Jessica Burke

The Commission Meeting included the withdrawal of the mountain lion harvest reporting agenda item and the approval of a list of donations, contracts, and a nonprofit partner list update. Special recognitions, retirements, and service awards were presented to various department staff members. Additionally, the Commission discussed and approved funding for statewide recreational trails through the Recreational Trails Grants program, which includes construction, renovation, and acquisition projects supported by federal and state sporting goods sales tax funds.

The commission reviewed internal affairs statistics and trends, discussed the successful opening of Palo Pinto Mountain State Park, and examined significant financial concerns regarding the game, fish, and water safety account (Fund 9). The discussion on Fund 9 highlighted that expenditures currently outpace revenues, leading to a projected negative balance, and explored potential legislative and fiscal remedies to address the funding gap and sustain agency operations.

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.