Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

If you’re someone who likes lists, we have one that’s perfect to post on the fridge.

07— That’s right. Our Nobody’s Waterproof campaign says ‘enjoy a great day on the water, and here’re six tips to help you do that.’

Laurie Connally is the Parks and Wildlife boater education specialist for Central Texas. These common sense tips include 1) wear a life jacket, 2) drink responsibly and designate a sober boat driver, 3) obey boating signs and rules, 4) drink plenty of water, 5) keep the proper gear on board, and 6) never boat or swim alone. With respect to the last tip, Connally recommends filing a float plan.

13—it tells the basic information: where you’re going, when you’re leaving, who’s on the boat with you, and what time you expect to be back. And then you leave that with someone so that if for any reason you’re not back, there’s someone saying, ‘Hey, we need to go look for these folks.’

Telling people where you’re going will give them a starting place to look for you if you’re late in returning home. Connally also recommends having a GPS with you—many smart phones come with them. A GPS can help you find your way back in case you get turned around. However, she says the best tip of all:

02—We really encourage them to take a boater safety class.

Find boater safety class information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

And remember: Nobody’s Waterproof…

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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This is Passport to Texas

Boating safety is Laurie Connally’s business.

11— My primary goal and purpose is to educate and train volunteer boater education instructors who can then go out and offer classes and spread the word about boating safety to other individuals.

Connally is the Parks and Wildlife boater education specialist for Central Texas. Because boating is generally a carefree recreational activity she says people will forget to exercise caution.

12—I think a lot of people just don’t understand the responsibilities involved. A lot of the boats have a lot of power, and even if you’re using something like a paddle boat, there are other boaters out there who may or may not be aware of the laws and rules and regulations.

To learn your responsibility when on the water, Connally says nothing beats taking a boater safety class. And she recommends making it a family affair.

11—Mom, dad, children—they’re going home and talking about it. They get to take great materials home with them. And they can compare their stories, and I think it would be a really good opportunity for them to learn together.

When you know the rules and etiquette for spending time on the water, you and everyone around you—even if they’re clueless—will be safer for it.

Six things you should know when you’re on the water—that’s tomorrow.

Remember: Nobody’s Waterproof…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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The mysterious power and irresistible draw of Jacob’s Well inspire a push to protect the underwater cave and springs.
Written by Joe Nick Patoski
Read by Cecilia Nasti

At first sight, Jacob’s Well appears to be a deep, dark hole at the bottom of a pool of creek water — nothing more. Pay attention to how the hole, about 15 feet in diameter, has perpetually gushed pure artesian water out of the ground since before humans first wandered around this part of what is now known as the Hill Country, and it takes on deeper meaning. Listen to stories about it, and it becomes something much more than just a special natural place…

You can read the story in its entirety on the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine’s website.

To hear this story in its entirety, click on the icon below.

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For whooping cranes and other species, life depends on the health of Texas bays.
Written by Carol Flake Chapman
Read by Cecilia Nasti

Two distant white blobs stand out against the grayish horizon on an overcast day as the 75-foot Wharf Cat chugged slowly across Aransas Bay on its way to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Bracing myself on the boat’s observation deck, I focus my binoculars on the marshy southwest edge of the refuge and then nearly drop them in excitement as the blobs resolved themselves into a pair of huge birds feeding in a shallow pond….

You can read the story in its entirety on the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine’s website.

Click on the icon below to hear this story in its entirety.

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

People who don’t live in Texas are usually surprised by the amount of water we have here, as well as the extensive and diverse angling opportunities available in the state.

If freshwater fishing is your thing, and bass your bag, then Lake Texoma, near Oklahoma, Falcon Lake on the border with Mexico, Caddo Lake near Louisiana, and even the White River Reservoir in the panhandle have healthy bass populations just waiting for you to reel them in. Each lake also has plenty of species like catfish and crappie for your angling pleasure.

For some… saltwater angling is a passion — and if it is for you — consider Goose Island State Park, where you won’t find any geese, but you will find prolific waters of Aransas, Copano and St. Charles Bays. Mustang Island, meanwhile, offers primitive camping on a first come first served basis, as well as prime opportunities to get into the surf and pull in rockfish, red fish and maybe sea trout, as well as other sport fish.

Come to passporttotexas.org where you’ll find useful links to help bring out your inner angler.

That’s our show…made possible by the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…working to increase fishing, shooting, fishing and hunting in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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