Passport to Texas

Family Camping in Texas

State Parks: Spring Break Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Lots of people choose state parks as their spring break destinations. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier tells us, parks fill fast, so spring breakers need to act fast.

56— Even this time of year, we really encourage people: make your reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. Lots of people have cabin fever and are ready to get out and so every year we encourage people to make their reservations [early] – but especially this year. And if you’re going to go to places like Indian Lodge in Far West Texas, or Inks lake in the Texas Hill Country, or Brazos bend State Park near Houston, places like that are going to fill up – so make your reservations. We’ve got cabins, campsites, screen shelters, miles of trails, great mountain biking and hiking opportunities, fishing for all kinds of species. So, there’s lots and lots to do inside state parks. People like to go south toward the beaches and boardwalks we have at state parks. So, make your reservations; you can do it online at texasstateparks.org, or by calling the reservation center at 512.389.8900.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

Hunstville State Park’s Lake Raven

Parks/Angling: Lake Raven for Bass fishing Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Largemouth bass fishing reigns supreme in Texas; while most anglers choose to cast in big lakes like Amistad, our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier tells us smaller State Park lakes, like Lake Raven, might surprise you.

53— Lake Raven, only 210 acres, inside Huntsville State Park – very scenic — was rated as the number one bass lake for bass in the 14 to 17-inch size. And one of the top overall lakes that was done in the study for all year. It gets overlooked a lot. Lake Raven is just one example. Bass fishing in Texas is legendary; it is maybe the model fishery for the rest of the United States. And the inland fisheries department here does a fantastic job with that. And it’s a good marriage with state parks, because of all the other recreation. And Huntsville SP, where Lake Raven is, has lots of other things to offer. From miles and miles of trails to horseback riding – you can rent horses there – and lots of different things. But the fishing…Lake Raven really is a shining star; smaller bodies of water can oftentimes have great fishing, too. And state parks – when you’re inside a state park, no one even needs a fishing license, with the free fishing in state parks, And Lake raven is one of them. But bass fishing in Texas is king, and Lake Raven is at the top of the list.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

Washington-on-the-Brazos: Party Time

State Parks: Texas Independence Celebration Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This year marks the 177th Anniversary of Texas Independence, and we’ll be celebrating at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier has details.

53— Washington –on-the-Brazos, State Historic Site is one of the flagship historic sites in Texas as it relates to Texas independence. And, a lot of people are familiar with some of the others – like the Alamo – and the rich history that’s there. But, Washington-on-the-Brazos is very significant as well. In fact, it’s direct relationship with the Alamo was to allow people to have time to get to Washington –on-the-Brazos to convene a congress and declare independence back in the 1830s. And we’re doing the Texas Independence Celebration on March 2nd & 3rd, and it’s the only weekend of the year that has free access for everyone. And there’ll be music; there’ll be food vendors there with things for sale. And this year we’re also going to have troubadour, Craig Toungate doing a one man show based on actual letters and journals from the Texas revolution. You can find out more at www.texasstateparks.org.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

Former Texas Governor John Connally

TPW 50th: Connally Bonds and State Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Texas Parks and Wildlife, and we’re looking back at major milestones. In 1967, Governor Connally and the State Legislature ensured citizens would have access to nature’s splendor.

09 – Governor Connally realized that if we were going to conserve our lands and waters and fish and wildlife that we had to create places for people to get out and enjoy it.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director, Carter Smith.

16 –So, Governor Connally and the Legislature championed a funding program that created a series of revenue bonds, called the Connally Bonds that were used to finance the acquisition and expansion of many state parks and state natural areas.

…such as Enchanted Rock, Lost Maples, and Devil’s River…

12—…to a host of other state parks where Texans can now get out and enjoy the great outdoors: the beauty, splendor and wildness that define our state and the place that we love. We’re able to enjoy that a lot more because of the Connally Bonds.

Help Texas Parks and Wildlife celebrate its 50 year anniversary this year by sharing your stories, videos and photographs depicting how you, your family and friends enjoy the great Texas outdoors. Just go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…Cecilia Nasti

Bike Fest, Image courtesy Desert Sports

State Parks: Big Bend Ranch Bike Fest Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

CORRECTION: Bike Fest is Thursday, February 14, 2013 to Saturday, February 16, 2013.

This is Passport to Texas

Once called Dirt Fest, the newly named Bike Fest, at Big Bend Ranch State Park, is a mountain bikers dream. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier has details.

62—It’s a 54 mile epic ride trail, and you can break it up into various smaller rides. There’s a two-day option where people can stay at the Sauceda bunkhouse. The hose is the Lajitas Resort, which is a fantastic place. It really has become this draw for mountain bikers from all over the country to come every year for this event. It’s challenging, it’s incredible scenery, the weather typically in February in the Big Bend area is wonderful. So, this is just becoming one of those things – for bikers – put it on their bucket list to enjoy the trails out through the Chihuahuan Desert; it’s absolutely unforgettable. Spectacular. Not to be missed if you’re a mountain biking person or a mountain biking fan. And you can sign up through the reservation center here through Texas Parks and Wildlife, 512.389.8919, and then also can find out more information at desertsportstx.com.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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