Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under
Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to: home addresses
and phone numbers of government employees and officials (V.T.C.A., Government
Code, Section 552.117), an archivist must review these records before they can
be accessed for research. The records may be requested for research under the
provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter
552). The researcher may request an interview with an archivist or submit a
request by mail, fax, or email including enough description and detail about
the information requested to enable the archivist to accurately identify and
locate the information requested. If our review reveals information that may be
excepted by the Public Information Act, we are obligated to seek an open
records decision from the Attorney General on whether the records can be
released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten working days after
receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney General has 45
working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can inform you of
the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you agree, that
information can be redacted or removed and you can access the remainder of the
records. This restriction applies to the series
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
None.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) had its beginnings in 1879. In 1879, the 16th Texas Legislature authorized the Governor to appoint a fish commissioner to ensure compliance with an Act for the preservation of fish, and to build fish ways and fish ladders (Chapter 92, 16th Legislature, Regular Session). In 1881, the Office of the Fish Commissioner was established (Chapter 78, 17th Legislature, Regular Session). It was created for the "propagation and preservation of fish and to build fish-ways and fish-ladders…," existing through 1885. The commissioner was appointed to a two year term by the Governor, with the approval of the Senate.
In 1895, the Office of the Fish and Oyster Commissioner was created by House Bill 55, 24th Legislature, Regular Session, with the commissioner appointed by the Governor as before. The duties included the protection of fish, turtles and terrapin of the bays and coastal waters of the state, protection of natural oyster beds and reefs, and the protection of the location of private beds. The Commissioner had the authority to appoint Deputy Commissioners to assist in carrying out the duties of the office. In 1907, protection of wild birds and wild game was added to the responsibilities of that office, which became the Office of the Game, Fish and Oyster Commissioner (House Bill 379, 30th Legislature, Regular Session). This Commissioner appointed Deputy Game Commissioners to assist in carrying out the duties of the office
The single commissioner was replaced by a six-member commission in 1929 and the agency became the Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission (Senate Bill 83, 41st Legislature, Regular Session). The commissioners were appointed to six year terms by the Governor with the approval of the Senate, and were to be selected from different sections of the state. The chair was appointed by the Governor. Duties of the commission included administering the state's laws relating to game and fish; preventing pollution of streams; issuing hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses; collecting fees, taxes, and fines; conducting research; and proclaiming and enforcing open seasons and bag limits on game and fish. The commission also operated fish hatcheries and sanctuaries, administered game and hunting preserves, supervised oyster beds in the state, controlled and exterminated predatory animals and fish, and educated the public in the preservation of wildlife and fish and game resources of the state. It had the authority to create rules and regulations as necessary to carry out their duties.
The State Parks Board was created in 1923 (Senate Bill 73, 38th Legislature, First Called Session) to investigate prospective park sites in the state and report to the Legislature with recommendations, and to solicit and accept donations of land for state park purposes. The State Parks Board was initially composed of five members, appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Senate to six year terms, and they were to be state officers. The number of board members increased to six in 1937 (Senate Bill 484, 45th Legislature, Regular Session). This board was to begin locating sites for the establishment of the state parks system. It also directed and managed state parks created, except the historical parks which were managed by the Board of Control and/or several separate commissions. The Parks Board was also charged with locating, designating, and marking historic grounds, battlegrounds, and other historic sites in the state, and erecting markers and monuments at such sites. The board also had the authority to create rules and regulations as necessary to carry out its duties. The primary function of the board between 1923-1933 was to acquire lands for parks through donations. In 1933, federal funds became available for state park development and the board worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the National Park Service for the development of better park sites for a state parks system. The CCC provided labor during the 1930s to improve state park lands and facilities. In 1949, the state historical parks were transferred to the State Parks Board, except for the San Jacinto Battlefield, the Battleship Texas, and the Fannin Battlefield, which were still controlled by their respective commissions--the San Jacinto Battlefield Commission, the Battleship Texas Commission, and the Fannin Battlefield Commission (House Bill 120, 51st Legislature, Regular Session). Jurisdiction over the Fannin and San Jacinto Battlefields was transferred to TPWD in 1965 (House Bill 102, 59th Legislature, Regular Session). Battleship Texas was transferred to TPWD in 1983 (House Bill 586, 68th Legislature, Regular Session).
In 1963, the State Parks Board and the Game and Fish Commission were merged to form the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (House Bill 21, 58th Legislature, Regular Session). In 1967, the Historic Structures and Sites Act was passed by the 60th Legislature, House Bill 58, Regular Session, charging the Parks and Wildlife Department with stewardship of the state's cultural heritage sites. In 1983, the Legislature passed the 1983 Wildlife Conservation Act (Senate Bill 94, 68th Legislature, Regular Session), which gave the agency the authority to manage fish and wildlife resources in all Texas counties. Prior to this act county commissioner courts set game and fish laws in many counties, and other counties had veto power over Department regulations. In 1985, the legislature granted the agency authority over shrimp and oysters (Senate Bill 609, 69th Legislature, Regular Session).
The Parks and Wildlife Department is governed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, initially composed of three members, currently nine members, appointed by the Governor with approval of the Senate. Members serve six-year overlapping terms. The Commission chairperson is appointed biennially by the Governor. The Commission meets quarterly or more often as needed. Its chief responsibility is to adopt policies and rules to carry out the programs of the Parks and Wildlife Department.
The Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for the management and conservation of the state's wildlife and fish resources; provision of outdoor recreational opportunities to the public; acquisition, development, and operation of wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, state parks, historic sites, and other public lands; conservation education and outreach; cultural and historical interpretation; and the regulation of fishing, hunting, and boating activities. The Department is composed of ten major divisions which carry out the functions and duties of the agency: Wildlife, State Parks, Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Resource Protection, Communications, Law Enforcement, Infrastructure, Administrative Resources, and Human Resources. An Executive Director, selected by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, administers the department. In early 1999, the agency employed the full-time equivalent of 2,954 people.
These files consist of administrative correspondence, memos, executive orders, legislative bill analysis reports, bill files, deeds, maps, publications, and legal materials covering the period 1972-1984, 1987-1999. These are records from the Executive Office of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and include administrative correspondence of the executive director (1995-1996), correspondence with TPWD commissioners (1972-1977), and correspondence with legislators (1972-1984). Also present are executive orders (1987-1999), legislative bill analysis files (1991-1995), and files from an EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) complaint filed against the State of Texas and several state agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, by the federal government (ca. 1978). Topics covered include conservation and protection of natural resources in the parks and wildlife management areas, the federal Endangered Species Act, renovation projects at various state parks, licensing fees for hunting and fishing, fee increases at state parks, regulations, management of state park facilities, operating and proposed TPWD projects, legislation, and regulations.
The office is headed by the Executive Director, who is responsible for the administration, operation, and planning functions of the Department. He keeps the Commissioners, legislators, and Governor informed of upcoming meetings, hearings, topics of importance, and routine matters. Inquiries sent to these individuals regarding Parks and Wildlife projects and areas of concern are often referred to the executive director for a response.
To prepare this inventory, the described materials were cursorily reviewed to delineate series, to confirm the accuracy of contents lists, to provide an estimate of dates covered, and to determine record types.
These records are organized into four series and three subseries.
(Identify the item and cite the series), Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Lisa Hendricks, November 1995
Laura K. Saegert, December 1988, August 2004
Accession numbers: 1989/037, 1996/019, 2001/068, 2002/158
These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on November 29, 1988; October 30, 1995; January 29, 2000; and July 30, 2002.
These files consist of incoming and outgoing letters, memos, deeds, maps, publications, and materials comprising records of the Executive Office of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), dating 1972-1984, 1995-1996. Files include administrative correspondence of the executive director (1995-1996), correspondence with TPWD commissioners (1972-1977), and correspondence with legislators (1972-1984). Discussed are operating and proposed TPWD projects, legislation, regulations, conservation and protection of natural resources in the parks and wildlife management areas, the federal Endangered Species Act, renovation projects at various state parks, licensing fees for hunting and fishing, fee increases at state parks, and management of state park facilities. General information regarding the Department, notification of meetings and hearings, cover letters, and acknowledgments are also present.
These records are organized into three series.
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall
under Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to: home
addresses and phone numbers of government employees and officials (V.T.C.A.,
Government Code, Section 552.117), an archivist must review these records
before they can be accessed for research. The records may be requested for
research under the provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A.,
Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may request an interview with an
archivist or submit a request by mail, fax, or email including enough
description and detail about the information requested to enable the archivist
to accurately identify and locate the information requested. If our review
reveals information that may be excepted by the Public Information Act, we are
obligated to seek an open records decision from the Attorney General on whether
the records can be released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten
working days after receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney
General has 45 working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can
inform you of the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you
agree, that information can be redacted or removed and you can access the
remainder of the records. This restriction applies to the series
(Identify the item and cite the subseries), Administrative correspondence, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession numbers: 1989/037, 1996/019, 2002/158
These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on November 29, 1988; October 30, 1995; and July 30, 2002.
Lisa Hendricks, November 1995
Laura K. Saegert, December 1988, August 2004
Records are incoming letters, outgoing replies, and memoranda, dating 1995-1996. These are the correspondence files of Andrew Samson, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. All the materials are photocopies of the original records. Some of the incoming letters were forwarded to the director from the governor's office, others from field offices. Letters pertaining to specific projects or issues handled at the division level were generally directed to that division for a response, rather than maintained in the executive director's office.
Topics covered include conservation and protection of natural resources in the parks and wildlife management areas, the federal Endangered Species Act, renovation projects at various state parks, licensing fees for hunting and fishing, fee increases at state parks, regulations, and management of state park facilities, including reservations, sanitation, and security. There are several letters present from the general public complaining about problems they encountered at several state parks. Correspondents include the TPWD staff in field offices and headquarters, the governor's office and other state agencies, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the general public.
Files are arranged in reverse numerical order according to an internal tracking system. There are two sets of numbers, one for each calendar year and there are gaps in the numbering system throughout the files, likely because the system tracks mailing coming in throughout the agency, not just to the Executive Office.
(Identify the item), Executive director's correspondence, Administrative correspondence, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Files contain incoming letters, either to the Commissioner or Executive Director with a copy forwarded to the Commissioner; and outgoing letters, some authored by the Commissioner, most by the Executive Director, in response to a inquiry sent to one or all of the Commissioners. Dates covered are 1972-1977. These are files of two former Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners, Jack Stone and Bob Burleson. Many of the incoming letters are from the Executive Director, informing the Commissioner of upcoming meetings or events, or status of projects. Supplementing the letters are deeds, maps, publications, and materials comprising legal exhibits.
Files are arranged by Commissioner, then in reverse chronological order.
(Identify the item), Commissioner correspondence, Administrative correspondence, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Files consist of incoming and outgoing letters of the Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, dating 1972-1984. Incoming letters are frequently letters forwarded from legislators or the governor for replies to inquiries sent by constituents. Some letters, largely governors', discuss policies, legislation, and regulations. Outgoing letters are generally from the Executive Director, and contain replies to inquiries; inform legislators of Parks and Wildlife projects and areas of concern in their districts; and relay general information about the Department, meetings, and hearings. There are two accessions of legislative correspondence, one set dates from 1972 to1984 and consists of two sections of mixed (Texas House and Senate members) files. The second set consists of files of members of Congress, governors, secretaries of state, state legislators, and concluding with correspondence concerning the Legislative Budget Board and the 1974 Texas Constitutional Convention, dating 1972-1978.
Arranged into four groups: U.S. Congressmen, governors, secretaries of state, and state legislators (several sets of files within this group), with a few miscellaneous legislative files at the end. Within most groups the files are ordered alphabetically. State representatives' files are loosely ordered into three groups, apparently by legislative session, the earliest being the 63rd Legislature. As some individuals span two or three sessions, all groups should be checked when seeking correspondence of specific individuals. Arrangement within all files is reverse chronological order.
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to: home addresses and phone numbers of government employees and officials (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.117), an archivist must review these records before they can be accessed for research. The records may be requested for research under the provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may request an interview with an archivist or submit a request by mail, fax, or email including enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the archivist to accurately identify and locate the information requested. If our review reveals information that may be excepted by the Public Information Act, we are obligated to seek an open records decision from the Attorney General on whether the records can be released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten working days after receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney General has 45 working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can inform you of the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you agree, that information can be redacted or removed and you can access the remainder of the records.
(Identify the item), Legislative correspondence files, Administrative correspondence, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
This series contains the original signed orders issued by the executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, memos with staff about the order, and filing papers with the Secretary of State's Office, dating 1987-1999. Orders document new or significant changes to agency policies, programs, and procedures. Orders of the commission are also discussed in the minutes of the commission meetings. The bulk of these orders either add or remove plant or animal species to or from the national endangered species list. Other orders concern concealed handguns on TPWD property and temporary closing of TPWD facilities.
These records are arranged in reverse chronological order.
(Identify the item), Executive orders, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 2001/068
These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on January 29, 2000.
Laura K. Saegert, August 2004
This series consists of completed staff reports on legislative bills that have been passed and that directly affect the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD); proposals for recommended legislation that is prepared by TPWD; memos; fiscal notes; and copies of bill files (often several versions). Dates covered are 1990-1995. Assignments for analysis fall to the division most responsible for, or affected by, the legislation. All reports are supposed to be forwarded to and filed in the Executive Office. According to agency staff, not all of the reports are sent back to the Executive Office, some remain in the divisions. The vast majority of the files from the 72nd Legislature, 1991, consist of bill files (often in several versions) without staff analyses reports. Reports are more commonly found with bill material from the 73rd (1993) and 74th (1995) legislative sessions.
These records are arranged by legislative session (72nd, 73rd, 74th), then by chamber (House, Senate), then by bill number. The proposed legislation is filed at the end of the folder inventory.
(Identify the item), Legislative bill analysis files, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 2001/068
These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on January 29, 2000.
Laura K. Saegert, August 2004
Files contain copies of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, conciliation agreement, consent decree, original and amended agreements, exhibits, background research materials, notes, and correspondence, dating ca. 1978. These materials concern an EEOC suit filed against the State of Texas and several state agencies, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, by the federal government. The date of the complaint is not given, probably late 1977 - early 1978. A civil action agreement with Parks and Wildlife was signed and filed December 21, 1978.
These records are arranged as received.
(Identify the item), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hearing files, Records, Executive Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 1989/037
These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Records Management Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on November 29, 1988.