Posted 11:41 am Thursday, January 31, 2013
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ETWWF recognized for help to fishing
Staff Reports
The East Texas Woods and Waters Foundation was recognized by the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society with a Special Recognition in Fisheries Work award at the chapter’s annual awards banquet recently.
The East Texas Woods and Waters Foundation was recognized by the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society with a Special Recognition in Fisheries Work award at the chapter’s annual awards banquet recently.
The organization was nominated for the award by Craig Bonds, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Fisheries Division regional director. Bonds cited the organization for its support of a number of projects, including a $25,000 grant to the department for the establishment of a native aquatic plant nursery at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in 2010.
The volunteer organization last year underwrote the $10,000 land lease that has resulted in the development of a parking lot and increased access to the Neches River above Lake Palestine for white bass fishing.
That project resulted in a joint venture between ETWWF, TPWD, the City of Chandler, Henderson County and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Bonds said the organization also is underwriting angler rewards for an upcoming catfish study, has been active in development of the Tyler Nature Center and its fishing programs and has had members serve on state and regional advisory committees.
The organization also underwrites the Hunters for the Hungry program in Smith County.
“In my career as a natural resource manager, it’s rare, but certainly very gratifying, to experience an organization so willing and effective in entering public-private partnerships,” Bonds said. “Their membership and resources are relatively small, but their activism, commitment, and selfless work ethic is remarkable. They represent the ideal partner to work toward a common goal of providing people with quality outdoor recreational and educational experiences, as well as protecting and enhancing our natural resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations.”
FISH ART CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Texas student artists in grades K-12 are encouraged to take part in the 2013 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest.
The contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.
Contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest can be found at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart.
Major support for the Texas division of the contest is provided by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which makes it possible for the top three Texas entries in each grade level to win cash prizes. Additional support for the contest is provided by the William E. Armentrout Foundation, Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and Fish FlopsŪ.
The Texas first-place winner in grades 10-12 wins $1,000; second place $750; and third place $500. Prizes in the 4-6 and 7-9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75 for second; and $50 for third.
Funding from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic also provides a travel allowance for first-place Texas winners and their families to attend the national State-Fish Art Expo, which will be held July 12 at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Ga. Texas winners will compete with winners from other states for national awards at the Expo.
One outstanding piece of artwork each year is selected for the Art of Conservation Award, and a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork is produced for sale. Proceeds from sales of the stamp are used to fund conservation projects.
Educators wishing to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at www.statefishart. com.
PARTEN NAMED TO HALL
Edward Parten, of Kingwood, has been selected as the 2013 inductee into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
He will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a banquet at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens on June 1.
Parten was a charter member of Texas Black Bass Unlimited and held several offices in that organization, including president, board member and political liaison.
Parten was also a member and officer in the Texas Association of Bass Clubs and was founder and president of the Sensible Management of Aq-uatic Resources Team.
Parten has served on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Freshwater Advisory Board.
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.
That project resulted in a joint venture between ETWWF, TPWD, the City of Chandler, Henderson County and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Bonds said the organization also is underwriting angler rewards for an upcoming catfish study, has been active in development of the Tyler Nature Center and its fishing programs and has had members serve on state and regional advisory committees.
The organization also underwrites the Hunters for the Hungry program in Smith County.
“In my career as a natural resource manager, it’s rare, but certainly very gratifying, to experience an organization so willing and effective in entering public-private partnerships,” Bonds said. “Their membership and resources are relatively small, but their activism, commitment, and selfless work ethic is remarkable. They represent the ideal partner to work toward a common goal of providing people with quality outdoor recreational and educational experiences, as well as protecting and enhancing our natural resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations.”
FISH ART CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Texas student artists in grades K-12 are encouraged to take part in the 2013 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest.
The contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.
Contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest can be found at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart.
Major support for the Texas division of the contest is provided by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which makes it possible for the top three Texas entries in each grade level to win cash prizes. Additional support for the contest is provided by the William E. Armentrout Foundation, Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and Fish FlopsŪ.
The Texas first-place winner in grades 10-12 wins $1,000; second place $750; and third place $500. Prizes in the 4-6 and 7-9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75 for second; and $50 for third.
Funding from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic also provides a travel allowance for first-place Texas winners and their families to attend the national State-Fish Art Expo, which will be held July 12 at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Ga. Texas winners will compete with winners from other states for national awards at the Expo.
One outstanding piece of artwork each year is selected for the Art of Conservation Award, and a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork is produced for sale. Proceeds from sales of the stamp are used to fund conservation projects.
Educators wishing to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at www.statefishart. com.
PARTEN NAMED TO HALL
Edward Parten, of Kingwood, has been selected as the 2013 inductee into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
He will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a banquet at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens on June 1.
Parten was a charter member of Texas Black Bass Unlimited and held several offices in that organization, including president, board member and political liaison.
Parten was also a member and officer in the Texas Association of Bass Clubs and was founder and president of the Sensible Management of Aq-uatic Resources Team.
Parten has served on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Freshwater Advisory Board.
The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.
