Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room (Room 100). Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
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.).
The blueprints and drawings are too large to photocopy.
Researchers are required to use gloves provided by the Archives when reviewing photographic materials.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) 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, Communications, Law Enforcement, Infrastructure, Administrative Resources, Legal, Information Technology, and Human Resources. An Executive Director, selected by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, administers the department. In 2005, the agency employed the full-time equivalent of 3,038 people.
The Parks and Wildlife Department is governed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, initially composed of three members, increased to six members in 1972, and as of 1983, 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 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) had its beginnings in 1879 when 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…," and existed 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 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 its duties. The name was changed to the Texas Game and Fish Commission in 1951 and the size of the board was increased to nine members (Senate Bill 463, 52nd Legislature, Regular Session).
The Texas 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 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 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 and 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 Infrastructure Division administers TPWD's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. The division is also TPWD's liaison with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The Infrastructure Division administers TPWD's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. In particular, the Construction Design Management (CDM) Branch's mission is "to manage the planning, design, and construction of TPWD facilities in a creative manner that complements and preserves the natural and cultural resources of Texas for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations." The division is also TPWD's liaison with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(Sources: Enabling legislation numerous years; V.T.C.A., Parks and
Wildlife Code, Title 2;
The Infrastructure Division administers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. Types of records present include manuals, project files, correspondence, office memorandum, contracts and invoices, research notes, topographical plans, maps, and black and white aerial photographs of state parks. The records cover the Division's administrative, financial, and operational activities, topographical research and land surveys, and special projects. Records date 1938, 1942, 1944, 1950-1995, bulk 1970-1995.
This series was removed from the overall TPWD finding aid due to the
electronic file size limitations imposed by the online finding aid web site
(TARO). If you are reading this electronically, click on the following link to
access the overall finding aid
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 arranged into four series by State Archives staff:
(Identify the item and cite the series), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Infrastructure Division records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
The manual, maps, plans, drawings, and aerial photographs were
appraised by the State Archives staff as archival on October 18, 1999 as part
of an agency-wide appraisal of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For
more information about the appraisal of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department's records, see the appraisal report done by State Archives staff on
file in the search room of the Archives and Information Services Division. It
is posted online at
Abbie Weiser, November 2006
Laura K. Saegert, January 2007
Accession numbers: 2002/131, 2003/027, 2003/086, 2004/090
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 April 22 and December 10, 2002; October 10, 2003; and February 17, 2004.
The Infrastructure Division administers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. This series contains several office memoranda, a listing of branch policies and procedures, an item of correspondence, and the branch policy and procedures manual of the Construction Design Management (CDM) Branch. The memoranda and correspondence contain information about the development of the manual, employee recognition programs, various policy statements, survey request procedures, and construction projects. The manual itself contains the branch mission statement, staff organizational chart, and is divided into ten articles, which cover in-house development and repair projects, the consultant selection process, technical assistance, scoping, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), force accounts, proper record-keeping practices, and administrative purchasing. The manual also includes a glossary, blank forms, and examples of completed forms. This series dates 1993-1994, bulk 1994.
These records are arranged in original order as received from the agency.
(Identify the item), Policy and procedure manual, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Infrastructure Division records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 2003/027
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 October 10, 2003.
Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room (Room 100). Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
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.
Abbie Weiser, November 2006
The Infrastructure Division administers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. This series contains 9 x 9 inch stereographic aerial photographs of Texas state park areas. Most of the photographs are black and white. These photographs were taken by commercial contractors, such as the International Aerial Mapping Company. Most of the images have the date, altitude, scale, state park name, and identification number printed on them. In many cases, two sets of photographs are present for a park, often one of the sets will be missing some photos. Original photograph envelopes with notes and drawings on them were photocopied and included in folders. The TPWD used these photographs for planning purposes when deciding on changes or improvement projects to state parks. Also included are correspondence, invoices, contracts, field notes, maps, and drawings. The last folder in the series contains vertical control file data, which lists the known sea level elevation for various sites. Records date 1938, 1942, 1950-1994, bulk 1970-1979. The folders contain aerial photographs unless otherwise noted.
These records are arranged in alphabetical order by park name as received from the agency. Corrections to the filing order were made by State Archives staff.
(Identify the item), Parks aerial photographs and support documentation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Infrastructure Division records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession numbers: 2002/131, 2003/086
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 April 22 and December 10, 2002.
Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room (Room 100). Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
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.).
Researchers are required to use gloves provided by the Archives when reviewing photographic materials.
Abbie Weiser, November 2006
Laura Saegert, January 2007
[HGRTS could possibly be the Houston-Galveston Regional Transportation Study.]
The Infrastructure Division administers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. This series contains plans and drawings of former TPWD properties: Hackberry State Park, Lake Lewisville State Park, Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier, and the Texas State Cemetery. The records cover various construction and restoration projects for these properties. Types of records include building plans, floor plans, and drawings for residences, visitor centers, facilities; landscape and general site plans; water, sewer, and electrical system details, topographical drawings and maps; and telecommunication systems maps. The records date 1975, 1977, 1980-1981, 1983, 1985, 1995, bulk 1980-1985.
These records are arranged by project name as received from the agency.
(Identify the item), Building plans and drawings, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Infrastructure Division records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 2004/090
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 February 17, 2004.
Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room (Room 100). Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
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.)
Most of the maps and all of the plans and specifications are too large to photocopy.
Abbie Weiser, November 2006
The Infrastructure Division administers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Capital Program, which includes all new construction, restoration, renovation, maintenance, and repair projects. It is responsible for all design and construction contracts for the department, and it provides professional design, construction, and project management services to state parks, wildlife management areas, hatcheries, and other department facilities. This series contains infrastructure regional maps and park flash flood maps and support documentation. Types of records include maps, negatives, office memorandum, fliers on flash flood awareness published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other printed material. The maps show locations of Texas Department of Criminal Justice and TPWD facilities, and state park areas. The flash flood maps also describe possible flood locations and safety information. Additional records cover flash flood data, flood safety information, state park data, and directions to state parks and facilities. The records date 1973-1974, 1977, 1995.
These records are arranged by park name as received from the agency.
(Identify the item), Maps, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Infrastructure Division records, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession number: 2004/090
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 February 17, 2004.
Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room (Room 100). Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
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.
Abbie Weiser, November 2006