The Llano River in Texas has been named one of 10 “Waters to Watch” for 2011 in the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. The watch list doesn’t necessarily indicate waters in trouble, but points to those that will benefit from strategic conservation efforts to protect, restore or enhance them, thus providing models for good work elsewhere.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted hunting and fishing regulations for 2011-12 with relatively few changes. All amendments take effect Sept. 1, 2011.

If you find yourself fresh out of holiday gift ideas for your camping-enthusiast cousins or that friend who would rather spend his or her spare time fishing on the lake and exploring state parks, TPWD suggests you shop the outdoors.

Years ago Texans had to drive to New Mexico or Colorado to catch a rainbow trout. But that was then. These days, anglers can enjoy trout fishing right here in the Lone Star State. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be stocking nearly 280,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at 126 sites across the state from December through mid-March. Many of the stockings will be conducted at small community fishing lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces that offer easy angling access.

Texas will celebrate Teaming With Wildlife Week Sep. 4-12 to mark the 10th anniversary of the federal State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program. Since 2000, this funding source has provided more than $30 million for Texas to help fish and wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished.