RIVER ACCESS: A model for how public and private 
organizations can work together for the public good … 
we explain…ahead on Passport to Texas. 

This is Passport to Texas

Chandler River Park on the Neches River is a model for 
public/private partnerships that provide free access to 
our state’s rivers, which can sometimes be hard to find.

03—It’s certainly going to be the model that I’m going to use in 
the future. 
 
Beginning in 2012, Richard Ott, an inland fisheries biologist 
based in Tyler, worked with a diverse group of public and 
private organizations to lease and develop the site.

21— It was complete in 2013. We then were able to get some 
additional grants to improve the boat ramp on the south side of 
the bridge. And then in 2016, with another grant, we were able 
to put in a kayak launch. So, we’ve also got that as one of our 
paddling trail locations. So, it’s a really multi-functional location.

East Texas Woods and Water paid for the site’s 20 year 
lease, says Ott. And TxDOT created safe parking and road 
improvements. TPW develops sites based on angler input.

15— This was a location that traditionally anglers had 
concentrated, and fished on the banks, on all four sides of the 
bridge. And once we located where the anglers and the fish 
interfaced, we knew that was where we wanted to develop these 
access sites.

Find out where TPW has agreements with landowners that 
allow public fishing and boating access through private 
property, on the TPW website.

The Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series.

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