TPWD 2012 Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) seeks public comment on the draft of the 2012 Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan (TORP) which identifies outdoor recreation issues of statewide importance, and acts as a guide on how to best administer Texas’ apportionment of the federal Land and Water Conservation Funds.
This plan is required in order to maintain state eligibility to continue receiving funds through the LWCF State and Local Assistance Program; the only federal source of funds partnering with states and local governments that is solely dedicated to protecting conservation and recreation lands for future generations of Americans.
Public feedback has been obtained in the development of the TORP through a variety of surveys. The draft is available for comment until June 22, 2012 at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/grants/.
Comments regarding the 2012 TORP draft can be sent to rec.grants@tpwd.state.tx.us. For more information, please contact Local Park Grants Manager, Dana Lagarde at (512) 389-8175.

Upcoming Public Meeting for Buffalo Bayou Trail
Transformation of Buffalo Bayou Park, one of Houston’s most iconic green spaces, is well underway. With an historic $30 million catalyst gift from the Kinder Foundation, a strong public-private partnership has been created to include Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), City of Houston led by the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, and Harris County Flood Control District. BBP has been charged with leading the enhancements of the 160-acre, 2.3-mile bayou stretch from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street.
Likened to Houston’s own Central Park, the ambitious $55 million project will:

• Restore the bayou to a more natural and self-sustaining version of what exists today.
• Reintroduce native park landscape.
• Add amenities to enhance safety and visitor experience.

After two years of design and engineering, trail work is being constructed and additional improvements are slated to begin this summer. The entire project is expected to be complete in mid-2015. See the Master Plan.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership invites you to learn about the vision for this project and how the upcoming construction may impact your use of the park on June 27th @ 6 PM.
Learn more about the project at www.buffalobayou.org

Lone Star State Mountain Bike Trails are Under Fire – IMBA
A message from Jenn Dice, IMBA Government Affairs Director

“This month I have seen some of the biggest attacks against mountain bikers in many years of working for better trail access.
Old-guard groups have distorted the facts about mountain biking’s impact in an attempt to derail the tremendous momentum behind a new trail system at Big Bend National Park in Texas. Read about the Big Bend project here.
Can you believe this misleading headline?

Big Bend Breaks Ground On Single-Track Bike Racing Trail — Precedent-Setting Embrace of Converting Park Backcountry to Thrill-Sport Venues

Or what about these recently published attacks?

“While hikers would be technically allowed, they would have to dodge speeding bikers.”
“The advantages of the double track (jeep road) are that the hiker can proceed on one of the tracks or jump to safety if he/she encounters a biker. Danger is increased if bikers and hikers share a single track.”
” Now the problem with a multi-use mountain biker-hiker trail at Big Bend, aside from the legal and aesthetic (The park “forgot” to do the environmental paper work) is one of safety.”

In fact, the trail has been designed with excellent sightlines and moderate grades to encourage a friendly hiking and bicycling experience. Read more of IMBA’s response.
Help IMBA stop a few outspoken recreation opponents from spoiling a good idea. Give to the Trail Access Fund now.
Your support will fund the attorneys, professional advocates and trail designers that will protect your right to ride trails in Texas. IMBA is working in many areas to help parks be more relevant to today’s recreating public, especially kids.
Currently there is mountain biking in 44 national parks, and more are asking for IMBA’s help to plan for trails for bicycles. Mountain biking gets visitors — kids and families— out of cars and gives them a chance to experience the sights and sounds of our amazing national parks.