TPWD Sunset Bill

Part of SB 305, the TPWD "Sunset" Bill, would require that Texas Parks & Wildlife prepare a "Land and Water Resources Conservation Plan" to supposedly determine how the department will meet the state's conservation and recreation needs.

In order to prepare the plan proposed, the TPWD also would have to inventory all land and water associated with historical, natural, recreational, and wildlife resources in the state that are owned by governmental entities and nonprofit entities. This inventory would be required to be used in preparation of the Land and Water Resources Conservation Plan.

That sounds like a good idea--a good idea that's going to cost a bundle of money and a lot of staff time. Of course, who will have to pay a major portion of the cost? SPORTSMEN, via the money we pay in for licenses and stamps.

The cost of such a wonderful sounding plan--if it is so wonderful--should be paid for with General Revenue, a funding source contributed to by all Texans, since the Plan is supposed to benefit all Texans.

You may want to at least send an e-mail to the Texas Senators and Representatives who make up the Joint Conference Committee now deliberating on SB 305. Tell them to either pay for it with General Revenue, or drop the idea. BE SURE to include your name and address. The Joint Committee members are.....

The HOUSE members of the Joint Conference Committee for SB 305, the TPWD "Sunset Bill" are: Fred Bosse, Houston, Co-chair; Edmund Kuempel, Seguin; Clyde Alexander, Athens; Brian McCall, Plano; and Yvone Davis, Dallas.

Rep. Fred Bosse, Houston, 512/463-0660; FAX 512/463-9884; fred.bosse@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Edmund Kuempel of Seguin, 512/463-0602 fax 512/463-5896, e-mail edmund.kuempel@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Clyde Alexander of Athens, 512/463-0730, fax 512/463-8447, e-mail clyde.alexander@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Brian McCall, Plano, 512/463-0594; FAX 512/463-5896; brian.mccall@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Yvonne Davis, Dallas, 512/463-0598; FAX 512/463-2297; yvonne.davis@house.state.tx.us

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The SENATE members of the Joint Conference Committee for SB 305, the TPWD "Sunset Bill" are:

Sen. Ken Armbrister (D-Victoria) Tel 512-463-0118, 512-475-3736 Fax kenneth.armbrister@senate.state.tx.us -- *SB 819 sponsor

Sen. Buster Brown (R-Lake Jackson) Tel 512-463-0117, 512-463-0639 Fax http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist17/dist17.htm

roy Fraser (R-Marble Falls) Tel 512-463-0124, 512-475-3732 Fax troy.fraser@senate.state.tx.us