This morning, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced their selection of ten projects that they will be pursuing in the coming year. These projects will be funded by the Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP), with the goal of improving fish habitats and waterways across the state of Texas.
"The Habitat and Angler Access Program offers us a tremendous opportunity to support much-needed fish habitat enhancement initiatives," stated the TPWD.
The TPWD serves the state of Texas by protecting and managing its natural landscape and resources. They encourage people to embrace the beauty and resources of Texas by providing increased and safe access to fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreational activities.
The HAAP program was established as a collaboration between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division. Its purpose is to restore waterways in Texas, with a specific focus on freshwater fish habitats and expanding access to banks and shorelines on public water. Despite being recently established, the program has already made significant improvements in the access to and health of Texas waterways.
The ten projects chosen by the TPWD for the coming year were selected based on the benefits they will provide to Texas citizens and waterways. Each project has a designated project lead who will oversee its progress. Additionally, each project has additional funding partners to assist in its construction. The chosen projects are as follows: Fishing Pier at Lake Bridgeport, Fishing Piers at Lake Livingston, MediPark Fishing Pier, Hill at Sims, City of Early Town Center Kayak Launches, Miller's Pond in San Antonio, Garner State Park Riparian Restoration, TreeFolks Reforestation, Iraan Riparian Restoration and Angler Access Project, and the Upper San Marcos River Invasive Species Control Project.
According to Mike Homer, the HAAP Coordinator and Abilene District Fisheries Biologist, these projects are expected to be successful in increasing fishing access, restoring crucial habitat for important fish populations, and developing partnerships with existing and potential partners who can benefit from the program.
The TPWD is excited to begin implementing these projects and improving the fish habitats and waterways throughout the state of Texas.
