TPWD highlights first Water Trust deposit in two decades and asks commission to adopt phased park-opening policy

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials updated the commission on efforts tied to the department’s Land and Water Resources, Conservation and Recreation Plan and sought direction to formalize how newly acquired parks move from acquisition to public opening.

Executive Director David Joskowitz told the commission that TPWD recently dedicated 200 acre-feet of water to the Texas Water Trust for environmental flows in Big Cypress Bayou, the department’s first deposit to that trust in almost 20 years. Joskowitz said the deposit will support habitats important to reintroduced paddlefish and the protection of areas such as Caddo Lake.

"The dedication of 200 acre feet of water to the Texas Water Trust for environmental flows in Big Cypress Bayou is a significant step forward for conservation," Joskowitz said, explaining the Trust holds water rights for in-stream flows and freshwater inflows to bays and estuaries.

Joskowitz also described a large renovation of the Edwin L. Cox Junior Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, a nearly 30-year-old facility that has been closed for renovation since August 2023. The project — funded with philanthropic donations, foundation support and department budgets — includes new aquariums, exhibit updates, renovation of a 26,000-gallon dive tank and pond/habitat improvements; the department plans a rededication on May 29 and a public reopening on June 5.

Parks opening policy: Chairman Hildebrand used the update as the basis to press the commission and staff for a phased, time‑bounded approach to opening newly acquired parks. He asked TPWD to return in May with a written policy that would, if adopted, require: public hunts, guided tours and scouting events within 12 months of closing on a property; day‑use access within 18 months (including hiring and housing staff, trails, parking and restrooms); and full public opening within 48 months. He also asked for an annual status report and a public website showing each park's phase.

Why it matters: The chairman framed the policy as a way to ensure newly acquired public lands move from acquisition to public use in a timely, transparent manner. TPWD commissioners and staff said the funding picture has improved (citing sporting-goods sales tax and Centennial Fund resources), which increases obligation to open parks for public use.

Other conservation notes: Joskowitz described volunteer programs to remove derelict crab traps and highlighted habitat and recreation benefits at Caddo Lake. He also provided a legislative and appropriations update: TPWD's biennial base funding request for FY 2026-27 was $1.017 billion; House and Senate introduced versions reflected a net reduction of $42.5 million, and staff outlined riders and supplemental bill items under discussion including supplemental funding for Fund 9 and park acquisition authority in House Bill 500.

Next steps: Chairman Hildebrand asked staff to bring a formal phased‑opening policy to the commission in May for adoption and annual progress reporting.