The National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides the framework to treat reservoirs as integral components of a nationwide initiative to restore, conserve, and protect aquatic habitat.

A National Reservoir Partnership will provide management coherence and strategic direction to a critical facet of our natural landscapes that has historically been dismissed as unnatural, ephemeral, and disruptive, but which by virtue of its pivotal ecological function can no longer be ignored if we are to effectively protect the nation’s aquatic habitat and conserve its aquatic species.

Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership Meeting Announcement:

The next Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP) meeting will be held in Conroe, Texas on September 30 – October 1, 2010, in conjunction with the 2010 Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC). Conroe Reservoir is home to an active native aquatic plant restoration project and plant nursery. The project engages multiple partners and is part of a larger landscape-level watershed improvement program to reduce sedimentation and improve fisheries at Lake Houston, one of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan’s “10 Waters to Watch” for 2009. 

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is a professional bass fishing tournament that promotes fishing and conservation efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This unique bass tournament, created through a partnership among Gulf States, Toyota, the Professional Anglers Association, and TPWD, showcases a new “catch-weigh-immediate release” format that differs from typical stage weigh-in practices and maximizes survival of tournament-caught bass. The TTBC is also a benefit tournament that supports outreach efforts of TPWD. Events held since 2007 have raised $750,000 in donations to support TPWD’s urban fishing program and other initiatives designed to recruit new anglers, showcase fisheries management practices, and promote fishing opportunities in Texas. Last year’s event was used to promote reservoir habitat projects at Conroe Reservoir and increase public awareness on invasive species. Past events have drawn 30,000+ on-site spectators, were televised nationally on CBS Sports, and were economically significant to local communities and the State of Texas. 

The TTBC has created a new paradigm for tournament bass fishing and a new way for TPWD to communicate its conservation messages on both a local and national stage.  The 2010 event is THE perfect place to convene a meeting of the RFHP.  It will provide us with opportunities to showcase who we are to the public and connect ourselves to an array of fishing industry partners, many of whom have a vested interest in improving reservoir fisheries, aquatic habitats, and watersheds. It’s also a great place to promote the RFHP mission and the things we want to do in the future.

Please make plans to attend the RFHP meeting at the TTBC, which starts September 30th and concludes October 3rd (Thursday-Sunday). Conroe Texas is only a short drive (<25 miles) from the Bush Intercontinental Airport (just North of Houston). Our plans include committee meetings and a general meeting of the RFHP starting Thursday afternoon, September 30, and concluding Friday afternoon, October 1 (stay tuned - more details coming soon).  Group rates for lodging will be arranged.  While you’re there, you will have opportunities to visit a local fish habitat improvement project, hear staff presentations, and get free tickets to the TTBC, including access to tournament weigh-ins, exhibitor booth areas, a TPWD Outdoor Adventures area, and live music entertainment. Consider bringing the entire family for a productive meeting and a fun-filled weekend at Conroe, TX.

For more information about the TTBC please visit the website below or call Dave Terre, TPWD’s Chief of Fisheries Management and Research, at 512-389-4855.  Specific questions or needs concerning the RFHP meeting should be directed to Cecilia Lewis, US Fish & Wildlife Service Coordinator for the RFHP, at 703-358-2102.

Related Websites:

The TTBC

Planned Meeting Site/Tournament Venue (25 miles from Houston airport)

Native Plant Restoration at Lake Conroe (in 2009 press kit on TTBC Website)

Lake Houston – NFHAP “10 Waters to Watch”