Bandera selected for angler project grant
The City of Bandera was one of 21 applicants awarded a grant up to $50,000 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for a project supported by the Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP), a new program launched last June primarily funded by the purchase of freshwater fishing licenses.
Ryan McGillicuddy, Conversation Biologist at TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division, said that the project will involve design and installation of angling amenities, ADA access, trails, parking improvements, signage and native vegetation grow zones along the Medina River in an underutilized section of Bandera City Park.
McGillicuddy said TPDW is currently working with the city to finalize the complete scope of the project, which is not expected to cost more than the $50,000 grant amount.
At this time, a project timeline has yet to be finalized, but McGillicuddy said TPWD expects all of the grant projects to be completed by August 31, 2023.
“The Habitat and Angler Access Program offers us a new opportunity to support much needed fish habitat enhancement initiatives and shoreline-based access improvements that will improve conservation of fisheries resources and quality of angling for Texans,” says Michael Homer,
Abilene District fisheries biologist and HAAP coordinator.
“We anticipate these projects will be successful for increasing fishing access, expanding and restoring crucial habitat for important fish populations, as well as developing and fostering partnerships with local partners who can benefit from this new program in the future,” he added.
A TPWD press release noted other funded projects include the development or improvement of fishing piers, installation of underwater dock lighting, bank and shoreline stabilization, the creation of jetties, installation of erosion control features, native plant restoration, deployment of artificial fish attractors, dredging of excessive silt and organic materials from waterbodies with a high potential for quality fishery development, as well as the construction of non-motorized boat launches for kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft for fishing access.