Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Twin Buttes Public Hunting Program Incorporates Nasworthy Areas


The map above shows the area the city leased to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Public Hunting Program, which starts September 1, 2016.  Closer examination shows several areas citizens use on the Lake Nasworthy side of the dam.


Being a water user I am not familiar with the dry side of the dam, areas commonly used by bikers and runners.  There is no information on the city's website yet, but the map and MOU are in the City Council background packet from 4-19-16.

Those interested in this information can click this link.  Look for the "Download Packet" in the upper left hand portion of the screen.  Clink on Download Packet to get the material, which starts on page 115.

Look for Bill Cullins' column on this development in this Saturday's Standard Times.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Entry Permit Requirement Starts September 1st

The City of San Angelo is yet to inform the public of their need to purchase a permit to use Twin Buttes Reservoir for any purpose starting September 1st.  The notice is on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and nowhere else.  The only reason I knew was local outdoor sports columnist Bill Cullins gave me a head's up.  It is the subject of his upcoming column in the Standard Times.

Having already received one ticket for paddle boarding without a personal flotation device (while standing on a 220 liter personal flotation device), I chose to buy my $12 limited use pass before our upcoming Labor Day weekend.  I purchased the $12 pass online for $17.

The City's Lake Parks and Lake Operations web pages only reference hunting at Twin Buttes.  Here's the language:

Hunters should follow state hunting regulations as prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The TPWD website's hunting page can be found at this link.
There is no information on the requirement that recreational users or people wanting to see the water level after a rain buy an annual permit starting Thursday, September 1st.

The City created this program alongside the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and TPWD.  Labor Day weekend begins September 2nd, the day after the new program goes into effect.  The City has a press release on offices being closed on Labor Day but no information on the new permit required four days before the official holiday.

Citizens can't buy what they don't know.  I was surprised to learn the $12 permit cost $17.  It'll be worth it if TPWD officers can reduce or eliminate the bad behavior that occurs at both pools.

Update 9-1-16:  San Angelo Live ran a piece on the new Public Hunting Program.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Evaporation Toll


It's been toasty lately with a string of days over 100 degrees.  Weather forecasters call for the oppressive heat to break this weekend and for rain chances to increase. 

I'm praying for God to bless us with healing rains and am grateful that the South Pool continues sending water to the North via the Equalization Channel.