[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6542518,"mediaKeyId","3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945","parentId",3444655,"title","Votes at a glance: minutes, donations, contracts, grants, property actions and Feeding Texas designation","audioSeconds",8034,"startMs",1777000,"endMs",9811000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945&start=1777&end=9811","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945/thumbnail_1777000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542518/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-donations-contracts-grants-property-actions-and-Feeding-Texas-designation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542518-9378258e709e51290a6cf6ba16984ce2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435097&Signature=S1ch~2iRRmZHNSHegZTXdS~oh5rGyYiDaji2H0lLl3JftR50PDWb8SQYMywQ2GA45yj5XQJ3jJSpf2jju2z5ERbsoYTVhLnaUoTvymJz-Y5DaD1JfipHNLtLlD1QVESHmYRfLXLsFqkfHnMPHNmrybFFaOQBh0vY46hzX6fMiLStqKWm8CCmTDejJsllAvMyGFTrilIch85PtpkPDJYnhnCuTjCaJbyeDjGXpTqK6IxYXAo0-Rp3Pr8JnBrBKpvdWoyGm9~WuFRi2eMGYkFSjltYpT6DED9lYhNcgo~6h1N6WpzVGc0E8y6KFWnHhr9ti0zSOdzi6M8TvAIkmOWpUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Wildlife Services","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","At its May 22 meeting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved routine business items and a series of motions on donations, contracts, grants, property dispositions and acquisitions, and designated a nonprofit to administer a hunters' donation program.

Key actions and outcomes (voice votes unless noted):

- Approval of minutes from the March 27, 2025 commission meeting: motion carried; voice vote.

- Acknowledgement of the list of donations: motion carried; voice vote.

- Consideration and approval of distributed contracts: motion carried; voice vote.

- Designation of Feeding Texas as the nonprofit to administer the Help Feed Hungry Texans program (Action Item 4). Staff noted Feeding Texas has operated the program since 2015 and that the current contract was expiring; staff reported five public comments in support. Motion to designate Feeding Texas carried unanimously.

- Texas Statewide Recreational Trail Grants (Action Item 5): staff requested approval to allocate $6,804,642 ($5.2M+ federal funds and $1.5M+ state funds) to 24 trail projects and a $900,000 allocation for state park trail improvements; the commission approved both motions.

- Disposition of land, Williamson County — Twin Lakes Park (~56 acres) (Action Item 6): staff recommended transferring full ownership to Williamson County with a condition that the county continue to operate the property as a public park; the commission approved the resolution. Commissioner Patton recorded an abstention due to a YMCA affiliation.

- Lease of land, Anderson County — Gus Engling Wildlife Management Area (~543 acres) (Action Item 7): the commission authorized the executive director to grant a lease to Trinity Gas LLC for underground gas storage and monitoring access; staff noted eight public responses (five opposed, two pro, one neutral). Motion carried.

- Disposition of land, Parker County — ~3.8 acres near Lake Mineral Wells Trailway (Action Item 8): staff proposed quitclaiming the right of way to the underlying landowner for fair market value; motion carried.

- Land acquisition, Walker County — ~1 acre adjacent to Huntsville State Park (Action Item 9): staff recommended purchase to improve access and habitat management; motion carried.

All actions above were recorded as carried during the meeting; votes were taken by voice and recorded as unanimous unless otherwise noted in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Commission Meeting 9:00am, Thur., May 22, 2025.","oneSentenceSummary","On May 22 the commission approved routine minutes and acknowledgements and took a series of land, lease and grant actions; it also designated Feeding Texas as the nonprofit for the Help Feed Hungry Texans program.","taxTitle","Texas Wildlife Services, Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas","taxId",37799,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542523,"Commission OKs 2025–26 public hunting season; commissioners press wildlife division on screwworm response",0,5593000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945&start=5593&end=5593","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945/thumbnail_5593000.jpg","/articles/6542523/Texas/Commission-OKs-202526-public-hunting-season-commissioners-press-wildlife-division-on-screwworm-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542523-ab264216b16adafa9feab54d982cb5f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435097&Signature=aczk279OenTmEh8PVWYsdrdkwr6X7wPmkl-m6HHI1XPjCeaQHVuHCtiX4PmVg7dgjaO5u22fgjydbtqEM63lrwmtTwsdgrACBhR3ZK1J1rLL9tRYZPkBhYNcGCIr7VBNQ2nMQoKv13zg~Ju-Lhyesv6c6BgEbt99RePyYMZ3ov161rXaSOpGNBWffXncWqNA7YCLTR0vCjDhi7KS~7k-4fhGHM4BWTT9H8hvSKFFI843aIXA0~MNTYzYPkrivhDuWAK8l1O9QnE2G1msojwvEseLB3jaxughzBGAO-Z14Yp2IfQ0yaOhO8Hg0-kLZaYP14RbrnDcu1nW1jVdcZbt-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorized an open season on public hunting lands from Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026, and approved specified hunting activities on units of the state park system.

Bridal Lands and Public Hunting Program Director Kevin Mote presented the two requested actions. The department reported six public comments on the proposals, five in support and one disagreeing comment judged not germane.

Commission discussion focused heavily on surveillance and preparedness for New World screwworm, which commissioners described as an urgent concern for livestock and wildlife. Deputy Director Meredith Longoria said TPWD is coordinating weekly with the Texas Animal Health Commission, Department of State Health Services and USDA on surveillance and monitoring, and the department is preparing communications to inform the public how to report suspected cases. Longoria said state agencies and stakeholder groups including cattle‑raisers and Farm Bureau are part of the coordination effort.

Commissioners asked for a quantitative briefing on historic wildlife impacts of screwworm; staff agreed to provide a report before the next commission meeting and to develop simplified public messaging on identification and reporting. The commission approved both motions by recorded voice vote.

The authorizations do not change season dates for regulated species but formally permit hunting activities on public hunting lands and listed state park units for the specified year. Staff will implement the commission direction to improve interagency coordination, surveillance and public outreach about screwworm.","Commission authorized the public hunting open season for 2025–26 and approved specific hunting activities on state parks, while commissioners sought detailed agency coordination and public guidance on New World screwworm surveillance and response.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":79,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542528,"TPWD briefing: oyster harvests remain below historic levels; restoration, buyback and mariculture work under way",8011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945&start=8011&end=8011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945/thumbnail_8011000.jpg","/articles/6542528/Texas/TPWD-briefing-oyster-harvests-remain-below-historic-levels-restoration-buyback-and-mariculture-work-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542528-6cb2b9e39a4305b9413d20dca8a7f5f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435097&Signature=B1H7fAXBdHn6moyluMlx9QUI3UQjki51er~aAt3uUgb6DQFsjbkubRNQos2JKP0Olj~V150zBUChDXJPVWifEKBgEkg3tzci3qOhiIxm6JXBo3m2lfWxhNvWA63bhGqyHgRt52AJAQiK--YCUsWPIgreTkXFDmwTynjexY1WtrCAKbubbzmXA0wfElnCZfzHu7wVu4zAjV4eUTXYJK9JcYH-N-ZkRfDjVXRgrBXoyEyzv6IJfOr-xU6JHxKTCzqmtXkG6ThEEffU~nBfzC2PDtFG1mX3TrA~-bDP2530v3j5iNENN4kmFYjgxvPMuX7kXQKBGQWTsn1KBrrd2pabNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a May 22 briefing, Coastal Fisheries Director Robin Rikers told the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that public oyster harvests in recent seasons are substantially below levels recorded before major storm events. Rikers said years of episodic freshwater events and storm impacts have reduced standing oyster populations and changed the distribution of harvests among bays.

Rikers reviewed data showing public commercial harvest has declined from peaks of several hundred thousand sacks per year in the 2000s to more recent levels closer to 200,000 sacks. (A sack is defined as 10 pounds and typically contains roughly 200 oysters; ex‑vessel value has ranged in the millions of dollars.) Rikers and presenters said Galveston Bay historically contributed a large share of harvest but has been vulnerable to major mortality events following storms and extended freshwater conditions.

Rikers outlined a multi‑part response: an oyster buyback program, expansion of cultivated oyster mariculture and certificates of location (COL) for private production and restoration, and large‑scale restoration projects supported by Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Deepwater Horizon funds. The department has restored more than 1,800 acres of oyster reef since Hurricane Ike and more than 100 acres using House Bill 51 funding and cultured material.

On buybacks, staff said the agency moved from a reverse‑bid process to a flat‑price offer of $30,000 per qualifying commercial license after limited uptake. That offer opened March 14 and closes May 31; staff reported 81 applications in process at the briefing. Rikers noted philanthropic partners may supplement state funds and that discussions with donors remain active.

Rikers described restoration projects in East and Upper Galveston Bay totaling about 87 acres and estimated at $16 million supported by NRDA funds; these reefs are planned as non‑harvestable to maximize ecological benefit. A Mission‑Aransas estuary restoration grant will test a network of sanctuary (non‑harvestable) reefs intended to seed adjacent harvestable reefs.

On monitoring and methods, staff said they are using hydraulic tong sampling in addition to dredge sampling, reviewing stock‑assessment techniques and testing restoration materials and configurations (thin layers vs. deeper mounds) to identify cost‑effective approaches.

Commissioners asked multiple questions about license activity, economic value and enforcement options. Staff said 56% of buyback applicants had recent landings (three of the last five years) and that enforcement could implement vessel inspection or other criteria to verify intent to use licenses, but that program design and legal issues would need development. Commissioners asked staff to prepare draft options on relicensing criteria, gear distinctions (for example, dredge size), and potential progressive or tiered fee structures tied to vessel capacity.","Coastal Fisheries Director Robin Rikers told the commission that public oyster harvests remain far below pre‑hurricane levels, outlined restoration projects funded by NRDA and other sources, and provided an update on a license buyback and other efforts to stabilize the fishery.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542534,"Commission reduces mariculture fees, loosens triploid parentage rule to expand oyster aquaculture",1251,3324000,4575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945&start=3324&end=4575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945/thumbnail_3324000.jpg","/articles/6542534/Texas/Commission-reduces-mariculture-fees-loosens-triploid-parentage-rule-to-expand-oyster-aquaculture","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542534-af7e5d31d17c4bf107d1bc8e2d3621d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435097&Signature=c6eEmTyXNuU9L5gE0H~0fxvyQ09sW6RwHhRSsOO9aTCqNYOEDEmjiou0o1lBgZvRvxwkig9FYRgvfPdrZz-L9thI5wNFz22YZ~dkH-Fw-6GumR0Fr~pia71pkMt0PHnvuwyfonMPtzOueRNrx0Ur2ODvwmHymyw~1bsalOHvuWI5DadvjIij-ttz8S1tOtbV0cJCH6lrHXyrz9jCtMvy3obiH3yetEbi30si6Hns1-M0ku25ZG8Ba5o3m7SRGiuqXBn0pwDaBP2eb33VD2QDLij~wecEsVtVHetc2Zy9kVAD11QnGIYju-0hD6eECXUNLAASvBUPaoap-hqvAyfedA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on May 22 adopted rule changes that lower annual fees for cultivated oyster mariculture permits and expand allowable broodstock origins for triploid oysters to include Northern Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama).

Dr. Lindsey Glass Campbell of the Coastal Fisheries Division presented the two items. Staff proposed lowering annual fees for grow‑out and nursery hatchery sites to $150 per acre per year for public water and $57 per acre per year for private‑water portions; staff said a minimum fee remains for very small hatcheries to help cover inspection costs. Campbell said the change responds to industry input and is intended to encourage small business growth.

On parentage for triploids, staff recommended allowing triploid seed produced from Northern Gulf broodstock so growers have more suppliers. Tracy‑style triploids are desired for faster growth and year‑round meat quality; staff said origin documentation and biosecurity testing remain required.

The rule changes were supported by the Oyster Advisory Committee and the Texas Conservation Alliance. At the public meeting on the fee change staff recorded 18 comments (14 supportive, four opposed or asking for different fees); for triploid parentage there were 15 comments (14 supportive). Two industry speakers — Jim Mein of PMAR (a Texas hatchery nonprofit) and David Aparicio of Oyster Brothers — urged the commission to approve the changes, saying more seed suppliers and lower fees will help new growers enter the market.

Commissioners asked questions about regional production and regulatory overlap. Campbell said other Gulf states have more permitted acres and longer‑established mariculture programs; Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana reported hundreds of permitted acres in their programs. The commission approved the amendments by unanimous voice vote.

Staff said broodstock origin must still be documented and biosecurity testing will continue to be required.","The commission adopted rule changes reducing annual cultivated oyster mariculture fees and allowing Atlantic/Gulf Northern broodstock to be used for triploid seed, moves intended to lower barriers for small growers and improve seed availability.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6542538,"Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts timeline for new state park openings",446,2862000,3308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945&start=2862&end=3308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444655-82ac1c3c33f11f747957bb3336889945/thumbnail_2862000.jpg","/articles/6542538/Texas/Texas-Parks-and-Wildlife-Commission-adopts-timeline-for-new-state-park-openings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542538-bee7669a79eb2cc06c04b8cddc32d43c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435097&Signature=RrI4R9TEy3ea-K56eh3CaStgvMhGJTjgyJbEXT86nT45ZI4-z8rekH2PctmI0Eq-A-uhkXLTLg740KM7nyKQVk7kSHFXotV317i0Hw1d2brBZ4ZZw1-Dg-6by2Et9pJa2ly-PYlUGjjbAZjkki6cwaXw4OXxOTLjaO~9ja3exoJ0exVjTC0KxHRNImBngJ5wERvKrcy9yg3Hacz1VnDaxQiWYsWVMFuAOWpptascv~fwNutPAkZaq4Z-WbJTLBp6zPayja4aSv3PVpW6Xy~gHoj~SaxIear1nSptS9SCyIMQufsehP5XEkjb08BioA3e8u~sY-K2ufHrP7apBCmkkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on May 22 adopted Commission Policy CP‑022, requiring the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use a phased plan and set timelines for opening newly acquired state park properties.

The policy directs the department to offer limited, facilitated day use within 12 months of acquisition (guided tours, hunting opportunities, fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing), expanded day use with basic amenities such as parking, trails and restrooms within 18 months, and to make parks available for overnight use with roads and utilities within 48 months. The department will post development status online and report key milestones to the commission annually.

State Parks Director Rodney Franklin presented the policy, describing a phased approach that balances sound design and resource protection while setting concrete timelines for public access. He said staff would provide a website to keep the public informed and would report development status to the commission once per year.

Chairman Hildebrand and several commissioners pressed staff to pursue faster, more cost‑efficient development models, including public‑private partnerships. The chairman said the department must adopt “an entrepreneurial spirit” and identify models that reduce per‑park costs, noting Palo Pinto State Park’s roughly $50 million construction cost and long timeline from purchase to opening. He asked staff to investigate public‑private partnership models and return to the commission with examples and recommendations.

After discussion, Commissioner Bell moved to adopt the policy; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The policy does not create new appropriations; it prescribes how the department stages development and communicates progress. Staff said the department will continue to adapt enhancement timelines based on operational need and public demand.","The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously adopted Commission Policy CP‑022 on May 22, 2025, directing the department to follow a phased timeline for new park development and to report annual status updates to the commission and public.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: minutes, donations, contracts, grants, property actions and Feeding Texas designation

Commission OKs 2025–26 public hunting season; commissioners press wildlife division on screwworm response

TPWD briefing: oyster harvests remain below historic levels; restoration, buyback and mariculture work under way

Commission reduces mariculture fees, loosens triploid parentage rule to expand oyster aquaculture

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts timeline for new state park openings