at least through early spring, mid-spring so that would typically be about the length of our commercial oyster season. That’s our show. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. Saltwater Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no Hunting: Bagging Big Birds http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-bagging-big-birds/ http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-bagging-big-birds/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:05 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6143
This is Passport to Texas

The Eastern wild turkey population thrived from the coastal prairies to the Red River until the early 1900s when commercial hunting and loss of habitat drove the birds to near extinction. Hunting these birds was off limits until…over time…a restocking program fostered a huntable population.

14—We’ve spent a lot of time stocking birds into East Texas. We’ve had some really good success in some areas, and not as much success in others. So, we don’t have the densities that we have of Rio Grandes…and we’re trying to keep a real good record of what’s happening with that population.

Jason Hardin is the Turkey program leader for Parks and Wildlife. Rio Grande turkeys, found in most of the state are plentiful, and hunters have a four bird bag limit this spring. For Eastern turkey, the bag limit is one, and it must be checked in at one of our many official Texas Parks and Wildlife check stations.

13—And those mandatory check stations let us know every bird that was harvested. And from that, we can identify the age of the birds, where it was harvested—public land, private land. And look at how the bird’s expanding its range, or if that range is contracting.

This data collection helps Parks and Wildlife manage the species. And if you’re looking for a place to hunt for the Eastern gobbler, try a wildlife management area.

[NOTE: Pat Mayes WMA, Caddo national Grasslands, and some WMAs—on the Angelina and Sabine National Forests provide good Eastern turkey hunting.]

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Smoked Hawaiian Wild Turkey Recipe

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-bagging-big-birds/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas The Eastern wild turkey population thrived from the coastal prairies to the Red River until the early 1900s when commercial hunting ... This is Passport to Texas The Eastern wild turkey population thrived from the coastal prairies to the Red River until the early 1900s when commercial hunting and loss of habitat drove the birds to near extinction. Hunting these birds was off limits until…over time…a restocking program fostered a huntable population. 14—We’ve spent a lot of time stocking birds into East Texas. We’ve had some really good success in some areas, and not as much success in others. So, we don’t have the densities that we have of Rio Grandes…and we’re trying to keep a real good record of what’s happening with that population. Jason Hardin is the Turkey program leader for Parks and Wildlife. Rio Grande turkeys, found in most of the state are plentiful, and hunters have a four bird bag limit this spring. For Eastern turkey, the bag limit is one, and it must be checked in at one of our many official Texas Parks and Wildlife check stations. 13—And those mandatory check stations let us know every bird that was harvested. And from that, we can identify the age of the birds, where it was harvested—public land, private land. And look at how the bird’s expanding its range, or if that range is contracting. This data collection helps Parks and Wildlife manage the species. And if you’re looking for a place to hunt for the Eastern gobbler, try a wildlife management area. [NOTE: Pat Mayes WMA, Caddo national Grasslands, and some WMAs—on the Angelina and Sabine National Forests provide good Eastern turkey hunting.] The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. Smoked Hawaiian Wild Turkey Recipe Hunting Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no Hunting: Spring Turkey Hunting http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-spring-turkey-hunting/ http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-spring-turkey-hunting/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:51 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6135
This is Passport to Texas

Thanksgiving may be three months behind us—or nine months ahead of us depending upon how you view things—but won’t stop turkey hunters from bagging big birds this spring.

04—There are going to be a lot of two-year-old gobblers for harvest this year.

Jason Hardin is Turkey Program Leader for Parks and Wildlife. Last year’s heat and drought aside, turkey habitat received rain when it needed it most in 2010, says Hardin, which is why two-year-old gobblers abound.

12—Two thousand ten, we had excellent rainfall—good, timely rainfall. And had really good production across the Rio Grande range, which is the central portion of the state. So, I would expect a really good season.

In addition to hunting Rio Grande Turkeys in Texas brush country, hunters can also find Eastern Turkey in the woodlands of East Texas.

16— The eastern is found in the eastern third of the state. It’s a little bit of a larger, bird compared to the Rio, which is quite numerous. We have more Rios in Texas than anywhere else in the country. The bird’s a little bit smaller and has a little different coloration. But, other than that, they gobble fairly similarly and they’re both pretty tough to hunt.

There is a statewide bag limit of 4 turkeys in Texas, with no more than one Eastern turkey.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/hunting-spring-turkey-hunting/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas Thanksgiving may be three months behind us—or nine months ahead of us depending upon how you view things—but won’t stop turkey ... This is Passport to Texas Thanksgiving may be three months behind us—or nine months ahead of us depending upon how you view things—but won’t stop turkey hunters from bagging big birds this spring. 04—There are going to be a lot of two-year-old gobblers for harvest this year. Jason Hardin is Turkey Program Leader for Parks and Wildlife. Last year’s heat and drought aside, turkey habitat received rain when it needed it most in 2010, says Hardin, which is why two-year-old gobblers abound. 12—Two thousand ten, we had excellent rainfall—good, timely rainfall. And had really good production across the Rio Grande range, which is the central portion of the state. So, I would expect a really good season. In addition to hunting Rio Grande Turkeys in Texas brush country, hunters can also find Eastern Turkey in the woodlands of East Texas. 16— The eastern is found in the eastern third of the state. It’s a little bit of a larger, bird compared to the Rio, which is quite numerous. We have more Rios in Texas than anywhere else in the country. The bird’s a little bit smaller and has a little different coloration. But, other than that, they gobble fairly similarly and they’re both pretty tough to hunt. There is a statewide bag limit of 4 turkeys in Texas, with no more than one Eastern turkey. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. Hunting Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no State Parks: Lake Tawakoni http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-lake-tawakoni/ http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-lake-tawakoni/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:49 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6126
This is Passport to Texas

The first time most of us heard of Lake Tawakoni State Park, it was because of a massive spider web found at the site. But there’s more to this ten year old park than arachnids. Our State Park guide Bryan Frazier explains.

59—It really endeared itself to people nationwide because of that spectacular spider web that was one in a million. And so it put it on the map in some respect, but it’s a great place, too.

It’s just east of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, if you’re not familiar with that, near Wills Point, Texas. If you’re familiar with Dallas and the suburb of Mesquite, it’s just east of there, so a lot of people can find it that way.

It’s got access to a big lake, that’s good fishing. There are 78 campsites; 16 of them that are full hook-ups with water, eclectic, and sewer connections for RVs.

And for their 10 year anniversary–which is going to be on February 18–and it’s going to be from nine o’clock in the morning to six o’clock in the evening, there will be activities—everything form a kid’s bouncy house, to geocaching, to Dutch oven cooking, to fishing to toys and games and all different activities.

So, check it out on our website—and that’s texcasstateparks.org. And that’s Lake Tawakoni’s ten year anniversary.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-lake-tawakoni/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas The first time most of us heard of Lake Tawakoni State Park, it was because of a massive spider web found ... This is Passport to Texas The first time most of us heard of Lake Tawakoni State Park, it was because of a massive spider web found at the site. But there’s more to this ten year old park than arachnids. Our State Park guide Bryan Frazier explains. 59—It really endeared itself to people nationwide because of that spectacular spider web that was one in a million. And so it put it on the map in some respect, but it’s a great place, too. It’s just east of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, if you’re not familiar with that, near Wills Point, Texas. If you’re familiar with Dallas and the suburb of Mesquite, it’s just east of there, so a lot of people can find it that way. It’s got access to a big lake, that’s good fishing. There are 78 campsites; 16 of them that are full hook-ups with water, eclectic, and sewer connections for RVs. And for their 10 year anniversary--which is going to be on February 18--and it’s going to be from nine o’clock in the morning to six o’clock in the evening, there will be activities—everything form a kid’s bouncy house, to geocaching, to Dutch oven cooking, to fishing to toys and games and all different activities. So, check it out on our website—and that’s texcasstateparks.org. And that’s Lake Tawakoni’s ten year anniversary. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti. State Parks Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no TPW TV: Endangered Prairie Chickens http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-endangered-prairie-chickens/ http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-endangered-prairie-chickens/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:27 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6118
This is Passport to Texas

One of the most endangered birds in North America is the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Learn about efforts to help protect this species this month on the Texas parks and Wildlife TV series. Producer, Abe Moore.

57—There used to be close to a million of them in Texas and Louisiana; now they’re teetering around a hundred or so. I went down to the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge by Eagle Lake. It’s kind of their last stronghold right now.

Over the last 15, 20 years, there have been fewer than a hundred individuals in wild populations. And for a species that only lives on average two years, that’s a very bad place to be.

So I followed the biologist there for a breeding season, to see what it takes to keep the birds from going extinct. And they’re doing some hands on work building fences actually around the nest sites to protect the female.

The idea of this predator deterrent fence is to deflect predators away from the nest area so that hopefully they won’t find the nest and destroy it.

So, the team goes through some serious struggles this breeding season, and one of the things that happens is they have an ace up their sleeve to kind of help the Attwater Prairie Chicken from going extinct.

Abe says he won’t provide any clues to that ace. We’ll just have to tune in to find out. Check your local listings.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/tpw-tv-endangered-prairie-chickens/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas One of the most endangered birds in North America is the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Learn about efforts to help protect this ... This is Passport to Texas One of the most endangered birds in North America is the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Learn about efforts to help protect this species this month on the Texas parks and Wildlife TV series. Producer, Abe Moore. 57—There used to be close to a million of them in Texas and Louisiana; now they’re teetering around a hundred or so. I went down to the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge by Eagle Lake. It’s kind of their last stronghold right now. Over the last 15, 20 years, there have been fewer than a hundred individuals in wild populations. And for a species that only lives on average two years, that’s a very bad place to be. So I followed the biologist there for a breeding season, to see what it takes to keep the birds from going extinct. And they’re doing some hands on work building fences actually around the nest sites to protect the female. The idea of this predator deterrent fence is to deflect predators away from the nest area so that hopefully they won’t find the nest and destroy it. So, the team goes through some serious struggles this breeding season, and one of the things that happens is they have an ace up their sleeve to kind of help the Attwater Prairie Chicken from going extinct. Abe says he won’t provide any clues to that ace. We’ll just have to tune in to find out. Check your local listings. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series; it’s funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. Endangered, TPWD TV, Wildlife Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no Fishing: Last of the Rainbows http://passporttotexas.org/fishing-last-of-the-rainbows/ http://passporttotexas.org/fishing-last-of-the-rainbows/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:09 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6105
This is Passport to Texas

Two generations of Texas anglers know the joy of reeling in rainbow trout during the winter months thanks to Parks and Wildlife’s stocking program.

07—I believe it started in the 1960s; so, we’ve been stocking trout for fisherman for winter fishery for over forty years I believe.

Carl Kittle oversees the trout stocking program for Parks and Wildlife. Beginning every December through the first week of March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s inland fisheries division stocks more than a quarter of a million of the colorful fish in neighborhood fishing ponds statewide.

06—Rainbow trout are a cold water fish. The winter is the only time we really have water here in Texas that will support them.

Once it starts warming up—which could be any time now—the water will, too, and those fish will not survive. Considering rainbow trout are excellent table fare, it would be a shame to let them expire in the water.

17—They’re excellent eating fish. You can keep whatever fish you catch and I believe it is five per day. The fish that are stocked in general will be between eight and 10 inches, so a nine inch fish would be normal—with the exception of neighborhood fishing program lakes, which should average 11-12 inches in size.

Find the trout stocking schedule on the Parks and Wildlife website. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motorboat fuel.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/fishing-last-of-the-rainbows/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas Two generations of Texas anglers know the joy of reeling in rainbow trout during the winter months thanks to Parks and ... This is Passport to Texas Two generations of Texas anglers know the joy of reeling in rainbow trout during the winter months thanks to Parks and Wildlife’s stocking program. 07—I believe it started in the 1960s; so, we’ve been stocking trout for fisherman for winter fishery for over forty years I believe. Carl Kittle oversees the trout stocking program for Parks and Wildlife. Beginning every December through the first week of March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife's inland fisheries division stocks more than a quarter of a million of the colorful fish in neighborhood fishing ponds statewide. 06—Rainbow trout are a cold water fish. The winter is the only time we really have water here in Texas that will support them. Once it starts warming up—which could be any time now—the water will, too, and those fish will not survive. Considering rainbow trout are excellent table fare, it would be a shame to let them expire in the water. 17—They’re excellent eating fish. You can keep whatever fish you catch and I believe it is five per day. The fish that are stocked in general will be between eight and 10 inches, so a nine inch fish would be normal—with the exception of neighborhood fishing program lakes, which should average 11-12 inches in size. Find the trout stocking schedule on the Parks and Wildlife website. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motorboat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti. Fishing Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no State Parks: Fishing for Rainbows http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-fishing-for-rainbows/ http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-fishing-for-rainbows/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:57 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6095
This is Passport to Texas

Get to a state park with fishing opportunities while there’s still a chill in the air for your chance to reel in the last of the rainbow trout. Out state park guide Bryan Frazier explains.

The water temperature has to stay below a certain temperature for the rainbow trout to do well, and February’s a great time, because it’s usually the last month that there’ll be stockings for rainbow trout.

We’ve got 16 parks that have been stocked throughout the season that are state park… I would encourage people to go to any of the rainbow trout [stocking] places. There’s more than a hundred locations all across the state—in cities and counties. But state parks are neat because you don’t need the rainbow trout stamp or the fishing license because no one ever needs a license or stamp to fish inside any Texas state park.

So, you can find all that on the website, but you’ll look on the fishing website on the Texas parks and Wildlife home page.

It’s a great reason to get outside during what’s typically a mild winter in Texas, and enjoy something else. It’s a new slant on fishing, and you can do it this time of year when you don’t necessarily think about fishing. But. It’s even better for rainbow trout when it’s cold.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-fishing-for-rainbows/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas Get to a state park with fishing opportunities while there’s still a chill in the air for your chance to reel ... This is Passport to Texas Get to a state park with fishing opportunities while there’s still a chill in the air for your chance to reel in the last of the rainbow trout. Out state park guide Bryan Frazier explains. The water temperature has to stay below a certain temperature for the rainbow trout to do well, and February’s a great time, because it’s usually the last month that there’ll be stockings for rainbow trout. We’ve got 16 parks that have been stocked throughout the season that are state park… I would encourage people to go to any of the rainbow trout [stocking] places. There’s more than a hundred locations all across the state—in cities and counties. But state parks are neat because you don’t need the rainbow trout stamp or the fishing license because no one ever needs a license or stamp to fish inside any Texas state park. So, you can find all that on the website, but you’ll look on the fishing website on the Texas parks and Wildlife home page. It’s a great reason to get outside during what’s typically a mild winter in Texas, and enjoy something else. It’s a new slant on fishing, and you can do it this time of year when you don’t necessarily think about fishing. But. It’s even better for rainbow trout when it’s cold. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti. Fishing, State Parks Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no Invasives: Zebra Mussels http://passporttotexas.org/invasives-zebra-mussels/ http://passporttotexas.org/invasives-zebra-mussels/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:17 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6087
This is Passport to Texas

There are two types of aquatic mussels in Texas: those that belong here, and those that don’t.

Texas Parks and Wildlife aquatic habitat enhancement director Earl Chilton says native mussels indicate when rivers and lakes are healthy.

10—Native mussels often have pretty strict environmental requirements, and you can tell whether a system is healthy or not by the kind of native mussel population it has.

Invasive species like zebra mussels aren’t native to Texas. Because they have no natural competitors here, they reproduce quickly. And large numbers of zebra mussels can clog pipes and even kill native mussels.

14—Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels have byssal threads they use to attach to various objects. They also can attach to native mussels and when enough of them attach to a native mussel they can actually suffocate that mussel.

So how can you tell the difference between these good and bad mussels?

07—Zebra mussels are small and they’re going to attach to things. If you see a mussel attached to something it is a non-native mussel.

But native freshwater mussels don’t attach to anything. Now that you know the difference, you can find out how you can help stop the spread of zebra mussels and protect the native species www.texasinvasives.org.

That’s our show… the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program supports our series… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/invasives-zebra-mussels/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas There are two types of aquatic mussels in Texas: those that belong here, and those that don’t. Texas Parks and Wildlife ... This is Passport to Texas There are two types of aquatic mussels in Texas: those that belong here, and those that don’t. Texas Parks and Wildlife aquatic habitat enhancement director Earl Chilton says native mussels indicate when rivers and lakes are healthy. 10—Native mussels often have pretty strict environmental requirements, and you can tell whether a system is healthy or not by the kind of native mussel population it has. Invasive species like zebra mussels aren’t native to Texas. Because they have no natural competitors here, they reproduce quickly. And large numbers of zebra mussels can clog pipes and even kill native mussels. 14—Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels have byssal threads they use to attach to various objects. They also can attach to native mussels and when enough of them attach to a native mussel they can actually suffocate that mussel. So how can you tell the difference between these good and bad mussels? 07—Zebra mussels are small and they’re going to attach to things. If you see a mussel attached to something it is a non-native mussel. But native freshwater mussels don’t attach to anything. Now that you know the difference, you can find out how you can help stop the spread of zebra mussels and protect the native species www.texasinvasives.org. That’s our show… the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program supports our series… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti. Conservation Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no State Parks: Campfires Allowed http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-campfires-allowed/ http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-campfires-allowed/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000 cecilia http://passporttotexas.org/?p=6077
This is Passport to Texas

Starting a campfire in a state park this past summer wasn’t just a bad idea, it was terribly dangerous given the drought, and so it was banned. But now that winter’s here and we’ve had some rain, we can start to cozy up to campfires again. Our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier has details.

48— With the drought that we had in Texas, most people are understanding that that affects everything we do. And at the end of the summer—at the apex of that drought—we had burn bans in more than 200 counties here in Texas.

But now we’ve had enough rain in the fall and the early part of the winter that a lot of those burn bans have been lifted.

The campfire is an undeniable part of our tradition of sitting around it and not just cooking and roasting marshmallows and telling stories, but it really becomes the social centerpiece of the camping experiences around the campfire. In the wintertime, you know, it helps to keep you warm, too.

And so it’s a nice natural place to gather. So having those burn bans lifted in most of our counties is really good news for a lot of people who want to get out and enjoy an old fashioned campfire for their camping experience.

Thanks Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

]]> http://passporttotexas.org/state-parks-campfires-allowed/feed/ 0 00:01:01 This is Passport to Texas Starting a campfire in a state park this past summer wasn’t just a bad idea, it was terribly dangerous given the ... This is Passport to Texas Starting a campfire in a state park this past summer wasn’t just a bad idea, it was terribly dangerous given the drought, and so it was banned. But now that winter’s here and we’ve had some rain, we can start to cozy up to campfires again. Our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier has details. 48— With the drought that we had in Texas, most people are understanding that that affects everything we do. And at the end of the summer—at the apex of that drought—we had burn bans in more than 200 counties here in Texas. But now we’ve had enough rain in the fall and the early part of the winter that a lot of those burn bans have been lifted. The campfire is an undeniable part of our tradition of sitting around it and not just cooking and roasting marshmallows and telling stories, but it really becomes the social centerpiece of the camping experiences around the campfire. In the wintertime, you know, it helps to keep you warm, too. And so it’s a nice natural place to gather. So having those burn bans lifted in most of our counties is really good news for a lot of people who want to get out and enjoy an old fashioned campfire for their camping experience. Thanks Bryan. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti. State Parks Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department no no