see the family of conservation license...
TRANSCRIPT
Citizens working to preserve and enhance the state park system for the benefit of the people of Texas and their guests.
Texans for State 2018 Annual Conference – McKinney Falls State Park, February. 23 & 24The 2018 conference at McKinney Falls State Park in southeast Austin will build on that success with topics to benefit current friend’s groups in their work supporting their parks, and to help interested volunteers form new groups to benefit parks that don’t yet have a group.
We deeply appreciate the ongoing commitment of an amazing network of people and organizations who stand up for our Texas State Parks system. With the generous support of our members, over this past year, we have important accomplishments to celebrate. The 2017 TfSP conference hosted, in partnership with the Friends of Cleburne State Park, was a huge success with a program to help parks in building new groups, Friends Groups in growing
their membership, and engaging a new generation of park stewards.
If you attended the 2017, conference, let us know what you would like on the 2018 agenda. If you were unable to attend the last conference, we hope you will make plans to join us in 2018, and let us know what you would like included in the 2018 program.
Distinguished Awards: In 2015, TfSP began the Distinguished Awards Program to recognize Distinguished Friends Group, Distinguished Ranger and Distinguished Park Volunteer. Anyone, park staff, volunteer, friend’s group member, or visitor can make a nomination. One award will be given in each of these three areas. The winners will be presented at the Annual TfSP meeting February 24, and the winner of the Ranger Award will also be presented at a TPWD Commission meeting.
Watch for information about the Nomination forms to vote the Volunteer, Friends Group or Park Ranger on the TfSP web page, http://texansstateparks.org.
=============================================
Seeking Nominations for TfSP Board Vacancies
Texans for State Parks (TfSP) is seeking candidates to serve in two recent vacancies on our Board. Terms are for three years beginning January 1, 2018. Applicants should have experience or qualifications in the following areas:
Skills in networking through non-profit organizations Passion for parks and Texas outdoors Team player and contributor to group initiatives Fundraising experience Bonus skills (social media experience, public speaking, or others)
If you are interested in volunteering for one of these positions, or if you know someone meeting these qualifications, submit names and biographies for the Nominations Committee to Linda Evans at [email protected]). Or, if you have questions please call Linda at 512-444-8079. Deadline for submission is December 15, 2017.
================================================================================
The Voice, Online – TfSP E-NewsNovember, 2017
SAVE THE DATE! Texans for State 2018 Annual ConferenceSeeking Nominations for TfSP Board Vacancies Parks Division FundingDevelopment Grant ProgramTP&W Features State Parks Conservation License PlatesParks Finally Flaunting Fall Foliage
Parks Division FundingUnfortunately, the legislative session was disappointing in that the Department lost many of the gains achieved in the previous session, leaving parks with numerous challenges for the coming biennium, but by reallocating funds within the overall agency budget can TPWD avoid closing parks or reducing services next year.
TPWD did receive $48.5 million for repairs to facilities damaged by flooding but those dollars are tied to seven named parks.
No funding was provided for the development of undeveloped park sites across the state.
More recently, a number of parks have been impacted with the devastation of Harvey, leaving many closed for repairs for long periods of time and costing untold millions not included in the legislation.
Department officials will be available to brief everyone on the damages to the parks and the status of repairs, and we will address how park supporters can begin working now to address the funding issues with local and state officials ahead of the next legislative session.
===============================================
Development Grant Program
Texans for State Parks continues to encourage the development and growth of State Park Friends Groups and in partnership with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, has been able to fund over a dozen grants in recent years to help form new groups and to assist with special events in other parks.
These nonprofit partners support park sites through volunteerism, fundraising and public education. However, over half of the State Parks still have no
organized volunteer group.
===========================================================
Texas Parks & Wildlife Features State Parks Conservation License Plates:
Only $30/year* with $22 per plate going to benefit Texas State ParksGive your vehicle a personal touch - the perfect way to show your love for state parks
Available for your car, truck, motorcycle, trailer and RV No need to wait for vehicle registration renewal. Cost will be pro-rated. License plates are also available at your local county tax office. Personalize Your Plate! Use letters, numbers, and your choice of 3 symbols ( ).
*Does not include regular registration fees
Hurricane Harvey-Mustang Island
Compadres del Rancho Grande
Colorado Bend event
Order State Parks Camping Plate For My Vehicle Order State Parks Camping Plate For My Trailer Order State Parks Camping Plate For My Travel Trailer Order State Parks Camping Plate For My Motorcycle
Order State Parks Bluebonnet Plate Order State Parks Bluebonnet Plate For My Vehicle Order State Parks Bluebonnet Plate For My Trailer Order State Parks Bluebonnet Plate For My Travel Trailer
See the family of conservation license plates » http://www.conservationplate.org/state-parks-redirect.phtml
==============================================Texas State Parks Finally Flaunting Fall Foliage
Thanks to recent cold fronts, enchanting shades of red, orange and yellow leaves are bursting to life at Texas State Parks statewide.
Lake Livingston State Park, Huntsville State Park, and Martin Dies Jr. State Park have some color beginning to show with the recent weather change, making for prime foliage viewing. In Lake Livingston State Park, the sumac, sweet gum and oak trees have begun to turn, sprinkling shades of yellow and red throughout the pine and hardwood forest of the park.
In the Panhandle plains and mountains of West Texas, the cottonwoods are turning bright yellow, illuminating the landscape at Caprock Canyons State Park and Davis Mountains State Park. The western soapberry and cottonwood trees have been displaying some of the best fall foliage in Caprock Canyons State Park. Less showy, but still eye catching is the Osage orange trees found in the park.
Pedernales Falls State Park has an array of tree species turning including post oaks and red oaks which have been exhibiting a vibrant crimson hue. The cedar elm trees are also flaunting their golden leaves.
Most of the maples at Lost Maples State Natural Area are in mid color and the canyon walls are aflame with deep reds, oranges and rusts. Many of the Texas oaks and chinkapin oaks have turned to red or brown, while other native trees are turning yellow. To see more of Texas State Park’s fall foliage images, visit the TPWD Pinterest page.
For more news about Texas State Parks, see https://tpwd.texas.gov/Parks.
Texans for State Parks – P. O. Box 41480 - Austin, TX 78704-0025www.Texansstateparks.org
Board of DirectorsJohn M. Gosdin, President
Austin, [email protected]
Mark Stine, Vice PresidentAustin, Texas
Barbara McKnight, SecretaryStephenville, Texas
Barry Hutcheson, TreasurerAustin, Texas
Ruth JordanSan Angelo, Texas
RuthJordan@ suddenlink.net
Pedro RiscadoSan Antonio, Texas
Tom RhodesFrankston, Texas
Sally ScottAustin, Texas
Offie WalkerMissouri City, Texas
Linda Evans, News & Administration512/444-8079
TEXANS FOR STATE PARKS invites you to join with us in protecting our Texas treasures. Whether you are an individual, organization, school group or represent a small business or a major corporation, membership categories provide a way for you to become involved. See www.texansstateparks.org for about Texans for State Parks and how you can help your favorite park.
As a member, you will --- Add your voice in support of the Texas State Park System. Receive “The Voice” – E-news keeping you informed of issues and events. Contribute toward activities, events and projects not possible in park budgets. Receive information about legislation and other issues impacting Texas parks. Individuals Organization Business___ $25 Regular ____$50 Bronze ____$100 Bronze___ $50 Family ____$100 Silver ____$500 Silver___$100 Supporting ____$250 Gold ____$1,000 Gold___$1,000 Benefactor ____$1,000 Platinum ____$5,000 Platinum___$5,000 Life
Please note: New member ______ OR Membership Renewal _____Name _______________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________City _______________________ State_______ Zip __________Phone (H) __________(Bs/C) ___________ Email__________________________________________________________________________________
Texans for State Parks Sale Items See TfSP sale items including long sleeve and short sleeve denim shirts, long sleeve and short sleeve, sweatshirts, and caps with the Texans for State Park Logos for sale. Photos can be seen at www.texansstateparks.org. The proceeds of these sales help raise revenue for volunteer programs.
1) Short Sleeve Denim shirts in both men's and ladies sizes: $30.002) Long Sleeve Denim shirts in both men's and ladies sizes: $30.003) Tan Sweat Shirts in both men's and ladies sizes: $20.004) Tan Baseball Caps (adjustable): $10.00Shipping Costs will depend on your order.
$_______Membership $_________Sales $_______ Additional Donation $_______ Total Amount Enclosed
Texans for State Parks is a 501(c)(3) organization; membership dues are tax deductible.Mail your check today to Texans for State Parks, P. O. Box 41480, Austin, TX 78704-0025 or see
www.texansstateparks.org to take advantage of the new Pay Pal option if you find that more convenient than mailing a check!
Goals Provide a united, state-wide voice for users of state parks and related groups on park matters of
shared concerns. Serve as an information resource for interested persons on state park issues. Educate park users, legislators and the general public about state park issues. Support stable and adequate financing for the state park system. Work in partnership with local state park support groups and other interested groups on state park
issues.
Citizens working to preserve and enhance the state park system for the benefit of the people of Texas and their guests.
PLEASE use the application below or see www.texansstateparks.org for the new Pay Pal option and JOIN TODAY!
Advise the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Commission on State-wide issues of importance to state park users and related groups.