TPWD requesting ideas on freshwater fish habitat, shoreline-based angler access improvement projects for fiscal years 2024, 2025

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Division requests ideas from angling organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, river authorities and tribal organizations on freshwater fish habitat and shoreline-based angler access improvement projects to be completed in public waters statewide during fiscal years 2024-2025.

Project ideas and recommendations inform development of a statewide plan for investing approximately $500,000 over that period.

Launched in fiscal year 2022, the Inland Fisheries Division’s Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) is currently implementing 21 projects throughout the state during its initial two-year cycle. These include fishing piers, kayak launches, shoreline stabilization, native vegetation restoration, aeration systems and fish attractors. Learn about each of the 21 active projects supported by the HAAP on the project website.

In preparation for the next two-year HAAP cycle, the Inland Fisheries Division requests ideas on additional potential fish habitat and angler access improvements in public waters throughout the state. In order to be considered for the 2024-2025 cycle, project ideas and recommendations should be shared with TPWD through email at Fishgrants@tpwd.texas.gov by Nov. 11, 2022.

Those sharing recommended projects should be prepared to provide the following:

• Project name

• Project location (waterbody, city, county)

• Controlling authority (e.g., city or county parks department, river authority, US Army Corps of Engineers, etc..) of the public waterbody

• Contact information for the partnering organization and a contact person

• Brief description of the project

• Potential partner dollars and in-kind support

Visit the HAAP program website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/habitats/habitat-angler-access-program/haap_rfp.phtml to learn more.