Jessica Burke

The commission addressed multiple strategic and operational items, including updates on executive affairs, the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opening, and financial and audit reports. Key agenda items included the establishment of public hunting seasons, adoption of rules regarding mountain lion capture and wildlife rehabilitation, and proposals for deer hunting regulations. Additionally, the commission reviewed several land acquisition and easement requests across various counties, including Aransas, Blanco, Comal, Austin, Matagorda, and Anderson. The commission also recognized donations and special achievements, reviewed contracts, and heard a report on employee engagement survey results.

The meeting included the acknowledgment of donations, consideration of contracts, and various special recognitions, including retirement and service awards for staff. Additionally, the Commission discussed and recommended the adoption of proposed amendments to rules concerning proof of residency requirements for the issuance of hunting and fishing licenses to prevent fraud and enhance accountability.

The agenda for the working session included several key areas. In Land and Aquatic Resources, an update was scheduled on the implementation progress of the Department's Land and Aquatic Resource Conservation and Recreation Plan, including internal affairs updates and staff recognitions. The Finance section covered a financial summary, an internal audit update, and recommended adoptions for proposed changes regarding non-profit partners, specifically the Texas Parks and Wildlife Mutual Association. Under Natural Resources, discussions focused on implementing legislation from the 89th Texas Legislative Session, specifically concerning House Bill 3088 regarding the acquisition of resale items, Senate Bill 1245 related to Aoudad sheep capture via helicopter, and Senate Bill 2801 concerning field trials for hunting dogs, alongside discussions on Chronic Wasting Disease protocols, the 2026-2027 State Proclamation for Hunting and Migratory Game Birds, rules for Party Boats, and updates on harmful aquatic species definitions. The Land Conservation segment involved several potential land dispositions, exchanges, and acquisitions across various counties, including parcels at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area, Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area, Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area, and Fort Parker State Park. The session also included requests for utility and pipeline easements in Jefferson County.

The working session agenda covered several critical areas. In Land and Aquatic Resources, an update on the implementation progress of the Land and Aquatic Resource Conservation and Recreation Plan was scheduled, including specific updates on Post Oak Ridge State Park, public hunting access, and the Rainbow Trout Program evaluation. Committee Advisor rules changes required permission to publish proposed amendments in the Texas Register. The Finance section included a financial summary, a strategic plan update, and an internal audit update. Under Natural Resources, proposed amendments to residency test requirement rules, special provisions for harmful aquatic plants (duckweed), the 2026-2027 State Hunting and Migratory Game Bird Proclamation, and authorization for Special Taking for Disease Management were up for recommended adoption. Several land acquisitions were listed for various counties (Aransas, Blanco, Parker, Comal, Stephens, Austin, Matagorda) requiring public notification and entry permission, some as action items. Additionally, easement requests for pipelines in Jefferson, Anderson, and Nacogdoches counties were discussed. The session also included items designated for the Executive Session, such as Centennial Parks Conservation Fund projects and a litigation update.

This document outlines a "Trophy Blue Catfish Study" which serves as an evaluation component for an overarching "General catfish management plan." The strategic goal of this plan is to cultivate blue catfish populations that sustain both a commercial "meat fishery" for smaller catches and a recreational "trophy fishery" for larger specimens. The study specifically evaluates the effectiveness of a slot limit (protecting fish between 30 and 45 inches) implemented across designated reservoirs, including Lewisville, Richland Chambers, and Waco. Key focus areas involve assessing population dynamics through otolith analysis to determine fish age and utilizing computer modeling to optimize management strategies for long-term success.