Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

June 5th is National Trails Day—a nationwide event organized by the American Hiking Society to create awareness about the variety of trails across the country. Texas will observe the day with several events.

Head to Seminole Canyon SP and Historic Site in West Texas, where you can participate in a two-mile round trip guided hike that’s an hour and a half long. You’ll even see some of Texas’ oldest known pictographs. The hike is moderately strenuous; remember your sunscreen and bottled water.

Speaking of water…The San Antonio River Authority hosts the Goliad Paddling Trail Flotilla from 9 am to 2 pm, June 5th. The put in is at the US 59 crossing at the San Antonio River; and the take out is at Goliad State Park. You’ll need your own canoe and kayak, and preregistration is required for this 6.6 mile trip. Register at riverrec.org.

Registration is not required for the San Marcos Greenbelt National Trails Day event, a three-mile photography hike. San Marcos, located between Austin and San Antonio, has some truly stunning natural areas! Professional photographers will be along for the hike to provide you and fellow shutterbugs pointers on shooting breath-taking photos. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and remember, it’s a photography hike, so bring your camera! Go to smgreenbelt.org for directions.

Even if you don’t participate in one of these events, there’s a state park near you where you can stretch your legs and appreciate the great Texas outdoors.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

National Trails Day Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Experience the thrill of reeling in a fish, or the joy of boating with family and friends during National Fishing & Boating Week.

05—It’s June 5th through the 13th, and we’re encouraging people to get out on the water.

Frank Peterson is president and CEO of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase participation in fishing and boating.

07—By helping increase that participation, [we] build awareness for the need to conserve and protect our aquatic resources.

The way anglers and boaters help protect aquatic resources is by doing what they love to do.

13—By using the resource and buying equipment and buying licenses, putting fuel in their boat, registering their boat… there is excise taxes paid on that equipment that goes directly toward sport fish restoration.

Peterson says National Fishing and Boating Week kicks off in Texas and across the country on June 5th…and in Texas you can always fish free at State Parks.

13—A lot of states are starting to do that now, and we encourage that. Because the more people we can get fishing at a younger age, the more they’ll fish as an adult. And through participation they’re helping conserve that resource, and that’s very important so that resource is there for the future.

Go to www.takemefishing.org for more information.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series. For Texas parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

National Fishing & Boating Week Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is passport to Texas

We’re on the threshold of summer, which means more Texans will be on the water…and they won’t be alone.

:07—I’m Sgt. Chopan with the police department with the Grand Prairie lake Patrol unit. I’m just wanting to check to make sure you have all your safety equipment on board. You have your life jacket?

Lake Police, like Sgt. Chris Chopan, and Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens will be on the water, too.

:06—Lake patrol is sometimes is good because the public likes to see you, whereas when I’m driving in a car they usually don’t want to see me.

Everyone aboard a boat must wear a life jacket.

:09—Do you take the dog out often? Yeah, we’ve got three of them and they all have life vests. Sometimes, it’s amazing, you know, they’ll put lifejackets on their dogs, but they won’t put lifejackets on their kids.

Even people in the water need to think safety first.

:21—Not safe for you to be here, No good. No bueno. Too many boats. Twenty-four feet of water, no life jacket, inflatable swim ring, and we wonder why we have to come pick them up later. I’m almost tempted to pick him up and get him out of there – what do you think? This is not illegal probably, but it sure is dumb.

You can play it safe on the water this summer and still have a boatload of fun as long as you remember that Nobody’s Waterproof… Visit the Texas parks and Wildlife website for more information about boating safety.

That’s our show for today… we receive support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Boating Safety--Staying Safe on the Water Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

It’s illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; the consequences of doing so can be devastating. Just ask Kay Rock.

:15—At three o’clock in the morning, my husband and I were awakened by a policeman and a chaplain knocking at our front door. As soon as I saw them, I knew it was something bad. And the only question I had was, ‘which child is it?

The boat carrying Kay Rock’s 22 year old daughter was struck from behind. The driver of the other boat had been drinking at a lakeside bar…and in an instant, Debbie Rock’s name joined a growing list of boating fatalities.

:28—And I’m sorry, but this is kind of a hard part. Is that Debbie was not just a number on a court docket; and she was not just a number on the coroner’s report. She was a real, real person. And she had a lot to give. And that is one of the reasons that I want to stress the fact that bad things happen to really great people, and they don’t have to.

The choice is yours. You can play it safe on the water this summer and still have a boatload of fun as long as you remember that Nobody’s Waterproof. Visit the Texas parks and Wildlife website to find more information about boating safety.

That’s our show for today… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Boating Safety--Don't Drink & Boat Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer, and when we start thinking seriously about how to fully enjoy time away from school and work. Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine editor, Louie Bond, says the June issue may provide just the inspiration you need.

Well, in June, the sun’s shining down so beautifully, and we’re not really tired of the heat yet, and for me, the perfect place to go in June is the beach. You, know, the sea breezes, and the wonderful ocean to play with. So, in June we’re going to focus several articles on saltwater fishing.

In addition, we’ll be introducing you to a very unusual Legend and Lore character named Billy Sandifer who’s a Vietnam vet, who has found quite a bit of relief living out there on the beach, and guiding tours, and has become one of the best saltwater guides in the state. So, pack your best beach togs and head down south and join us on the beach.

Thanks, Louie

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

TPW Magazine--Going Coastal Play Now | Play in Popup | Download