Late last week, Falcon reservoir’s water level surpassed 308.1 feet above sea level, the record set in 1958 five years after the dam was built, and as of Monday the reservoir was still rising at 309.31 feet as floodwaters continue to enter from Mexico. Falcon Lake State Park remains closed to the public due to flooding. At Bentsen RGV State Park, the Butterfly Garden, Gift Shop, Exhibit Hall and restrooms at the Park reopened to the public over the weekend, but everything south of the levee (camping, hiking, boating, and fishing) is closed until further notice due to flooding. 

Commission budget briefing set for Tuesday in CHR

Staff will brief the Commission Finance Committee on Tuesday on the proposed FY 2011 operating budget, including discussion of proposed funding by strategy, object of expense and division, capital budget, FTEs, and key riders from the FY 2010-11 General Appropriations Act. Staff will also provide a status update on development of the department’s FY 2012-2013 Legislative Appropriations Request. 

House Interim Recreation and Tourism Committee meets July 29

The House Interim Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism meets Thursday, July 29 at 10 a.m. in E1.010. Interim committee charges affecting TPWD include: an examination of the department’s current licensing and permitting process, and a review of the Texas Wildlife Action Plan with recommendations on ways to further support aquatic and non-game programs. 

This week’s TPWD video on YouTube 

This week’s video features Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, located about 2 hours east of Dallas. The park offers beautiful forests and a great lake for fishing, swimming and boating.  Click here for video

TPWD radio this week

This week’s Passport to Texas radio show spotlights the Big Time Texas Hunts and boating safety. The department’s Passport to Texas radio series airs on about 100 Texas stations each weekday. See the series Web site to listen to this month’s episodes or find out where to hear the series (https://passporttotexas.org).  

Upcoming Events

July 24, 2010 — Lake Tawakoni SP — Go Fish! A Learn-to-Fish Event — Event for families with children 5 and older. Learn the basics of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. Take away a fishing fun pack and enter the drawing for door prizes. Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. No license necessary. Adults must accompany children. Bring sun protection and water. 9 a.m.-noon; for more information, contact Jerry or Trisha Brian at (903) 560-0092 (903) 560-7123. 

July 31, 2010 — Copper Breaks SP — Cowboy Poetry — Doc Wood and Hal Newsom return with their award winning show and original Texas poetry. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. 8 p.m.; fee free for Texas State Parks Pass members, $2 non-members, $1 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under (940) 839-4331. 

July 31, 2010 — Goose Island SP — Go Fish! A Learn-to-Fish Event — Event for families with children 5 and older. Learn the basics of bay fishing through fun, hands-on activities. Take away a fishing fun pack and enter the drawing for door prizes. Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. Accessible for the mobility impaired. No license necessary. Adults must accompany children. Bring sun protection and water. 9 a.m.-noon (361) 729-2858. 

July 31, 2010 — Government Canyon SNA — Animal Signs — Spend the morning with TPWD Urban Wildlife Biologist Judit Green learning about some of our local Texas wildlife with hands-on activities that will include skins, skulls, tracks and scat. 9 am to 12:00 pm. There is no scheduled hike. This class is for children, but parents are encouraged to attend. Class size is limited to 40. Reservations are required and will be accepted beginning at noon June 31 and ending at noon July 30, 2010. To make your reservations email reservations@friendsofgc.org. Please include names of each participant, age if under 18, and email address and telephone #. Natural Areas fees apply. (210) 688-9055. Ext 291.