Passport to Texas

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="304"]Hunstville State Park's Lake Raven[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Largemouth bass fishing reigns supreme in Texas; while most anglers choose to cast in big lakes like Amistad, our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier tells us smaller State Park lakes, like Lake Raven, might surprise you. 53— Lake Raven, only 210 acres, inside Huntsville State Park – very scenic -- was rated as the number one bass lake for bass in the 14 to 17-inch size. And one of the top overall lakes that was done in the study for all year. It gets overlooked a lot. Lake Raven is just one example. Bass fishing in Texas is legendary; it is maybe the model fishery for the rest of the United States. And the inland fisheries department here does a fantastic job with that. And it’s a good marriage with state parks, because of all the other recreation. And Huntsville SP, where Lake Raven is, has lots of other things to offer. From miles and miles of trails to horseback riding – you can rent horses there – and lots of different things. But the fishing…Lake Raven really is a shining star; smaller bodies of water can oftentimes have great fishing, too. And state parks – when you’re inside a state park, no one even needs a fishing license, with the free fishing in state parks, And Lake raven is one of them. But bass fishing in Texas is king, and Lake Raven is at the top of the list. 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.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Sierra Diablo WMA, Image © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is passport to Texas Not all surveys are conducted over the telephone in the middle of your dinner hour. Baseline surveys conducted by wildlife biologists take place at wildlife management areas, over time. 13 – We conduct baseline inventories and surveys on the wildlife management areas, first of all so that we can understand and have a catalog of the different types of vegetation that grow there, the different types of animals that grow there, and what the habitat are that help support those animals. Dennis Gissell is facilities coordinator for the state’s 49 Wildlife Management areas, or Wildlife management Areas. 10—After we do the baseline inventory we do regular follow-up monitoring of those populations to determine how they’re doing. And compare that to habitat conditions and what we can do to help make it better. After the data is collected and analyzed, management recommendations for the Wildlife Management Areas are established and implemented. This type of active stewardship may include hunting to improve conditions. 14—Hunting provides a valuable tool in terms of population control for different wildlife species. Various game species can produce to the extent that their populations exceed the capacity of the habitat to support them. And so that’s why hunting is an important component. That's our show…funded by the Wildlife Restoration Program… helping to fund the operations and management of more than 49 wildlife management areas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…Cecilia Nasti

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Paddling Caddo Lake, image by Chase Fountain TPWD[/caption] This is Passport to Texas World Wetlands day was February 2, and to celebrate, the Texas Paddling trails Team at TPW launched 10 new paddling trails in the Caddo Lake area in Deep East Texas. 08—Five at Caddo lake State Park and the Wildlife Management Area, and five at Backwater Jack’s RV Park up river on the Big Cypress Bayou. Shelly Plante oversees nature tourism for the agency. She says the new paddling trails offer an air of intrigue. 16—Caddo Lake is just one of the most mysterious places in the State of Texas. The swampy bayous with the big cypress trees and Spanish moss…it’s just one of those captivating images… when you think of East Texas you envision. The trails at Caddo Lake will be tricky, but paddlers of all skill levels will get plenty of guidance along the way. 23—It’s a little intimidating as a paddler to think that you’re going to go out in these swamps and know your way around. These paddling trails are wonderful in that they help guide that experience. There are now arrow markers with reflective arrows marking your way for 10 different trails, to take you on a trip from two and a half miles to almost nine mile trips throughout these swamps. Hopefully it will make it easier for the newcomer. Find more information about Texas Paddling Trails on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Crab Trap Cleanup, photo by Art Morris, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is passport to Texas Since 2002, more than 29-thousand derelict crab traps have been removed from Texas bays. :13— Through our program we have documented over forty species of organisms that are caught in these traps that include game fish, and commercially important fish, and even Diamond back terrapins which are a species of special concern. That’s Art Morris is a biologist with Coastal Fisheries. He says Parks and Wildlife is gearing up for the Sixteenth annual Crab Trap clean up, February 15-24. Volunteers are needed. :34—Anybody can volunteer, however, we primarily need people with boats, and particularly air boats. But there are jobs for people that don’t have a boat. We need people to unload boats; we need people to maybe sometimes to go out with people that will have crew members to go out with them. We’ll provide gloves; we’ll have tarps for boats. You don’t need to sign up for anything. We would like you to call ahead of time so we can get an estimate of how many people are going to come to that site. Most of our work’s going to be done in San Antonio bay, north, because that’s where most of the crabbing effort goes on. But anybody can volunteer, and they can do it on their own. The main cleanup event is February 16 from 8:00 to noon; check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website or find information on how to volunteer at passporttotexas.org. Morris warns to remove traps only during Feb. 15-24 as it is illegal all other times as traps are private property. That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Crab Trap Cleanup Art Morris, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas There are ghosts in the gulf that silently trap and kill thousands of marine species annually. 09— They are a perpetual trapping machine. When something gets caught in there, it has nothing to eat and it dies, and it becomes bait and it attracts other fish and other organisms. That’s Art Morris…ghost buster. Actually, he’s a biologist with Coastal Fisheries. The entities he’s after are abandoned crab traps…adrift in the gulf…ghost fishing. 09—And one of the key things about this, because they’re targeting for crabs, that’s the number one species that we see—the targeted organisms is what we’re losing to these derelict traps. Weather and vandalism are the primary reasons why traps end up adrift, indiscriminately ensnaring crustaceans and other sea life. Morris says since 2002, more than 29-thousand of these A.W.O.L. traps have been removed from Texas bays. 12—A single trap can kill 26 blue crabs per trap per year. And we can extrapolate those numbers out and we estimate somewhere in the area of half million blue crabs are saved through this program alone—or have to date. Morris hasn’t removed these traps alone—he’s had a lot of help from volunteers during annual crab trap clean ups. Your chance to help rid the gulf of ghost fishing happens next month… details tomorrow. That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Washington-on-the-Brazos: Party Time[/caption] This is Passport to Texas This year marks the 177th Anniversary of Texas Independence, and we’ll be celebrating at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier has details. 53— Washington –on-the-Brazos, State Historic Site is one of the flagship historic sites in Texas as it relates to Texas independence. And, a lot of people are familiar with some of the others – like the Alamo – and the rich history that’s there. But, Washington-on-the-Brazos is very significant as well. In fact, it’s direct relationship with the Alamo was to allow people to have time to get to Washington –on-the-Brazos to convene a congress and declare independence back in the 1830s. And we’re doing the Texas Independence Celebration on March 2nd & 3rd, and it’s the only weekend of the year that has free access for everyone. And there’ll be music; there’ll be food vendors there with things for sale. And this year we’re also going to have troubadour, Craig Toungate doing a one man show based on actual letters and journals from the Texas revolution. You can find out more at www.texasstateparks.org. 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.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="250"]Former Texas Governor John Connally[/caption] This is Passport to Texas This year marks the 50th anniversary of Texas Parks and Wildlife, and we’re looking back at major milestones. In 1967, Governor Connally and the State Legislature ensured citizens would have access to nature’s splendor. 09 – Governor Connally realized that if we were going to conserve our lands and waters and fish and wildlife that we had to create places for people to get out and enjoy it. Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director, Carter Smith. 16 –So, Governor Connally and the Legislature championed a funding program that created a series of revenue bonds, called the Connally Bonds that were used to finance the acquisition and expansion of many state parks and state natural areas. …such as Enchanted Rock, Lost Maples, and Devil’s River… 12—…to a host of other state parks where Texans can now get out and enjoy the great outdoors: the beauty, splendor and wildness that define our state and the place that we love. We’re able to enjoy that a lot more because of the Connally Bonds. Help Texas Parks and Wildlife celebrate its 50 year anniversary this year by sharing your stories, videos and photographs depicting how you, your family and friends enjoy the great Texas outdoors. Just go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…Cecilia Nasti

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Buffalo Soldiers © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Buffalo soldiers were heroes in their time, yet their accomplishments, seldom taught in classrooms, leave many young African American students, like Greg McClanahan, with a limited sense of their history. 09—They didn’t teach us nothing in school but that we were slaves. They didn’t teach us that we were heroes or nothing. In history, all you ever heard about was slaves this, and slaves that. You didn’t hear about no black heroes. McClanahan attended public school in Kerrville, where he met Buffalo Soldier reenactors from Parks and Wildlife. 16—What we are doing is taking the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier into the cities and into the schools. And we feel that sharing this story, that we can instill some pride and some resolve in them. Ken Pollard is a 2006 inductee into the National Cowboys of Color hall of Fame. He said he found out about the Buffalo Soldiers as an adult, but wished he’d known about them earlier. 20—My relatives and kinfolk were cowboys, man. We didn’t have any black cowboys or soldiers, you know, to really look up to. For me, to have the black heroes there when I was growing up, that sense of pride would have been instilled in me. But if I had grown up with that—they would have been my heroes. Find information about Buffalo Soldiers Heritage and Community Outreach on the Texas Parks and Wildife website. That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Buffalo Soldiers © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas [SFX…military maneuvers] Establish, fade, roll under actuality & script. [singing] I was once a captured slave. Now I’m just a black man who came to be….[fade singing and roll under script] In the 19th Century, Black men who served in the 9th and 10th Regiments of Cavalry and 24th and 25th Regiments of Infantry of the United States Army were … I am a Buffalo Soldier! [song ends] The Native Americans whom they fought during the Indian Wars gave troops the name because of their hair texture, courage, and ferocity in battle. 05—He feared and respected the buffalo. And he learned to fear and respect the black soldier as well. That’s Buffalo Soldier reenactor, John Olivera, who says Buffalo soldiers played a major role in settling Texas. 12—Seventy-five percent of the soldiers that settled this area were Buffalo Soldiers. The only white men that were with them were the commanding officers. Almost all of the forts were manned and built by Buffalo Soldiers. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department offers Texas Buffalo Soldier Outdoor Educational Programs. Find their schedule on the Parks and Wildlife website. 11—The Buffalo Soldiers fought not only the Indians, and outlaws, but racism and prejudice. We had a job to do, and we done it. That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="425"]Tufted Titmouse from allaboutbirds.org[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Whatever your age or skill level, birding is a simple and satisfying way to engage the outdoors. 09— You know, [it’s] just having the reason to go outside and observe…. Getting out there and looking beyond yourself, I think, provides perspective, and is fulfilling in itself. Cullen Hanks is an avid birder and administrator of the Texas Natural Diversity Database for Parks and Wildlife. 07—And I’ve connected with birds on many levels; one is just watching and getting a little bit of perspective of the drama in their lives. And, February 15 – 18, when you witness the drama unfold in your own backyard, share your data with the Great Backyard Bird Count. 37—I haven’t participated specifically in the backyard bird count. However, I do contribute observations and checklists to eBird, which is collaborating with the Great Backyard Bird Count. Why do you feel it’s important to share what you’ve seen in your own backyard? One of the primary reasons, is there’s value in itself in going out and paying attention and creating these lists. And, the eBird interface, and the Great Backyard Bird Count are great ways to do that. In addition, contributing that data, gives us another lens on how to understand how bird populations are changing. The Great Backyard Bird Count is co sponsored by Audubon and the Cornell Lab or Ornithology Find more information at www.birdcount.org. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Bike Fest, Image courtesy Desert Sports[/caption]   CORRECTION: Bike Fest is Thursday, February 14, 2013 to Saturday, February 16, 2013. This is Passport to Texas Once called Dirt Fest, the newly named Bike Fest, at Big Bend Ranch State Park, is a mountain bikers dream. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier has details. 62—It’s a 54 mile epic ride trail, and you can break it up into various smaller rides. There’s a two-day option where people can stay at the Sauceda bunkhouse. The hose is the Lajitas Resort, which is a fantastic place. It really has become this draw for mountain bikers from all over the country to come every year for this event. It’s challenging, it’s incredible scenery, the weather typically in February in the Big Bend area is wonderful. So, this is just becoming one of those things – for bikers – put it on their bucket list to enjoy the trails out through the Chihuahuan Desert; it’s absolutely unforgettable. Spectacular. Not to be missed if you’re a mountain biking person or a mountain biking fan. And you can sign up through the reservation center here through Texas Parks and Wildlife, 512.389.8919, and then also can find out more information at desertsportstx.com. 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.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"]Wexford Ranches, Texas[/caption] This is Passport to Texas The Wexford Ranches have been in the same family for 136 years. This month the Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series, examines how the next generation prepares take this large family ranch into the future. Producer Ron Kabele: 55— The grandmother, Mrs. O’Connor, her main goal is to keep what’s left of the ranch intact. What she’s done is she’s gotten Kai, the ranch foreman…so now they’re teaching the grand kids what they need to do to take over the business, to keep it as a whole. I’m lucky enough to have worked for four generations. So now my bosses are much younger than I, but that’s cool, too, because I put lots of responsibility on them. It’s a very daunting task. Kai has done this all his life. The grand kids – they’ve grown up in the city. So, what Kai does is he teaches as much as he can, himself, and then he brings outside people in. He’s getting older, and at some point he’s going to retire. And what’s going to happen to that ranch? It’s been in their family for over 130 years, and they want to keep it in the family. It’s going to take everything they have to keep that ranch going. To keep that ranch in the family. Thanks, Ron. This show airs the week of February 3. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series and provides funding for diverse conservation project in Texas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]White Bass, Colorado Bend State Park[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Largemouth bass give fishermen a good fight, but the smaller white bass is just as capable of providing anglers with an adrenaline kick. 14— Ounce for ounce, they are a real strong fighter. But they’re not as big as largemouths. If they grew as large as largemouth bass, I think we’d have to fish for them with surf rods and heavy lines. John Jefferson is an outdoor writer, and crafted an article about this species for Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine’s February digital fishing special. 11— Most people that fish for whites will use lightweight tackle, a medium to lightweight spinning rod, and four to six pound test line – and then they’re fun! Late winter and early spring white bass begin schooling in tributaries to spawn. Whether from a bank or a boat, fishing for whites in open and running water is your best bet for success. 21— Middle of the creek, and then draw the lure back to the shore. And you’ve covered water from the deeper water in the middle up to the shore. You’ll probably hang one. It’s not uncommon, and a neat thing to see [that sometimes] you’ll hook one fish and as you’re reeling it in and playing it, there will be two or three others schooling right along with it. They’re probably offering moral support. Read the February digital fishing special, free online, at www.tpwmagazine.com. That’s our show…with support from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]White Bass, Illustration TPWD[/caption] This is Passport to Texas In the February Digital Fishing Special from Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine you’ll find an article on white bass by outdoor writer John Jefferson. 11— White bass is a great sport fish. Parks and Wildlife records show there are more white bass caught per hour of fishing than any other fish in Texas. Usually a lake dweller, white bass school in tributaries to spawn in late winter and early spring. 21— The white bass are triggered to spawn when the water reaches 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As far as the calendar, instead of the thermometer, it starts sometimes as early as warm days in January, but it really picks up in February and March. Those are the best two months. Anglers may keep up to 25 fish caught with a pole and line that meet the 10-inch length requirement. Although white bass prefer shad and minors, they’ll take artificial lures, which is what John Jefferson says he uses. 13— With me, it was a matter of laziness. I didn’t want to lug a big minnow bucket up and down the creeks when I could take a few jigs with me and a lightweight spinning rod and spend more time actually fishing than changing bait. We’ll talk more with John about white bass tomorrow. That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Feral Hog, image TPWD[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Outdoor Stories Insert sfx of hogs roaming around Opportunistic eaters, a campsite packed with trail mix and hot dogs would be prize winnings to a feral pig – except, they’re not always welcome. Hearing a raid on his campsite one night, young camper, Shea Prihoda tells us about the scare his grunting visitors gave him. 21 – I was camping once and I was sleeping and I woke up because something fell beside my tent and it caved in. So I started hitting and it started growling like a boar. So I started screaming because I was scared cuz it was right by my head. Then, one of the adults, I heard his tent unzip and he threw something, and then we heard a bunch of boars stampeding through our campsite. Anyone that woke up from my screaming heard it. That night, the pigs and the food were left unscathed; but another encounter is something Shafer…and the pigs…want to avoid 03 – I would kill a pig if I could these days. Let’s go hunting! Before you go hunting, Shea, you’ll need to pass a hunter education class and purchase a license. Frightening or fun: we want to hear your memorable outdoor experience. Share it with us at passporttotexas.org. That’s our show…we record our series at Block House Studios in Austin…the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.