Texas Parks and Wildlife Department History 1963-2003

Wildlife Commission. The controlled dredging program was approved allowing the permitted harvest of oyster shell from Texas bays. Oyster shell was used extensively in road construction and concrete mixes. This program was very controversial with opposition from many people concerned with the health of bay ecosystems, including commercial and recreational fishermen. Funding from dredging leases supported TPWD operations. The Department initiated a traveling wildlife exhibit show operated by Law Enforcement that most wardens called the “Possum Show”. It consisted of a tractor-trailer rig filled with various wild native animals that traveled to fairs and community events. 1964 Boat Registration Fees provided funds for the construction of boat ramps in State parks. Cooperation between Texas Dept. of Correction and TPWD began which addressed maintenance and construction at state park facilities. 1965 The Texas Game & Fish magazine changed its name to Texas Parks & Wildlife, reflecting the comprehensive function of the Parks and Wildlife Department. 1 1966 The first statewide mourning dove research project was initiated. The Texas Department of Transportation began construction and maintenance of park roads with funds appropriated by the legislature. The 60th Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment, enabling legislation to provide for a ten-year, $75 million State Park acquisition and development program. The “Data Processing” unit was formed at TPWD which included key punchers, supervisors, sorters, one computer operator and the first computer programmers using high level languages. Use of a mainframe computer to process custom programs was started. Mainframe computer time was rented (8 hours per night) from the Department of Public Welfare (now Department of Human Services) located in the basement of the Reagan Building in Austin. The computer was an IBM 1401 using vacuum tube technology with 4 kilobytes of memory. 1967 Legislature enacted House Bill 220 which authorized a state system of scientific areas for the purpose of education, scientific research and the preservation of flora and fauna. 1970 The Texas State Fish Records Program was established. Original state record list was acquired from the Texas Outdoor Writers. This program was the forerunner of the present Angler Recognition Program. Game Warden accreditation through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) required 140 hours of law enforcement training after September 1, 1970. This certification raised the standard for peace officers in Texas. Funding through Federal, Land and Water Conservation Program provided the foundation of TPWD facility expansion from the late 1960 into the mid 1980’s. The Texas legislative authorized the purchase of land and the development of public use facilities. 1971 The Texas legislature increased the TPWD Commission from 3 to 6 members. The white-winged dove stamp, costing $3, was the first hunting stamp designated by the Department. Funds from this stamp were designated for the purchase of white- winged dove nesting habitat. Twenty bighorn sheep were released on Black Gap Wildlife Management Area which began the reestablishment of this species in Texas. Game wardens were given peace officer status by the Texas legislature. Registration of motorboats was required under the Water Safety Act. The Federal Boat Safety Act provided federal aid for boating safety education and law enforcement. 2 1972 Technical Guidance Program initiated by TPW Commission to provide dedicated Wildlife Division staff to directly assist private landowners in wildlife and habitat management. The Boat and Motor Registration and Titling System moved from the Department of Transportation to TPWD. This was the first large automated system to be the responsibility of the Data Processing unit. The addition of this application strained the rented mainframe time which contributed to the need for TPWD to acquire its own mainframe. TPWD acquired its first mainframe computer shortly after the Boat Registration System moved to TPWD. Computer operators were hired along with data control technicians. The functions of State Parks, Wildlife and Fisheries began to have applications programmed. The computer was an IBM 360 Model 40. 1973 Significant advances were made in the culture of marine fish such as red and black drum, Atlantic croaker, flounder and spotted seatrout. Future research with fish was aimed at perfecting production and stocking methods for freshwater reservoirs of high salinity. The Environmental Branch of the Fisheries Division was organized. This branch was a precursor to the Resource Protection Branch, and later, Division. 1974 A standardized statewide saltwater fish harvest survey was initiated. The Fisheries Harvest Monitoring Program begins with a preliminary study in the Aransas, Galveston, San Antonio and upper Laguna Madre Bay systems. This program provided standardized fishery dependent data collected using a stratified random sample design. Bay boat ramps, wade/bank areas, private piers and commercial lighted piers and jetties were inventoried in each bay system. Shell harvesting permits were revised with more restrictive dredging rules adopted and studies were started to assure protection of bay environments. The first state list of endangered species was published. The list included five mammals, nine birds, two reptiles, five amphibians, and five fishes. Policy was adopted by the TPWD Commission on mitigation of fish and wildlife losses as result of pollution. 3 1975 The Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program, a standardized statewide survey of saltwater fish populations, was initiated. This created a comprehensive fishery independent data collection program which utilized random sampling. Over the following years, experiments with various gears are conducted to determine the most appropriate methods of data collection for Texas coastal waters. The archery hunting stamp was initiated. Twelve surplus U.S. Navy liberty ships were placed at five sites in the Gulf of Mexico from 1975-76 to serve as artificial reefs. The Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid Program for sampling coastal and inland public waters was established. Uniformity of sampling gear, sampling protocol, and fisheries management report writing was a result. 1976 Passage of U.S. Public Law 94-265, the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (Magnuson Act) substantially affected TPWD. Fisheries of the new federal zone extending seaward from the outer limit of state jurisdiction to 200 miles in the Gulf of Mexico were now managed by a regional council of members from the five Gulf states with technical assistance from these states and the National Marine Fisheries Service. TPWD headquarters moves from downtown Austin to its location at McKinney Falls State Park. This consolidated all Austin staff into one location. 1977 TPWD wildlife biologists and one from Mexico went on a 45-day reconnaissance trip to the white-winged dove wintering areas in Central America, noting areas of dove concentrations and existing habitat conditions, and contacting wildlife officials in each country to discuss formation of an International White-winged Dove Management Plan. Red Drum Conservation Act became law, setting red drum limits for both sport and commercial fishermen. 1978 The game warden training academy was moved from College Station to its present location in Austin. TPWD signed a consent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that, in its simplest terms, committed all agency employees to actively work toward the goal 4 of improving the representation of minority group members in the agency’s workforce. The agency’s effort in response to the consent agreement began a process that significantly improved the diversity of the department’s workforce. During the 1980s and 1990s, great strides were made in developing hiring policies, guidelines and selection procedures that were objective and defensible. 1979 Texas becomes the first state to prohibit the use of single-strand monofilament gill nets in some situations. 1980 Gill nets were prohibited in Texas bays. The Law Enforcement Division field network was established through IBM which linked the boat registration system and the Law Enforcement citation system to Law Enforcement offices. 1981 TPWD was given management authority over the American alligator in Texas. Legislation passed requiring all Texas waterfowl hunters to possess a $5 State Waterfowl Stamp. The Texas legislature directed TPWD to issue a permit to Texas A&M University to study the effects of a grass carp introduction into Lake Conroe. House Bill 1000 (Redfish Bill) passed which designated red drum and spotted seatrout as gamefish and prohibited their sale. An attempt to overturn the law in federal court by commercial finfish fishermen was unsuccessful. Commercial finfish fishermen subsequently directed their fishing effort at black drum, southern flounder and other species. Redfish Bill violations increased to Class B misdemeanor with fines of $200 to $1,000. The Gulf Coast Conservation Association leases a $1.2 million red drum hatchery to the Department to raise fingerlings to stock Texas bays. The largest single park acquisition project to date occurred with a lease of land for the Choke Canyon State Park and what was later to be named James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area, totaling 38,500 acres. 1982 State Waterfowl Habitat Acquisition and Development Program was initiated. 5 Operation Game Thief Program was implemented 1983 TPW Commission membership increased from 6 to 9 members. The Wildlife Conservation Act passed giving the TPWD Commission authority to manage fish and wildlife to include finfish and crabs. Before passage of the act, all hunting and fishing laws in 13 Texas counties and certain laws in 72 counties were set by the Legislature while regulations set by the Department in other counties were subject to approval or veto by local county commissioners’ courts. The new John Wilson Saltwater Fish Hatchery, built with funds donated by the Gulf Coast Conservation Association on land provided by Central Power and Light Company of Corpus Christi, became operational. Department workers at the hatchery produced more than 7 million red drum fingerlings for stocking Texas’ bays during the year. The nontoxic (steel) shot zone for waterfowl hunting was expanded to include all coastal areas and a portion of the prairie region west of Houston. Prohibition of the use of toxic lead shot for waterfowl hunting within the zone was designed to reduce the incidence of lead poisoning in waterfowl. The Texas coast experienced unusually cold weather during late December 1983 through early January 1984 that caused massive fish kills in Texas bays. Slush ice covering the bays was common from Sabine Lake to lower Laguna Madre. About 14 million fish and one million invertebrates were estimated killed. Routine sampling in the months following the freeze revealed reduced populations of spotted seatrout and other finfishes. Recreational fishing was adversely affected for several years after the freeze. The TPWD Commission enacted emergency regulations which reduced bag and possession limits and increased minimum length limits on red drum and spotted seatrout. This same freeze also killed citrus orchards and native brush nesting habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and contributed to the expansion of white-winged dove range to other areas of Texas. Senate Bill 325 provided continuation of the one-cent cigarette tax for local parks, with provision for rural areas to be eligible for funding. 6 The TPWD Commission authorized the purchase of 215,000-acre Big Bend Ranch in Brewster and Presidio Counties for $8.8 million. The ranch is the largest tract ever acquired by TPWD, and the acquisition, in effect, doubled state park acreage. 1984 The Department’s request to the Texas Water Commission resulted in the release of 10,000 acre-feet of water from Lake Texana near Edna, the first-ever release of impounded water in Texas intended solely to benefit an estuarine system. The Department’s first Non-game Stamp, Print, and Decal Program was launched, with proceeds dedicated to the Department’s non-game and endangered species programs. “Texas Outdoors” radio program produced with the Texas State Network in Dallas, aired on 24 stations. The Vegetation Types of Texas map and accompanying document was published. Staff from the GIS Lab (Resource Protection) and Wildlife Division were instrumental in the development of this product. 1985 State Freshwater Trout Fishing Stamp was established to help fund the rainbow trout stocking program and to acquire river access locations. The PBS film series titled, “Made in Texas” aired for the first time. The Saltwater Stamp Bill created a $5 stamp for saltwater anglers. This provided an estimate of the number of anglers fishing in saltwater and provided revenue for improved coastal fisheries management and law enforcement. Funding from this source allowed for expansion of Coastal Fisheries monitoring programs and an increase in staff to support them. The 69th Legislature passed the Department’s Sunset Review legislation broadening the agency’s powers in the fields of licenses, water issues, penalties, recovery of values for lost or damaged wildlife resources and nongame programs. It designated the Department as the primary agency for protection of the state’s fish and wildlife resources and set up a lifetime hunting and fishing license endowment fund. Another result of this legislation was the elevation of the Resource Protection Branch to full divisional status and its authority over protection of fish and wildlife resources was enhanced, particularly as relates to water quality. The Texas legislature delegated authority over shrimp and oysters to the TPWD Commission contingent upon completion of Management Plans. This action also gave the Commission the authority to regulate the times, means and methods used to harvest these organisms. House Bill 2 of the 1985 Legislature provided the statutory authority for TPWD to work with the Texas Water Development Board to establish and maintain a continuous data collection program and to jointly conduct special studies and analyses to determine the bay conditions necessary to support a sound ecological environment. The Texas Water Code required the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (currently Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) and TPWD to recommend the specific quantities and qualities of freshwater inflows necessary to 7 maintain fish and shellfish productivity of bays and estuaries. The Texas Water Code authorized TPWD to enforce the Water Code to the extent that any violation affects aquatic life and wildlife. TPWD’s response to fish kills and pollution incidents which threaten fish and wildlife was based in part upon this statutory authority. 1986 Statewide 14-inch minimum length limit and 5-fish daily bag were implemented on largemouth bass. This change marked the movement from Maximum Sustained Yield (MSY) to Optimum Sustained Yield (OSY) fisheries management philosophy. The ShareLunker Program was initiated when a 17.65-pound Lake Fork largemouth bass was caught and donated. This fish was also a new state record. The ShareLunker program originally contained two objectives: 1) to promote catch-and-release of trophy largemouth bass, and 2) to selectively breed trophy largemouth bass. Law Enforcement Division, with cooperation of Fisheries, instated a Genetic Data Base Wildlife Forensic analysis for game wardens. Wardens began collecting blood and tissue samples from a broad spectrum of fishes and wildlife animals in Texas to build an extensive data base. This information assisted in the identification of species by blood and tissue cases filed by wardens. Project WILD teacher workshops were approved by Texas Education Agency for advanced academic training credit. The Mandatory Hunter Education Program was adopted by the Legislature. 1987 The Type II Wildlife Management Area Program was launched. This program was intended as a cooperative agreement with landowners to use private lands for public hunting opportunities. In its first year, the program garnered more than 436,000 acres, and 24,000 purchasers of $35 Type II annual permits were allowed to hunt on any or all tracts during the open hunting season. Mainframe computing capabilities were extended to all Law Enforcement offices. This allowed for citations and registration to be done at the field offices. TPWD acquired its first microcomputer in state parks. Many skeptics said that microcomputers wouldn’t work for the long term. 1988 TP&W Commission voted to close Texas waters to all trammel nets and drag seines. This action was designed to promote the escapement of adult red drum to the Gulf and reduce bycatch of non-targeted species. The Fisheries Division expanded its state fish records program to include a listing of the largest fish caught from lakes, rivers and coastal bays. A new fish and wildlife stocking policy was developed after public hearings were held across the state. 8 The first purchase of habitat with monies from the Special Non-game and Endangered Species Fund was a 208-acre tract in Chambers County, used by thousands of migrating birds as a resting place in the spring as they arrive from Central and South America. Mandatory Hunter Education and Boater Education Programs began. 1989 The Texas coast experienced two cold weather periods (February and December) that caused massive fish kills. About 11 million fishes and 13,000 invertebrates were estimated killed in February and about 6 million fishes and more than 155,000 invertebrates in December. Subsequent TPWD routine sampling revealed spotted seatrout and other finfish populations were reduced. Recreational fishing was adversely affected for several years after the freezes. 1990 TPWD was designated as a State Natural Resource Trustee by the Governor pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. As a natural resource trustee, the Department is responsible for assessing injuries to natural resources and the services they provide from unauthorized discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances and pursuing compensation from the responsible party(s). The Texas Artificial Reef Plan was adopted by the TPWD Commission to guide future development and placement of reefs off the Texas coast. 1991 A major reorganization of the department created new divisions, including Fisheries and Wildlife, Public Lands, Conservation Communications, Legal Services, Human Resources and the Chief Financial Office. Law Enforcement and Resource Protection remained intact. The Texas Big Game Awards Program was established to encourage quality private land management and promote recruitment of new and young hunters. The Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas, Incorporated, a private nonprofit organization, was founded to raise private donations for department conservation efforts. The Texas Conservation Passport was introduced. This pass, at a cost of $25, 9 offered entry to all state parks, guided tours and other benefits. The Recruitment and Retention Program was established to focus on attracting and retaining qualified females and minorities to work for the Department. The Strategic Plan for TPWD, Natural Agenda, was created and served as a model for the rest of state government. The mission, goals and objectives created from that original plan have not changed significantly during subsequent document renewals and the myriad of background information it provides is very useful to many employees and constituents of TPWD. 1992 The 1st annual Wildlife Expo celebrated the role hunters have played in conservation and to promote hunting and conservation. Subsequent Wildlife Expo events had expanded themes to include all divisions of TPWD. Production of “Texas Outdoor Connection” radio program began. The Nongame and Urban Fisheries and Wildlife Program were created, with nongame/urban biologists assigned to Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. 1993 The TPWD GIS Lab was founded and placed under the direction of the Resource Protection Division. Becoming an Outdoor Woman ® workshops were initiated. Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch summer camps began under partnership with the Texas Game Warden Association. Legislation passed which allowed TPWD to retain interest earnings on its fee-based revenue and receive the correct amount of unclaimed motorboat fuels tax refunds. TPWD shifted from cigarette tax funding, which was declining, to the sporting goods sales tax which was increasing. 1994 The computer-based Central Reservation Center opened in December, allowing visitors to book reservations at almost all state parks with one phone call and pay for reservations by credit card. Previously, visitors had to call each park individually. The TPWD Commission approved a new classification system for TPWD public lands, which included the Wildlife Division’s Wildlife Management Areas. The system categorized departmental lands 10 in four legislated classes: game management areas, recreational areas, natural areas, and historical areas. The procurement card system was initiated following legislative action. This was in response to the need for decentralization of purchasing and for small value purchase transactions to be more efficient. TPWD established its own node on the internet with a web page that was and continues to be considered one of the best in state government. This provided ability to reach a new customer base. 1995 Legislation passed giving TPWD Commission the authority to limit entry into the commercial bay and bait shrimp fisheries and to create a license buyback program. This allowed for a tool that would rationalize fishing effort and guarantee that at some point the fishery would reach sustainability. Plans for the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, funded with a $500,000 federal highways grant, were announced. The trail would link more than 200 sites along 500 miles of coastal highways to facilitate and promote public viewing from Beaumont to Brownsville. The Texas Private Lands Initiative was expanded to provide technical and financial assistance for the development of wildlife conservation projects on private lands in Texas. The first phase of the program was completed this year after more than $760,000 was raised to develop wildlife habitat enhancement projects on 60 sites in 34 counties. The license point-of-sale system was established as the second and largest online automated licensing system in the nation. Many benefits were derived from this system including the availability of all products at all locations, the ability to shorten the receipt of funds from the license agents from three months to one week, the access to current information and customer information and the ability to make modifications to licenses with minimal impact and no printing requirements. 1996 The $13 million Sea Center Texas marine development aquarium and educational 11 center at Lake Jackson opened in March providing a hatchery building, a visitor center, 36 one-acre grow-out ponds, a one half acre Youth Fishing Pond and a wetland composed of a 3 acre freshwater and 1.5 acre saltwater marsh wetland area. The facility had the capacity to produce 20 million fingerlings annually, primarily red drum and spotted seatrout, for release into Texas coastal waters. Passport to Texas radio program begins The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) opened in Athens. The project was originally designed to be a renovation of the Tyler fish hatchery with the addition of a Texas fishing hall of fame. The facility hosts a hatchery, research laboratory, aquarium, fishing pond, and educational center. The ShareLunker Program was transferred from the defunct hatchery in Tyler to TFFC. The Texas Game Warden Association unveiled the Texas Game Warden Memorial at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. The sculptured bronze statue was dedicated to game wardens that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, while protecting the wildlife and people of Texas. State parks that charge entrance fees instituted a per-person pricing fee schedule. Instead of paying a per-vehicle price, adult visitors were charged fees ranging from $1 to $5 per person. Texas Game Wardens became involved in a major boating safety campaign. The “Don’t Be A Pain In The Boat” initiative was designed to generate extensive public awareness about safe boating practices, while providing intensive Law Enforcement on some of Texas’ “high profile” lakes. 1997 Legislation passed creating a mandatory boater education program in Texas for boat operators under the age of 18, and who were born on or after September 1, 1984. Operation Game Thief introduced the Wall of Shame Trailer which is taken to all types of events through out the state. The trailer contained mounts of illegally taken game and fish and unlawful gear. 12 1998 A new program entitled Outdoor Kids was started to: 1) create an umbrella program for all of the agency’s youth-oriented programs, 2) serve as a resource for field staff to adapt and use at the individual sites, and 3) recognize kids that participate in outdoor recreational, natural and historical programs and events. TPWD initiated the World Birding Center located in the Rio Grande Valley. 1999 The 76th Legislature expanded the Department’s role in aquatic vegetation control by placing TPWD in an advisory role to reservoir/river controlling authorities. Lone Star Legacy Weekend annual event began. TPWD debuts the first conservation license plate featuring a horned lizard. Plates to follow featured the blue bonnet, white-tailed deer and largemouth bass. 2000 TPWD compiled and established a Facility Management System to determine the life cycle and inventory of Department facilities. 2001 Proposition 8 passed as a constitutional amendment, providing TPWD with more than $100 million to address capital repairs throughout the Parks and Wildlife system and to complete backlogged critical projects. Inland Fisheries staff played a lead role in developing “Aquatic Vegetation Management in Texas: A Guidance Document” which is used to assist TPWD and reservoir/river controlling authorities in developing and implementing aquatic vegetation management plans. 2002 Education, Interpretation and Outreach Commission Committee, Task Force, Advisory Committee (an external group) and Project Manager for TPWD were all created as a result of the Sunset legislation. A report by an outside consultant to the Finance Committee of the TPWD Commission found that the Department must do a better job of balancing its books and communicating financial information to the Texas Legislature. The report recommended revising internal financial systems so they are better coordinated with USAS, the state’s official accounting system; find ways to fund capital commitments that the Department is already committed to, and reorganize the structure of the Department to centralize operations. All of these identified needs were addressed. 13 Administrative Resources Division The Administrative Resources Division supports achievement of the agency's mission by providing financial and budgetary support, development and maintenance of the information technology infrastructure, strategic planning, strategic performance measurement and records management and warehousing. The Division administers all financial transactions and agreements; designs, installs and maintains automated information systems; coordinates the agency's strategic plan; prepares legislative appropriation requests and operating budgets; and maintains necessary records management and warehousing capabilities. Administrative Resources responsibilities include providing financial and budgetary information to the Executive Office, state legislative and oversight offices and the TPW Commission to facilitate informed financial management decision making for TPWD. Chronological List of Divisional Events: Mid-1960s “Data Processing” functions started at TPWD and were limited to key punching, sorting of cards and other functions. The most advanced machinery was IBM accounting machines which could be programmed to tally certain columns of cards as they were fed through them. This was the beginning of Information Technology at TPWD and mainly involved business functions such as payroll and accounting. Workers were located in the Finance Division with others in the Reagan Building in downtown Austin. 1966 “Data Processing” unit formed at TPWD which included key punchers, supervisors, sorters, one computer operator and the first computer programmers using high level languages. Use of a mainframe computer to process custom programs was started. Mainframe computer time was rented (8 hours per night) from the Department of Public Welfare (currently Department of Human Services) located in the basement of the Reagan Building in Austin. The computer was an IBM 1401 using vacuum tube technology with 4 kilobytes of memory. 1967 The 62nd legislature recognizing the limitations of the bond fund, created the Texas Park Fund Number 31 for planning, acquisition and development of sate parks and historic sites. The program was funded by a one-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes sold in Texas. 1972 The Boat and Motor Registration and Titling System moved from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to TPWD. This was the first large automated system to be the responsibility of the Data Processing unit. Many workers from TXDOT moved with the application and it was placed in the Finance Division. The Data Processing group was located in the Oetting Building in Austin. The addition of this application strained the rented mainframe time which contributed to the need for TPWD to acquire its own mainframe. TPWD acquired its first mainframe computer shortly after the Boat Registration System moved to TPWD. Computer operators were hired along with data control technicians. The functions of State Parks, Wildlife and Fisheries began to have applications programmed. The computer was an IBM 360 Model 40. 14 Data Processing was elevated to Divisional status. Previously it had been under Finance. 1975 TPWD purchased its second mainframe computer, an IBM 360 Model 50, from Texas A&M University. The unit was housed in a room measuring 22 X 110 feet and had ½ megabyte of memory. The unit provided enough memory to manage LANSAT data in the Pattern Recognition Program for Wildlife Division allowing for monitoring of habitat changes through satellite imagery. This was the first time a computer was used by TPWD for natural resource operations and not just administrative support and law enforcement. 1976 TPWD moves to its location at McKinney Falls State Park. This consolidated all Austin staff into one location. Consolidation of all TPWD staff at headquarters resulted in closer communication between divisions especially with Data Processing which allowed for better design of applications. Up time for automated application reached an all time high since remote connections to other Austin users were practically eliminated. Distributed mainframe processing continued to grow as law enforcement and other field offices were given dial-up capabilities. 1978 The legislature created a second fund for parks called the Texas Local Park, Recreation and Open Space Fund to help create more urban park areas. 1980 The mainframe database language was chosen and TPWD purchased a mainframe database system, Model 204, as its standard. Staff began converting existing applications to that database. More applications from divisions were developed for the database. 1987 Mainframe computing capabilities were extended to all Law Enforcement offices. This allowed for citations and registration to be done at the field offices. The work was completed in 1988. TPWD acquired its first microcomputer in state parks. Many skeptics said that microcomputers would not work for the long term. Microcomputers began to make an impact with the decentralization of application development away from the Data Processing unit except for corporate applications. During this growth of personal computing, the Data Processing unit formed support functions like the Help Desk and an output distribution center to support the traditional mainframe and the emergence of personal computing. 1989 The first Local Area Network (LAN) was set up using Netware to network 30 computers in a trial run. Networking began to take hold as LANs became prevalent within divisions. The need for standardization of hardware and software became increasingly apparent as Data Processing staff attempted to maintain equipment and keep software upgraded. The Data processing unit was changed to Information Resources to reflect current terminology. 1990 A headquarters-wide network was established putting virtually all microcomputers in Austin on-line. Information Resources was placed in Administrative Services Division. 15 1991 The Strategic Plan for TPWD, entitled Natural Agenda, was created and served as a model for the rest of state government. The mission, goals and objectives created from that original plan have not changed significantly during subsequent document renewals and the myriad of background information it provided has been useful to many employees and constituents of TPWD. 1993 Legislation passed which allowed TPWD to retain interest earnings on its fee based revenue and receive the correct amount of Unclaimed Motorboat Fuels Tax Refunds. Retaining the interest earnings not only allowed our appropriation to increase, but also helped project a more business like approach. TPWD’s organizational budget was converted to a strategic based budget for appropriations called a Legislative Appropriations Request. Natural Quality Service was implemented for boat registration and titling and other sections. This included measurement and tracking of various customer service components called “critical success factors”. The educational assistance program was implemented which included tuition reimbursement and time off to attend classes. Modifications to statute were accomplished during the 74th Legislative Session to allow for an automated licensing system and to define and create a Super Combo license. By creating the Super Combo and subsequently the Senior Super Combo later in the 1990’s, TPWD for the first time increased revenue by developing a product that offered convenience and to some extent, prestige, but was actually more expensive than what was required for the majority of purchasers to legally hunt. Information resource standards were developed throughout TPWD resulting in standardization of desktop hardware and software. This was done through the work of the Management Advisory Committees. Through the 1990’s the Management Advisory Committees were used to continue standardization and coordinate more useful training and help desk support. TPWD shifted away from declining cigarette tax funding, which had no relationship to its mission, to the sporting goods sales tax which was increasing. This shift had the potential to be tapped for future growth of TPWD, specifically state parks. The Entrepreneurial Budgeting System was developed and implemented to reward successful entrepreneurial activities at TPWD sites. 1994 The entire headquarters building was rewired with category 5 wiring to facilitate the use of network connections, phone connections, and other connections. This brought the connectivity quality to the high level needed for the ever-changing environment of technology at that time. Variable pricing and per person pricing increased the self-sufficiency of state parks. The Internal Financial System Alternatives Study led to the acquisition of the Oracle Financial System that ran on a server/client based system. Although the system was complicated and received mixed reviews, the availability and accuracy of the information increased the Department’s ability to comply with legislative purchasing and accounting requirements. The licensing point-of-sale system feasibility study was conducted by Sterling Information Group. The procurement card system was initiated following legislative action. This was in 16 response to the need for decentralization of purchasing and for small value purchase transactions to be more efficient. TPWD established its own node on the internet with a web page that was and continues to be considered one of the best in state government. This provided a new ability to reach a new customer base. In the mid-1990s client-server concepts in information technology were introduced as the future way to deliver applications to customers. Dependence on the mainframe for corporate applications was giving way slowly to the use of large servers and personal computers. TPWD was one of the first state agencies to begin the move to client-server environments for large applications. All divisions of the Department were involved in this move. Each program division had added several technical staff to compliment the assistance they received from Information Resources. The divisions by now were responsible for their own data entry and centralized key punching had been dissolved. 1995 The license point-of-sale system was established as the second and largest online automated licensing system in the nation. Many benefits were derived from this system including the availability of all products at all locations, the ability to shorten the receipt of funds from the license agents from 3 months to 1 week, the access to current information and customer information and the ability to make modifications to licenses with minimal impact and no printing requirements. The new PBX phone system at headquarters was implemented which included voicemail and call center support. 1996 The Integrated Financial System was developed which allowed for the availability of time and leave accounting and real-time budgeting and expenditure information. Ten TPWD field offices were connected to the LAN at headquarters via the Wide Area Network (WAN). Field office connections to the WAN would continue in the coming years. Across the board fee increases were implemented. The procurement card system was implemented. A full time equivalent cap was implemented to address vacancy rate. The headquarters motor pool was eliminated. An online and offline automated license system was implemented that accommodated the Harvest Information Program. This system allowed for reduced license purchase time, one-stop access to all license and stamps, simplified process for license deputies, verification of purchaser information resulting in more accurate and current license holder information, shorter remittance cycle, paperless license for short term fishing and hunting of non-tagged species. 1997 Legislation passed providing $60 million in revenue bonds to address backlog of infrastructure needs. 1999 The Department outsourced the mainframe since only a few applications were still operated on it. 2000 An Analysis of Alternatives was conducted to select a system to replace the Transactive point-of-sale license system. The new 17 system would need to accommodate approximately 2,000 license agents and 3.2 million transactions. All computer applications were reviewed to ensure that the systems were prepared for both fiscal and actual year 2000 during Y2K programming concerns. The TPWD website and Wildnet (intranet) was developed. 2001 Proposition 8 passed providing TPWD with more than $100 million to address capital repairs throughout the Parks and Wildlife system and to complete backlogged critical projects. TPWD experienced problems reconciling the Department’s accounting system with those of other agencies resulting in some friction with legislators and other state agencies. An October 2001 audit focused on revenue management and criticized TPWD for not reconciling revenue since 1998. While no money was missing, the State Auditor’s Office report noted that there was a $23.4 million difference between the revenue the Department reported within its internal accounting system and the revenue reported within the state's official accounting system, known as USAS. The difference was subsequently reconciled. 2002 A report by an outside consultant to the Finance Committee of the TPW Commission found that TPWD must do a better job of balancing its books and communicating financial information to the Texas Legislature. The report recommended revising internal financial systems so they were better coordinated with USAS, the state’s official accounting system; find ways to fund capital commitments that the Department is already committed to and reorganize the structure of the Department to centralize operations. All of these identified needs were addressed. A new point-of-sale license system was completed and implemented in January, 2002. Later in the year, the contractor that developed and administered the new electronic license sales system experienced financial difficulties causing fears that they might not be able to meet their obligations. TPWD improvised to develop a back up paper licensing system. Fortunately the back up system was not needed as the contractor was able to deliver the electronic system in the end. 18 Coastal Fisheries Division The management strategies of the Coastal Fisheries Division are directed at making the best long- term use of the marine resources of Texas. Although the Division’s mandate covers four million acres of saltwater, including the bays and estuaries and out to nine nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico, the state’s marine resources are not infinite. The Division’s actions over the years reflect a growing demand on marine resources by recreational and commercial fishermen as well as additional stresses on the quality and quantity of marine habitat. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department through the Coastal Fisheries Division has been a leader in the U.S. in several aspects of marine fisheries management through the years. The Division’s Marine Monitoring Program collects fishery dependent and independent data for hundreds of species of finfish, shellfish, and other marine life in one of the most comprehensive and longest lasting programs of its kind in North America. The Department has been a leader in marine resource enhancement through production and stocking of recreationally important finfish in Texas bays to supplement natural production. While the fishery management tool of effort limitation was still a new and relatively untested idea, Texas proceeded with limited entry and license buy-back in the commercial bay shrimp fishery followed by the commercial finfish and crab fisheries. Coastal Fisheries continued to lead into the 21st Century with the creation of the first Gulf shrimp fishery seasonal closed area for the protection of nesting sea turtles and emigrating sub-adult shrimp. Coastal Fisheries owes its success to the vision and daring of its leadership and dedicated professionalism of its biological and technical staff. This level of expertise resulted in fishery management decisions that are science based in biologic, economic, and human dimensions. In turn, the Division gained a level of trust within the Department and state government by demonstrating they were capable of accomplishing their mission and doing it well. Prior to 1963 a regional organization had been established for the Department which placed Coastal Fisheries biologists in separate regions along the coast. Each region contained representation from other divisions in the area as well. A chief marine biologist existed at each region. Fisheries biological staff was stationed in several bay systems to conduct marine research on local issues. The work of these biologists was loosely supervised with each person working on independent programs and studies. This system would change during the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s into marine fishery monitoring and research teams located at each major Texas bay ecosystem working on coastwide initiatives as well as local issues. Chronological List of Divisional Events: 1963 The Texas Game and Fish Commission merged with the State Parks Board to create the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department controlled by a 3 member Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission. In the new Texas Parks & Wildlife Department organization, Coastal Fisheries Function was located within Wildlife Services Division. The controlled dredging program was approved allowing the permitted harvest of oyster shell from Texas bays. Oyster shell was used extensively in road construction and concrete mixes. This program was very controversial with opposition from many people concerned with the health of bay 19 ecosystems including commercial and recreational fishermen. Around this time considerable conflict was occurring between commercial and recreational fishermen. One strategy among many considered to deal with this problem was zoning of bays and seasons to separate the two user groups. The Galveston Bay field station in Seabrook was built after Hurricane Carla destroyed the station’s previous location in an old school house in 1961. 1966 Texas joins the Federal Aid to Commercial Fisheries research and development program. 1967 Winds from Hurricane Beulah and ensuing floods completely destroyed the Lower Laguna Madre field laboratory and boathouse. All boats and vehicle and a few items of equipment were saved, but most equipment and unduplicated records were lost. First coastwide minimum size limit established for red drum at 14 inches with no bag limit. Previously the only size limit existed for red drum in Cameron, Kenedy and Willacy counties at 14 inches (since 1955). The Research Vessel Western Gulf was built. This vessel conducted marine fisheries research in the Gulf of Mexico. 1968 Seafood Marketing Program authorized by the Texas Legislature to inform the consumer about Texas seafood products. The San Antonio Bay field station moved from Seadrift to Swan Point outside of Seadrift. 1969 The Arroyo Colorado (Lower Laguna Madre) field station which was destroyed during Hurricane Beulah in 1967 was fully reactivated by replacement of all facilities and equipment. The Marine Fishery Research Station at Palacios began operation. The Upper Laguna Madre field station was established on Laguna Shores Road in Flour Bluff (Corpus Christi). 1970 As a result of the loss of the Corpus Christi Bay field station to Hurricane Celia in August, personnel from that station were relocated on a temporary basis at the Upper Laguna Madre field station in Flower Bluff. 1971 In a reorganization of the Department, Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, and Wildlife Functions were located within Wildlife Services under the Director of Current Operations. 1972 In a reorganization of the Department, Coastal Fisheries Operations, Wildlife Operations, Inland Fisheries Operations, Hatcheries, Planning, and Environmental Operations were located in the Fish and Wildlife Division. 1973 Significant advances made in the culture of marine fish such as red and black drum, Atlantic croaker, flounder and spotted seatrout. Future research with fish is aimed at perfecting production and stocking methods. A breakthrough in spotted seatrout culture occurred with the hatching of 150,000 fish at 20 the Olmito Hatchery near Brownsville, Texas. 1974 A standardized statewide saltwater fish harvest survey was initiated. The Fisheries Harvest Monitoring Program begins with a preliminary study in the Aransas, Galveston, San Antonio and upper Laguna Madre Bay systems. This program provided standardized fishery dependent data collected using a stratified random sample design. Bay boat ramps, wade/bank areas, private piers and commercial lighted piers and jetties were inventoried in each bay system. An initiative began which setup a fisheries resource monitoring program in an effort to depart from the old method of “fisheries management by hunch.” The goal was to collect fisheries data using scientific methodology upon which defensible management decisions could be made. Shell harvesting permits were revised with more restrictive dredging rules adopted and studies were started to assure protection of bay environments. The Fisheries Division was created which included Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Hatcheries, Noxious Vegetation, Seafood Marketing, and Environmental Branches. 1975 The Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program, a standardized statewide survey of saltwater fish populations, was initiated. This created a comprehensive fishery independent data collection program which utilized random sampling. Over the following years, experiments with various gears are conducted to determine the most appropriate methods of data collection for Texas coastal waters. Twelve surplus U.S. Navy liberty ships were placed at five sites in the Gulf of Mexico from 1975-76 to serve as artificial reefs. 1976 Passage of U.S. Public Law 94-265, the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (Magnuson Act), substantially affects Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Fisheries of the new federal zone extending seaward from the outer limit of state jurisdiction to 200 miles in the Gulf of Mexico are now to be managed by a regional council of members from the five Gulf states with technical assistance from these states and the National Marine Fisheries Service. 1977 Red Drum Conservation Act becomes law setting red drum bag limits at 10 fish and possession limits at 20 fish for sport fishermen. A limit of 2 fish greater than 35 inches was also established. A limit of 200 pounds of red drum per day was set for commercial fishermen. Commission adopts prohibition of weekend use of nets and trotlines in coastal regulatory county waters. 1978 Legislature establishes a coastwide minimum size limit of 12 inches for spotted seatrout. The bag limit was set at 20 fish and possession limit at 40 fish. Previously, a minimum size limit of 12 inches, but no bag limit had been in effect in Cameron, Kenedy and Willacy counties only since 1955. Minimum 5-inch size limit on blue crabs is set by commission and limit of 300 crab traps per fisherman. Shrimp tagging program is initiated in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Galveston to provide 21 data on migration, growth and mortality of brown shrimp in Gulf waters. The Lower Laguna Madre Field Station moved from Arroyo City to the old Olmito State Fish Hatchery Property just north of Brownsville. 1979 The legislature defines major/minor bait producing bays and nursery areas. Texas becomes the first state to prohibit the use of single strand monofilament gill nets in some situations. The requirement that gill nets have floats was established. 1980 About 52,000 cubic yards of oysters were distributed in Galveston Bay to enhance oyster production following floods in 1979 that killed many oysters. Gill nets prohibited in Texas bays. 1981 House Bill 1000 (Redfish Bill) passed which designated red drum and spotted seatrout as game fish and prohibited their sale. An attempt to overturn the law in federal court by commercial finfish fishermen was unsuccessful. Commercial finfish fishermen subsequently directed their fishing effort at black drum, southern flounder and other species. Red drum minimum length for recreational anglers was increased to 16 inches and maximum length was lowered to 30 inches. Bag limit remained at 10 fish. An exception was a 14 inch minimum length limit in Cameron County until October 1983. The use of air boats or jet-driven devices to pursue and harass red drum and spotted seatrout was prohibited. Redfish Bill violations increased to Class B misdemeanor with fines of $200 to $1,000. The Gulf Coast Conservation Association leases a $1.2 million red drum hatchery to the Department to raise fingerlings to stock Texas bays. 1982 The requirement of individual sales tickets for reporting commercial landings of finfish was repealed. Retention of red drum and spotted seatrout in nets (other than dip net) and on trotlines (except sail lines) was prohibited. 1983 The Wildlife Conservation Act passed giving the TP&W Commission authority to manage fish and wildlife to include finfish and crabs. Before passage of the act, all hunting and fishing laws in 13 Texas counties and certain laws in 72 counties were set by the Legislature while regulations set by the Department in 30 other counties were subject to review by local county commissioners’ courts. A minimum size limit for cobia (ling) was established at 37 inches and for Spanish mackerel at 14 inches. Senate Bill 1023 increases penalties for the illegal taking of red drum and spotted seatrout to include the confiscation of all equipment including vessels upon the third offense during a 5-year period. The new John Wilson Saltwater Fish Hatchery, built with funds donated by the Gulf Coast Conservation Association on land provided by Central Power and Light Company of Corpus Christi, becomes operational. Department workers at the hatchery produce more than 7 million red drum fingerlings for stocking Texas’ bays during the year. 22 The Texas coast experienced unusually cold weather during late December 1983 through early January 1984 that caused massive fish kills in Texas bays. Slush ice covering the bays was common from Sabine Lake to lower Laguna Madre. About 14 million fish and one million invertebrates were estimated killed. Routine sampling in the months following the freeze revealed reduced populations of spotted seatrout and other finfishes. Recreational fishing was adversely affected for several years after the freeze. 1984 East Matagorda Bay was established as a sanctuary for red drum and spotted seatrout for 120 days following the freeze in December 1983. The purpose of this was to study the recovery of the bay ecosystem with fishing mortality removed following the major fish kills encountered during the freeze. The Department’s request to the Texas Water Commission resulted in the release of 10,000 acre-feet of water from Lake Texana near Edna, the first-ever release of impounded water in Texas intended solely to benefit an estuarine system. In response to the freeze-induced fish kill, spotted seatrout minimum length increased from 12 to 14 inches and daily bag limit decreased from 20 to 10 fish. Red drum minimum size was increased to 18 inches and the bag limit reduced to five fish. The maximum length remained unchanged at 30 inches. Minimum mesh size was increased to 6-inch stretch for commercial trammel nets; mainlines on trotlines were required to be fished on bottom. 1985 Saltwater Stamp Bill created a $5 stamp for saltwater anglers. This provided an estimate of the number of anglers fishing in saltwater and provided revenue for improved coastal fisheries management and law enforcement. Funding allowed for expansion of Coastal Fisheries monitoring programs and an increase in staff to support them. The 69th Legislature passes the Department’s Sunset Review legislation broadening the agency’s powers in the fields of licenses, water issues, penalties, recovery of values for lost or damaged wildlife resources and nongame programs. It designated the Department as the primary agency for protection of the state’s fish and wildlife resources and set up a lifetime hunting and fishing license endowment fund. The Texas Legislature delegated authority over shrimp and oysters to the TP&W Commission contingent upon completion of Management Plans. This action also gave the Commission authority to regulate the times, means and methods used to harvest these organisms. The first red drum hatchery satellite pond at the Dow Chemical Company’s facility at Lake Jackson was completed. Regulations were modified to protect red snapper by requiring a 13-inch minimum size for retention. These conformed to those approved by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for federal waters. King mackerel minimum size limit increased to 23 inches. 1986 An outbreak of red tide caused fish kills along the Texas coast beginning in September 1986 in the Gulf of Mexico off Galveston and continuing through January 1987 as far south as the Mexican Gulf Coast south of Port Isabel. The field station at Port Arthur was established to sample Sabine Lake and the adjacent Gulf of Mexico. 23 Regulations were modified to protect king mackerel by establishing restrictive bag and possession limits in Texas waters. These conformed to those of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for federal waters. The Upper Laguna Madre field station was moved to Bay Wood in Flour Bluff (Corpus Christi). It remained in this location until 1991. The Matagorda Bay field station moved from the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research Station into Palacios. 1987 Work begins for $3.5 million expansion of GCCA/CPL Marine Development Center in Flour Bluff near Corpus Christi. Regulations were modified to protect red snapper by deleting the exception that allowed fishermen on headboats to be exempted from red snapper minimum limits. Regulations were modified to protect striped bass and snook by establishing restrictive bag and possession limits and by prohibiting their catch on gear other than pole and line. Snook minimum size limits established at 18 inches and maximum size limit at 30 inches. Bag limit was set at 5 fish and possession limit at 10 fish. Striped bass minimum size limit was established at 18 inches, bag limit at 5 fish and possession limit at 10 fish. Regulations were passed establishing 18 cubic feet as the maximum size of crab traps. Regulations were modified to protect spawning stocks of red drum impacted by the 1986 red tide by prohibiting the use of fish trawls in Gulf waters of Aransas, Brazoria, Jefferson, Matagorda and Willacy Counties. 1988 The Ben F. Vaughan Jr. Hatchery and Research Center opened at Corpus Christi. TP&W Commission voted to close Texas waters to all trammel nets and drag seines. This action was designed to promote the escapement of adult red drum to the Gulf and reduce bycatch of non-targeted species. The commission adopts the Oyster Management Plan mandated by the Texas Legislature. The plan set management guidelines for the oyster industry in Texas. The reopening of Cedar Bayou (Aransas Bay System) by dredging was completed by TPWD. Regulations were modified to better conserve red drum by establishing a recreational daily bag limit of three, a minimum length of 20 inches and a maximum length of 28 inches. Regulations were modified to better conserve black drum by implementing a daily recreational bag limit of five, a minimum length of 14 inches and a maximum length of 30 inches. Commercial fishermen were required to comply with minimum and maximum size limits. Regulations were modified to better conserve sheepshead by establishing a daily recreational bag limit of five and a minimum length of 12 inches. Commercial fishermen were required to comply with the minimum size. Regulations were modified to better conserve flounder by implementing a daily recreational bag limit of 20 and a minimum length of 12 inches. Commercial fishermen were required to comply with the minimum size. A daily bag limit of one and a minimum length of 48 inches were established for tarpon. 24 Regulations were modified to eliminate identification problems between king and Spanish mackerel and increase yield by establishing a 14-inch minimum length (same as for Spanish mackerel) on king mackerel. Bag limits were established for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel at 2 and 3, respectively. The striped bass possession limit was increased from 10 to 15 fish. Regulations were modified to apply state rules to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone to prevent overexploitation of Texas stocks which migrate outside the Texas Territorial Sea. The Fisheries Division expanded its state fish records program to include a listing of the largest fish caught from lakes, rivers and coastal bays. 1989 The Texas coast experienced two cold weather periods (February and December) that caused massive fish kills. About 11 million fishes and 13,000 invertebrates were estimated killed in February and about 6 million fishes and more than 155,000 invertebrates in December. Subsequent TPWD routine sampling revealed spotted seatrout and other finfish populations were reduced. Recreational fishing was adversely affected for several years after the freezes. Senate Bill 609 passed prohibiting possession of illegal fishing devices on or near Texas waters. House Bill 1417 passed creating a new mechanism for civil restitution cases designed to strengthen fishing laws and their enforcement. House Bill 1301 passed prohibiting the sale of wild red drum. This restricts the market for redfish in Texas to only farm-raised red drum. Regulations were modified to better conserve sharks by establishing a daily limit of five sharks for both sport and commercial fishermen. Regulations were modified to better conserve billfishes and to conform to federal regulations. Blue marlin minimum length was established at 114 inches. Sailfish minimum length was established at 76 inches. White marlin minimum length was established at 81 inches. No bag limit was established. Regulations were modified to prohibit use of Top-water trotlines in saltwater and to establish circle hooks as the only hook that can legally be used on saltwater trotlines. The Texas Shrimp Fishery Management Plan and Economic Impact Statement were adopted by the TP&W Commission. The plan sets management guidelines for the $170 million shrimp industry in Texas. The Texas legislature directed TPWD to develop the artificial reef potential off Texas for enhancing fishery resources and fishing and diving opportunities. 1990 The Texas Artificial Reef Plan was adopted by the Commission to guide future development and placement of reefs off the Texas coast. Regions of south Texas centered around the Laguna Madre experienced a dense algal bloom referred to as “brown tide” which lasted in varying degrees of intensity for the next 10 years. This monospecific bloom was caused by a small (4-5 μm diameter) chrysophyte and reduced penetration of sunlight into the waters of the Laguna Madre. Subsequently, some seagrass meadows were impacted and sport fishing activities were disrupted. Regulations were modified to better conserve spotted seatrout damaged by 25 freezing weather in 1989 by placing a 15- inch minimum size to increase spawning potential. Regulations on size limits were modified to better conserve gafftopsail catfish (minimum size limit 14 inches, no bag limit) and Florida pompano (minimum size limit 9 inches, no bag limit) for both commercial and recreational fishermen. Snook size and bag limits were modified to better conserve the species damaged by two freezes in 1989. Minimum length limit was set at 20 inches and maximum length limit was set at 28 inches. Bag limit was set at 3 fish and possession limit at 6 fish. Exceptions to red snapper size limits were removed to prevent depletion and to conform to federal regulations. Sharks were defined as game fish making pole and line the only legal means for their capture. It was made unlawful for any person to use game fish as bait. Snagging and jerking of fish were better defined to prevent the taking of fish stunned by cold weather. Harmful or potentially harmful exotic fish, shellfish and aquatic plants were defined and rules for their importation, sale, purchase, propagation, possession or release into Texas public waters were adopted. Exceptions allowing the retention of unlimited numbers of undersize blue crabs for bait and shedding purposes were removed and a 5% tolerance of undersize crabs was allowed. Trotlines and fish traps were prohibited in the Gulf in compliance with federal rules. Shrimping regulations were modified by 1) extending the Gulf closure, 2) eliminating the exception allowing shrimping in the 4- fathom zone of the Gulf during the closure, 3) restricting night shrimping and creating a new season for pink shrimp, 4) increasing the bag limit and decreasing the fishing time in bays during the spring season and 5) clarifying the use of shrimping licenses and other measures to protect the resource, reduce incidental mortality of other organisms, increase efficiency, prevent waste, simplify and clarify regulations and enhance law enforcement. 1991 A major reorganization of the department created new divisions, including fisheries and wildlife, public lands, conservation communications, legal services, human resources and the chief financial office. Law enforcement and resource protection remained intact. A large number of exotic shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were accidentally released from aquaculture ponds into the Arroyo Colorado in the lower Laguna Madre. TPWD personnel and contract shrimpers captured the exotic species in the Arroyo. The grandfather clause allowing some shrimp vessels to shrimp in bay nursery areas ended. No shrimping was allowed by anyone in designated nursery areas. TPWD makes the tarpon fishery catch and release only. Regulations were modified to better conserve mullet by establishing a 12-inch maximum size during October to January to increase spawning potential. Regulations on size and bag limits were modified to conform with federal regulations and better conserve greater amberjack (32 inch minimum length, 3 fish bag), cobia (37 inch minimum length, 2 fish bag), jewfish (catch and release only), and lane (8 inch minimum length, no bag limit), red (13 inch minimum length, 7 fish bag 26 limit) and vermillion (8 inch minimum length, no bag limit) snappers. Removal of the left claw from stone crabs was prohibited. The Upper Laguna Madre field station moved to Agnes Street in Corpus Christi. 1992 The structure diverting the lower Colorado River into the east portion of Matagorda Bay was completed. This closure was the final construction phase of the Colorado River Diversion Project. Exotic shrimp were found in the lower Laguna Madre, but further sampling caught no more exotics. Modifications to daily bag, possession, and size limits were established for greater amberjack (increased possession limit to 6 fish), cobia (increased possession limit to 4 fish), king mackerel (increased possession limit to 4 fish), Spanish mackerel (increased possession limit to 14 fish), shark (increased possession limit to 10 fish) and red snapper (increased possession limit to 14 fish). Retention of sharks on trotlines was allowed. An exemption was provided for removing trotlines during weekend periods when the National Weather Service issues small craft warnings. Plans were unveiled for the $11 million Sea Center Texas hatchery and visitor center in Lake Jackson. This was a joint project of TPWD, the Gulf Coast Conservation Association and Dow Chemical. 1993 King mackerel minimum size limit was changed to 23 inches. “Drum seining” permits were repealed. 1994 The Fish and Wildlife Division was spit into three divisions: Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The TP&W Commission and bay shrimpers agreed to work on a limited entry program after data revealed that increased shrimping effort could place the bay shrimp industry in jeopardy. Concurrent with all-time high shrimping effort was a rise in landings of small shrimp (>67 count, heads-off). The traditional balance in the shrimp fishery had shifted, and sustained high catches of small shrimp jeopardized the goal of long-term protection of the resource. Extensive workshops were conducted along the coast throughout the year to formulate a limited entry plan for the bay shrimp industry that would meet legislative approval. Sea turtle strandings along the Texas coast were the highest recorded (n=520) since the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network was established in 1980. Strandings closely coincided with near shore shrimping effort and slack TED enforcement efforts. Peak strandings occurred from April to mid-May, during the last three weeks of July, and during late August. In Matagorda Bay, the mitigation phase of the “Colorado River Diversion Project” began in October with placement of oyster shell in three reef site areas creating 37 acres of new reef. This mitigation was to replace public oyster reefs destroyed when the diversion canal was dug into Matagorda Bay. The TP&W Commission was provided the authority to extend the Texas Gulf of Mexico shrimp closure from 60 to 75 days if biological conditions warrant. Retention of one red drum over the maximum size limit (28 inches) was allowed with a properly attached red drum tag. After returning the tag, a bonus oversize red drum tag was issued. In effect, a maximum of two 27 oversize red drum were allowed in a fishing year. The retention of one tarpon 80 inches in length or larger was allowed with a properly attached tag ($100). Minimum length limit for red snapper increased to 14 inches to coincide with federal regulations. The TP&W Commission provided an exemption from requiring 50% shrimp in individual bait trawl catch, allowing retention of nongame fish in any amount for bait, excluding species that have bag or size limits. A 2:00 p.m. closure for bay and bait shrimping from April 1 through August 14 was established. The transfer of shrimp from one bay shrimping vessel to another vessel was prohibited. The transfer of shrimp from a bait shrimping vessel in quantities larger than two quarts/individual or one gallon/vessel was prohibited. 1995 Legislation passed giving TP&W Commission the authority to limit entry into the commercial bay and bait shrimp fisheries and to create a license buyback program. This allowed for a tool that would rationalize fishing effort and guarantee that at some point the fishery will reach sustainability. Red snapper size limit increased to 15 inches, bag limit reduced to 5 fish and possession limit to 10 fish. 1996 The $13 million Sea Center Texas marine development aquarium and educational center at Lake Jackson opened in March providing a hatchery building, a visitor center, 36 one-acre grow-out ponds, a one half acre Youth Fishing Pond and a wetland composed of a 3 acre freshwater and 1.5 acre saltwater marsh wetland area. The facility had the capacity to produce 20 million fingerlings annually, primarily red drum and spotted seatrout, for release into Texas coastal waters. A naturally occurring “red tide” algae bloom was reported along the coast in mid- September killing more than 3 million fish before dissipating in November. TPWD stepped up its efforts to protect native shrimp stocks from exotic diseases by working successfully with the aquaculture industry to prevent the spread of the Taura Virus and made use of all available measures including legal action against those not willing to cooperate. To better address major conservation challenges, the executive director reorganized TPWD creating three senior division director positions in the areas of Land Policy, Water Policy and Administrative Resources. Several key programs were shifted to increase their effectiveness. The Upper Laguna Madre Field Station moved to the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi campus. Flounder minimum size limit increased to 14 inches, bag limit decreased to 10 fish and possession limit to 20 fish. Florida pompano minimum size limit removed. Snook size and bag limits were modified to reflect new information on life history of the species. Minimum size limit was set at 24 inches and maximum size limit at 28 inches. The bag limit was set at one fish and possession limit at two fish. 28 2002 The striped bass possession limit decreased from 15 to 10 fish. Coastal Fisheries published a report to the Governor and Legislature on the Texas shrimp fishery culminating two years worth of intensive study. The study produced innovative analysis of biodiversity, habitat, bycatch, sea turtle conservation, socio- economics, and sustainable management. 1997 Legislation passed giving TP&W Commission the authority to limit entry into the commercial crab fishery and to create a license buyback program. Coastal Fisheries initiated a year of increased surveying of the recreational spotted seatrout fishery. In addition to routine monitoring data, the Division also sponsored town hall meetings, mailed out surveys and created a spotted seatrout working group of stakeholders to review the information that was being accumulated. This was a proactive initiative to deal with escalating coastal fishing pressure. Greater amberjack bag limit decreased to 1 fish and possession limit to 2 fish. 1999 Legislation passed giving TP&W Commission the authority to limit entry into the commercial finfish fishery and to create a license buyback program. 2000 The first crab trap cleanup was held to remove derelict traps from the bay thus reducing navigational hazards and aquatic organism mortality due to ghost fishing. Almost 600 volunteers helped Division staff to remove more than 8,000 traps from public waters. The TP&W Commission adopted new comprehensive conservation measures in the shrimp fishery which added more nursery areas and bait bays, shortened the fall bay season, extended the winter Gulf closure, restricted the number and size of nets in the near shore Gulf, required bycatch reduction devices in trawls, created a near shore seasonal closure to shrimping off the southern Texas coast and increased license fees aimed at increasing funding for license buyback. The changes in regulation were designed primarily to reduce growth and biological over fishing as defined in the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan of 1989. Regulations were created requiring all fish landed in Texas to meet Texas length, bag and possession limits. 2003 Spotted seatrout regulations were enacted that created a maximum size limit of 25 inches with a bag limit of 10 fish, one of which could be >25 inches in length. Regulation of fishing guides also occurred with the creation of a boat limit for paying customers and the requirement that a saltwater fishing guide in Texas also have U.S. Coast Guard certification. 2001 Legislation passed giving TP&W Commission the authority to create a crab trap removal program. This program would remove derelict traps from state waters to reduce navigational hazards and aquatic organism mortality due to ghost fishing. 29 Communications Division The Communication Division’s primary responsibility is to increase awareness of the importance of conserving the natural and cultural resources of Texas, increase participation in outdoor recreational activities and encourage safe, legal an ethical behavior among resource users. Through a wide range of media products, the Communications Division drives traffic to the Department’s revenue-producing products including hunting and fishing licenses, boat registrations, both day and overnight park visitation as well as other special programs and events. Media products include the TPWD website, the TPWD intranet website, the Texas Parks & Wildlife monthly magazine, a weekly PBS television series, the Passport to Texas daily radio program, video news reports and a variety of internal and external publications, video products and other public information items. Education and Outreach programs include a department-wide education, interpretation and outreach planning and evaluation effort, the state’s mandatory boater and hunter education programs, mobile shooting ranges, aquatic education, angler education, Project WILD and Aquatic WILD, interactive web casts, target range grants, management of a youth ranch facility and summer camp program, minority outreach programs, Outdoors-Woman and Outdoor Kids. Marketing initiatives include Big Time Texas Hunts, the Texas Conservation Passport and conservation license plate series, sponsorship efforts, consumer research, advertising and promotional efforts. The Texas Wildlife Expo, TPWD’s premier outreach event, is presented the first weekend of each October and reaches 45,000 visitors, introducing children and adults to many hands-on activities such as kayaking, shooting sports, rock climbing, hunting and fishing. Chronological List of Divisional Events: 1963 The Texas Game and Fish Commission merged with the State Parks Board to form TPWD. 1965 The name of the Texas Fish and Game magazine changed to Texas Parks & Wildlife in April. Color photos were used regularly inside the magazine beginning with the October issue. 1967 An exhibit supervisor in Information and Education Branch was created. Regional Information Officers were created. 1971 The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 provided federal aid for boating safety education and law enforcement. 1972 The Commission authorized the executive director to expend federal boating safety act funds for the initial development of a water safety education program. 1974 First boater education program becomes available. The Texas Skipper’s Course, a self- instruction program, was made available to the public through TPWD. 30 1977 The voluntary Water Safety Program became available. This later became boater education. The Texas Skipper’s Course was discontinued and approval was granted for the development of a classroom-type course to be established in the schools and eventually statewide. The new Water Safety Program was approved and called the Texas Better Boating Course. The first Water Safety Coordinator was established TPWD began a book publishing partnership with Texas A&M University Press 1978 Information and Education Branch set up a toll-free information line. Fishing report becomes a part of the weekly news packet. 1982 The Department certified the 100,000th hunter education student. 1983 The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary agreed to teach the Better Boating course along with the federal boating course. The first U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors and students were state certified. 1984 The Texas Outdoors radio program was produced with the Texas State Network in Dallas. The program aired on 24 stations. TPWD awards first grants for shooting range program as part of hunter education. 1985 The Project WILD Program was launched in Texas to provide public school curriculum regarding natural resources. 1986 TPW magazine published 150 Years of Change, a special March/April issue. Graphics unit moves from Information and Education to General Services in the Administrative Resources Division. Project WILD teacher workshops approved by Texas Education Agency for advanced academic training credit. 1987 KERA in Dallas begins airing the PBS series, entitled Made in Texas. 1988 A mandatory hunter education program was established. TPWD and U.S. Coast Guard Power Squadrons agreed to collaborate on boater education. Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine publishes article about the first 25 years of TPWD history in September. Mandatory Boater Education Program began. 1991 The Information and Education Branch became a full division and was renamed the Conservation Communications Division. Bill Rutledge was hired as the Division Director. The first internal communications video newsletter was produced called Open Line. 31 The PBS series title was changed to Texas Parks and Wildlife. A weekly satellite feed of the program in stereo supplied a full 26- week television season. Legislature created the Texas Conservation Passport program. 1992 The weekly news packet was made available on the TPWD electronic bulletin board. The first Texas Wildlife Expo was held in October. The Marketing Branch was established. A centralized collection and distribution of park events listings began. Production of Texas Outdoor Connection radio program began. The Passport Journal launched and was mailed to all Texas Conservation Passport holders quarterly. The TPW Magazine published a special 50th anniversary issue called State of Nature. The TPWD television series won its first regional Emmy award. 1993 Becoming an Outdoor Woman ® workshops were initiated. Aquatic education programs began. The TPWD catalog launched. The distribution of Video News Releases began. The graphics unit moved to the Marketing Branch. Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch summer camps began in partnership with the Texas Game Warden Association 1994 The marketing of nature tourism on private lands began. 1995 Education Services created a position dedicated to enhancing our efforts in public schools. TPWD Web site launched with contributions and support from all Department divisions. 1996 Lydia Saldaña became Division Director. News and Information Branch is created; Internal Communications, Video News Releases and PBS groups are merged to form Media Productions. News and Information, Publications and Marketing Services were also in the Division. The name of the Division was changed to Communications Division. Education and outreach programs were re- organized and placed under the direction of the Senior Director of Aquatic Resources, Larry McKinney. The Passport to Texas radio program began. First high profile boating safety ad campaign launches. The campaign utilizes the theme line “Don’t be a Pain in the Boat.” Advertising representatives were listed in the magazine for the first time in September. 1997 A website developer was hired to improve the Department’s Internet website. 32 The departmental internal communication intranet site called the Wildnet was launched. A mandatory boater education law passed in the state legislature to become effective in 1998. The Discovery Passport program was launched. TPWD hired its first full-time director of Texas Wildlife Expo. 1998 Outdoor Kids program began as an effort to promote all of the Department’s youth- oriented programs. The Department pilots its first Webcast to schools. The “Park of the Month” feature, This Week at TPW and Commission Brief began. The 75th anniversary of Texas state parks promotion was conducted. First Big Time Texas Hunts direct mail campaign developed and executed by Marketing Services. 1999 Regional outreach staff hired in Dallas and Houston to develop community partnerships and to continue breaking down barriers to participation in outdoor recreational opportunities. Home study materials for hunter education were made available. 500,000th hunter education students were certified. Hook & Bullet newsletter launches as a renewal effort for the Super Combo license. The photography section moves from News and Information into Media Productions. Information Services Section (formerly Word Processing Center) became part of Graphics. The Print Shop and Information Services Section move to Marketing Branch in the Communications Division. The horned lizard conservation license plate debuted. Lone Star Legacy Weekend annual event began. This effort raises funds to endow each TPWD facility. 2000 Outdoor Kids Adventure Days program began. Ducks Unlimited license plate debuted. The waterfowl report, designed to provide basic web-based information during hunting seasons, was launched. The Print Shop at TPWD closed. First Texas Conservation Passport direct mail campaign was initiated. Creative Services was created as a branch in the Communications Division. Branch units were the Print Design and Fine Art Unit (formerly Graphics), Print and Copy Services Unit and Web Unit. Sponsorship of the state park map site program began. Chevrolet was the first sponsor. 2001 The photography unit begins digital archives. The bluebonnet license plate debuted. 33 The First State Park Annual was produced in cooperation with the Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas. The Passport to Texas radio program began in-house production. Communications Division coordinated a multi-agency communications effort for Proposition 8. Voters approved the measure and $100 million in bonds were approved for TPWD infrastructure needs. 2002 The white-tailed deer and largemouth bass license plates debuted. Texas: The State of Water communications initiative launched in July with a special issue of the magazine and the publication of Texas Rivers, a TPW Press book by John Graves and Wyman Meinzer. Education and Outreach Branch were moved to the Communications Division. Education, Interpretation and Outreach Commission Committee, Task Force, Advisory Committee (external group) and Project Manager for TPWD were all created as a result of the 2001 Sunset report findings on education and outreach. Boater education teaching partnerships were established with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Coast Guard Power Squadron and American Sailing Association. 2003 The first Education and Outreach Advisory Committee meeting was held. Sales of conservation license plates top $1 million. The state park guide, sponsored by Toyota through the Parks & Wildlife Foundation was launched. The waterfowl digest program began. Texas:The State of Water high definition video documentary aired. This format for a feature length video documentary was a first for a TPWD television production. 34 Executive Office The Executive Office is charged with the management and oversight of a very diverse agency consisting of 10 divisions with a wide variety of programs, facilities and services. Executive staff coordinates all activities related to the Commission, Legislature, and Parks & Wildlife Foundation. This office includes both Internal Audit and Internal Investigation functions. Executive office staff receives and coordinates all incoming correspondence and most public contact. The Executive Director is Chief Executive Officer of the Department and, as such, coordinates the development of agency strategy and policy, supervises senior agency management and serves as the senior decision authority. In these matters, the Executive Office staff assists him. It is through the foresight and management of the Executive Office that the agency will maintain its rich history long into the future. Chronological List of Divisional Events: 1963 The Texas State parks board and the Fish and Game Commission merged to form the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with a 3 member commission. The legislature hoped the merger would allow more centralized control and effective management of the state’s natural resources. 1965 Enactment of the Land and Water Conservation fund program provided 50% matching monies for acquisition and development of outdoor recreation opportunities. 1967 The Department was given the responsibility for acquisition and administration of state historic sites and structures. 1969 Texas Conservation fund was established by the Legislature to acquire land. 1971 The Legislature created Fund 31 and dedicated a one cent tax on each pack of cigarettes sold in the state of Texas for planning, acquisition and development of State Parks and Historic sites. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission increased from 3 to 6 members. 1976 TPWD moved to its location at McKinney Falls State Park. Consolidation of all TPWD staff at the headquarters resulted in closer communications between divisions 1983 TPW Commission membership increased from 6 to 9 members. 1991 A major reorganization of the Department created new divisions including fisheries and wildlife, public lands, conservation communications, legal services, human resources and the chief financial office. The Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas, Incorporated, a private nonprofit organization, was founded to raise private donations for Department conservation issues. 35 2001 1992 Proposition 8 passed providing TPWD with more than $100 million to address capital repairs throughout the Department. TPWD staged the first Texas Wildlife Expo to celebrate the role hunters have played in conservation and to promote hunting and conservation. 2002 1996 A report by an outside consultant to the finance committee of the TPW Commission found that TPWD should do a better job of balancing its books and communicating financial information to the Legislature. The report recommended revising internal accounting systems finding ways to fund capital commitments that the Department is already committed to and reorganize the structure of the department to centralize operations. The Agency was reorganized to better address major conservation challenges. Three senior division director positions were created in land policy, water policy and administrative resources. The public land division was reorganized into two divisions: Infrastructure and State Parks. 1997 New positions were created as a result of the business practice report including General Counsel, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Deputy Executive Director for Administration. A self-imposed “regulation sunset” decreasing the parks and wildlife code by nearly 30% was approved by the legislature. The Executive Director reorganized the management team in order to streamline management, strengthen leadership and address issues facing the agency. 2003 The Executive Office drafted the Land and Water Conservation Plan. This plan resulted from the last sunset review and outlined the Department’s direction for the future. 1999 Lone Star Legacy events began giving each site an endowment fund to draw from in the future. 36 Executive Directors J. Weldon Watson 8/23/1963 - 6/31/1966 J.R.Singleton 9/14/1966 - 4/27/1971 James U. Cross 5/1/1971 - 7/25/1972 Clayton T. Garrison 7/25/1972 - 8/31/1977 Henry B. Burkett 9/1/1977 - 12/31/1978 Charles D. Travis 1/1/1979 - 7/31/1990 Andrew Sansom 8/1/1990 - 12/31/2001 Robert L. Cook 2/1/2002 - present 37 Human Resources Division The Human Resources Division supports achievement of the Department’s mission through services to attract, develop and retain a highly skilled and diverse workforce. The Division’s activities are largely customer-driven, with continual efforts to improve services. The Division maintains all personnel records and relies heavily on customer input in the development of policy and procedures; in determining training needs and resources; in providing day-to-day services in employee recruitment, benefits and relations; and in related legal services. Examples of recent service improvements include the development of a leadership development program, management training, team building services, and an employee assistance program. From 1963 to 1990, human resources services for employees at TPWD were fragmented and located in different divisions at the agency. In 1990, this changed when newly appointed Executive Director Andy Sansom reorganized the services into the Human Resources Division. Chronological List of Divisional Events: 1978 TPWD signed a consent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that, in its simplest terms, committed all agency employees to actively work toward the goal of improving the representation of minority group members in the Department’s workforce. Although not everyone agreed with all of the means used to reach this goal, the Department’s overall effort in response to the consent agreement began a process that significantly improved the diversity of the Department. In addition, through the 1980’s and 1990’s great strides were made in developing hiring policies, guidelines and selection procedures that were objective and defensible. 1983 The first TPWD Personnel Manual was published. This document was an example of a movement toward a more inclusive decision making process that gave employees, other than senior managers, the opportunity to have meaningful input on how the agency was managed. This first Personnel Manual was the product of extensive work by a committee composed of representatives from all of the divisions. This movement led to later efforts such as the original salary equity project that expanded on this concept and ensured that the committees included representation from all salary levels as well as all divisions. 1990 Executive Director Andy Sansom reorganized the Department and created a Human Resources Division consolidating all programs and services affecting TPWD employees and placing them in one division. An applicant tracking database was developed with the help of the Data Processing Unit to more efficiently process employment applications. The new system was especially useful in processing the large numbers of applications traditionally received during the selection process for Game Wardens. 1991 The Recruitment and Retention Program was established to focus on attracting and retaining qualified females and minorities to work for the Department. A Personnel Advisory Committee was established to provide employee input into the development of agency policies and procedures. 38 A task force was formed to complete a Salary Equity Study to reclassify all biologists, technicians, park superintendents, park rangers, etc. to bring their salaries in line with Game Warden salaries. 1992 A program called Natural Quality Services was established as the Department’s Total Quality Management process. The Minority Student Intern Program was implemented to enhance diversity in the Department and