FIGHTING INVASIVES: They don't belong here, and now with 
legislative support, we'll send them packing. We explain... 
ahead...on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Record funding approved by the Texas Legislature is 
launching new fronts in the war on aquatic invasive 
species.

With $6.6 million dollars in appropriations, this year and 
next, Texas Parks and Wildlife will ramp up an 
unprecedented effort to control and stop the spread of 
aquatic invasive plants and creatures.

Some of the aquatic invasive species that will receive the 
agency's attention include: giant salvinia and zebra 
mussels covering Texas lakes, to giant reed and salt 
cedar smothering rivers and streams, to exotic fish that 
compete with Texas natives and alter natural ecosystems.

One major category of work is Aquatic Invasive Plant 
Management-projects focused on management of 
aquatic invasive plants on public waters to enhance 
boater access for recreation, and management of riparian 
invasive plants in target areas to improve water quality 
and quantity.

In Texas, the economic impacts of aquatic invasives are 
far-reaching, costing the state billions of dollars annually, 
including threatening to undermine a recreational 
freshwater fishing industry worth more than $4 billion-
dollars.

That's our show. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation 
supports our series and helps keep Texas wild with 
support of proud members across the state. Find out 
more at tpwf.org

For Texas parks and Wildlife...I'm Cecilia Nasti



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