Conservation News

There are big changes going on at TPWD. This week sometime, TPWD is going to announce that it is shutting down the Resource Protection arm of the Department. The people working in that dept.will be reassigned to other branches. Many of their duties are mandated by the Texas Leg. and will still be done, but will be handled by another Dept. This is a result of the current budget crunch the Dept. is experiencing.

Dr. Larry McKinney is being transferred to Coastal Fisheries which leaves Phil Durocher with much more control of Inland Fisheries. Take that for what its worth.

Despite their insistence that the Lake Austin grass carp will stay in Lake Austin, TPWD is conducting ANOTHER carp tracking study which is being paid for by you and I. My secret informant tells me that they could only find 12 out of 25 last time they checked. No plans are in place to attempt to locate the carp downstream however, I will strongly suggest it.. There are also no plans to study the vegetation down stream of Lake Austin to determine if the carp are impacting the Colorado River or the coastal areas in a negative way which I will also strongly suggest. I will keep you up to date. I expect the City of Austin to request ADDITIONAL carp since they are quickly approaching their 6900 limit and there is still grass in the lake. The lake has now been drawn down 12 feet to try and freeze the vegetation. I will be very surprised if there is any grass in Lake Austin this time next year.

The Voluntary Aquatic Vegetation Stamp is pretty much a dead issue right now. There is too much negative feedback from the public for the Mandatory freshwater stamp right now.
Thanks for your help and support!!!

Tim Cook
Texas Bass Federation
State Conservation Director
830-560-1566
http://www.Texas-Bass.com
MrBass@sanmarcos.net

Don't get me wrong, I am glad they are trying something, I just think they should adopt a better resolution than the one they are proposing. Regulated hunting was considered as one of their alternatives and I think is the best one. Therefore, I have composed the attached letter I am sending it to them, during the public comment period. If you also agree with my analysis and want to send a copy of the letter - or your own letter, please do so. You will need to include your name and address as they will not accept anonymous comments - I bet they've had a few that were not so pleasant to read. Or you may forward a letter or comment to them via email or by fax @ 703-358-2272. They have stated that they will accept public comments thru 5/16, but in another statement they say you have to have it to them by 4/16 to be recognized. Even though the comment period has passed you can still make your opinion know by sending this letter to your US representative.

Thanks for your consideration of this issue, that I believe is important to our fisheries. Please feel free to send this letter to others that you think would like to be informed or would like to make a comment to the F&WL Dept.

Alan Stubblefield

Vice President - Houston Oilmans Bass Club / 2003