Visitors to Big Bend National Park may have encountered signs that read “Loaded Firearms Prohibited.” But because of a bill passed last summer they could soon be replaced by signs that read “Loaded Concealed Weapons Okay.”
Not everyone is happy: “The national parks are one of the safest places to be,” said Don Dowdy, president of the Big Bend Sierra Club. “I don’t think loaded guns have any place in our national park system.”
During the Reagan Administration loaded firearms inside national parks were severely restricted. In his final 60 days as President, George W. Bush reversed the 25 year restriction, allowing licensed gun owners to carry concealed weapons in national parks.
“Protecting Americans from Violent Crimes” is the provision sanctioned by Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla) that will allow concealed weapons inside national parks beginning on February 10, 2010. It was stitched into a credit card reform bill that was approved on Capitol Hill in May 2009.
Read more about new guns laws in other National Parks.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Texas Music Fest returns for 22nd annual event
If you are a fan of Texas live music, LJT's 22nd annual Texas Music Fest returns in April. If you love Texas music, large fun loving crowds, and camping, then you need to attend this event at least once in your lifetime!
Each year it gets a little better than the previous year and there is always something different and memorable about each event.
Ticket and Camping packages are now available, so for the best spots and seats, get yours today by calling (254) 968-8505.
The festival begins in 76 days.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Park hosts needed in Texas State parks
Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement park staff and serve as a representative of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Hosts greet campers and give assistance to park visitors and park staff.
More than fifty State Parks, located throughout the state in a variety of scenic settings, have host positions available. Most parks have opportunities for fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other recreational activities.
Hosts are used seasonally in some, and at all times of the year in others. Hosts usually serve a minimum of one month; this may be extended with the approval of the Park Superintendent.
The primary duty of the Park Host is to assist park visitors by providing information. Hosts will need to become familiar with park regulations and points of interest in and near the park. Hosts may also be asked to perform duties such as litter collection and light maintenance, will serve about 25 hours per week, and be given days when they will not be on duty.
Host sites have water and electrical hookups, and many furnish sewer hookups as well. Hosts will be trained by park staff, and uniform items are provided to identify them as park volunteers.
Contact:
Lori Reiley
TPWD - State Parks Division
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, Tx. 78744-3291
512-389-4746
Lori.Reiley@tpwd.state.tx.us
More than fifty State Parks, located throughout the state in a variety of scenic settings, have host positions available. Most parks have opportunities for fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other recreational activities.
Hosts are used seasonally in some, and at all times of the year in others. Hosts usually serve a minimum of one month; this may be extended with the approval of the Park Superintendent.The primary duty of the Park Host is to assist park visitors by providing information. Hosts will need to become familiar with park regulations and points of interest in and near the park. Hosts may also be asked to perform duties such as litter collection and light maintenance, will serve about 25 hours per week, and be given days when they will not be on duty.
Host sites have water and electrical hookups, and many furnish sewer hookups as well. Hosts will be trained by park staff, and uniform items are provided to identify them as park volunteers.
Contact:
Lori Reiley
TPWD - State Parks Division
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, Tx. 78744-3291
512-389-4746
Lori.Reiley@tpwd.state.tx.us
Monday, January 11, 2010
Free fishing in Texas State Parks
The program of Free Fishing in State Parks was designed to encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great sport of fishing, long one of the most popular activities in the U.S.
To accomplish this, Texas Parks & Wildlife has waived the normal fishing license and stamp requirements for anyone fishing inside the property boundary of a Texas state park. Once you've paid the park entrance fees, no one needs a fishing license or stamp, whether freshwater or saltwater, adult or child, as long as they're inside the state park. Bag limits, length limits, and other regulations will still apply--and be enforced.
This applies to fishing from the bank, a pier, river or creek fishing, and fishing from a boat, if the water body is fully contained within the state park boundary. You can even wadefish in the coastal state parks along park property.
You can enjoy the Free Fishing in State Parks program at more than 50 state parks, and at numerous Wildlife Management Areas across Texas. There will also be fishing events throughout the year—from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait. Go here for a list of parks where you can fish as well as a list of fishing events.
To accomplish this, Texas Parks & Wildlife has waived the normal fishing license and stamp requirements for anyone fishing inside the property boundary of a Texas state park. Once you've paid the park entrance fees, no one needs a fishing license or stamp, whether freshwater or saltwater, adult or child, as long as they're inside the state park. Bag limits, length limits, and other regulations will still apply--and be enforced.
This applies to fishing from the bank, a pier, river or creek fishing, and fishing from a boat, if the water body is fully contained within the state park boundary. You can even wadefish in the coastal state parks along park property.You can enjoy the Free Fishing in State Parks program at more than 50 state parks, and at numerous Wildlife Management Areas across Texas. There will also be fishing events throughout the year—from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait. Go here for a list of parks where you can fish as well as a list of fishing events.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Birds of prey presentation comes to Blanco State Park
Visitors to Blanco State Park will have two opportunities to see live birds of prey up close when Save Our American Raptors comes to the park next week. The first presentation will be at 5:00pm Wednesday, January 13. The second presentation will be especially for young children and their parents, and will be held during the regularly scheduled “Romper Rangers” program at 10am Thursday, January 14.
Save Our American Raptors, Inc. is a non-profit birds of prey environmental education organization founded in Florida by Doris Mager in 1983. Their mission is to educate people about the magnificent birds of prey (or raptors) of America. They do this by bringing live birds of prey to locations for fun and informative presentations that feature a variety of birds. Blanco State Park will again this year have the honor of having Doris Mager in the park with her birds. Many Blanco residents and especially children will remember her presentation last winter with “E.T.” the Great-Horned Owl among others.
These programs are presented at no extra cost, just the entry fee for a day use permit to Blanco State Park; $4 for adults, $2 for seniors over 65, children under 13 and Texas State Park Pass members are free. For more information, contact Mary Alice Partain, park interpretive ranger at 830-833-4333 or maryalice. partain@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Save Our American Raptors, Inc. is a non-profit birds of prey environmental education organization founded in Florida by Doris Mager in 1983. Their mission is to educate people about the magnificent birds of prey (or raptors) of America. They do this by bringing live birds of prey to locations for fun and informative presentations that feature a variety of birds. Blanco State Park will again this year have the honor of having Doris Mager in the park with her birds. Many Blanco residents and especially children will remember her presentation last winter with “E.T.” the Great-Horned Owl among others.These programs are presented at no extra cost, just the entry fee for a day use permit to Blanco State Park; $4 for adults, $2 for seniors over 65, children under 13 and Texas State Park Pass members are free. For more information, contact Mary Alice Partain, park interpretive ranger at 830-833-4333 or maryalice. partain@tpwd.state.tx.us.
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