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CCA Texas Takes Next Step in Coastal Conservation
New step in conservation promises to create a more dynamic and healthier coastal environment.
In an effort to further enhance Texas' coastal habitats, CCA Texas recently funded $100,000 to start the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) initiative. HTFT is a bold, new step in conservation for CCA Texas that will identify, fund and initiate habitat restoration projects such as reef construction, marsh replenishment, beach and bay debris clean-ups and other habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
Now is the time to move forward in the next step of the organization's efforts to guarantee the sustainability of Texas' great coastal resource for future generations. Fishery and resource management will always be on the forefront of CCA Texas' agenda, but with so many of the state's key fisheries firmly in the management system, it begs the question - where does the organization go next to proactively address the additional needs of the Texas coast? The most obvious area of attention is fishery habitat. With a rapidly increasing coastal population, unprecedented coastal development and a mobile and active user base, an equally active habitat development and enhancement program is the logical next phase in CCA Texas' tradition in conservation.
"CCA Texas has a rich history in the conservation of Texas' coastal resources," said CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers. "This program is the next step in expanding the organization's conservation efforts so that future generations are able to enjoy the resources as they are today and with these efforts the hope is that they will be even more bountiful."
This initial step marks the beginning of another significant and visionary project for CCA. This program stands to be one of the most important and far-reaching. First, the hatcheries were created. Next, CCA Texas created a state-of-the-art lab to enhance those hatcheries. Now, we will create a program that will enhance the habitat of the coast and enhance nature's own hatchery.
"CCA Texas has a long history of supporting and taking part in restoration projects, but to truly impact the health and sustainability of our Texas coastal resources, we need to create an organized and lasting program for funding and executing habitat restoration projects throughout the coast," commented CCA Texas President Bill Schwarzlose. "There is no shortage of needs. The coastal and offshore habitats of Texas offer abundant opportunities for restoration projects."
CCA Texas has taken part in a number of habitat projects, including marsh replenishment projects at Sportsman's Road in Galveston and Goose Island State Park in Rockport. CCA Texas also played a large part in the Bahia Grande Wetlands restoration project in the lower coast and has given in excess of $10,000 to the viability studies for the re-opening of Cedar Bayou. Many projects lend themselves to the vision of HTFT. Besides marsh restoration and wetlands projects, many opportunities exist for seagrass restoration and planting, inshore reef nourishment and restoration, offshore artificial reefs and cleanup projects such as the annual Abandoned Crab Trap Cleanup and Bay Debris cleanups.
One thing is clear in habitat restoration and enhancement; projects are costly and have many moving parts. HTFT will seek partners in its project efforts both financially and in execution. CCA Texas has already approved $100,000 in seed money and will direct the monies from Life Memberships and the annual year-end giving letters to HTFT. In addition, matching funds will be sought from corporations, grant programs and other organizations.
"HTFT creates an opportunity for CCA Texas, its membership, the general public and conservation and corporate partners to come together with a common goal in the conservation of our coastal resources," said John Blaha Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow Director. "This is an exciting time for the organization and an opportunity to grow in conservation arenas we have only touched to date.
In closing, all recreational fishermen will benefit from this program. It will take CCA Texas to the next level in the conservation of coastal resources and provide many opportunities for the CCA Texas general membership and the fishing community to become involved in the conservation of Texas' coastal resources.
In an effort to further enhance Texas' coastal habitats, CCA Texas recently funded $100,000 to start the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) initiative. HTFT is a bold, new step in conservation for CCA Texas that will identify, fund and initiate habitat restoration projects such as reef construction, marsh replenishment, beach and bay debris clean-ups and other habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
Now is the time to move forward in the next step of the organization's efforts to guarantee the sustainability of Texas' great coastal resource for future generations. Fishery and resource management will always be on the forefront of CCA Texas' agenda, but with so many of the state's key fisheries firmly in the management system, it begs the question - where does the organization go next to proactively address the additional needs of the Texas coast? The most obvious area of attention is fishery habitat. With a rapidly increasing coastal population, unprecedented coastal development and a mobile and active user base, an equally active habitat development and enhancement program is the logical next phase in CCA Texas' tradition in conservation.
"CCA Texas has a rich history in the conservation of Texas' coastal resources," said CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers. "This program is the next step in expanding the organization's conservation efforts so that future generations are able to enjoy the resources as they are today and with these efforts the hope is that they will be even more bountiful."
This initial step marks the beginning of another significant and visionary project for CCA. This program stands to be one of the most important and far-reaching. First, the hatcheries were created. Next, CCA Texas created a state-of-the-art lab to enhance those hatcheries. Now, we will create a program that will enhance the habitat of the coast and enhance nature's own hatchery.
"CCA Texas has a long history of supporting and taking part in restoration projects, but to truly impact the health and sustainability of our Texas coastal resources, we need to create an organized and lasting program for funding and executing habitat restoration projects throughout the coast," commented CCA Texas President Bill Schwarzlose. "There is no shortage of needs. The coastal and offshore habitats of Texas offer abundant opportunities for restoration projects."
CCA Texas has taken part in a number of habitat projects, including marsh replenishment projects at Sportsman's Road in Galveston and Goose Island State Park in Rockport. CCA Texas also played a large part in the Bahia Grande Wetlands restoration project in the lower coast and has given in excess of $10,000 to the viability studies for the re-opening of Cedar Bayou. Many projects lend themselves to the vision of HTFT. Besides marsh restoration and wetlands projects, many opportunities exist for seagrass restoration and planting, inshore reef nourishment and restoration, offshore artificial reefs and cleanup projects such as the annual Abandoned Crab Trap Cleanup and Bay Debris cleanups.
One thing is clear in habitat restoration and enhancement; projects are costly and have many moving parts. HTFT will seek partners in its project efforts both financially and in execution. CCA Texas has already approved $100,000 in seed money and will direct the monies from Life Memberships and the annual year-end giving letters to HTFT. In addition, matching funds will be sought from corporations, grant programs and other organizations.
"HTFT creates an opportunity for CCA Texas, its membership, the general public and conservation and corporate partners to come together with a common goal in the conservation of our coastal resources," said John Blaha Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow Director. "This is an exciting time for the organization and an opportunity to grow in conservation arenas we have only touched to date.
In closing, all recreational fishermen will benefit from this program. It will take CCA Texas to the next level in the conservation of coastal resources and provide many opportunities for the CCA Texas general membership and the fishing community to become involved in the conservation of Texas' coastal resources.